Need help noobie

[AustinK425]

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/2622714785.html

so I'm trying to find a decent priced unmodified E30
I have been in contact with the seller and he's been pretty reasonable with me.
told there are some damage to the passenger fender the gas gauge doesnt work its an automatic and 170k and has kept up with general maintenance. but has been sitting at his parents place and need new front brake pads.

the thing that bothers me is that its in Spokane so its harder for me to check the car itself but wondering what things I should ask for besides water pump and timing belt ive asked for pics of the interior and stuff

in the end I just really want a rolling shell that I cant start with for a decent price so if you guys could give pointers on what to look for it would be a great help, been going off the E30techs buyer guide so far but I'm just wonder why so many e30s I've look at have the gauge problem which kinda bugs me :(

[spiDmang]

1) non operative Gas gauge can occur due to ground connections on the back of the cluster becoming loose (or not on at all, in my case). If this happens (which is the easiest fix), you just gotta take the cluster out, and tighten the connections. otherwise you may have to replace the SI board batteries. Or you can just get a whole new cluster.

2) as for things to look for; i would start by asking if there is any rust (major/minor), as well as other non operating mechanics of the car (power windows, locks, stereo, sunroof, mirrors, dash components, etc). damaged fender can always be replaced.

3) Obviously ask when Tbelt and waterpump was changed (even though i would recommend changing it just to be safe; unless they have documented proof by a shop that it was replaced). I would also examine for oil leaks, and try to see if the car burns any oil, etc. ALSO, make sure the vehicle can pass emissions. I dont know how strict Spokane is with emissions (or if they even have any), but they are here, and that will prevent you from getting your car registered. Unless you pay a 150 dollar waiver fee...but no one wants to do that...lol

4) if things dont work (i.e. electrical components such as locks or windows, needs maintenance like brakes, oil, and possibly tbelt and WP, cracked dash, or whatever excuse you can find), USE IT as a bargaining tool for you to get the best price possible. alot of people are trying to tax on e30s because of their growing popularity. BUT if you can convince the kid that his car is worth "this much", then do the damn thing and get your hustle on.

5) good luck budddddy :p

[spiDmang]

p.s. it looks clean!

[dogsbark26]

If all you want is a rolling shell, why are you worried about the gas gauge? Look for rust under battery (if in trunk), at bottoms of doors, at lower edge of windshield.

Gas gauge could also be sending unit in gas tank. Some e30s have two (one in each side of the tank). Gas gauge repair is probably not a reason to pass on the car. These cars, at this age, frequently are plagued by simple-to-repair cluster problems that owners are just too lazy or unknowledgeable to fix.

If electrical system has been molested for installation of alarms, stereo equip., etc. it can cause headaches. It kind of depends on what you are proficient at doing yourself.

[AustinK425]

yeah the gas gauge thing doesnt bother me, I just dont wanna be stuck on the side of I-90 with no gas or something in the middle of the 5 hour drive trying to get it home.