Need to get pre-purchase in Bay Area
- Thread starter lyonsfin
- Start date
I can ask my shop to inspect it. Or I can stop by but I am not sure what to cover for you, are you after rust or mechanical certainty? Should I wear my Inspector Cluseau raincoat?
Kato says that the seller is young and never had to spell carburetor before.
The SoCal Cedar Sinai owner is plausible but the rear parking sticker indicates the car was driven to work not garaged at home.
The steering wheel was replaced recently, a medical doctor can visualize ER things happening and would never put a wooden steering wheel.
Removable radio means the car was parked on the street a lot.
The steering column paint scratch area is typical of a female driver with lots of amulets, or a janitor with lots of keys.
CD changer means long trips in the car, not just the saturday morning cars and coffee affair.
Original color seems some dark reddish color. A mysterious hanging wire under the spoiler, looks almost like a venturi, sign of electrical battles inside the engine bay.
At least three window motor plastic caps missing on doors, the only possible explanation is to postulate a bored toddler inside the cabin.
I have no explanation for the brownish coloration of the plastic elephant skins in the trunk. Maybe the toddler was punished into the trunk? Toddler had crayon.
Do I see a hole in the spare wheel area of the trunk? Too sharp to be rust. Air inlet for toddler?
I like it.
Kato says that the seller is young and never had to spell carburetor before.
The SoCal Cedar Sinai owner is plausible but the rear parking sticker indicates the car was driven to work not garaged at home.
The steering wheel was replaced recently, a medical doctor can visualize ER things happening and would never put a wooden steering wheel.
Removable radio means the car was parked on the street a lot.
The steering column paint scratch area is typical of a female driver with lots of amulets, or a janitor with lots of keys.
CD changer means long trips in the car, not just the saturday morning cars and coffee affair.
Original color seems some dark reddish color. A mysterious hanging wire under the spoiler, looks almost like a venturi, sign of electrical battles inside the engine bay.
At least three window motor plastic caps missing on doors, the only possible explanation is to postulate a bored toddler inside the cabin.
I have no explanation for the brownish coloration of the plastic elephant skins in the trunk. Maybe the toddler was punished into the trunk? Toddler had crayon.
Do I see a hole in the spare wheel area of the trunk? Too sharp to be rust. Air inlet for toddler?
I like it.
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Thanks for input. I am concerned mainly about rust and poor cosmetic repairs like bondo filling. I am ok w/ mechanicals, if it strarts and runs smoothly w/out any skips than I am OK, the rust and poor repair potential is sscary w/these cars.
I am available by phone days and early evenings East Coast time at 860-961-6087
Thanks
Josh
I am available by phone days and early evenings East Coast time at 860-961-6087
Thanks
Josh
abman
New Member
Josh,
At first the car looks real clean, but here are some things I noticed from the pictures posted. One of the pictures shows paint bubbles on the hood (rust) and another shows some bondo problem (most likely rust). Then it makes me think when did this car get re-painted and who did the painting. They missed painting a spot by water reservor. The interior had been re-worked with new uphostery, carpet, and new wood dash. Under the dash to the left of the steering wheel is missing the hatch cover that folds down. Both seats are missing knobs to fold the seat forward. The new carbs they installed are pressing into the insulation on the hood. The trunk is missing the tool box and uphosterery on the wheel wells. The gas tank has a big dent and looks like it might have some rust. The headlights are missing covers in the engine compartment.
But the car looks a whole alot better then mine.
Rob
At first the car looks real clean, but here are some things I noticed from the pictures posted. One of the pictures shows paint bubbles on the hood (rust) and another shows some bondo problem (most likely rust). Then it makes me think when did this car get re-painted and who did the painting. They missed painting a spot by water reservor. The interior had been re-worked with new uphostery, carpet, and new wood dash. Under the dash to the left of the steering wheel is missing the hatch cover that folds down. Both seats are missing knobs to fold the seat forward. The new carbs they installed are pressing into the insulation on the hood. The trunk is missing the tool box and uphosterery on the wheel wells. The gas tank has a big dent and looks like it might have some rust. The headlights are missing covers in the engine compartment.
But the car looks a whole alot better then mine.
Rob
I noticed the potemtial rust and bondo issues. I missed some of the other things, thanks. I guess it comes down to price. I looked at one in Massachusetts a few months ago that was in ROundel and had been the same owner for 15 years, but it was really a mess-though only $5K-and I just don't have the energy for a real mess. I am looking for a good solid driver for under $15k.
abman
New Member
Here is something that might help. If you have small digital camera w/flash you can get pictures in the wheel well and see if it has rust in the vent hole.
abman
New Member
Josh,
I just ran across this on 2002 forum.
http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,338082/
Rob
I just ran across this on 2002 forum.
http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,338082/
Rob
Another thing about the car, it has an aftermarket sunroof. The factory sunroof is about 20 percent smaller. How the interior headliner is configured also indicates this.
Thanks Folks,
I missed the sunroof, but I questioned the seam at the fender. I have seen where restorers are either messy or just use too much seam sealer. I did question the seller on this via email, but he didn't respond to that part of the question. I will keep looking.
I missed the sunroof, but I questioned the seam at the fender. I have seen where restorers are either messy or just use too much seam sealer. I did question the seller on this via email, but he didn't respond to that part of the question. I will keep looking.