Would a Z4 Coupe be a good upgrade for me?
Discussion
OK, very un-PH I know, but I've really started to wonder whether I wouldn't mind an Auto one of these 
The purist in me says "TRD get a bloody grip man!!"
However, I have read that the auto is a very good gearbox, and I do spend a lot of time driving in urban environments, and although I do like to hoon, this probably only happens some of the time (like 20% or less).
Apparently in the auto you can stick it in some kind of "manual/sport" mode, and change gear yourself with the stick or paddles and it won't change gear itself unless you are nearing the red-line.
I know it does go against the whole sports car ethos, but given that the Z4 isn't really a raw sports car, more of a GT, I think it could work! What do you guys think? I'd like a test drive really, but its hard enough finding ANY Z4C anywhere near me, let alone a manual and auto to try.
The purist in me says "TRD get a bloody grip man!!"
However, I have read that the auto is a very good gearbox, and I do spend a lot of time driving in urban environments, and although I do like to hoon, this probably only happens some of the time (like 20% or less).
Apparently in the auto you can stick it in some kind of "manual/sport" mode, and change gear yourself with the stick or paddles and it won't change gear itself unless you are nearing the red-line.
I know it does go against the whole sports car ethos, but given that the Z4 isn't really a raw sports car, more of a GT, I think it could work! What do you guys think? I'd like a test drive really, but its hard enough finding ANY Z4C anywhere near me, let alone a manual and auto to try.
Nice ∆∆∆
It's looking like a two horse race at the moment between this and another 350Z, the latter has entered the fray due to the cost of entry being significantly lower and the reliability of the Datsun is second to none really... Though I appreciate the z4 is reliable too, but I've read of a few people who have had typical BMW niggles.
I dunno perhaps the z4 is indeed a better car but I can get a reasonable Datsun for under £6k, so it has to be worth consideration right?
It's looking like a two horse race at the moment between this and another 350Z, the latter has entered the fray due to the cost of entry being significantly lower and the reliability of the Datsun is second to none really... Though I appreciate the z4 is reliable too, but I've read of a few people who have had typical BMW niggles.
I dunno perhaps the z4 is indeed a better car but I can get a reasonable Datsun for under £6k, so it has to be worth consideration right?
Wills2 said:
That car is well over 8 years old the issues over that period have been :
Broken spring (one)
Slight oil weep from gearbox (ZF6 suto)
Alarm having a few moments
All pretty normal but other than that just servicing costs, yes the 350z is cheaper but I think the Z4C has bottomed out and I can't see them losing much money, but perhaps the same can be said of the 350z
I think both cars have pretty much bottomed out these days... the Z's don't seem to be any cheaper than they were about 3 years ago when I had one... well obviously the later ones are as they still had some depreciating to do. Even so an immaculate HR 350Z can be had for £10K now (309 bhp and 7,500 rpm red line).Broken spring (one)
Slight oil weep from gearbox (ZF6 suto)
Alarm having a few moments
All pretty normal but other than that just servicing costs, yes the 350z is cheaper but I think the Z4C has bottomed out and I can't see them losing much money, but perhaps the same can be said of the 350z
So having thought about this for a while I've decided that spending 10k on a 10 year old car is not for me, so I've been looking at the older models, looks like you can get a nice early 3.0 for under 5k which I think is as much as I'm willing to spend on something of that sort of age. I know the m54 isn't as good as the n52 but I'm willing to put up with that. Compared to other cars of their type these seem a bit of a bargain. Safe enough buy?
Thanks for the thoughts. I'm assuming that the Z4 Roadster doesn't have the same issue with the tailgate being a completely different setup? Also, your comment on the noise is interesting; I used to have a 350Z and loved the way it sounded, was hoping the Z4 could compete there, but if not, that for me is quite a drawback (and I really don't want to have to spend additional money making it sound as good as that was).
ker would be ignored.Happy xmas PHers 
OK, so last night, this was uploaded, £10K - maybe a smidge overpriced I don't know, and checking its MOT history it failed on a fair few things in recent years, and currently looks as though it might need brake pipes and discs replacing (unless they've been done, I've not been in touch yet). The good thing is, its close to home, so I can finally drive one, hopefully!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
OK, so last night, this was uploaded, £10K - maybe a smidge overpriced I don't know, and checking its MOT history it failed on a fair few things in recent years, and currently looks as though it might need brake pipes and discs replacing (unless they've been done, I've not been in touch yet). The good thing is, its close to home, so I can finally drive one, hopefully!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
TR4man said:
I don't want to discourage you, as I love my Coupe and use it as almost a daily driver, but that one appears overpriced.
In April this year, I paid £10k for mine from a dealer with 42,000 miles, fitted sat nav (OK, it's not brilliant but works well enough) piano black dash, and champagne nappa leather.
At least it is one that you could drive to see if you like it, but I'd not want to pay more than £9k max for that.
Have you joined the http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/ yet. There are often cars for sale advertised on there.
I thought that might be the case. Mainly though it may be good just to get a test drive to see if I gel with the car.In April this year, I paid £10k for mine from a dealer with 42,000 miles, fitted sat nav (OK, it's not brilliant but works well enough) piano black dash, and champagne nappa leather.
At least it is one that you could drive to see if you like it, but I'd not want to pay more than £9k max for that.
Have you joined the http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/ yet. There are often cars for sale advertised on there.
Well I have my eye on one, and it looks fairly likely that as long as I get a loan I've got one lined up to buy (unfortunately its over 5 hours away on the train). Thanks for TR4man (and hilly10) for the heads up on that one. If it looks like its a go-er I'll get some pics posted!
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Saturday 26th December 20:14
Mr Tidy said:
Congratulations!
Hope all goes well with the MOT, and time doesn't drag too much until Saturday!
Thanks Hope all goes well with the MOT, and time doesn't drag too much until Saturday!
apparently it passed the mot with no advisories so I'll popping down for it Saturday as long as our "great" public transport system doesn't let me down! (seriously over 5 hours to get to Cardiff on a train from Newcastle?!). Smuler said:
No! don't go straight back up the motorway, enjoy some of our great Welsh roads on the long way back 
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/very-best-...
I might be up for that if it doesn't add too much to the journey home and it takes me out say near Liverpool, and its not snowing or flooded! http://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/very-best-...
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff