The price is alluring, but there's all kinds of rust around that left rear wheel well. At minimum you'll need to replace/patch that quarter panel. Is the other side the same way? I would get under the car and check the truck and floor pans for rot out. After sitting 5 years how is the suspension? More then likely the rubber bushings are cracked and have dry rot. Tires? If they've been sitting 5 years they'll probably need replacing. If you do buy it, anticipate dropping a bit more into it to make it road worthy. If you're going to fix the body anticipate dropping about another 5K - perhaps more if the trunk and/or floor pans need replacing.

 

I haven't had a chance to look under it yet but most of the rust is on the exhaust pipes which the left side does have a tiny leak but nothing too major. I think my neighbor said he will replace the bushings to get it to at least ride right. I'll check and see what rust there is. But honestly the trunk area and most of it look rust free so far.

 

First, if you have the $2500 then way not just take your z34 to the paint shop? Yes the 88 is a good buy for that price. But, as was said before, after sitting for 5 years, you are looking at the possibility of replacing anything Rubber! Tires and shocks are just the beginning. Radiator hoses, front end bushings, weather seals (especially around the T tops, belts, wires, all of this could be dry rotted. Your neighbor may completely take care of all of this, or he might just do what is needed to get rid of the car.
Sounds to me like you want a car you can drive right away, but you have your Z34. Sounds to me like it is reliable. Just isn't the prettiest. Invest your $2500 in it!
Then again, if you have your heart set on getting the 88 then you should! You don't want to be thinking What if, a year down the line when you see another 5th gen for $5000 when you could have gotten this one for $2500!
Either way, the 88 has a great price, and it may need little or no work. Check it out GOOD before you invest in it!

 

Think I would pass on the deal, might be buying a can of worms. Not that I'm against that gen monte, really do like them. However the age of the car, there for sure will be some issues under the car, suspension/brakes/steering/leaks..etc.... Put the money in your current ride, at least you know what you have.

 

i will buy that 88 if you dont want it! thats a steal, i would get a loan and have both and build some credit while you are at it