Well, since I've owned mine twice, I'll give my impressions from the most recent purchase, and my prior knowledge of the car.
Body: Visually, 90/100. In reality it was more like 70/100 (some hidden rust and rushed repairs by a previous owner). Trunk lid had major rust, front valence was in a pretty bad state, side skirts held on with wood screws. Some rust under floor on DS. Car was purchased(back) in spring 2011 but a previous owner had it repainted in factory brilliantrot in spring 2007. Other than the rust spots, everything was really well done. I know there was substantial body repair in a particular section of the car, but was shown the before, in progress, and after images, and the repair was well done.
Interior: 8/10. Still in really good shape, but shift boot is shot, steering wheel leather falling apart, and driver's seat is pretty worn. Clock/thermometer still works, as do all lights and electronics. The interim owner even fixed the speedo which hadn't worked during my first stint as owner.
Mechanical: 8/10 Probably could use a rear diff, had to replace the brakes on all 4 corners of the car.
It immediately needed tires(studded snows not allowed in my state after April 20) and a front ps brake caliper(seized). $320 for those. $500-$600 for total brake replacement and making the ebrake actually work. Then, weight reduction (and body cleanup). FRP CSl-style trunk shell and FRP hood, with all mounting hardware, was $500. I also picked up a fiberglass front bumper for $100 to replace my mangled valence and missing lip with. Only the trunk is painted and on for now. So we'll call it $1470-ish. Weight lost from the trunk alone was 37 pounds (FRP is 8 pounds!). The hood I have weighed at 14 pounds(compared to ~50 for the stock piece. That does not include the $4500 that a previous owner put into it for mechanical necessity.
It's essentially a stock M42, still with very good compression. The car isn't a competitive autocrosser (allseasons and a compliant suspension), but it is competent and easy to handle. This is going to be my 'beginner track rat' and I was holding off from a hardcore build until I got more HPDE seat time.
Yes. It's fun, great looking, and unbelievably good on fuel. For me, it is greater than the sum of the parts. Before I decided to keep this, I was eyeballing a 2000-2001 911 Carerra 4 in the 2.5-3 year range. I was also considering a fiesta, mazda2, or CRZ before I bought the e30. It is truly frustrating to work on sometimes, but the moments of brilliance erase my doubts.
I'd say that's a fair assessment. ;) There is nothing as fun and unique (and efficient if that's your thing) anywhere near the cost-per-laugh ratio of an e30. I've still yet to own an fwd car.
I have my WRX for autocross and scaring the shit out of myself.
Body: Visually, 90/100. In reality it was more like 70/100 (some hidden rust and rushed repairs by a previous owner). Trunk lid had major rust, front valence was in a pretty bad state, side skirts held on with wood screws. Some rust under floor on DS. Car was purchased(back) in spring 2011 but a previous owner had it repainted in factory brilliantrot in spring 2007. Other than the rust spots, everything was really well done. I know there was substantial body repair in a particular section of the car, but was shown the before, in progress, and after images, and the repair was well done.
Interior: 8/10. Still in really good shape, but shift boot is shot, steering wheel leather falling apart, and driver's seat is pretty worn. Clock/thermometer still works, as do all lights and electronics. The interim owner even fixed the speedo which hadn't worked during my first stint as owner.
Mechanical: 8/10 Probably could use a rear diff, had to replace the brakes on all 4 corners of the car.
How much did you spend on going faster (engine, suspension, weight reduction, etc.)?
What's it got? aka: what kind of power (seriously) did you put down on a dyno / how fast are you in the 1/4 mile / what are you passing in the corners on the track?
Are you satisfied? aka: have you ever wished you should've got into a different car and spent the same kind of money for more?
I know not everyone is into going fast, cornering hard blah blah, so this is mainly for the guys like me who think the E30 is probably the best-balanced car you can drive as far as performance, cost, and overall driving experience.
I have my WRX for autocross and scaring the shit out of myself.
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