Opinion about buying this 3KGT VR4

[usernamex]

Originally Posted by usernamex

So I left a message on the guys phone. I offered him $1,200 cash. I have a feeling he's going to decline. But he still hasn't sold this and it's been up there for a week now. Just thought I'd give you guys an update. I'll let you know when he responds.

Well I was right. He called me back and was unhappy about the offer of $1,200. He said he doesn't want to let it go for less then $3k. He claims it's highway driveable still... what do you guys think?


Oh and by the way. He said he was selling this car to become a better father lol? He's buying a WRX... doesn't seem more reliable/safe to me.

[devanrules]

I'd have to agree with most of the other guys on here. 1000 to 1500 seems to be a reasonable price for the condition it's in. Obviously it's going to cost a lot to fix it up, so you don't want to lose too much in the initial investment.
If you are interested, I would suggest that you take a look at the car yourself, and more importantly, take it to a reputable mechanics shop and get a general inspection done on it. They can tell you roughly what is wrong with it, and you can figure out how much it'll cost from there.
3Ses are beautiful cars, but as we all know, they're not the most bulletproof. It does take proper maintenance and care to keep them at their peak. I would be weary buying one from someone who doesn't even know what's wrong with it, especially with that milege. You never know what unseen damage has been caused to the car. If you plan on replacing most things (which seems to be the best route) then I wouldn't pay too much for it. $3000 for a body and a few good parts is an awful lot of money to spend when you can pick up a much better example for a little more, and have a lot more to work with.

Then again, that's just my 2 cents, and I'm far from an expert!

Make sure to let us know what happens, and welcome to the 3s family!

-Devan

[usernamex]

Originally Posted by devanrules

I'd have to agree with most of the other guys on here. 1000 to 1500 seems to be a reasonable price for the condition it's in. Obviously it's going to cost a lot to fix it up, so you don't want to lose too much in the initial investment.
If you are interested, I would suggest that you take a look at the car yourself, and more importantly, take it to a reputable mechanics shop and get a general inspection done on it. They can tell you roughly what is wrong with it, and you can figure out how much it'll cost from there.
3Ses are beautiful cars, but as we all know, they're not the most bulletproof. It does take proper maintenance and care to keep them at their peak. I would be weary buying one from someone who doesn't even know what's wrong with it, especially with that milege. You never know what unseen damage has been caused to the car. If you plan on replacing most things (which seems to be the best route) then I wouldn't pay too much for it. $3000 for a body and a few good parts is an awful lot of money to spend when you can pick up a much better example for a little more, and have a lot more to work with.

Then again, that's just my 2 cents, and I'm far from an expert!

Make sure to let us know what happens, and welcome to the 3s family!

-Devan

Alright everyone so after test driving it and talking to the guy.... I'm giving him $3,500 for it! I never thought I never thought I would see myself typing that kind of price but here's the low down:

I have a good friend who's a professional mechanic. We went to the guy's apartment last saturday night. We test drove the car and looked at the general condition.

The Bad:
Paint - Obvious one right there.
Clutch Master Cylinder needs to be replaced (which is an easy inexpensive fix according to my friend)
One of the spark plugs were sparking. Again an inexpensive easy fix according to my friend.
CATS are probably clogged.
Needs 120k Tuneup.

My friend said once we replace the cats and get a new timing belt in there the boost would return.

The Good:
No knock on the engine (we drove it around for about 30 minutes to really get it warmed up)
Engine runs very smooth.
Shifting was smooth
The interior is brand new. Everything is very clean and the seats (front and back) were recently replaced.
Active Suspension and Aero both work and in good condition.
The physical condition of the body is in good shape. Needs a new blinker cover but that's about it.

All in all this car is in a lot better shape then what the pics and description make it out to be. My friend said I could put a $1000 into the car and, mechanically, the car would be running top notch again. The paint I can forgo for now (even though it is a huge eye sore). But I will eventually get that completed.

One thing that I find concerning is that the guy wants to make a contract sell. He hasn't given me anything yet but I said I would look it over first and make a decision. I suppose it's good for both of us to make sure we don't get screwed. I'll post a link to the contact up here when he emails it to me.

Anything else you guys would recommend?

Thanks!

[ducky]

I thought he said he wouldn't take anything less them 3k? If he now want $3500 I would say that after thinking it over that the most that you can give him is $3k. Although I would say that is kinda high. For around $5-6K you could get a pritty good deal on a tt 3/s. I wouldn't just jump at the first thing. I did that and after 3 years $3,000 in just parts + the cost of the car $2000 and only got to drive it for 7000 miles because the tranny blow the diff out and when I got that fixed I spun the bearings 1 week later after redoing everything. $6K and I got a pritty good r/t tt in very nice shape from a member that is highly trusted on the board. Please look around before jumping on this. But thats just my .02 cents.

[Pensky3Thousand]

I sold a 93 VR4 that was actually painted for $1500