I am thinking about buying a 96 I30 with some very minor collision damage. I am pretty sure I can get a good deal on the car, and I should be able to get get it repaired for pretty cheap too. The whole point would be for me to turn around and sell the car to make a profit. I don't want to have my money tied up in it forever, so I want to be able to sell the car pretty quick after I get it fixed.

I am trying to budget and make sure its a worthwile project. How much do you think I could get for a 96 I30 with a 110k miles provided it's in good condition? Assuming there are no mechanical issues and cosmetically the car will be fine inside and out. It's a gold on tan leather, no heated seats, auto, non Touring model. I know there are a few variables, so it's hard to get an exact price. Just wanted to get a couple opinions.

I was thinking that if I can be pretty certain that I can get $5500 for it (once I fix it) with a quick sale, then this project will be worth my time. What do you guys think? Is it pretty much a lock that I can get that much out of it? Let me know!! Sorry bout the long post by the way.

You can get $5500 for sure for that sweetie, i bought mine a year ago (I30 '96) in perfect condition, with 124K on it for $6200 ! Good luck pal !

I just bought a 96 I30 5 speed with 84k on it for $6300 a few months ago. the interior is perfect, and there are some minor things wrong on the exterior.

I don't think $5500 is unreasonable. Although I personally would not buy a car from someone who just buys cars, fixes them, then sells them. I don't know how many people out there feel the same as me, but it might make it a little harder to sell.

Mike, would you buy from a dealership?

I usually buy private party. And try to only buy 1 or 2 owner used cars. I would buy from a dealership if they can provide a decent history of the car. I usually walk away form cars that were bought at auctions or bought, fixed, and sold. It's hard to know the history of a car that way.
I am probably not like most people. It took me 6 months to find my I30. I like to buy private party, from people who haved owned the car for most of it's life, who keep all repair records and even oil change recipts. I like to see the sellers house and their other cars before I buy. If someone takes care of their other possesions it makes me feel more comfortable.
I have bought one lemon in my life, a 1995 T-bird, and that was form a dealership who could provide me know history of the car.

I'm selling my I30 with all the mods with it for 10k. 97k miles, with a tranny that was replaced with an OEM NEW tranny at 64k.