6 Mile a day fun weekend car for £7k

[callywally18]

Hello all,

I am currently in the process of retraining as a Marine Engineer, so having to get rid of my other vehicles and get a cheaper motor to commute in and save a few quid while I am training.

But if course this does not mean I have to give in to a boring 1.0 eurobox.

I will only be doing around 6/7 miles a day commuting and then using the car for a bit of fun at the weekends, so fuel economy really isnt an issue.

Would love a nice sounding engine, so probably something more than a 2.0. So far I have come up with:

- 350z
- Z4 of a 3 litre guise

I am not overly keen on FWD, so have ruled out a Focus ST.

My past vehicles have been:

- Audi TTS
- 335d
- Abarth 595
- MR2
- MX5
- RX8
- Alfa Spider

Any help is appreciated!

[Murdoc]

I've had a 3.0 Z4 for the past 5 years and I've been struggling to work out what to buy next.
It's on 159k and gives me no trouble, enjoyable drive on 17" non-run flats, run flats can be harsh. My brother had a 350Z for a couple of years (recently replaced with an NC BBR200 MX-5), the 350Z always felt more lethargic when driving back to back. The 350Z does feel 'different' given the heavy controls, the Z4 feeling a bit more conventional, you may like the way the 350Z feels. Worth driving both. The same road/drive the Z4 will get about 4mpg more, if that's important.

EDIT: For reference Z4 is the M54 230bhp, 350Z is the early 280bhp. bhp/tonne for both was about the same. For your money you would be looking at the higher bhp versions of both cars.

Edited by Murdoc on Thursday 11th July 19:03

[Mr Tidy]

About 5 years ago I was looking for something similar, but as soon as I drove a Z4 Coupe I knew I had to get one so didn't look at anything else! Although a 350Z had been a possibility up to that point.

You ought to be able to get a facelift model with that budget. Pre-facelifts are designated 3.0i and have 231PS, facelifts are 3.0Si and have 265PS as they use a later engine design.

5 years on I've still got one, and love how the engine performs - not many naturally aspirated straight 6 engines around now with a 7,000 rpm red-line!

But trying both would definitely be the best plan before you decide - even if I didn't!

If you do go for a Z4 try to find a Sport model, rather than an SE, so you get the very desirable M-Sport seats.

Either way, happy hunting.

[cerb4.5lee]

I've driven a 350Z and I currently have a 370Z and I used to have a Z4M. Both are lovely cars and I think you will enjoy either, I do personally prefer the 350Z though because I've always preferred the way a V6 engine sounds compared to a straight 6 engine.

[callywally18]

Thanks for the responses so far guys, I think the Z4 would be the coupe as much prefer the look of them.

Is there any other models people think I may be missing? I will arrange to go see some local Z4's, however for some reason the insurance is a far slice more than a 350z and anything else I have ever insured, so this may shape my decision between the 350z and Z4.

Any other ideas? Something like a large engined saloon also appeals to me, for no real reason, just think they are pretty cool.

[james_gt3rs]

If you liked your MR2 and MX5, try a Boxster?

[callywally18]

I have looked at them, but wasnt sure if its a disaster waiting to happen at my price bracket?

As I am not going to have a lot of disposable income, I wouldnt really want a car that is more likely to throw up big bills than something more run of the mill.

I could be completely wrong though.

[SWoll]

I like the look of this.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Below budget, history sounds good and looks absolutely mint unlike a few others at that price.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd be going for the 350Z it's a better steer imo than the Z4 & it doesn't run out of suspension travel when pressing on & with 7k to play with you'll be able to land a good one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[cerb4.5lee]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd be going for the 350Z it's a better steer imo than the Z4 & it doesn't run out of suspension travel when pressing on

Also agree with this and the ride/suspension on my Z4M were its weak link(don't know if the Z4 is a bit better though). The 350Z/370Z don't suffer from the same problem imo.

[ZX10R NIN]

They all suffer with this the standard Z4's suffer with this more than the M version.

[DoubleD]

https://youtu.be/-WBFegO-s6E

5th gear did a good test between the 2 cars