Planning to purchase this Euro 3.0Csi

adawil2002

adawil2002

Well-Known Member
Site Donor $$
Messages
5,279
Reaction score
3,180
Location
Brunswick, Maine
As one who can tell a lot about a 2002 from pictures. I'm hoping someone can do it with this 1973 3.0 CSi regarding what's right/wrong for the year of the car. Although labeled a '75 in the description, it was built June 27, 1972.

Currently doing a pre-purchase inspection. The car is local to me and I've spoken to a previous owner several times. Borrowed it for a day long test drive. It has passed my usual 'deal breakers' and 'red flags'

Any feedback is appreciated.

http://ayereuropeanauto.com/database/detail.php?id=480&

Andrew Wilson
Vern-1973 2002Tii
 
Those pictures don't give you much to go by. It would have been nice if they would have included some pictures of the engine bay and also the rear trunk and spare tire areas. Looks like they changed the description and are now calling it a 1973. Luckily it doesn't have the front and rear reflectors added which were added to my 1974 3.0 csi when it was "federalized" after being imported to the states.
 
Welcome to the vice.

The day long loaner is a great thing, need to explore the rust situation or history given the Euro/east coast roots. Maybe keep getting day loans over the course of a year...

Unclear if Ayer restored the car or is just selling it.

The headlights are the US version, Hellas would be better for originality/illumination.
The speakers are not original and unnecessary when the car has no radio...
The persian rugs also have to go for multiple reasons.
A 5-speed tranny swap would eventually be nice if you do highway, and easier to do than if it were automatic.
The rims, mirror, and other trim look correct for the 72 manufacture date. There are opinions on the front kidney grill, I prefer the other version, and also black vs. silver side grilles for a given paint color.

Wood looks nice, minus some strange inidcator inserted on the left side wood panel.

I will not comment on price to keep it simple.
 
maybe it's the light but it looks like the front passenger fender was resprayed below the trim line? Check for rust in the usual places as noted on this forum.
 
Stevehose said:
maybe it's the light but it looks like the front passenger fender was resprayed below the trim line? Check for rust in the usual places as noted on this forum.
Click to expand...

The car has been resprayed, not the greatest job, yet presentable as a driver. It was owned by Heywood May for a number of years. It has been maintained by mechanics I know, trust and who know me personally. They are going through it thoroughly.
 
Arde said:
Welcome to the vice.

The day long loaner is a great thing, need to explore the rust situation or history given the Euro/east coast roots. Maybe keep getting day loans over the course of a year...

Unclear if Ayer restored the car or is just selling it.

The headlights are the US version, Hellas would be better for originality/illumination.
The speakers are not original and unnecessary when the car has no radio...
The persian rugs also have to go for multiple reasons.
A 5-speed tranny swap would eventually be nice if you do highway, and easier to do than if it were automatic.
The rims, mirror, and other trim look correct for the 72 manufacture date. There are opinions on the front kidney grill, I prefer the other version, and also black vs. silver side grilles for a given paint color.

Wood looks nice, minus some strange inidcator inserted on the left side wood panel.

I will not comment on price to keep it simple.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much. So the interior looks right for the period.

Ayer is just selling, it used to be owned by a co-owner of the shop, Heywood May, so they probably did some work on it in the past.

Planning on getting a period Blaupunkt, like in my 2002.

A 5-speed is on my to-do list. Have one in the 2002Tii, best upgrade.

I have to research grill colors on Fjord, since that's a matter of preference.
 
John S said:
Those pictures don't give you much to go by. It would have been nice if they would have included some pictures of the engine bay and also the rear trunk and spare tire areas. Looks like they changed the description and are now calling it a 1973. Luckily it doesn't have the front and rear reflectors added which were added to my 1974 3.0 csi when it was "federalized" after being imported to the states.
Click to expand...

I know it's not much to go on. When I had it for the day I only took one picture. And it's no help what so ever.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1753.jpg
    IMG_1753.jpg
    85.9 KB · Views: 173
FWIW mine is 72 Polaris with all silver front grill with silver hood and fender grilles and I prefer the chrome vs. black look.

It looks comfortable in your garage next to your '02!
 
adawil2002 said:
I know it's not much to go on. When I had it for the day I only took one picture. And it's no help what so ever.
Click to expand...

Good combo. I saw that picture when you posted it over on the 2002FAQ. I too am a 2002 tii and 3.0 csi owner. If you can, please post a picture of the engine compartment. Does the car have the original D-Jetronic injection? If so, that's a good thing in my opinion. I'm very happy with the original D-Jet setup on my car. Also, do you know whether it has a Limited Slip Differential or not? All good things to find out before purchase. Good luck,
John

PS, I just noticed that the wiper arms are on the wrong sides. The one with the air-foil thingy should be on the drivers side, not the passenger's side.
 
Last edited:
John S said:
...

PS, I just noticed that the wiper arms are on the wrong sides. The one with the air-foil thingy should be on the drivers side, not the passenger's side.
Click to expand...

Good catch, but it is already fixed in the picture in the garage!

BTW, that garage is pretty wide, how about adding an E24 also?
 
Arde said:
Good catch, but it is already fixed in the picture in the garage!

BTW, that garage is pretty wide, how about adding an E24 also?
Click to expand...

It's pretty cluttered, the picture is hiding all this...already need a lift.
 

Attachments

  • Stable of cars.jpg
    Stable of cars.jpg
    98.8 KB · Views: 158
  • Messy Garage.jpg
    Messy Garage.jpg
    94.1 KB · Views: 153
I feel the need to apologize for not having copiously detailed pictures of the car. I borrowed it as a loaner, I was interested but not serious. That changed on my twisty drive home, I was interested. When my wife drive it back to the shop she said "I've got to have this"...so here we are.
 
if you like the car, buy it. period...
 
adawil2002 said:
The car has been resprayed, not the greatest job, yet presentable as a driver.....
Click to expand...

This doesn't necessarily mean that its hiding anything bad, but sub-par paint jobs ALWAYS raise a red flag for me and makes me check everything else out that much closer. If the paint isn't great, are there other things done with the same "un-greatness"? 8-)

Dan
 
dang said:
This doesn't necessarily mean that its hiding anything bad, but sub-par paint jobs ALWAYS raise a red flag for me and makes me check everything else out that much closer. If the paint isn't great, are there other things done with the same "un-greatness"? 8-)

Dan
Click to expand...

The paint passes my 'red flag' alarm.

The paint looks good and does present well. It's not a schlock amateur respray, most of what bothers me would go unnoticed by the casual observer, when negotiating a price, any flaw, as we all know, is a negotiation tool.

There is some hairline crazing on the hood in the clear coat noticeable by some dried wax. Someone detailed the car with an orbital buffer with grit on the pad, so there are noticeable swirls on the roof, which while it is splitting hairs, is a pet peeve.

Inspection is scheduled for Monday at 1 pm so the mechanic and I can pick it apart.

I will post pictures.
 
adawil2002 said:
The paint passes my 'red flag' alarm.

The paint looks good and does present well. It's not a schlock amateur respray, most of what bothers me would go unnoticed by the casual observer, when negotiating a price, any flaw, as we all know, is a negotiation tool.

There is some hairline crazing on the hood in the clear coat noticeable by some dried wax. Someone detailed the car with an orbital buffer with grit on the pad, so there are noticeable swirls on the roof, which while it is splitting hairs, is a pet peeve.

Inspection is scheduled for Monday at 1 pm so the mechanic and I can pick it apart.

I will post pictures.
Click to expand...

Sounds good! As always, opinions are always relative to ones standards. I buy cars for a living and talk to a lot of private parties when purchasing their cars. I don't know how many times I've heard "there's a small ding in the quarter panel, which ends up being the size of a basketball!".
 
Ice pick

I would take the car to one of the old BMW master body shops. in the Bay Area. You will be amazeds at what they will find with a Ice Pick. Sad but true.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top