All - thanks for the kind support and guidance, very much appreciated. I knew posting on the forum would provide me with a feel for the car and best approach.
I will take the advice onboard, I agree maintenance is the key. As you all know any car goes through a stage when they are so cheap to buy they get run into the ground or with BMWs end up wrapped around a tree. The black 4star car was essentially a one owner car with great service history, I wasnt phased by the 90k on the clock, I just missed the boat and it sold. I would have bought that without a doubt.
Question: how much maintenance are these cars? Im running a BMW E28 1986 528i and a E36 1995 convertible. I was looking for a retro V8 which wouldn't require massive time with me working on it? Got 3 motorcycles as well, and a young family. Im a mechanical engineer so more than happy tinkering with cars, but im looking for something to take to my local independent garage once a year for a service? is this going to be a) a money pit? b) a part time job?
Answering the questions:
@tintin
- Budget is open, really depends on condition & Spec. Ceiling would be 11-12k, this is another toy
- "within reason" I stated this as in the past ive travelled 3hrs to go look at a lemon advertised as a diamond! Based in woking, if the engagement with the owner feels right id travel upto Leeds/Manchester for one. Aberdeen/Shetland is a stretch!
- Test drove this one (
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12726052), 66k miles, but it wasn't as good as it looks and didnt have alot of service history. Dealer gave me BS story that it was enthusiast owned, no one who cares about cars puts nexan tyres on them.
MikkiJayne - keep me posted on the car, I will look you up on the forum! Im kind of set on a post face lift for the increase in engine output. do you have an post facelift car for sale?