e30 Buying Advice

[Cozens]

New to this forum and e30's in general so if this has already been asked/answered please link me to the thread

Anyways COMPLETELY fallen in love with the e30 look 2dr/4dr/waggon, convertible not so much but still I'd love to own any one of them. I've got a DD for work etc so this would be more of a toy.

What kind of figure would I be looking at to get a slightly shabby(lots of character shall we say) but mechanically sound e30? The only must have for me would be to have a manual. Also what would I specifically have to look out for when buying, such a major rust points, absolutely RAGGED to death engine etc etc

[Grrrmachine]

Welcome to the Zone! There's a wealth of info on here to get you started, not least of which is the Buyer's Guide:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_an_E30

Don't forget to click any of the blue links; they'll explain each point in more detail, especially the Rust spots.

In terms of price and model, two-doors fetch the highest price, with 325i and 318iS being the most desirable versions. 2k should get you something tidy, but shell condition really is key - things like mileage and number of owners really aren't important on a 25-year-old car.

[aimlessrock]

welcome aboard mate.

check out the wiki and the buying guide to start you off.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_an_E30

[Ianb]

And above all and i mean all else do not touch an E30 with roof rust despite what some sellers may tell you ( ). A few bubbles on the sunroof lid itself is fine as the lid is easily replaceable but if it's on the roof itself walk away

[Hakkera]

I've heard roof/scuttle/top mounts is a walk away job.

[Cozens]

Thanks for the replies Any advice on where I should be looking to buy one from? eBay/ClassicCars/Gumtree etc etc I live down south in Highcliffe so ideally don't want to be traveling too far.

Ive got a budget of up to 3k, 4k really but had a quick ganders at the insurance and the f***er's want £700 on a 325i SE, not bad considering thats still cheaper to insure then my DD (fiesta) but still....

If you had the same budget what would you look at getting? And whats reasoning behind it

[Hakkera]

Hah, I'm in almost exactly the same boat as you - based in Southampton, budget of 3k. Only thing is I have a few more stipulations: must be a coupe & a 6 banger, plus I need to fix & sell my current car before moving on anything.

For 3k, from what I've seen, you should be able to pick up a very decent 4 door. Coupes for that money that aren't made of bog are proving very hard to find.

I've been looking at eBay, ClassicCarsForSale and CarAndClassic. Gumtree's probably a bit optimistic.

You may well have to travel outside of Dorset though...

[Brianmoooore]

If you have a DD, you should be looking at classic insurance for a 325i.