Author Topic: Opinions wanted: What would you offer for this? (Read 6860 times)

VegasKyle · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2010, 06:42:57 PM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;97915

I'll let you know if it's OK. Fly into Pittsburgh & drive it home! It's only a two day trip!

I'm kidding, of course. I wouldn't drive a 20-year-old unknown-to-me buyer-beware CL car for 100 miles, let alone cross country. Actually I did, but I had AAA backing me up.

I did just that at the beginning of the month, Blaine WA to Las Vegas NV. There was a red 318i at a dealer in Portland for $1400 or so. Something I'd look into if they still have it. Lots of good cars in the NorthWest, most seem priced accordingly unfortunately.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2010, 07:04:29 PM »

Quote from: Gerta318is;97918

I can stick you and the tools in the trunk ... we should be fine. Just hope this car has a ski pass so you can get snacks on the drive.

LOL. Let me get over my little bit of strep & we'll do it. Kids are a blessing. Especially for communicative diseases. I call it my 'tribeca' - mass transit to & from work (in the hospital district), thence home to my two adorable little vectors.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #17 on:** October 25, 2010, 10:28:28 PM »

Dave - don't you know it. I have three of my own and two foster kids ... I take the bus to and from work. I drove today and even with traffic I felt so much better ... Get well soon!

Gerta318is · « **Reply #18 on:** October 25, 2010, 10:47:48 PM »

http://www.voausedcars.com/searchinventory.html

Here's a late model 325i ... they have it listed as a four cyl ... but it is a six. I think I might take a look at this one ... offer them 400 bucks if it runs and drives.

longtallsally · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2010, 01:29:11 AM »

Well this one is a bit tough IMO.

I of course have a ridiculous and fanatical love for the E30, but I'm not certain it is the best choice for your wife and the purpose of the car.

The M20 is a nuclear bomb proof motor... If you have it sorted and keep an eye on things. For example, that one you are looking at will need a good bit of stuff just to make sure it is safe for your wife:

- T belt, tensioner, water pump
- T stat housing
- I'd guess brakes
- fan clutch
- I'd bet the suspension is bordering dangerously worn out (lack of control)
- I'd also bet the rack is leaking and/or wasted

That's just off the top of my head and- admittedly due to my psychosis- I could find another grand of stuff to do in about a 30 second look at the car.

I hate to be a traitor, but you might be better served to find a Corolla or the like as a commuter. That is unless you truly want another project to work on. My only real fear is that you'd spend more time fixing one like this, than allowing her to drive it thus negating the purpose of the purchase.

VegasKyle · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2010, 01:43:32 AM »

Quote from: Gerta318is;97944

http://www.voausedcars.com/searchinventory.html

Here's a late model 325i ... they have it listed as a four cyl ... but it is a six. I think I might take a look at this one ... offer them 400 bucks if it runs and drives.

The comment on the car was "Mechanics special doesn't run" that said it looks like its in good condition cosmetically, no ugly diving boards. Nothing says commuter car like Bronzit.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #21 on:** October 26, 2010, 08:51:55 AM »

Kyle - Oh I get the allure of a corolla, etc ... Nothing says I couldn't find a way to make that work for cheap. Honestly if it doesnt run I could offer them a couple of hundred bucks, drop 1500 into it and it would be a safe car she could drive. Honestly if it were to crap out we still have two other vehicles and since she's driving it down town I dont have to make it the best looking car on the road either.

I think that it would probably fit the bill ... I just need to take a look at it. The way I look at it is if it needs an engine swap, I get to buy more tools too ... I mean how can I go wrong!

VegasKyle · « **Reply #22 on:** October 26, 2010, 10:08:11 PM »

Quote from: Gerta318is;97959

Kyle - Oh I get the allure of a corolla, etc ... Nothing says I couldn't find a way to make that work for cheap. Honestly if it doesnt run I could offer them a couple of hundred bucks, drop 1500 into it and it would be a safe car she could drive. Honestly if it were to crap out we still have two other vehicles and since she's driving it down town I dont have to make it the best looking car on the road either.

I think that it would probably fit the bill ... I just need to take a look at it. The way I look at it is if it needs an engine swap, I get to buy more tools too ... I mean how can I go wrong!

I say go for it. It's not like this is going to be your only car and it needs to be 100% from day 1. I'd rather have a non running E30 for $400-500 than a corolla of any kind. For the price, if it turns out to be more than you want to deal with you can part it and cover your investment no problem.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #23 on:** October 26, 2010, 10:38:48 PM »

Yeah, I also am fully interested in that Persian rug with the BMW logo on it for my garage. It really seals the deal.

VegasKyle · « **Reply #24 on:** October 26, 2010, 11:55:29 PM »

Quote from: Gerta318is;97997

Yeah, I also am fully interested in that Persian rug with the BMW logo on it for my garage. It really seals the deal.

LOL, I thought that was one hell of a floor mat.

longtallsally · « **Reply #25 on:** October 27, 2010, 01:19:50 AM »

And a way to cover up the rust hole in the floor...