New here

[Beeb294]

I posted this in the introductions forum, but figured I might get some additional traction posting over here.

Hey all,

I'm new here and possibly a soon-to-be Z3 owner. I wouldn't hate some advice if anyone has some.

A colleague is selling a '97 1.9 Z3, 5-speed 177k miles, has some cosmetic issues but is claimed to be in "great shape". Planning to go see it tonight, and I already have a checklist of items to look at and ask about. Working on getting the pictures to post here, but wondering if there's any advice that I should keep in mind. The seller is a guy who always seems particular about his stuff, so I am going in believing he has taken care of it (he's selling because he got a lower mileage Z)

Asking is 4,250 USD, only other noted issue is that the radio doesn't work (I don't know yet if it's a bad head unit or something else). I plan on dealing a bit, but thoughts on price?

 

[FRANKIE]

Welcome to the forum from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. My first Z was a '99 1.9 and I loved it. Rock solid cars. An engine you can't kill. Make sure you check for rust since you're up in NY. Look at the rocker panels under the door. Look for frame rust near the rear axel. I have a friend in upstate NY near Little Falls near Mohawk. Close to Herkimer. Has an old dairy farm. Any pics of the car yet? Keep us informed. Most of the members are in the UK. Any questions and someone will know the answer.........................Frankie PS. This pic is from Florida.

 

[FLZ_Boy]

Aside from general maintenance, I would look for:
1. Leaking powersteering hoses.
2. Rust forming in rear subframe area, particularly the rivets haven't seperated. You can open the trunk and remove the interior board (and flip the interior pieces closer to the soft top direction to get a better look). The 1.9L don't usually have problems with the rivets seperating, but rust can form around that area from leaky soft tops. You can get google images of the rivets to get a better idea.
3. Has any of the air and coolant hoses replaced. The air hoses i.e fuel idle air hoses can easily detriorate over time.

 

[vorcette]

You will love the car. I unfortunately am selling mine because its just been tucked away for a year on the trickle charger, but it really pains me. Don't be like me and make sure you hold onto it haha.

 

[Shelly]