Question for the Pros. Buying a spares car


#1

Ok. So now that I experienced my first “accident” and sitting here fixing my car it seems buying a spares car makes a lot of sense, instead of buying individual parts all the time. I’ve been searching craigslist the past two weeks and it seems like finding a good IS car is pretty tough. Mine is a coupe, so I’d like to get a coupe (although I found a couple of 4 door cars). So there seems to be an abundance of 325ES cars for sale. I understand it’s a different motor, but as far as body goes I imagine they are pretty much the same, is that correct?

Any other suggestions? Should I pick up an ES car for 400-500 bucks or be patient and wait for a 325IS car?

Thanks,
Alex.


#2

If of similar vintage, the body parts from an e/es will fit your car. Ideally you’d want a coupe as a parts car, but most of a 4-door can be used.


#3

ukrbmw wrote:

[quote]Ok. So now that I experienced my first “accident” and sitting here fixing my car it seems buying a spares car makes a lot of sense, instead of buying individual parts all the time. I’ve been searching craigslist the past two weeks and it seems like finding a good IS car is pretty tough. Mine is a coupe, so I’d like to get a coupe (although I found a couple of 4 door cars). So there seems to be an abundance of 325ES cars for sale. I understand it’s a different motor, but as far as body goes I imagine they are pretty much the same, is that correct?

Any other suggestions? Should I pick up an ES car for 400-500 bucks or be patient and wait for a 325IS car?

Thanks,
Alex.[/quote]

How about this…You and I buy a parts car together and we keep it at your house?

In a related note: I have the usual house frontage to park stuff, but folks are picky. The gay Republicans (no, really) across the street are kind a high strung. If my trailer is out front for more then a day they’ll start complaining.

Their neighbor is the block problem. An early 20’s girl lives there with her mom the drunk. The girl has lots of loud parties and drunk party guests. Doesn’t wake me up, but everyone else complains. The only real contact I’ve had with the girl in years is when her boyfriend was beating her up in her front yard so I went over to say hello.

Apparently there was a party last night. One of the guests left a ratty pickup in front of the gay Republican’s house. They tolerated it for the morning but finally couldn’t stand it any more and called the police. “Help help there’s a truck in front of my house”.

Cop comes. Mom the drunk, daughter and the gay Republicans yelled at each other while the cop tried to keep them civil. Eventually cop washed his hands of the group and left. The group of them then spent the next 90min yellin and screaming, stomping off, slamming front doors, jumping in and out of cars, and yell/screaming some more.

It was a class act.

Did I go OT?


#4

Wrong thread.


#5

Your best bet would be to find a car that is the same model as yours. I picked up my 87is parts car for $800. Good motor, but bad auto. As the autos get older there will be more and more parts cars available. Your average E30 owner doesn’t know that auto transmissions are worth about as much as a tank of gas.

Keep looking they’re out there!!


#6

Hell, I only get $15 for an auto tranny…half a tank.

Al


#7

Damn Ranger, never a dull day, huh? :laugh:

That’s what I’ll do. Just need to be patient until I find the right car. In the mean time if anybody comes across an 87-88 325IS - let me know!