350Z/370Z, Z4C, Z4 35i, 135i/335i, XKR/XFR, Monaro, or...?
Discussion
I think I'm now after something with more luxury and refinement, and preferably an engine with at least 6 cylinders (5 would also be acceptable, though). I'm feeling drawn to cars with a more muscular vibe, something that just has a bit more of a special feel, and just as nice to drive slow as drive quickly.
XKR absolutely nails this brief more than any other car on your list IMO. We spoke in the Z4 thread recently on this and obviously I have some bias given I'm a new owner but I had similar criteria to you.
Everybody loves it, people complement it all the time, easily more than any other car I've had. I'm a fan of fast saloons but an XFR/3 series/similar will not feel anywhere near as special when you're pottering around at 30mph.
Budget could be a bit tight, but not by too much.
XKR absolutely nails this brief more than any other car on your list IMO. We spoke in the Z4 thread recently on this and obviously I have some bias given I'm a new owner but I had similar criteria to you.
Everybody loves it, people complement it all the time, easily more than any other car I've had. I'm a fan of fast saloons but an XFR/3 series/similar will not feel anywhere near as special when you're pottering around at 30mph.
Budget could be a bit tight, but not by too much.
Patrick Bateman said:
I think I'm now after something with more luxury and refinement, and preferably an engine with at least 6 cylinders (5 would also be acceptable, though). I'm feeling drawn to cars with a more muscular vibe, something that just has a bit more of a special feel, and just as nice to drive slow as drive quickly.
XKR absolutely nails this brief more than any other car on your list IMO. We spoke in the Z4 thread recently on this and obviously I have some bias given I'm a new owner but I had similar criteria to you.
Everybody loves it, people complement it all the time, easily more than any other car I've had. I'm a fan of fast saloons but an XFR/3 series/similar will not feel anywhere near as special when you're pottering around at 30mph.
Budget could be a bit tight, but not by too much.
Ah yes I remember now, you got bored waiting for the right z4c at the right price.XKR absolutely nails this brief more than any other car on your list IMO. We spoke in the Z4 thread recently on this and obviously I have some bias given I'm a new owner but I had similar criteria to you.
Everybody loves it, people complement it all the time, easily more than any other car I've had. I'm a fan of fast saloons but an XFR/3 series/similar will not feel anywhere near as special when you're pottering around at 30mph.
Budget could be a bit tight, but not by too much.
How you finding it at the moment?
In terms of budget I might be able to stretch a bit for the right car, but it would have to be the right car.
Alternatively, I wonder if I'd feel short changed if the budget had to drop and I looked towards an n/a XK 4.2 instead? It's quite down on power but some people have made compelling cases for going for one over the XKR. I just don't want that feeling that I should have stretched and got the real deal!
TameRacingDriver said:
Ah yes I remember now, you got bored waiting for the right z4c at the right price.
How you finding it at the moment?
In terms of budget I might be able to stretch a bit for the right car, but it would have to be the right car.
Alternatively, I wonder if I'd feel short changed if the budget had to drop and I looked towards an n/a XK 4.2 instead? It's quite down on power but some people have made compelling cases for going for one over the XKR. I just don't want that feeling that I should have stretched and got the real deal!
Looks a lot of car for <£9kHow you finding it at the moment?
In terms of budget I might be able to stretch a bit for the right car, but it would have to be the right car.
Alternatively, I wonder if I'd feel short changed if the budget had to drop and I looked towards an n/a XK 4.2 instead? It's quite down on power but some people have made compelling cases for going for one over the XKR. I just don't want that feeling that I should have stretched and got the real deal!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302013...
Ultimately I think everyone would want an XKR over an XK8. If they where the same money, nobody would say I'll go for the slower less grunty one. The only reason people do is price (and condition for used cars).
But don't let this worry you too much. Even the 4.2 n/a V8 is still a pretty quick car when all said and done. Best bet would be to go and drive one and see what you think.
But don't let this worry you too much. Even the 4.2 n/a V8 is still a pretty quick car when all said and done. Best bet would be to go and drive one and see what you think.
300bhp/ton said:
Ultimately I think everyone would want an XKR over an XK8. If they where the same money, nobody would say I'll go for the slower less grunty one. The only reason people do is price (and condition for used cars).
But don't let this worry you too much. Even the 4.2 n/a V8 is still a pretty quick car when all said and done. Best bet would be to go and drive one and see what you think.
Yes no doubt.But don't let this worry you too much. Even the 4.2 n/a V8 is still a pretty quick car when all said and done. Best bet would be to go and drive one and see what you think.
The question here is do you risk an XKR at the bottom of the pile vs a good XK8 at the top. Is the difference in cars worth the risk?
The X150 appeals and I can understand you wanting something different. Get a V8 and enjoy before its too late. I'm actually looking for a nice NC, BBR a bonus, but don't want to wait a couple of months.
A car that remains under most peoples radar is the BMW 650. Much quicker than the XK8 but can't match a XKR. I owned one completely trouble free from 55k to 80k miles and it was a superb daily driver. I've also owned a 350Z and imo the beemer is in another class in terms of performance, comfort, build quality and refinement. And the ladies love the look of them. Your budget should get you one of the very best lower mileage ones out there. Just be warned that because they are under the radar resale needs patience. I've read they can have problems with oil stem seals and oil leaks so you'd need to do a bit of homework.
In fact I've been tempted by this convertible version but think the seller might have attitude!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212282...
A car that remains under most peoples radar is the BMW 650. Much quicker than the XK8 but can't match a XKR. I owned one completely trouble free from 55k to 80k miles and it was a superb daily driver. I've also owned a 350Z and imo the beemer is in another class in terms of performance, comfort, build quality and refinement. And the ladies love the look of them. Your budget should get you one of the very best lower mileage ones out there. Just be warned that because they are under the radar resale needs patience. I've read they can have problems with oil stem seals and oil leaks so you'd need to do a bit of homework.
In fact I've been tempted by this convertible version but think the seller might have attitude!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212282...
TameRacingDriver said:
Ah yes I remember now, you got bored waiting for the right z4c at the right price.
How you finding it at the moment?
In terms of budget I might be able to stretch a bit for the right car, but it would have to be the right car.
Alternatively, I wonder if I'd feel short changed if the budget had to drop and I looked towards an n/a XK 4.2 instead? It's quite down on power but some people have made compelling cases for going for one over the XKR. I just don't want that feeling that I should have stretched and got the real deal!
It's fantastic, absolutely no regrets even if it likes too much booze. Petrol ain't going to get much cheaper though and I wanted another V8 before they're all a bit too old. FWIW I got mine for £11k at smidge over 100k miles.How you finding it at the moment?
In terms of budget I might be able to stretch a bit for the right car, but it would have to be the right car.
Alternatively, I wonder if I'd feel short changed if the budget had to drop and I looked towards an n/a XK 4.2 instead? It's quite down on power but some people have made compelling cases for going for one over the XKR. I just don't want that feeling that I should have stretched and got the real deal!
I haven't driven the N/A 4.2 so can't offer a direct comparison (mine also has a 10% reduction pulley on it so it'll be quicker than standard) but I'd take the extra 120bhp for slightly worse fuel economy. What sort of miles do you do?
I don't know what sort of figures mine is actually putting out but I pinned it in second last week and at about 4500rpm it felt like someone had ignited a rocket, genuinely got a bit of a fleg. Seemed noticeably quicker than my old 2001 M5 which was no slouch itself.
Certainly in the 'this is definitely quick enough' category for sheer speed thrills and I'm confident that wouldn't be the case with the N/A car.
Edited by Patrick Bateman on Tuesday 7th February 18:03
coldel said:
Yes you are looking at good XKs at 10k or bottom of the barrel XKRs
Its that thing where you wonder what you are missing out on.
You need that same view that you got on the Z4C that its 80% of a Z4MC but 50% of the price. You need something similar here.
The situation is similar I guess, but with the Jag, without having any experience, it would seem that the XK is maybe 75% of the car for 75% of the price, unlike the M car that costs double it's lesser brethren. That said, it can still offer the all important V8 noise, but I have a feeling I would probably prefer to stretch to an XKR. There doesn't seem as though there'd be a massive difference in running costs either?Its that thing where you wonder what you are missing out on.
You need that same view that you got on the Z4C that its 80% of a Z4MC but 50% of the price. You need something similar here.
SFTWend said:
The X150 appeals and I can understand you wanting something different. Get a V8 and enjoy before its too late. I'm actually looking for a nice NC, BBR a bonus, but don't want to wait a couple of months.
A car that remains under most peoples radar is the BMW 650. Much quicker than the XK8 but can't match a XKR. I owned one completely trouble free from 55k to 80k miles and it was a superb daily driver. I've also owned a 350Z and imo the beemer is in another class in terms of performance, comfort, build quality and refinement. And the ladies love the look of them. Your budget should get you one of the very best lower mileage ones out there. Just be warned that because they are under the radar resale needs patience. I've read they can have problems with oil stem seals and oil leaks so you'd need to do a bit of homework.
I have considered the 650i but my mate had a 645i and he liked it but he thinks I would prefer the Jag and says it would be more reliable too. One to bear in mind, so thanks!A car that remains under most peoples radar is the BMW 650. Much quicker than the XK8 but can't match a XKR. I owned one completely trouble free from 55k to 80k miles and it was a superb daily driver. I've also owned a 350Z and imo the beemer is in another class in terms of performance, comfort, build quality and refinement. And the ladies love the look of them. Your budget should get you one of the very best lower mileage ones out there. Just be warned that because they are under the radar resale needs patience. I've read they can have problems with oil stem seals and oil leaks so you'd need to do a bit of homework.
Patrick Bateman said:
It's fantastic, absolutely no regrets even if it likes too much booze. Petrol ain't going to get much cheaper though and I wanted another V8 before they're all a bit too old. FWIW I got mine for £11k at smidge over 100k miles.
I haven't driven the N/A 4.2 so can't offer a direct comparison (mine also has a 10% reduction pulley on it so it'll be quicker than standard) but I'd take the extra 120bhp for slightly worse fuel economy. What sort of miles do you do?
I don't know what sort of figures mine is actually putting out but I pinned it in second last week and at about 4500rpm it felt like someone had ignited a rocket, genuinely got a bit of a fleg. Seemed noticeably quicker than my old 2001 M5 which was no slouch itself.
Certainly in the 'this is definitely quick enough' category for sheer speed thrills and I'm confident that wouldn't be the case with the N/A car.
Thanks Patrick, interesting impressions. I don't think £11k is too bad to be honest, about the same as a decent Z4C Auto! I haven't driven the N/A 4.2 so can't offer a direct comparison (mine also has a 10% reduction pulley on it so it'll be quicker than standard) but I'd take the extra 120bhp for slightly worse fuel economy. What sort of miles do you do?
I don't know what sort of figures mine is actually putting out but I pinned it in second last week and at about 4500rpm it felt like someone had ignited a rocket, genuinely got a bit of a fleg. Seemed noticeably quicker than my old 2001 M5 which was no slouch itself.
Certainly in the 'this is definitely quick enough' category for sheer speed thrills and I'm confident that wouldn't be the case with the N/A car.
I don't think the petrol would be too concerning, I can't see myself going over 5K miles a year and it's probably less in all honesty. I've done about 4K in the MX5 this year, and that included the 300 mile journey home. Obviously it would be a pain if I had to commute in it, but I suppose I'd have to cross that bridge when if / when it comes.
I would tend to agree that the R will give the performance to back up the looks, the standard 4.2 is probably no quicker than a Z4 3.0Si really, which was certainly not a slow feeling car, but the Z4 is a good 300 kg lighter too with only 30 bhp less.
Very tricky trying to decide sometimes.
I look at the XKR but just wonder is it the type of car you would want to jump in and go for a weekend blast in?
I’m looking to buy a weekend toy later this year and can’t really decide myself.
Front runner is an Elise at the moment but I can’t help looking at the Jags.
I know the Jag is more of a GT car but the noise it makes alone makes it appealing to me as a big V8 fan.
I look at the XKR but just wonder is it the type of car you would want to jump in and go for a weekend blast in?
I’m looking to buy a weekend toy later this year and can’t really decide myself.
Front runner is an Elise at the moment but I can’t help looking at the Jags.
I know the Jag is more of a GT car but the noise it makes alone makes it appealing to me as a big V8 fan.
TameRacingDriver said:
Belle427 said:
I’ve owned a Chim, not something you have thought about?
I have thought about it, yes, but I wanted a Coupe.In saying that...I wouldn't wish the stress of TVR ownership on anyone to be honest.
cerb4.5lee said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Belle427 said:
I’ve owned a Chim, not something you have thought about?
I have thought about it, yes, but I wanted a Coupe.In saying that...I wouldn't wish the stress of TVR ownership on anyone to be honest.
I've looked at them but do prefer to get the roof off where possible.
Have to say I am reading up on the Jag X150. £10k is a massive struggle I think for an XKR, must be concerns around bills just around the corner on those at the bottom of the pile with 130k+ miles on. Although having googled a few modified ones, a slight lowering and spacers and it looks every inch a supercar.
TVRs I think you have to go in eyes wide open on the ongoing costs. As much as they looks and sound amazing.
I am wondering if the XK8 is the sweet spot, great choice of options, V8. Lovely.
I was tempted by a BMW 650i at some point back in time, I think its such a departure from the lighter more nimble cars I am used to. That in itself is a problem if I wanted to give it some beans. Think I would take a Jag over that for pure theatre and looks but appreciate the costs are there too for the Jag in purchase price.
I was at a meet on Sunday and saw a Renaultsport Megane 250 cup or similar, looked super nice actually I was plenty surprised. Although its FWD and 4pot.
TVRs I think you have to go in eyes wide open on the ongoing costs. As much as they looks and sound amazing.
I am wondering if the XK8 is the sweet spot, great choice of options, V8. Lovely.
I was tempted by a BMW 650i at some point back in time, I think its such a departure from the lighter more nimble cars I am used to. That in itself is a problem if I wanted to give it some beans. Think I would take a Jag over that for pure theatre and looks but appreciate the costs are there too for the Jag in purchase price.
I was at a meet on Sunday and saw a Renaultsport Megane 250 cup or similar, looked super nice actually I was plenty surprised. Although its FWD and 4pot.
Belle427 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Belle427 said:
I’ve owned a Chim, not something you have thought about?
I have thought about it, yes, but I wanted a Coupe.In saying that...I wouldn't wish the stress of TVR ownership on anyone to be honest.
I've looked at them but do prefer to get the roof off where possible.
cerb4.5lee said:
It is a shame that the Cerbera isn't in your budget I reckon, and I remember a time when they were down to around £10k.
In saying that...I wouldn't wish the stress of TVR ownership on anyone to be honest.
Bit in bold - In saying that...I wouldn't wish the stress of TVR ownership on anyone to be honest.
- seriously though, I don't think that would be for me then as I get quite fed up with cars that need a lot of attention. I just want to drive the bloomin things.To be honest Lee I reckon a Trev might have been a no brainer but for the scary maintenance and running costs, I don't mind the chim but not 100% on it. That said, might be a struggle to get into one for 10k anyway.
coldel said:
Have to say I am reading up on the Jag X150. £10k is a massive struggle I think for an XKR, must be concerns around bills just around the corner on those at the bottom of the pile with 130k+ miles on. Although having googled a few modified ones, a slight lowering and spacers and it looks every inch a supercar.
TVRs I think you have to go in eyes wide open on the ongoing costs. As much as they looks and sound amazing.
I am wondering if the XK8 is the sweet spot, great choice of options, V8. Lovely.
I was tempted by a BMW 650i at some point back in time, I think its such a departure from the lighter more nimble cars I am used to. That in itself is a problem if I wanted to give it some beans. Think I would take a Jag over that for pure theatre and looks but appreciate the costs are there too for the Jag in purchase price.
I was at a meet on Sunday and saw a Renaultsport Megane 250 cup or similar, looked super nice actually I was plenty surprised. Although its FWD and 4pot.
I know what you mean about the budget. I might be able to get into one for 10k but who knows what bills might be lurking around the corner, and the extra money I'd have to put in over my mx5 means I wouldn't have loads left to spend if that happened, which would put me in a state of anxiety I think. Same with the tvr too.TVRs I think you have to go in eyes wide open on the ongoing costs. As much as they looks and sound amazing.
I am wondering if the XK8 is the sweet spot, great choice of options, V8. Lovely.
I was tempted by a BMW 650i at some point back in time, I think its such a departure from the lighter more nimble cars I am used to. That in itself is a problem if I wanted to give it some beans. Think I would take a Jag over that for pure theatre and looks but appreciate the costs are there too for the Jag in purchase price.
I was at a meet on Sunday and saw a Renaultsport Megane 250 cup or similar, looked super nice actually I was plenty surprised. Although its FWD and 4pot.
The Xk8 does look ok but I'm definitely not as sold on the looks of that, looks a little pipe and slippers for me.
The Mégane is probably the only FWD car that interests me, and I've thought about them a few times now.
I had to go out in my MX5 this morning though and despite the fact the bloody thing was sliding around like an eel on the greasy roads this morning, it did get under my skin again a bit. The fact is, it's a known quantity, doesn't owe me any money, and I could spend some on it to bring it up to my standards, is another option.
The fact is, I'm considering this because I feel like I'm a bit bored with cars and driving generally but I reckon it's just because of the crap weather over winter, I've not used it much and started getting itchy feet. Another PHer on another thread I've started recently on this topic commented that if the mx5 doesn't owe me anything then why sweat it, even if it gets used a couple of times a month only, so what?
I'm starting to question the logic of ploughing more money to try and pique my interest again, and as it seems that the cost of entry into most of the cars on my list seems to start at 12k for non ropey examples, this would obliterate all my savings and I'd then be hoping that nothing went wrong otherwise I'd be back to getting into debt for a car again, and I really, really don't want to go there again. It feels liberating having a car that's yours and owes you nowt.
Damn my fickle, never happy brain
The 4.2 NA is a good car imho, and quick enough, I suppose it depends what kind of performance you're expecting. My Mrs has one and it's her first "proper" car, hence not going for an R, as the previous fastest thing she had was half the power etc, and she's not much for fast driving.
That said, even 2 up and full of luggage it should be 150hp/ton, and I find that to be fine for road enjoyment. It's a good engine to rev out, and with a well programmed gearbox it never feels sluggish with one exception - the 65-80mph push on a busy motorway, where it's just lacking a bit of torque and needs to kick down to get a decent shuffle on.
Most of the time if I'm driving in this sort of traffic I'll stick the car in manual and drop it to 5th to nudge the revs up a smidge,, and it's spot on.
Its natural cruising speed on the motorway seems to be about 85-95 and it'll lope along quite happily at that. Mixed use we're getting high 20s mpg and it'll do up to about 35 on a gentle cruise.
The only thing I can suggest would be to drive one - you'll probably know within a few miles if it's for you. If you're in the NW you're welcome to drive ours, although it's a leggy example at 130k miles it drives very well and really shrugs it off.
That said, even 2 up and full of luggage it should be 150hp/ton, and I find that to be fine for road enjoyment. It's a good engine to rev out, and with a well programmed gearbox it never feels sluggish with one exception - the 65-80mph push on a busy motorway, where it's just lacking a bit of torque and needs to kick down to get a decent shuffle on.
Most of the time if I'm driving in this sort of traffic I'll stick the car in manual and drop it to 5th to nudge the revs up a smidge,, and it's spot on.
Its natural cruising speed on the motorway seems to be about 85-95 and it'll lope along quite happily at that. Mixed use we're getting high 20s mpg and it'll do up to about 35 on a gentle cruise.
The only thing I can suggest would be to drive one - you'll probably know within a few miles if it's for you. If you're in the NW you're welcome to drive ours, although it's a leggy example at 130k miles it drives very well and really shrugs it off.
Thanks krikkit, it's really starting to look as though my options are really go for the XK 4.2 N/A route, or go for another option on my list, or even potentially postpone the idea until I have more money.
Interesting about the N/A struggling somewhat between 65-80 in top, as even my MX5 seems to despatch that benchmark reasonably quickly for what it is, and it's not exactly built for the motorway, although in every other respect it's obviously going to be far less pleasant in that scenario, but then it's rare I'm ever on a motorway so...
As for my performance expectations, my mx5 is going to be a similar power to weight ultimately (it's 176 bhp / tonne) , but I imagine it'll feel quicker at low speeds due to the lower gearing and the rest it's about half a ton lighter. It doesn't need to be a rocket ship but at the same time, I'm questioning why I wouldn't want big power in a big car like that.
Not really sure where I'm going with this now, but I will say I hope nobody thinks their advice has been a waste of their time, because quite the opposite, it's been fantastic advice and is really helping me to make my mind up what to do.
Interesting about the N/A struggling somewhat between 65-80 in top, as even my MX5 seems to despatch that benchmark reasonably quickly for what it is, and it's not exactly built for the motorway, although in every other respect it's obviously going to be far less pleasant in that scenario, but then it's rare I'm ever on a motorway so...
As for my performance expectations, my mx5 is going to be a similar power to weight ultimately (it's 176 bhp / tonne) , but I imagine it'll feel quicker at low speeds due to the lower gearing and the rest it's about half a ton lighter. It doesn't need to be a rocket ship but at the same time, I'm questioning why I wouldn't want big power in a big car like that.
Not really sure where I'm going with this now, but I will say I hope nobody thinks their advice has been a waste of their time, because quite the opposite, it's been fantastic advice and is really helping me to make my mind up what to do.
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