| if it's at a dealership, have the techs run a compression and leakdown test on the engine. See if the car has a full service history.
have the techs check the bushings.
Go over the entire car for rust (particularly in the static panels [one's that cant be unbolted and replaced])
These cars CAN be very reliable, but it all depends on the maintenance kept by the previous owner. Most people beat them and put them away wet which can lead to problems.
Enginewise, the only problems I ever see is oil starvation in high g-corners... they make a cheap bolt on oil pan baffle that solves the problem (more or less...)
The transmission is bulletproof.
The chassis is just as strong as a standard E30 (meaning it could come out of a close range bomb blast without much damage)
The interiors are solid. My E30 325iS rattles less than my friends' new BMWs, Audis and VWs.
Not to mention, they are one of the most visceral fully enclosed cars you will ever have a chance to drive on this continent. |