Advice on new car 11k budget

[sb157]

Hi everyone, long story short - I'm 22, just finished university so I've still got the car I've had since I was 17, I'm looking to upgrade to a new car for around £11,000.

I want something pretty sporty and cool, currently looking at something like a 2009 BMW z4, 3L, automatic, coupé. I literally know nothing about cars, so I'd like to ask you guys if you think there is a better option within this price range and why?

If it's relevant, the car needs to last me around 2 years until I upgrade again.

Thanks in advance for your input .

[richatnort]

Have you looked at insurance for fast cars because you'll be surprised at how much that's going to cost you.

For example i'm 26 and looked at a z4 when i was 25 i had no accidents, no points, live in a safe area, etc and the cheapest insurance was £1800 for a year.

So a big chunk of cash will be taken up in that and car tax will be £500 a year also.

[sb157]

richatnort said:

Have you looked at insurance for fast cars because you'll be surprised at how much that's going to cost you.

For example i'm 26 and looked at a z4 when i was 25 i had no accidents, no points, live in a safe area, etc and the cheapest insurance was £1800 for a year.

So a big chunk of cash will be taken up in that and car tax will be £500 a year also.

Yeah I've looked, it's not a problem! Thanks for the heads up though

[Jefferson Steelflex]

sb157 said:

I want something pretty sporty and cool, currently looking at something like a 2009 BMW z4, 3L, automatic, coupé.

sb157 said:

I literally know nothing about cars

Yep.

Actually, not bad cars but there's a massive choice when you define sporty and cool. How about a steer on your requirements for seats, boot, equipment, mileage.

The 3l Z4 is a quick car, the auto kills it a bit so I'd be keen to know why that's a criteria. Is that all you can drive?

[sb157]

Jefferson Steelflex said:

Yep.

Actually, not bad cars but there's a massive choice when you define sporty and cool. How about a steer on your requirements for seats, boot, equipment, mileage.

The 3l Z4 is a quick car, the auto kills it a bit so I'd be keen to know why that's a criteria. Is that all you can drive?

Thanks for that haha, I currently drive a manual so I could have a manual car but I prefer auto purely for the luxury of it I guess? I've driven a few autos(Brother's audi R8, another Z4 and a rangerover) and I loved them (Burn the witch, right? ).

Are there any other similar cars for that price range? I looked at a porsche boxster and a honda S2000, but I much preferred the styling of the Z4 (especially the coupe).

I definitely want a 2 seater, not really bothered about boot//equipment//petrol consumption!

[anonymous-user]

An Alfa Brera/Spider V6 might fit the bill, lovely looking things with very nice interiors and great GT cars

[Yiliterate]

Depends on your definition of cool, but the Merc equivalent of the BMW you're considering has a folding hard-top roof as its party-piece:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

[sb157]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for! Now I just have a difficult decision to make haha

[Bordtea]

sb157 said:

Hi everyone, long story short - I'm 22, just finished university so I've still got the car I've had since I was 17, I'm looking to upgrade to a new car for around £11,000.

I want something pretty sporty and cool, currently looking at something like a 2009 BMW z4, 3L, automatic, coupé. I literally know nothing about cars, so I'd like to ask you guys if you think there is a better option within this price range and why?

If it's relevant, the car needs to last me around 2 years until I upgrade again.

Thanks in advance for your input .

I'm 23, and last year bought a 2007 BMW Z4 3.0Si roadster. Absolutely cracking car, and the insurance only worked out aorund £500 comp (with the nodding dog...). However, what I will say is please ensure you get the manual! The auto box on that gen car is sluggish, but the manual box is one of the best I've ever driven. Put on a ZHP or preferably Stormwerks weighted gear knob and the shift feels wonderful.

Have since changed to a 2010 Megane RS250 and very much miss the Z4!

[anonymous-user]

sb157 said:

Hi everyone, long story short - I'm 22, just finished university so I've still got the car I've had since I was 17, I'm looking to upgrade to a new car for around £11,000.

I want something pretty sporty and cool, currently looking at something like a 2009 BMW z4, 3L, automatic, coupé. I literally know nothing about cars, so I'd like to ask you guys if you think there is a better option within this price range and why?

If it's relevant, the car needs to last me around 2 years until I upgrade again.

Thanks in advance for your input .

Have you considered a PCP for a 2-3 year period?

Was always one for outright purchase but some of the deals if you look hard are very impressive.