Look out for rust mate under every bit of the car, if there is trim at the bottom, there may well also be some rust underneath. The arches are easy to spot and feel for.
Front scuttle panels need to be check, where the wint meats the engine bay at the top too.
Inside the boot wells check for rust, all the sills etc etc, you know what to look for as it pretty standard with all cars.
You say your handy with the tools? Would you be able to convert a auto to a manual?
Autos are generally more looks after by their owners meaning you can find better examples then switch the gearbox yourself, but at the same time you may as well search for a decent manual.
Whats your budget? I was thinking about this the other day when you linked the kinda car you wanna go for and you'll be able to achieve that kinda styling at loads less that the asking price of that other car.
I would start by putting up a wanted ad on here for a 325i cab in any condition and going from there.
People always have things sitting around on here and dont think about it until someone is looking for that car if you know what I mean.
Also, if you buy it from a reptible zoner they'll tell you whats wrong with it and what needs sorting not like some dodgy gits out there trying to make a quick quid.
The engines are pretty simple to work with and all problems can be fixed with the help of some very good zone members who are always there with great info.
Millege, doesnt really matter if it has good service history and you can see its been cared for. Even the cars without any history are good but its a gamble with them as alot of us have tried in the past.
Regardless of what work has been carried out on it your gonna want to make your mark on it so dont be too picky when it comes down to certain things like interior perhaps? You might find a motor with a shredded interior and be put off by it, but keep in mind you'll probably replace it anyway to suit your final look of the car, so just knock down the price instead of walking away.
Anyway, I have babbled on enouigh and im sure someone will be able to top off my advise and do better with one simple line but expect most replies to have the words RUST in there somewhere.
