Author Topic: My quest so far... is there still hope? (Read 14158 times)

AndeeG · « **Reply #30 on:** August 02, 2008, 07:40:30 PM »

Well, I'm back from my trip and it looks like I could have another potential test drive lined up. I found this one on craigslist as well and have been in communication with the seller via email. The car is a brilliantrot 318is with 202,000 miles in good mechanical condition with some problems. The radio is broken, there are a few rips and tears in the front black vinyl seats, and the paint on one side, the roof, and the front and rear bumpers appears to be severely faded. Otherwise the body appears straight, with few if any dings and no visible damage.

She also sent me an incomplete and kind of confusing maintenance record, notable repairs including the A/C system and front shocks at an unknown date, "MW driveline" in 2000 (whatever that means, but apparently expensive), a leaking profile gasket in 2000, and a timing chain + front and rear brakes in '04 (not sure about the date).

Any thoughts? I can post a few pictures in a bit.

Edit: She's only asking $1750, which could probably be talked down

nomad · « **Reply #31 on:** August 02, 2008, 08:18:05 PM »

price?

If she has records and isn;t asking too much then it's certainly worth a look.
Lowball with cash and drive it home

AndeeG · « **Reply #32 on:** August 02, 2008, 08:52:51 PM »

Price is $1750. Edited my post to reflect this.

Pictures!

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #33 on:** August 02, 2008, 10:12:20 PM »

Very nice for 1700 bucks as long as it's in good shape mechanically. That leaves you 1300 to do maintenance and suspension upgrades. I'd look into it.

AndeeG · « **Reply #34 on:** August 03, 2008, 12:29:54 AM »

I talked with the seller some more and apparently the only leak she's aware of is from the PS system.

What do you guys think of the paint? Does it look shot and in need of a respray or do you think I could get away with some serious waxing?

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #35 on:** August 03, 2008, 02:41:33 AM »

You usually aren't going to get perfect paint on a 17 year old 1700 car. It WILL need a respray. It probably has some oxidation going. But I would clay bar, polish, and then wax the sh$te out of it and see what it looks like. Most likely you'll go through the clear if there is any left like I did, but hey mine still looks damn good from 10 feet or further.

Honestly with these cars... the paint should be the least of your concerns unless you are dropping 3 - 5000 bucks. Anything less than that and you aren't paying for great paint.

AndeeG · « **Reply #36 on:** August 03, 2008, 12:38:07 PM »

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=85120

Stereoinstaller's post at the bottom is inspiring!

AndeeG · « **Reply #37 on:** August 05, 2008, 12:40:08 PM »

Well, it sold to some other guy before I was able to drive up and take a look.

On the other hand, it turns out that the guy selling the very first 318is that I looked at has reposted his car asking $700 less than before. Since then he's replaced the guibo+csb and the antenna grommet, but a small chip in the windshield has become a large crack, so the windshield needs to be replaced. After consulting the list of suggested repairs from my mechanic:

differential side axle seals
brake pad wear sensors
rear sway bar bushes
lower A arm bushes
front brake hoses
fan belts
front struts with top bushes
power steering hoses
oil pan
+windshield ($150?)
+fuel pump (it's pretty noisy)

I added everything up real quick on pelican parts and it came out at about exactly $1000 including the windshield. In addition to the aforementioned problems, the AC doesn't blow as cold as it should and there are a few exterior dings and scratches mentioned in the ad. Does this look like it's worth anything close to $2800?

here's the ad: http://slo.craigslist.org/car/783107786.html

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #38 on:** August 05, 2008, 12:46:51 PM »

Quote from: AndeeG;54388

Well, it sold to some other guy before I was able to drive up and take a look.

On the other hand, it turns out that the guy selling the very first 318is that I looked at has reposted his car asking $700 less than before. Since then he's replaced the guibo+csb and the antenna grommet, but a small chip in the windshield has become a large crack, so the windshield needs to be replaced. After consulting the list of suggested repairs from my mechanic:

differential side axle seals
brake pad wear sensors
rear sway bar bushes
lower A arm bushes
front brake hoses
fan belts
front struts with top bushes
power steering hoses
oil pan
+windshield ($150?)
+fuel pump (it's pretty noisy)

I added everything up real quick on pelican parts and it came out at about exactly $1000 including the windshield. In addition to the aforementioned problems, the AC doesn't blow as cold as it should and there are a few exterior dings and scratches mentioned in the ad. Does this look like it's worth anything close to $2800?

here's the ad: http://slo.craigslist.org/car/783107786.html

I'd offer him 2000 for it.. You gotta barter.. 220k is a ton of miles but from the looks of the car it was well taken care of. Noticed the Blacked out low beams and the painted lip. I'd start off with 2k and work your way up if hes not willing to barter

AndeeG · « **Reply #39 on:** August 05, 2008, 12:55:58 PM »

Quote from: EN318isPDX;54389

I'd offer him 2000 for it.. You gotta barter.. 220k is a ton of miles but from the looks of the car it was well taken care of. Noticed the Blacked out low beams and the painted lip. I'd start off with 2k and work your way up if hes not willing to barter

Well, I fully intend to try to talk him down if I decide to get it, but I really don't think he's going to want to budge much. It was priced at $3500 before and he didn't want to go under $3k. Also, he's selling it to get money for a truck so he wants to get as much as possible.

AndeeG · « **Reply #40 on:** August 09, 2008, 01:09:39 PM »

I told him that I might be willing to pay $2200 and he said he thinks the lowest he'll go is $2500. It's really tempting to just go for it and end my search, but on the other hand I'm not sure I'd be getting the best deal.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #41 on:** August 09, 2008, 03:37:57 PM »

Looks like it to me... I'd go for it, but that's me. Have you driven it yet?

AndeeG · « **Reply #42 on:** August 09, 2008, 04:06:39 PM »

Yeah, I drove it a few months ago but it was the first e30 I had driven. It seemed fine to me, but the front shocks are pretty shot. Also, in comparison to the second one i drove, his seemed to be more "squeaky" for some reason. Maybe it was just the suspension parts that need replacing. At this point, it's really the mileage that's keeping me from jumping on it. 222k is a lot... but at the same time, what does that really mean? If cosmetically it's clean, compression is good, and I know what parts need replacing, does the milage make that much of a difference?

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #43 on:** August 10, 2008, 03:59:50 PM »

Any Bimmer engine that has been well maintained will last twice that, if not longer. I've had 3 bimmers with over 200000 and all ran great. LOL actually with the new motor this e30 of mine is my lowest mileage bimmer ever at 23,000 at install of motor.

I'd buy it and do all the seals, vacuum lines, hoses, belts, and all fluids. I'd check the timing system health and replace tensioner/gears if needed. Check the pan for loose bolts at the time of oil change... etc, etc.

AndeeG · « **Reply #44 on:** August 11, 2008, 02:25:54 AM »

Looks like I found another potential buy about 3 hours away.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/791262351.html

Obviously the valences looked pretty trashed, but it could be a deal if it's in good mechanical condition.