Buying a E30.

[Dean]

Hi I am thinking of going down the route of buying an E30 to restore.Am not big on mechanicals and stuff,but would not mind giving some things a go...just need some suggestions on which one may be best for me to buy.Any comments will be much appreciated.Thanks.

[Davenotouring]

This is the wrong section to post in, but anyway!

Have a look around the site, look in the photo gallery to see what style of e30 takes your fancy, i.e. 2 door/4 door/ Cabriolet/ Touring (estate)

What is your budget?

You could get a decent e30 from Ԛ£1000 upwards really, maybe even less if you're lucky.

Insurance might be an issue depending on your age, and engine size you choose.

Give us some more details of what you are looking for and I'm sure we can help.

Look around all the sections for ideas/inspriation of to what you want, and for what to expect on these cars.

[Jhonno]

i wouldnt buy with a mind to restore if your 'not big on mechanicals and stuff' as its not easy

better off buying something in better condition that needs a little bit of tlc that you can learn with..

[glenn]

as said by jhonno
get something that just needs a little tlc
if your "not big on mechanicals" when you get to something that needs
major surgery, you might get a little frustrated and end up getting board
with it
hope this helps
glenn

[Dean]

Many thanks for the replies.It is just that I have heard a lot about the 318is and 320is being a good car to drive.When I do buy a E30 would like to but something a bit special as would want to keep it long term Insurance and things are not really a problem as my age is 42.The reason I want to buy a E30 is a few years ago I brought my Dad's E30 318 4 door and am now feeling a bit nostalgic about it,as it was shunted up the back by some young girl who didn't realise you need to press the pedal in the middle to stop...all my kids and my partner safely walked away but the BM was a write off...the girl had managed to push the boot so far in that it was touching the back wheels..she also managed to completely bend the roof by the back doors..but like I said my whole family managed to walk away..as for the girl her little fiesta was a complete write off and she spent a week in hospital..which I am glad to say with no major injuries. So I know how tough these E30's are.
Anyway again thanks for the replies.

[placey]

your accident results are not too surprising - when on a defensive driving course you'd be taught to ram any offensive car with the rear - there's less there to stop the car operating when damaged. the e30 has a relatively large distance between the rear bumber and passenger's cell (plenty to crumple before people get squished) - the fiesta is fairly compact at the front and it doesn't take much to start pushiing the engine into the baulkhead - and once the engine's moved most cars are written off unless they're particulalry valuable. i'd bet that the girl was in hospital with leg problems ?? have a walk around a scrappies and see how many cars have pushed in footwells....

the e30 is made of stronger stuff than a fiesta for sure - but it's the driving experience followed by the looks that most people on here will go for. in order to choose the car for you it's important to assess your priorities accurately. if you fume every time you're in a petrol station kiosk or buying 2 more rear tyres then perhaps the 325i m20 is not for you. however if you live to beat everyone else away from the lights and around the roundabout then an m3 might be the car you're after. the 320is you metion is a sleeper - it won't get the nods and comments from anyone who isn't in the know about e30s - plus it'll be lhd but not impossible to swap.

paul

[Dean]

Cheers Paul, looks like I will be scrouring the classifieds this weekend to see what I can come up with...

[H35-IAN]

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=4015


here one of my Hartge cars for sale if interested 2.6!! h26.

[Dean]

Like the cars..just maybe a bit out my price range...