Which car should I buy?

[walterg]

Hey everyone

Just wondered if you could give me a bit of advice. I'm looking to buy a car and can't decide which car to buy. I've been thinking mainly about either a BMW Z4 Coupé, Mercedes Benz SLK or Audi TT Coupé. I may yet decide to be sensible and get an Audi A3 or Volvo C30 though.

I don't do a lot of long distance driving so it doesn't have to be the best drive on the planet, although it's obviously preferable that it's fun to drive. I'm pretty shallow so want to impress the ladies and also clients - image is important! I'm not comfortable driving larger vehicles, hence I'm looking at relatively small ones.

I'm currently leaning towards the Z4 but having trouble settling on a decision - if anyone has any words of wisdom about the cars I've mentioned, or wants to suggest another car altogether, I'd really appreciate it!

Cheers

WG

[walterg]

P.S. Probably should have mentioned that my budget is around 16-17k, although I'd prefer to keep it down to a few k less if I went for a more sensible option like A3 etc.

[walterg]

P.P.S. Looking at second hand, obv

[Ruskie]

Z4 3.0 all the way.

[impmo]

How about an s3...the "image" is there and it wil be a fun drive...I would probably go Z4 though!

[walterg]

Thanks guys, I'm leaning towards the Z4 but my wallet thinks otherwise! I've looked at S3s and they do look like very good cars, however the prices are only 2-3k lower than what you can get a Z4 for, so it's a bit of a no brainer I think! Difference in tax/insurance wouldn't be that huge either. So I think Audi-wise the sensible alternative would be an A3. On the BMW front, the alternative is probably a 1 Series Coupe but they're quite new so pretty expensive - thus it's a similar situation to the S3, except that the 1 Series Coupe seems very cheap to run (and also seems relatively pants).

[pilchardthecat]

The S3 is a dreary thing.

[FRA53R]

I've sat in a few new audis when in the showroom and I found the clutch far too high compared to the other pedals put me straight off the S3 for sure. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed that with current Audis.

[S Line Luxury]

got to be an audi

[David87]

For me the the Z4 would be an easy choice! Saying that, I do think the facelifted C30 is a lovely looking car if you wanted more practicality.

[alfabadass]

Hi, I bought a TT a month ago and love it. Best of all is that it is extremely practicle! I just helped a friend move and with the rear seats down, it was as good as my last car thanks to its hatchback. Plus lots of space inside and the interior is/was best of its generation!

Although I love the Z4 and would have it over the TT but not for the price difference!

[rfn]

Out of those three I'd be after a Z4 Coupe.

Very well specced, low mileage cars are just about in budget: i.e. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1744517.htm

[Sticks.]

For driving enjoyment, I'd go for the Z4 over the TT, though the TT is more practical. The 3.0 Z4 is a much lower tax band than the 3.2 TT, and about 10% better mpg, though the TTS is better. But then do you wnt a 6 cyl or 4 pot turbo? TT is based on a VAG (Golf?) floorpan, and feels like it imo.

[walterg]

Thanks for all the advice guys, really appreciate it! Seems the popular vote is for the Z4 Coupe. One more question - anyone know if they're ok with speed bumps?

[Sticks.]

I've not encountered any problems, taken with reasonable care. Btw, try an auto, superb.

[walterg]

Cheers Sticks! Autos are more expensive to run, right? They certainly seem a little more expensive to buy from those I've seen.

[Sticks.]

Yes, slightly less mpg. I was thinking if you see one which is otherwise spot on but auto, don't ignore it. I wouldn't go back to a manual now as with the auto you've got slushy auto, sporty auto and sporty sequential modes. If your use includes city centre driving it'd be better imo.

Either way I don't think you'd be disappointed. I've had mine 6 years, still love it, would have another one easily. Not much goes wrong, only rfts are a pain, though more recent ones are better I read and seats are either not that supportive on the SE or a bit-narrow-for-some on the Sport. Have a look at both.

Lots of friendly advice here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/

[Digger]

If a cab were of interest then this would be a no-brainer!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1818011.htm