£8k sportscar - S2000/350Z/Boxster/Z4?
Discussion
I'm looking for something fun to replace my aging Saab Aero, and in the £8k range there's a lot to choose from. Something that'll turn ~25mpg on a motorway run that's not going to break the bank to service/maintain would fit the bill, and obviously needs to be fairly quick. Rag top not essential. Something that's comfortable enough to do long journeys in too.
Short list I've come up with is as follows, so I'm keen to hear people's thoughts on the following please:
S2000 - sounds like a good all-rounder, though maybe a bit noisy on the motorway, and potentially lacking in torque; especially when compared to my current turbo'd barge.
Boxster S - running costs?
350Z - thirsty?
Z4 - not sold on the looks.
Have also considered an early XK/XKR, but discounted it due to thirst and potential running costs. An MX-5 would be fun, but not quick enough, and an Elise/VX220 not comfortable enough for daily driver duties. Though I'd love a TVR, I've already got a weekend car to spend my spare time mending!
At the moment I'm swaying towards the 350Z.
Short list I've come up with is as follows, so I'm keen to hear people's thoughts on the following please:
S2000 - sounds like a good all-rounder, though maybe a bit noisy on the motorway, and potentially lacking in torque; especially when compared to my current turbo'd barge.
Boxster S - running costs?
350Z - thirsty?
Z4 - not sold on the looks.
Have also considered an early XK/XKR, but discounted it due to thirst and potential running costs. An MX-5 would be fun, but not quick enough, and an Elise/VX220 not comfortable enough for daily driver duties. Though I'd love a TVR, I've already got a weekend car to spend my spare time mending!
At the moment I'm swaying towards the 350Z.
I've had all three of those cars in the last eighteen months.
I didn't like the z4 very much. It was a tiptronic but the power delivery was very strange
The 350z I really really liked
I now have a nice boxster and it's as least as quick as the other two, but it handles better . ( I will be selling the boxster soon)
If I had to choose it would be between the boxster and the 350z, and I think the boxster is an overall better car all round
I didn't like the z4 very much. It was a tiptronic but the power delivery was very strange
The 350z I really really liked
I now have a nice boxster and it's as least as quick as the other two, but it handles better . ( I will be selling the boxster soon)
If I had to choose it would be between the boxster and the 350z, and I think the boxster is an overall better car all round
I was making this decision 12 months ago, and after driving a few, went with an s2000. Deciding points were good sized boot (relatively speaking) for a daily driver, and Honda reliability/service costs.
That said, I would have gone for a 987 boxster if my budget would have stretched at the time.
That said, I would have gone for a 987 boxster if my budget would have stretched at the time.
I had this same decision this time last year...10 months later, the Z4 I still deem a wise move. PS - I wasnt sold on the Z4 looks either, but it really grew on me, always liked the rear but was lukewarm about the front of it. I love it to bits now though 
Check my profile for running costs, a shade under 30,000 miles in 10 months so far.
Check my profile for running costs, a shade under 30,000 miles in 10 months so far.
Me and a couple of friends ran a 2000 W plate Boxster S a couple of years ago and it truly was a great car to drive, quick enough and relativly decent on fuel etc. My only negative was the other running costs - tyres/general maint etc as we seemed to have to spend a fair old whack (500+) every 6 months or so on one thing or another. Just something to bear in mind, they may seem good value to buy but I would budget for some decent sized bills at MOT time. All in all tho a fantastic drive, and pretty good on the track too.
There isnt really a bad 'un among the list you give (including the "additionals" but the Jag XK is out of place among the sports cars).
I'd probably sway towards the Boxster (and I'd buy one myself if it wasnt for my wife's desire to get a 911 - oh, shame). I once remember reading on an MX5 forum that they were the only significant way to step up from an MX5 without losing the sweet balanced character they have. Z4s don't ride well enough, but that could be due to the runflats, and 350Zs are heavy in the nose, but both are good, well made, and fun to drive.
I'd be looking for a 2.7 Boxster on the standard wheels, personally.
Edited: They ARE expensive to maintain, though. A major structural crossmember has to be moved to properly get at the engine. Changing spark plugs is not easy, and I've seen thrashed ones with expensively mangled gearboxes - buy a good one, preferably from some chap who uses driving gloves.
I'd probably sway towards the Boxster (and I'd buy one myself if it wasnt for my wife's desire to get a 911 - oh, shame). I once remember reading on an MX5 forum that they were the only significant way to step up from an MX5 without losing the sweet balanced character they have. Z4s don't ride well enough, but that could be due to the runflats, and 350Zs are heavy in the nose, but both are good, well made, and fun to drive.
I'd be looking for a 2.7 Boxster on the standard wheels, personally.
Edited: They ARE expensive to maintain, though. A major structural crossmember has to be moved to properly get at the engine. Changing spark plugs is not easy, and I've seen thrashed ones with expensively mangled gearboxes - buy a good one, preferably from some chap who uses driving gloves.
Edited by fozzymandeus on Sunday 4th March 05:49
Trying to decide between a Z4 3.0i or an S2000 myself. Leaning towards the Z4 but finding a manual with sports seats and nav is tricky! Not driven one yet but I understand the 3.0 engine is a peach, just wonder if it's a proper driver's car. S2000 prices are all over the place, there appear to be some bargains out there but perhaps for a reason. Never been into the 350z, and scared off by Boxster running costs (expected and potential)!
When you get your z4 (it's the right choice) ditch the run flats, remove the foam from the sound generator and chuck an exhaust on it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo7PqH71zZQ&fea...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo7PqH71zZQ&fea...
edc said:
Just been through a similar process and bought a 986 Boxster S. Prices are on the rise though so buy fast!!
Prices on the rise? I have been tracking them for 4 years and they continue to tumble - the upcoming 981 will ensure they they continue the downward trend and a decent 987 S will be sub £10K very soon.I will be waiting here when it happens...
RatLad said:
Prices on the rise? I have been tracking them for 4 years and they continue to tumble - the upcoming 981 will ensure they they continue the downward trend and a decent 987 S will be sub £10K very soon.
I will be waiting here when it happens...
I agree they have been on the downward trend for a while, which is a good thing for us buyers.I will be waiting here when it happens...
RatLad said:
edc said:
Just been through a similar process and bought a 986 Boxster S. Prices are on the rise though so buy fast!!
Prices on the rise? I have been tracking them for 4 years and they continue to tumble - the upcoming 981 will ensure they they continue the downward trend and a decent 987 S will be sub £10K very soon.I will be waiting here when it happens...
I had an 04 plate (revision) S2000 for 4 1/2 years and it was an awesome machine. I have a 370z now and enjoy that equally as much. You'll not notice no difference in fuel if your driving on motorway but you'll use a bit more on normal roads.
I have a banger for daily drive in winter months but for summertime I used to use the s2 as daily driver and road noise isn't an issue if you enjoy the driving. There are loads of opportunities to knock it down a cog and use the vtec so if you get used to it (from a turbo) you'll enjoy it.
My money would be on the S2000, 350z or Boxster. I think they're all equally nice cars in their own right.
If your leaning towards 350z then do your homework because there are quite a few variants with the latter ones offering more bhp and higher revs.
I have a banger for daily drive in winter months but for summertime I used to use the s2 as daily driver and road noise isn't an issue if you enjoy the driving. There are loads of opportunities to knock it down a cog and use the vtec so if you get used to it (from a turbo) you'll enjoy it.
My money would be on the S2000, 350z or Boxster. I think they're all equally nice cars in their own right.
If your leaning towards 350z then do your homework because there are quite a few variants with the latter ones offering more bhp and higher revs.
z4chris99 said:
When you get your z4 (it's the right choice) ditch the run flats, remove the foam from the sound generator and chuck an exhaust on it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo7PqH71zZQ&fea...
Any more photos of it with the hard top on? Is it a BMW part and decently weather proof? It's a shame these cars are mostly convertibles as I really don't want the top down!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo7PqH71zZQ&fea...
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