Hard work no but CDN $ isn't very favorable right now to € so it's going to cost that much more. Clean E30s are still worth money in EU..
Also FYI Right hand drive E30s don't drive as nice as LHD. It has to do with how the steering works around the exhaust manifold
You aren't finding a clean E30 here for 5k. A project yes but clean no. For something cleanish body and somewhat straight with so so mechanics 8k min. 10-12k for something nice but do expect some stuff not to work, oil leaks and by now all rubber gaskets needing replacement. I would be very concerned about rust especially around the base of the windshield/bulkhead.I checked JDM auctions and in the past few months e30's have sold anywhere between $500-$5000 and there aren't a ton of them. None of them were very attractive. If you're patient, you might get a nice one at a half decent price from Japan. Most are LHD.
Personally, I'd try to find one locally. E30's are still relatively affordable here, I don't think the cost of importing one is justified. You can probably find a clean one here for $5-$8k. Importing one, you'll probably pay close to the same then also have to deal with thousands in broker, transport and inspection fees anyway.
You aren't finding a clean E30 here for 5k. A project yes but clean no. For something cleanish body and somewhat straight with so so mechanics 8k min. 10-12k for something nice but do expect some stuff not to work, oil leaks and by now all rubber gaskets needing replacement. I would be very concerned about rust especially around the base of the windshield/bulkhead.
Lots of people like the idea of owning a classic car but want it to work like new which is impossible. Stuff like the stupid on board computer won't work, same goes for the A/C or sunroof. To me this is stuff isn't critical to the car.
These cars last rolled off the line almost 30 years ago... You are buying it for the experience not reliability or speed or rapid parts availability...
The price of a container back from Europe you are better off bringing two cars. The port fees don't change all the much. However CBSA is going to love you when it lands in Montreal and they say "1000$ decontamination fee per car because there is a small piece of mud on the fender"
You can ship to MTL for nearly the same price or less depending on line and sailing.Quick input, import cost is cheaper from jp to ca than from eu to ca. Selection in Japan for non-M3 E30s sucks as they are 99% auto unless thats your thing... Japanese shops are also masters at making garbage look great in pictures fyi. Just for that I'd go Europe and find a 325XiT or something else we never got even if it's pricier. Nearest port will be Halifax for pickup.
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