350z, z4, boxster?

[Jepmar]

I know a similar topic has been covered recently, though slightly different models- I am considering getting a two seater sporty car, manual, 200bhp+ and in the region of 6-8k. This would be a daily driver however not commuting far thus comfort not so important. Similarly prices examples are as follows:

Nissan 350z, 2004, 78k miles, £6,495
I would go for the hard top, this is close to the top of my list at present. Though a heavy GT type car it does have in the region of 280bph, sounds beastly and they appear to hold their value very well.



BMW z4 3.0, 2005, 69k miles, £6,595
I would prefer 3.0 option in this car, practical(ish) and nimble.



Porsche Boxster S 3.2, 2000, 76k miles, £6,490
This is only a car I have considered as of late - price appears low for these? however as you can see a later model (2000) is available at this cost. The engine is difficult to access and I worry about repair costs being close to the cars value if anything went wrong? how risky is this?




These are the main three I would like to focus on, however I know there are others such as S2000.

Which would you go for?

Edited by Jepmar on Thursday 26th February 12:24

[trowelhead]

Z4 for me love them. Fun to drive, good mpg, fairly reliable.

You could even get a 3.0si face lifted model in budget with decently low mileage.

Interior on the z4 would be nicer than both others IMO, esp with sports seats.

[Pebbles167]

There are loads of Pro's and Con's to each when it comes to Daily Living.

But in terms of performance, give this video a watch. All three are in a track test together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0gkgYRHs0U

[mikal83]

I'm in a sort of similar position except I'm just looking for a fair weather summer car....is it too early to buy a rag top??

I dont like the z3/4 but do like the boxster....even thought about an xk8 but have decided that it'll be too big in my garage with the other 2 cars and my bike. Another thought....please dont LOL, but I think a well cared for/sorted MGTF is a viable alternative............

[vtecyo]

I'm in the same position. Going to test drive all 3 and a few others (E46 M3 mainly) but an swaying towards the 350Z. The noise you can get with a couple of hundred quid is mesmerising.

[mikal83]

Report back asap............

[edc]

mikal83 said:

I'm in a sort of similar position except I'm just looking for a fair weather summer car....is it too early to buy a rag top??

I dont like the z3/4 but do like the boxster....even thought about an xk8 but have decided that it'll be too big in my garage with the other 2 cars and my bike. Another thought....please dont LOL, but I think a well cared for/sorted MGTF is a viable alternative............

I'm on my second Boxster. Both have been 2nd cars and in that price range. My colleague also then bought a Boxster and another colleague bought an XK8. Jag has had frequent issues with electrics and gearbox. If you want an armchair cruiser the XK8 could be for you.

[mikal83]

mmmmm that phrase. armchair cruiser made me cringe. I am turning away from the XK purely on size, the runabout civic would have to sit outside, sooo. There was just enough room for the 3 cars abreast in my garage, the C5, then the MGB/Chim then the civic. So the new 3rd car would sit in the middle. I had sort of set my eyes on a TF, but crikey they are small, as I only had sort of 2k cash. BUT then the porker idea popped into my tiny head and I've seen a few tasty one online.

http://www.classic-chrome.co.uk/cars/porsche-boxst...

FSH and warranty. Whats YOUR thoughts onit

[mikal83]

have good laugh at this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0gkgYRHs0U

[edc]

mikal83 said:

mmmmm that phrase. armchair cruiser made me cringe. I am turning away from the XK purely on size, the runabout civic would have to sit outside, sooo. There was just enough room for the 3 cars abreast in my garage, the C5, then the MGB/Chim then the civic. So the new 3rd car would sit in the middle. I had sort of set my eyes on a TF, but crikey they are small, as I only had sort of 2k cash. BUT then the porker idea popped into my tiny head and I've seen a few tasty one online.

http://www.classic-chrome.co.uk/cars/porsche-boxst...

FSH and warranty. Whats YOUR thoughts onit

Marmite colour. Advert doesn't state anything about replacement parts etc but the ad leads you to think it's in good condition and well maintained.

[mikal83]

Agree on the colour. BRG ONLY works on old MG's etc but its sort of darker and imho, perhaps in differant light...could look nice.

it does look good I must admit. The price is right for me, the warranty is a major tick in the box V buying private....But I am in Cornwall!

[mikal83]

My problem is this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MGF-TF-1-8-160-BHP-SI...

Price/mileage/condition etc versus another 4k for a porker!!!

[Dakkon]

Just be mindful that the fuel economy on the 350Z is around 24mpg with mixed driving

[mikal83]

Dakkon said:

Just be mindful that the fuel economy on the 350Z is around 24mpg with mixed driving

And in the Japanese test...........which was a laugh....the Z was at the back.

[vtecyo]

mikal83 said:

And in the Japanese test...........which was a laugh....the Z was at the back.

Soft top version mind...

[Eddh]

I had the same dilema as you about 3 years ago and ended up with a s2000. I've just bought a 911 and if I were to do it again I might consider the boxter a bit closer.

The s2000 was fantastic and I really liked it but I'm not sure that after owning the 911 that a Boxter S might have been a better bet...

[LordGrover]

Not counting the willy waving and moar powr pub discussions, what has track performance to do with an everyday car?
Take them out and drive them, preferably including your commute/regular journeys - you'll know OP.

[Jepmar]

edc said:

I'm on my second Boxster. Both have been 2nd cars and in that price range. My colleague also then bought a Boxster and another colleague bought an XK8. Jag has had frequent issues with electrics and gearbox. If you want an armchair cruiser the XK8 could be for you.

What are the common faults & associated costs on a boxster of this age? (2000) I must admit this would probably turn more heads than the other two options, non-PH neighbors would probably think I had won the lottery.

Not a fan of the XK8, though the XKR is pushing some serious numbers.

[MDMetal]

If it's any help from an aesthetic uniqueness POV there's very few red 350's around I own one and I've only ever seen one other red one in 4 years Quite a head turner! I've the invidia true dual exhaust and high flow cats and it sounds amazing

Ownership costs seem straight forward, the exhaust I replaced when the cats went (could have just replaced them I guess but where's the fun) otherwise nothing else. When it was bought the CV joint was failing and I had the dealer replace it with a new Nissan one and all's good. 2004 plates are taxable for 250 odd quid a year as it's before the tax hike, later models are 500 odd a year.

Edited by MDMetal on Thursday 26th February 12:31

[mikal83]

OH had a 320 SLK 2001 model. Was def a "girlies" car.....sorry but it is....went like stink but the exhaust noise was so quiet. The newer 350 SLK is a bit more "butch".