Potential Car buy- E30 325is

rammstein · 05-27-2009, 10:07 PM

Its not an M3, but it's only 4 hours away and appears to be very very clean. I requested some data and pics from the seller. I asked for pictures of guts- underbody, engine, suspension, etc. Assuming no red flags, what do you all think?

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1234552

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I had that exact car and it still ran like a new car when I sold it at 244k miles. First clutch lasted 232k miles. It was the only car I ever had that's been more reliable than my 993. Though that price seems kinda high. Mine was $8500 in 1995.

MotoSook · 05-28-2009, 04:14 AM

That is really too much for a non-plastic bumper car. The history is good but the price is way too much. Maybe twice too much. Keep looking.

javadog · 05-28-2009, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Souk

That is really too much for a non-plastic bumper car. The history is good but the price is way too much. Maybe twice too much. Keep looking.

I have to disagree with you here. A 325is doesn't pop up for sale every day and you'll look a long time to find a better car. You can't buy an average car and get it this nice without spending more money than this one would cost. The ones you find in the $4,000 range will have a bunch of miles and a bunch of needs.

Having said that, I have a nicer one for sale, for a lot more money.

JR

turbo6bar · 05-28-2009, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

Its not an M3, but it's only 4 hours away and appears to be very very clean. I requested some data and pics from the seller. I asked for pictures of guts- underbody, engine, suspension, etc. Assuming no red flags, what do you all think?

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1234552

WAG, $6250. Looks like a clean car. Your bucks are better spent up front, buying the better car, than later, bringing a tired car up to snuff.

Rot 911 · 05-28-2009, 06:16 AM

For once I have to disagree with Souk. Yes it is a lot of money for an E30, but it would be the same as buying an average E30 for $4K and then sinking another $3K into it to bring it back to like new condition. This one has been babied all its life. Worth every penny the guy has in it, but as I see he has "OBO" in the ad I'd see if you could knock the price down below $7K.

legion · 05-28-2009, 06:25 AM

Who are you kidding? You're not buying this car.

You're going to find something shinier next week and there will be a new thread on that.

kaisen · 05-28-2009, 06:31 AM

Again, you'll never get your money back out of this car, if that's your intent.
$7950 will buy you an equally nice 2000 323ci, for example

Jims5543 · 05-28-2009, 06:33 AM

Have you driven an E30? Really nice car and VERY tossable. Do a suspension upgrade to that car and you have a fun AX car.

My son bought a $500 E30 (325i) from RickV, we spent another $1000 on it baselining it.

It still needs a suspension, it has been nicknamed the dingy. With that in mind, even with the crappy suspension, it is a very fun car to toss around. Plus with it weighing 2800 lbs and having close to 170HP they move along nicely.

That looks like a rare super clean example of an E30. Although, I thought I saw a thread on a M3 clone not too far off this price. If I was going to spend the money I would go for the clone.

Wait 30 days and watch both cars. You will see the price drop if they are still for sale. Trying to bargain 5 days after it was listed for sale the seller is not going to budge as far. 30+ days they will be willing to move more.

Jims5543 · 05-28-2009, 06:34 AM

BTW- I have not had time to play car in a while if I head south to the PCA events I will let you know, you can co-drive the 7 again, this time with non greasy tires.

kaisen · 05-28-2009, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jims5543

My son bought a $500 E30 (325i) from RickV, we spent another $1000 on it baselining it.

So Ramm, why in the world would you spend $7950?

Jims5543 · 05-28-2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaisen

So Ramm, why in the world would you spend $7950?

This $500 E30 needed TONS of TLC, broken seats, dents, mechanically sound but needed every maintenance performed, way past due, I was lucky the timing belt did not break getting it home.

Even now, its a driver, good for a 16 year old, but far from pristine. We have no intention of selling it, ever. Its a keeper.

rammstein · 05-28-2009, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

Who are you kidding? You're not buying this car.

You're going to find something shinier next week and there will be a new thread on that.

I know- that's why I am trying to end the madness.

rammstein · 05-28-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

Having said that, I have a nicer one for sale, for a lot more money.

JR

Link?

MotoSook · 05-28-2009, 06:58 AM

It may be true that you won't find a perfect or nice one for much less than the asking price of that one, but don't let the enthusiast posts lead you to think that car is worth that much money. Kids on the E30 boards love to chime in on ads with "ooohs" and "ahhhs" over the advertised item, then say "wish I wasn't broke now or I'd buy it right now!" It inflats the price on something fast.

How are you going to use the car if you buy it for north of 7K? As a driver? Heck you can get an M3 for that much money. If you are after an original show or Sunday driver, sure maybe that one is priced right for you...and for you (the buyer). If you're just after a driver...sheet skeeter you can find a 911 SC for that price...and a 100K mile M3 if you are after the badge. Better yet, I see nicely swapped (drivetrain) E30s for about that price.

It just doesn't make for a smart buy unless you are after the originality of the E30 for a historical piece....price is too high. But shoot if you gots the money you gots the right to spend it.

rammstein · 05-28-2009, 06:59 AM

I know the price seemed high, and I appreciate the reality check. From what I've seen, this is about as good as it gets from a quality standpoint, so that's why I was interested in it.

The M3 clone was quite a bit more money, more like $13k. But it had an E36 M3 motor in an E30 4-door, and that was pretty cool. Besides though, it was sold by the time I found it.

What is up with the plastic bumper thing? There are better bumpers? Is it a weight thing or a style thing?

rammstein · 05-28-2009, 07:03 AM

I get so scared of 100k+ mile M3s with 5 child owners and a list of items that haven't been addressed. Like "Window doesn't work, A/C doesn't hold charge, sunroof welded shut" ... But I hear you on the price. E36 M3s with 100k miles can be had for $10k.

Rot 911 · 05-28-2009, 07:15 AM

Souk you are trying to be rational in an obviously irrational situation!

Rot 911 · 05-28-2009, 07:18 AM

Couple of other thoughts. What other car could you buy for $7K that would be this much fun and not need any work for awhile?

Second thought, if you can stand to wait it out, wait for a couple of weeks or longer and see how much he is willing to come down on price.

MotoSook · 05-28-2009, 07:22 AM

Doh!

Rammstein..you're in Terry's area..get him to take you to auction with him. I bet you'd find a nice car for less than that one.