Should I, Oppo?

"for Michigan" (formichigan)
02/08/2016 at 13:50 • Filed to: Craigslist, Oppinions

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DISCUSSION (20)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 13:54

Yes.

Justin Hughes > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 13:55

As a 325, not a 325i, it has the less powerful, economy tuned “eta” motor. Redline is 4500. The thing drives like a diesel! But it’s plenty of pep for around town, and extremely torquey which is nice. You can chip it (and run premium) to get an extra 20hp and 20 lb/ft if I remember right.

At least that’s what I remember from almost buying my ex-father-in-law’s ‘87 325 a while ago. I drove it for a week and liked it, but I couldn’t manage to sell my Saturn to raise the money for it.

HammerheadFistpunch > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 13:57

$2000 still feels like a lot for a car with so many miles...and questions.

Nibbles > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 14:01

You shouldn’t.

-this space for rent- > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 14:03

Get this one: http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5427585636…

for Michigan > HammerheadFistpunch
02/08/2016 at 14:08

Agreed. Though NADA puts fair-condition 325's at $2800.

I would probably offer around $1500.

for Michigan > Justin Hughes
02/08/2016 at 14:09

I swear I read differently, but googled to double check and it looks like you’re right.

Still sounds like it could be fun.

for Michigan > -this space for rent-
02/08/2016 at 14:10

That’s a little over budget.

Steve in Manhattan > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 14:16

Take it to your mechanic before you buy it ... it might need 5 grand’s worth of work.

for Michigan > Steve in Manhattan
02/08/2016 at 14:27

That’s the plan, though Dayton isn’t exactly local, so I’ll have to find a shop down there.

for Michigan > Nibbles
02/08/2016 at 14:27

Why not?

for Michigan > Steve in Manhattan
02/08/2016 at 14:29

Also, this would be my project car, not my daily, so needing things fixed wouldn’t be as big of a deal.

Steve in Manhattan > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 14:33

You can type a zip into Mechanix Files at cartalk.com and find out who the listeners recommend.

iSureWilll > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 14:39

What Justin told Justin is correct. 1987 325 was my first car and I had 2 325i’s right after so I’m very familiar with e30's.

The 325 (with the ETA 2.7L motor) is a good engine. Bulletproof almost. Around 125 hp at the crank when new, and 165 lb ft torques. Great around town but obviously slow on the highway. Absolutely GREAT for autox though. IMO is not even worth chipping.

Also IMO - the 325e’s are NEVER worth $2,800 no matter what NADA says. Realistically it is only worth roughly $1.5k TOPS. I would offer $1200 and end up around $1500-$1600 if you’re seriously looking to buy.

This thing probably needs shifter bushings, and ALL suspension and driveline bushings (like the “guibo” on the driveshaft and trailing arm/subframe bushings in rear + normal stuff in front). To get it in great mechanical shape you’ll be looking at a couple grand plus your time if you can work on it yourself.

I really really miss my e30's and one day hope I can get one again. Good luck!

Nibbles > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 14:49

Because I’m contrarian

Also the “E” motor is a dog (as others have said)

And that particular car looks dodgy as fuck

for Michigan > Nibbles
02/08/2016 at 14:57

That’s what I assumed.

It’s was more tempting before I realized it was an E.

I’ll probably just keep saving for a BRZ.

for Michigan > iSureWilll
02/08/2016 at 15:01

I assume any 30-year-old car that isn’t a garage queen probably needs new bushings all around.

And yeah, there’s no way this is with $3K. I’m definitely thinking low to mid teens.

iSureWilll > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 15:56

You’re right. Just for reference, I sold my ‘90 325is 2 years ago with unknown mileage but in decent shape for $1,350. Cosmetically it was shite (but no rust!)

iSureWilll > for Michigan
02/08/2016 at 15:56

Also, for wealth of e30 info... check out...

www.r3vlimited.com

www.e30tech.com

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Justin Hughes
02/08/2016 at 17:42

check the motor though, mine is badged as a 325 for some reason but has the i motor