Would you buy this car?

[bstarr3]

http://www.salvageautosauction.com/vehicle_detail/Salvage-1991-BMW-318I-for-Sale/lot-23576741/Arlington-Washington

That was in October. This is what it looks like now:

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/2845749047.html

comes with salvage title, but had no frame damage. I talked to the shop that repaired it. We're talking about $2700

[timofeylbelarus]

i would, accually i was about to buy that car from that auction lol
that damage is not that big

[Teaguer]

I would check the strut tower/wheelshouse are for any movement or cracks in the seam sealer. Also check the RF suspension mounting points underneath for any signs of movement.
Is it a full respray or just the new panels painted?

If the body stuff checks out then I say go for it.

[djjerme]

way overpriced.

[bstarr3]

owner is a certified bmw mechanic who flips cars for a hobby. He says that he rebuilt the front and rear suspension and that the engine was really in good shape had professional body work and paint done.

[e34croak]

Haha, it's an e30. The majority of them have been hammered at some point and still run/drive perfectly fine.

[timofeylbelarus]

^^^ haha so true

[djjerme]

If seriously interested, go check it out.. There is no pics of the interior, if it's in pretty decent shape still, and the car is solid (take it for a test drive) then it's not a horrible price.

Pay attention to the suspension, it's a 20 year old car that probably has been driven in less than ideal conditions..

[bstarr3]

So I've got it down to two cars, both of which I've posted on here in the past few days. These cars are nearly identical in every way except those listed.

The car in the op has an m3 shifter and bilstein sports with sport seats. The vinyl is badly ripped on the drivers seat and the dash has four or five cracks one of them really long.

The other car in question has comfort seats that are pristine and a crack free dash but no upgraded suspension or shifter (though both were replaced in the past year). Also a broken odometer.

The second one is $300 less. Any thoughts?

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[smooth]

you can find sport seats for that $300 dollar difference.
an odometer will cost you about $50 or you can grab the gears for about $15 and try to do the repair yourself.

you can get a crack free dash for $100-150.

you have to decide what you value tired bilstein suspension. Based on the majority of what goes on around here, I wouldn't expect them to have been bought new, either.

I bought my H&R/Bilstein setup new but that's because I have a cabrio and I couldn't find them used. Starting out, and for a daily driver, there's something to be said for new suspension.

Interior doesn't make you go faster but that's where you interact with the car the most so unless you are going to turn around and reupholster your interior and do the dash (seeing what it takes I don't want to do it for a single crack I have) you could end up feeling less enjoyment over time than if you just saved up and sourced your own suspension.

[Twelvizm]

way overpriced.

This. Guess what the insurance company is going to pay you if you total the car? Yup, almost nothing since its salvage.