Should I buy an early Z4 3.0?
Discussion
Currently have an early Clio 197, strong on miles, have had a few issues recently which have knocked my confidence in the car. The Clio is used for a bit of everything, track days, business use, etc.
I do have a small child but occasions when all three of us are in the car are few and far between, plus we have other 4 seat cars that I can use occasionally for that. With this in mind I am considering changing for a 2 seater, possibly either an S2000 / Z4 / Boxster. Budget is limited so whatever I change for will date from the early 2000's.
Whatever I buy needs to be presentable, reliable, capable of 30+MPG, comfortable enough to be able to do 400+ miles in a day on occasion, and robust enough for track day use.
Is there anything significant to watch out for on early Z4's? Does anyone who has one have an opinion on the alternatives mentioned?
I am assuming that depreciation on any of these should be pretty light from this point in their lives?
Perhaps I should just be looking at a late E46 / early E90 330d and get something cheap and cheerful for track use?
Any opinions gratefully received, thanks for reading.
I do have a small child but occasions when all three of us are in the car are few and far between, plus we have other 4 seat cars that I can use occasionally for that. With this in mind I am considering changing for a 2 seater, possibly either an S2000 / Z4 / Boxster. Budget is limited so whatever I change for will date from the early 2000's.
Whatever I buy needs to be presentable, reliable, capable of 30+MPG, comfortable enough to be able to do 400+ miles in a day on occasion, and robust enough for track day use.
Is there anything significant to watch out for on early Z4's? Does anyone who has one have an opinion on the alternatives mentioned?
I am assuming that depreciation on any of these should be pretty light from this point in their lives?
Perhaps I should just be looking at a late E46 / early E90 330d and get something cheap and cheerful for track use?
Any opinions gratefully received, thanks for reading.
Have a look on www.Z4-forum.com There is a buying guide done by one of the members,a good place to learn all about Z4's.They will do 30 mpg, and are good on track with nice handling.They are stiffly sprung and are quite dreadful on runflats,but most take them off.They have a loyal following and are pretty robust.Happy looking.
Hey Flash,
I bought a 2004 manual 3.0 Z4 a month ago and so far its been great. I manage 31mpg according to the trip computer and have also checked that out at each fill up and yep it works out at 31mpg. Definitley worth having a look at the Z4 owner's forum, lots of useful advice on there. The "Sound Generator" mod is defintely worth doing!
I have found the Z4 to be a comfortable cruiser that can change into a noisey fun sports car if you just drop a few gears and stand on the loud pedal. I went from 18" to 17" wheels(still on run flats) and the difference in ride comfort was night and day.
I did consider a Boxster but can't get comfortable in them.
Good luck with you search.
I bought a 2004 manual 3.0 Z4 a month ago and so far its been great. I manage 31mpg according to the trip computer and have also checked that out at each fill up and yep it works out at 31mpg. Definitley worth having a look at the Z4 owner's forum, lots of useful advice on there. The "Sound Generator" mod is defintely worth doing!
I have found the Z4 to be a comfortable cruiser that can change into a noisey fun sports car if you just drop a few gears and stand on the loud pedal. I went from 18" to 17" wheels(still on run flats) and the difference in ride comfort was night and day.
I did consider a Boxster but can't get comfortable in them.
Good luck with you search.
Cheers Simon, I am a bit concerned that a Z4 (though a very different car) won't be as good of an all-rounder as the Clio, guess I need to drive a few to find out.
I am also worried as I have major flat tyre anxiety, carry a full size spare in the boot of the Clio and guess I would be inclined to do the same with a Z4, which I suspect would again take up most of the boot.
I am also worried as I have major flat tyre anxiety, carry a full size spare in the boot of the Clio and guess I would be inclined to do the same with a Z4, which I suspect would again take up most of the boot.
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