2nd car... worth it?

[T1547]

BMW 120d M sport (manual) is on order as a new company car, due to be arriving mid-October. Currently driving a new Leon 1.6tdi until then (unbelievably dull).

I've fancied something as a fun, reasonably cheap (c.£5k) weekend/evening car for some time now and yesterday went to look around a Z4 3.0i, decent condition and price. My OH is also hopefully about to pass her test and will be needing a daily driver to get her to work and back - fortunately she also likes the Z4 and is happy to contribute towards the cost of purchase/ownership.

My question is - will the Z4 be special enough compared to the 1er to warrant the additional cost of buying/running it as a second car? It was a great feeling driving the Zed yesterday in the sun and after driving the Leon - but once the 1er arrives the bhp, 0-60 gap diminishes and obviously both cars are RWD.

For other people with a similar car line up i.e. a diesel 2.0d BM/similar plus a warm sports car do you get enough pleasure from the weekender to justify the cost? Or do you end up defaulting to the daily driver as in reality the diesel handles well, is reasonably quick, has more toys and more than likely doubles the MPG?

Edited by T1547 on Sunday 1st September 12:21

[wemorgan]

To me it's not clear whether the car is really for you as a 2nd car or for your other half as her 1st car. I'm not sure there is much scope to overlap those two very different requirements.

But to answer your question: yes I think the petrol convertible will feel very different and special compared to the diesel hatchback.

[SV8Predator]

T1547 said:

yesterday went to look around a Z4 3.0i

T1547 said:

My OH is also hopefully about to pass her test and will be needing a daily driver

[Alucidnation]

Did you buy the Seat or is that a company car?

[User33678888]

SV8Predator said:

T1547 said:

yesterday went to look around a Z4 3.0i

T1547 said:

My OH is also hopefully about to pass her test and will be needing a daily driver

You should be looking for two very different cars.

[T1547]

Alucidnation said:

Did you buy the Seat or is that a company car?

Temporary co. car until the 1er arrives.

The Z4 would be primarily for me as a second car but for mutual financial convenience (man maths?) it makes sense that my OH uses it for a few miles during the week. She only works 3 miles away so hopefully not too much scope for disaster..

Edited by T1547 on Sunday 1st September 12:33

[T1547]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

When I had my 123d it was a great car objectively, but didn't make me laugh out loud.

A second petrol car is required - I had / have various including a Range Rove Classic, Jaguars and Mk2 Golf GTIs in various states of tune.

I would venture that the Z4 isn't different enough - you need something more powerful or raw, like a Chimera.

Interesting, thanks for the response - and the one I was hoping for re requiring a second petrol car. Not sure the budget would stretch to a Chim sadly though. Did you find you'd often jump in the Jag/GTI over the 123d?

Cheers
Tim

[simonej]

Honda S2000 might fit the bill? It's a bit more exciting than a Z4 but the price is similar and seeing as nothing happens until you rev the tits off it it might be better for a newer driver. Depends if she's likely to get adventurous and use the revs, I suppose. Although to be honest neither car is particularly great for a new driver - long bonnet, reduced visibility etc...

[wemorgan]

Personally I'd avoid playing the performance game, because in the real world a 120d offers quite a lot. To get a car noticeably quicker, say +20% would make the car less suitable for your other half. Just being a convertible alone is reason enough to enjoy the other car. What about a classic - insurance should be a lot cheaper too? 1980's Alfa Spider perhaps?