Any rule of thumb when buying car for a partout?

[george graves]

I'm spending some time up in nor-cal for the next few months, and e30 are few and far between. But if a wreck/blown motor does come up I'm in a position where I might be interesting in doing a part out.

I know what to look for, and what sells (bumpers, "i" head/mani, 5-speed swap, dash, interior, ect...)

My question (for thoese that have done it) is what kind of profit do you turn? I know that varies by car (mtech2 cabbi vs an m10 car) - but a ballpark estimate for an adverage run-of-the-mill e30, say a '90 with 150k miles? Am I asking the right question???

I have more time on my hand than money at this point, so wouln't mind making a few bucks.

Thanks!

[JGood]

I'm spending some time up in nor-cal for the next few months, and e30 are few and far between. But if a wreck/blown motor does come up I'm in a position where I might be interesting in doing a part out.

I know what to look for, and what sells (bumpers, "i" head/mani, 5-speed swap, dash, interior, ect...)

My question (for thoese that have done it) is what kind of profit do you turn? I know that varies by car (mtech2 cabbi vs an m10 car) - but a ballpark estimate for an adverage run-of-the-mill e30, say a '90 with 150k miles? Am I asking the right question???

I have more time on my hand than money at this point, so wouln't mind making a few bucks.

Thanks!

Very much depends on how much you want to make. As little as $1k and as much as $7k-$8k. If you use ebay and message boards at the right times, you can get way more then the average going price for parts. I would say around $4-$5k if you don't sell major systems together (ex: whole rear clips, whole engines with everything attached, etc...). The more you take it down to every last nut and bolt, the more you will make (generally).

[Funkmasta]

it also depends how ethical you are...
Here, in order to keep the lights on, I have to get 2x out of the car what my investment is. 7-8k is a little high for the return on an E30. I would figure 2-5k for a return.
M20- $1200
5 speed swap $800
Sport seats $500
Dash $125
Plastic Bumper swap $600
Ellips $200
Fenders $150
Other body panels, good luck
sport steering wheel $75
cluster $75
3.73 LSD $300
weaves $500

That is most of the major components. Assuming it was all in excellent shape (which most parts cars aren't)...

----------------------
How is the M30? 8)

[joshh]

I end up not wanting the parts around my house. The longer you are willing to hold the parts the more you will make. And I keep screwing myself as well. I keep throwing cars away when I still need parts. Partly to make my wife happy.
I really don't have a good answer for the amount you can make because I buy cars for me or the parts for me anyways. I've never bought a car with the thought of parting the whole thing out.

[Rigmaster]

I think both JGood's and Funkmasta's estimates are on the high side.

For example- when was the last time you heard/saw an M20 sell for $1200?? And the $600 plastic bumper conversion MIGHT be possible IF you found a buyer who had the exact same color car as your bumpers- also assuming you're including both bumpers, shocks, side brackets AND front valance with fogs and everything is in perfect condition.

I would say Joe's estimate of $2-5k is possible, but you're more than likely to get $2k out of it than $5k.

Keep in mind that most E30's that you'll find FS as parts car candidates will be tired, wrecked or both. Most cars seem to be wrecked in front, so there goes any front sheet metal, as well as front bumper + headlights. Doors are not very good sellers, trunklids are only slightly better. Most used E30's have at least 1 or 2 bent wheels.

Then you have to keep in mind that once you start parting out a car, it becomes immobile, and looks more and more like a "junk" car to neighbors, family, police, your town zoning department, etc. Even if you plan on stripping the car right away, you have to have a good system and plenty of storage to keep the parts.


The only way for you to find out for sure if it's for you, is to give it a try. Don't be afraid to lowball the seller if the asking price is way out of line. The worst they can say is "no"- which might be good.



Bret

[erik325i]

Where in Nor Cal are you going to be?

-Erik

[Funkmasta]

I think both JGood's and Funkmasta's estimates are on the high side.

For example- when was the last time you heard/saw an M20 sell for $1200?? And the $600 plastic bumper conversion MIGHT be possible IF you found a buyer who had the exact same color car as your bumpers- also assuming you're including both bumpers, shocks, side brackets AND front valance with fogs and everything is in perfect condition.

I would say Joe's estimate of $2-5k is possible, but you're more than likely to get $2k out of it than $5k.

Keep in mind that most E30's that you'll find FS as parts car candidates will be tired, wrecked or both. Most cars seem to be wrecked in front, so there goes any front sheet metal, as well as front bumper + headlights. Doors are not very good sellers, trunklids are only slightly better. Most used E30's have at least 1 or 2 bent wheels.

Then you have to keep in mind that once you start parting out a car, it becomes immobile, and looks more and more like a "junk" car to neighbors, family, police, your town zoning department, etc. Even if you plan on stripping the car right away, you have to have a good system and plenty of storage to keep the parts.


The only way for you to find out for sure if it's for you, is to give it a try. Don't be afraid to lowball the seller if the asking price is way out of line. The worst they can say is "no"- which might be good.



Bret

I have sold M20s for $1200, but that is pretty much maxxing it out. ALL of my estimates were for parts that are excellent/perfect. The M20 I sold for 1200 had 79k on it and included all of the accessories. An AVERAGE price for my M20s is closer to $550-600.

As for the plastic bumpers... just figure a perfect world. :)

I have an E30 in here now, that I wont even get $500 out of... and it is a sport model!

[erik325i]

I think both JGood's and Funkmasta's estimates are on the high side.
Bret

Well, asking prices are different when you accually have a business to run as compared to having a parts car in the back yard.
Just as Funkmasta said, he needs to sell things for a certain amount in order to stay in business.
I see all the time where my boss will sell a used part to a customer for less than new, but still way above what I normally sell it for. People are usually more willing to buy from a business than from some kid on craigslist.

-Erik

[Funkmasta]

Plus there is some ease of worry knowing that you wont get scammed if you buy from a business. The piece of mind is worth something. :)

I cant compete with most pricing on the forums or craigslist, but they cant compete with my return policy.

[Funkmasta]

I'm spending some time up in nor-cal for the next few months, and e30 are few and far between.

are you kidding? Have you ever been to the midwest? lol
Norcal is LITTERED with E30s, so is Socal. :D

[joshh]

are you kidding? Have you ever been to the midwest? lol
Norcal is LITTERED with E30s, so is Socal. :D

Your profit margin just dropped 100%.:loco:...................;-)

[Funkmasta]

Your profit margin just dropped 100%.:loco:...................;-)

Warehouse space is cheaper in Portland :D
I buy cars from all over the country... I am pleased when one comes from CA. That M6 I bought out of Arkansas sure was nice though.

[george graves]

are you kidding? Have you ever been to the midwest? lol
Norcal is LITTERED with E30s, so is Socal. :D

Nope! People think Nor-cal ends around Sacramento. Not so...I'm out WAY up north (20 mins to oregon) - I've been here almost a month, and have seen 1 X5 and 1 e28 so far...that's it.

Yea, I think I'm looking for a $500-$750 plastic bumpered wreck/t-belt car. That way I know I won't loose on it.

Thansk for all the input.

[backtrail69]

I made about 2k on a 100 dollar 318is rollover with 105k miles... I kept the weaves and rear bumper for my car and a couple other little things.

[Beej '86 325es]

So how do you get rid of it once you've parted it, assuming it has no suspension?