Considering a high-mileage 318is

[AndeeG]

I realize that most of those are easy fixes, but they still represent a significant investment in time. I did a little searching online and all the parts plus labor for the windshield and no work on the AC system would end up being about $700. Once again, it's not that I wouldn't mind working on it myself, but it seems like it could be a while before I get everything done. Do most of these simply take less time than I think or what?

[John W]

I agree with your mechanic -- $2000 sounds about right. You could go a couple of hundred more if the car has a clean, low-rust body and a decent interior. And you're correct, all of the parts to fix these things do add up. Most of this stuff is not "right away" stuff and can be spread out over the course of a couple of months, but get used to spending all of your free time to get it done. On the other hand, these are all typical 318is wear items so most examples you find -- even nice ones -- will need a few of the things to be addressed.

[AndeeG]

The body has no rust and the interior is near flawless aside from a very small dash crack and 2 similarly tiny tears in the upholstery. I'm really conflicted at this point. On an objective level his price seems high, but I really want an e30 and in maybe 8 months of searching I haven't seen one like this remotely close to me. Like I said, the drivetrain, body, and interior are all in very good condition. If I fixed all the problems listed, I think I would end up with a near pristine e30 for well under $4000.

Hell, if I drove this car for a year I would end up saving around $1400 on gas alone. Frustration!

[nomad]

Stop being a cheap ass and buy it. Problem solved.



Not every E30 is a junkyard queen that can be had for $1000 and made into a track rat. Sometimes you pay for nicer stuff. Besides, it's $3500 or $3000 or $2700 etc. Not a whole lot of money for a car you like/want. Like you said, you've been looking for 8months and this is the best thing you've seen and now you are worried about paying for it.

You can't expect to always find trailer queens at salvage yard prices.

[John W]

Do you mind a little traveling?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/665753190.html

This car looks nice, but like the other car you're considering I'm sure it's not perfect. Point is that you're in California, the land of awesome older cars. You might have to drive a couple of hours, but you should be able to find a very nice car for a reasonable price if you're willing to travel.

[nomad]

Is it still there? Original CL post isn't active.

Didn;t realize you were in Cali. Just thought of the mileage and yeah, it's a tad high at 219k

[AndeeG]

Right now I'm looking at crookc's in the for sale section and it seems pretty nice.

Now that I've actually driven one, I'd be more willing to travel a bit if there's something good for sale elsewhere. However, inspections are more of an issue seeing as I can't readily bring the car to my mechanic or vice versa.

[beegeezy]

My fuel pump made some noise too when I first bought my car, 3 weeks later it died. An extra one of these laying around is good to have. I was left stranded at a stop light in the middle of rush hour when mine went out (only time the car let me down). Been able to collect 2 spares since that time for maybe ten bucks total.

HA! Me too! Middle of an intersection, twas fun. Glad to have the car trailer, dad came out and picked me up. Just got the car running, so tools were still in it, and I was able to take out the fuel pump and determine that it was the problem while sitting in the intersection. Had a brand new spare at the house, was up and running again in 10mins. Ahh, great memories with the e30. Now back to the thread.:p