New member looking for some advice (z4 vs 350z)

[danish07]

Hi everyone, I'm new to posting on the forums but i've been lurking aroumd in the shadows for a couple of years now I know there're loads of members on PH with a wealth of knowledge and sage advice to offer, so I was hoping to get some help with a decision that's been crawling around in my head.

I've recently saved up enough to buy an 03/04 BMW Z4 3.0i or an 03/04 Nissan 350Z, both of which I like the look of. For the life of me though, I can't decide which one to go for. I've got my insurance quoted for both cars and I've found plenty of both of them for sale within my budget. Question is, do I go for the convertible or the coupe? I've been in both cars and they're both comfortable so I now turn to you all.....

......to make my decision for me


I've researched both cars and the only difference on paper, asides from the obvious lack of roof, is that the Z4 gives more miles to the gallon than the 350Z - but I dont want that to be the reason for my choice.

So everyone, please help me!


Dan

(PS: I didn't post in any Z4 or 350Z forums as I'm not really looking for a biased opinion, unless its useful of course)

[homerjay]

Have you driven either?

Do that and pick which one suites you.

Too close to call IMO, down to personal taste

[GlenMH]

Taking a look at the search function would be a good start - we have had a 10+ page thread on this topic recently....

[danish07]

@homerjay, Admittedly I havent had the opportunity to drive them for very log but I quite liked both of them - which is why I'm so conflicted. I know comparing them is difficult so any advice to swing me one way or the other would be appreciated

@glenMH, I've been through several relevant threads but I dont remember seeing any threads comparing the 2 directly. There're plenty of threads that compare them whilst comparing them to 2 or 3 other cars but they just got me more confused since they both seem to be the best of the best.

I guess my real issue is; roadster or coupe. Im sure that either way I'll have an amazing car and I know its down to personal choice but its so difficult to choose. I just want to buy both of them

PS: If I've completely missed the thread you were actually referring to....sorry! Could you point me in the right direction?

Edited by danish07 on Saturday 3rd July 19:52

[WhoseGeneration]

Could boil down to how long you intend to keep whichever you decide on and it's depreciation over that time, if such is of relevance to you.
Drive each again and let your heart decide, as it's so close.

[koolchris99]

i have an 03 z4 3.0, love it.

i drove both, (and slk, tt, s2000, z3, mx5, mr2) and i liked the z4 out of all of them.

looks good and goes quick, and i get 30+ mpg.

[Chris_w666]

Boxster S





Or more seriously drive both and decide, the 3.0 enging in the BMW is fantastic as are most of the other things about the car, but I have a real soft spot for the 350z.

[V8mate]

GlenMH said:

Taking a look at the search function would be a good start - we have had a 10+ page thread on this topic recently....

Here

[danish07]

so another test drive then? i suppose i could manage that!

To be honest, i enjoyed the z4 more thanks to the lovely weather we've had so i consider that test a bit biased...

i do intend to keep whatever i buy for a good few years so i guess the real question is, would both cars stand up to year long driving as my main car? Bearing in mind I dont intend to drive thousands of miles a month - would've bought one of those new A4 diesels in that case - just 6 to 8 thousand miles or so a year

[Steamer]

I joined with a similar opening question..

but it was Boxster V's 350z

What ever you do, dont let anyone tell you the Z4 looks like a Clown's shoe... because once you notice the similarity it could put you off for life!

Seriously though, if you still can't make your mind up after driving them, its time to look at the less interesting questions:

How long are you planning on keeping the car? How many miles will you be putting on them? How often will you be driving them?

For me the z4 would stay 'special' longer, ie: play car at the weekends. But the 350 would win if it was going to be a daily drive.

[danish07]

@steamer
clown's shoe? i dont see the resemb........no, not thinking about it, not visualising it at all......i'm thinking it looks like a shark. an angry manly shark....yes....must think shark......

I like your "stay special longer" assessment of the z4, but is that only if i keep it as a weekend car? wouldn't the 350z be just as special if i only sat in it every other week? just out of interest, why would you say the 350z would be better for daily driving? the z4 is more economical...

@glenMH
thanks for the link. I actally did read through that particular thread but it was referring to the z4 coupe, completely different beast to the roadster Although that thread does make me wonder about the 335i,shame i cant afford a nice one of those....yet

[Steamer]

danish07 said:

@steamer
clown's shoe? i dont see the resemb........no, not thinking about it, not visualising it at all......i'm thinking it looks like a shark. an angry manly shark....yes....must think shark......

I like your "stay special longer" assessment of the z4, but is that only if i keep it as a weekend car? wouldn't the 350z be just as special if i only sat in it every other week? just out of interest, why would you say the 350z would be better for daily driving? the z4 is more economical...t

honestly, take what I said with a pinch of salt, that's just how I feel about them both. I don't know why really, but I would almost feel a bit guilty putting a load of miles on a z4

but the 350z I wouldn't feel so bad about doing a daily commute in.

If it was my money, I would buy a boxster s - use it once / twice
a week for small business trips or weekends and live in fear of bearing failure.

[Chris_w666]

Steamer said:

If it was my money, I would buy a boxster s - use it once / twice
a week for small business trips or weekends and live in fear of bearing failure.

Same here, but I'd block the fear.

[crofty1984]

If you buy the coopay, you'l be bumed out every time it's a nice day and you've not got the roof down.
Z4 it is.

[danish07]

ah, but will I be cursing the fates when its not a nice day?


I've had a look at the boxster s and yes it is an amazing car but, i'd only be able to afford the 02 model or earlier, which is on par with the z4 and the 350z. so might as well go with the one that ppl will look at and not be inclined to say "so couldn't afford a 911 eh?"

[Steamer]

danish07 said:

ah, but will I be cursing the fates when its not a nice day?


I've had a look at the boxster s and yes it is an amazing car but, i'd only be able to afford the 02 model or earlier, which is on par with the z4 and the 350z. so might as well go with the one that ppl will look at and not be inclined to say "so couldn't afford a 911 eh?"

sorry I know we are going a bit off topic with the boxster chat, but that's what's on my shopping list at the moment, and yes I've thought about the 'arr so you can't afford a 911 eh?' people... And I'd be inclinded to say one of two things to those people:

a. Yes, That's pretty much why I own a boxster and not a 911!

b. fk em

as for the 364 days of the year that it's not sunny: hard top boxster! I think they look awesome.

[Chris_w666]

danish07 said:

ah, but will I be cursing the fates when its not a nice day?


I've had a look at the boxster s and yes it is an amazing car but, i'd only be able to afford the 02 model or earlier, which is on par with the z4 and the 350z. so might as well go with the one that ppl will look at and not be inclined to say "so couldn't afford a 911 eh?"

Change the headlights and I doubt most people would know if the car was a 986 or 987 unless they have a pork flavoured beard. As for the couldn't afford a 911 comments they come from A4 drivers, people who know what Clarkson tells then and 911 owning beards who refuse to believe anything cooled by water is not a proper Porsche.

Even the 2.7 will feel more special than the 350z or the Z4 while not being as quick it still isn't what could be classed as slow.

[WhoseGeneration]

danish07 said:

ah, but will I be cursing the fates when its not a nice day?


I've had a look at the boxster s and yes it is an amazing car but, i'd only be able to afford the 02 model or earlier, which is on par with the z4 and the 350z. so might as well go with the one that ppl will look at and not be inclined to say "so couldn't afford a 911 eh?"

Oh dear, now another car could be considered, apart from your feelings about the perceptions of others?
Just ignore others and go for the car that truly gives you the most pleasure.
Be you.

[cheadle hulme]

V8mate said:

GlenMH said:

Taking a look at the search function would be a good start - we have had a 10+ page thread on this topic recently....

Here

How is a turbo charged 335i coupe anything like a z4 3.0???

Anyway, the Nissan is cheaper/more raw. The Beemer is more quality/more slick/less raw.

Add in the Boxster as others have said, think about an S2000 too.

Comes down to what you want. Those Nissans depreciate for a reason though...

[danish07]

i do like the idea of having something slick.....

it seems asking for advice is a double edged sword..... i have more options now than i started with