Is there any sense in having a Z4 and an MX5?
Is there any sense in having a Z4 and an MX5?
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Discussion

wilbo83

Original Poster:

1,552 posts

195 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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I have a mk1 mx5 as a weekend / track car. I am also on the lookout for a new daily driver (to replace a WRX sold last month). I have about £5.5/6k to spend and am tempted by a 3.0 Z4.

Anyone else have a similar 2 car set up? The z4 just seems so good for the money.

Obviously I could sell the mx5 but I have grown quite fond of it. The mx5 has roll cage, bucket seat and harness so certainly different in some respects to the z4.

H_Kan

4,942 posts

229 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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I've got a Z4 3.0 coupe and it's a great car to drive, decent enough over longer distances and fine for driving around town too. In that respect, it'll cover those duties which the MX5 can't, however it isn't that practical.

It's the main reason I'm considering changing, as not being able to carry passengers etc is becoming a bit annoying. I would personally look at something like 330ci which is still a fun drive but has some practicality as well, after all you still have the fun car for weekends.

iloveboost

1,531 posts

192 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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Driven a Z4 plus a mate had one they are an acquired taste. The gearbox/steering/clutch are not so good IMO. They aren't bad they would just take a while to get used to.

H_Kan

4,942 posts

229 months

Monday 18th November 2013
quotequote all
iloveboost said:
Driven a Z4 plus a mate had one they are an acquired taste. The gearbox/steering/clutch are not so good IMO. They aren't bad they would just take a while to get used to.
Steering could be better, however I've no issues with the gearbox or clutch in mine.

Didn't take long at all to get comfortable with the car.

0a

24,139 posts

224 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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The z4 needs the M engine to be interesting in my opinion - it's great then.

The Mx5 works as a great car in mk1 and mk2 format - no match for a BMW roadster in comfort terms - but then the z4 crowd seem to reject the M version which is all you need to know!

poing

8,743 posts

230 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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I know someone with an MX5 and 350z convertible, no kids or practical needs. They looked at a Z4 but decided that if the other car couldn't match the driving fun of the MX5 then it should at least sound nice! I also know someone with an MX5 and a Cayman S. The Cayman was his retirement present and meant to replace the MX5 but he decided it was costing nothing to run so might as well run both.

Go for it while you can.

Polariz

867 posts

185 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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I had a mark 2.5 Mx-5 1.8 and the Z4 3.0 at the same time. The MX-5 didn't last long...

Do it.

Polariz

867 posts

185 months

Monday 18th November 2013
quotequote all
0a said:
The z4 needs the M engine to be interesting in my opinion - it's great then.

The Mx5 works as a great car in mk1 and mk2 format - no match for a BMW roadster in comfort terms - but then the z4 crowd seem to reject the M version which is all you need to know!
The "M tax" isn't worth the extra over the standard 3.0. smile

Blue Oval84

5,396 posts

191 months

Monday 18th November 2013
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Mine had Eibach springs, and it steered much better than my parent's.

I loved that car!

wilbo83

Original Poster:

1,552 posts

195 months

Sunday 19th January 2014
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Update to this thread, I now have a 3.0 E85 Z4 and a NA Eunos (MX5) on the driveway. I love them both but started to think that the MX5 just won't get used anymore. I bought the eunos with the intention of doing trackdays but have only managed 1 taster session and got another one booked in March. This weekend I was thinking about what toys I could buy for the Z4 if I sold the MX5. Tempting...

deltashad

6,731 posts

227 months

Sunday 19th January 2014
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MGF VVC and a Lotus Elise S.

Thinking about chopping the MG. It's just not getting the use it deserves. But it's only worth the same price as a packet of fags and the money spent on it has been quite a lot.

wilbo83

Original Poster:

1,552 posts

195 months

Sunday 19th January 2014
quotequote all
deltashad said:
MGF VVC and a Lotus Elise S.

Thinking about chopping the MG. It's just not getting the use it deserves. But it's only worth the same price as a packet of fags and the money spent on it has been quite a lot.
I have used the MX5 twice since I got the Z4, it used to be my weekend car when I had a scooby but now I can get the roof down RWD thrills from the Z4, its a bit redundant, but would still prefer to use it other the Z4 if I do any track days. I am at the stage when it could cost me a bit with MOT and Tax due in a few months and was about to pay out to get a roll bar fitted.

deltashad

6,731 posts

227 months

Sunday 19th January 2014
quotequote all
wilbo83 said:
deltashad said:
MGF VVC and a Lotus Elise S.

Thinking about chopping the MG. It's just not getting the use it deserves. But it's only worth the same price as a packet of fags and the money spent on it has been quite a lot.
I have used the MX5 twice since I got the Z4, it used to be my weekend car when I had a scooby but now I can get the roof down RWD thrills from the Z4, its a bit redundant, but would still prefer to use it other the Z4 if I do any track days. I am at the stage when it could cost me a bit with MOT and Tax due in a few months and was about to pay out to get a roll bar fitted.
If you have the space to keep her out of the weather then I'd keep her. Could be a nice little project car. Sorn it until spring time then bring her out for six months to have some cheap tart fun on the track. Why not? If things get a bit sticky financially then you can always sell it. Just my thoughts.
I'm in a different situation with the F on this one. I've invested in a new engine along with other garage bills and tiptop maintenance and they're so hated by the general public you can't give them away. When my Lancia comes back from resto I'll have to let her go. It will be hard as I really liked the little car everyone loves to hate.
Make it into a project car, I'm not a fan of the MX5's but the modified ones really interest me.