What car advice- Z4 coupe, Brera, E46 M3 or Monaro.....
Discussion
Hi all, long time lurker first time poster. Thought I would put this out there for some thoughts, wisdom and hopefully real life advice.
Currently planning my next car and have the above mentioned motors as a probable shortlist. I've owned a MkV R32, Corrado VR6, Leon Cupra etc as previous cars so have some experience of running reasonably quick cars.
I'm 32 with no kids to worry about and a good income, although I don't want my new car to be a money pit either as I have other projects ongoing right now. I have a round trip of 20 miles to work using country type roads, so never stuck in traffic and the roads generally allow 60mph driving with little traffic to bother me. Other than that, taking my good lady out on dates, usual day to day stuff and going to the golf course will be my main journeys. This will be my daily driver.
Had convinced myself the the Z4 3.0 Coupe was definitely the one for me, but as is often the way, I couldn't keep off the forums so naturally other things popped up. Appreciate the Brera (2.2 Prodrive is one I like) is down on power and is more a heart over head choice, but I love all things Italian and think it looks gorgeous.
M3 is a new addition but I can't decide if it looks too dated or not (think the colour choice makes massive difference on this motor), and maybe running costs are going to push me up to the next level beyond what I'm used to?
Monaro speaks for itself I think. Just pure V8 awesomeness.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
'In torque we trust'
Currently planning my next car and have the above mentioned motors as a probable shortlist. I've owned a MkV R32, Corrado VR6, Leon Cupra etc as previous cars so have some experience of running reasonably quick cars.
I'm 32 with no kids to worry about and a good income, although I don't want my new car to be a money pit either as I have other projects ongoing right now. I have a round trip of 20 miles to work using country type roads, so never stuck in traffic and the roads generally allow 60mph driving with little traffic to bother me. Other than that, taking my good lady out on dates, usual day to day stuff and going to the golf course will be my main journeys. This will be my daily driver.
Had convinced myself the the Z4 3.0 Coupe was definitely the one for me, but as is often the way, I couldn't keep off the forums so naturally other things popped up. Appreciate the Brera (2.2 Prodrive is one I like) is down on power and is more a heart over head choice, but I love all things Italian and think it looks gorgeous.
M3 is a new addition but I can't decide if it looks too dated or not (think the colour choice makes massive difference on this motor), and maybe running costs are going to push me up to the next level beyond what I'm used to?
Monaro speaks for itself I think. Just pure V8 awesomeness.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
'In torque we trust'
Brera is inexcusably heavy, which ruins performance, handling and economy. I would not consider one much as I like the looks (especially in spider form)
Z4 Coupe is a lovely car - considered one of these in the past but 2 seats was not practical enough.
M3 E36 is a good car and unlikely to depreciate. E46 M3 still looks fantastic to my eyes. Both great to drive with brilliant engines. A bit more pricey to run than your other choices and with greater bork potential.
Personally, I ended up with a Monaro CV8. Looks good (to these eyes), handles well for a GT car, and that big engine has so much character that the car is a pleasure to drive at any speed. Loads of tuning potential and sounds great too.
It's also very cheap to insure, cheap to service/ get spares if needed, and is as reliable as you like. Main problem to look for these days is rust given the age of the cars, but most have been undersealed by enthusiast owners.
Z4 Coupe is a lovely car - considered one of these in the past but 2 seats was not practical enough.
M3 E36 is a good car and unlikely to depreciate. E46 M3 still looks fantastic to my eyes. Both great to drive with brilliant engines. A bit more pricey to run than your other choices and with greater bork potential.
Personally, I ended up with a Monaro CV8. Looks good (to these eyes), handles well for a GT car, and that big engine has so much character that the car is a pleasure to drive at any speed. Loads of tuning potential and sounds great too.
It's also very cheap to insure, cheap to service/ get spares if needed, and is as reliable as you like. Main problem to look for these days is rust given the age of the cars, but most have been undersealed by enthusiast owners.
Edited by Codswallop on Friday 20th February 22:55
I considered a Z4, but was highly disappointed with them when I drove a couple. Of course I was after a runabout fun car, not a shopping trolley or commuter. That is why the Honda S2000 is now in the shed.
I would have bought the Monaro if I didn't already have a 4.6L tuned TR8 in the shed to satisfy the V8 rumble urge. In your situation it can really only be the Monaro
I would have bought the Monaro if I didn't already have a 4.6L tuned TR8 in the shed to satisfy the V8 rumble urge. In your situation it can really only be the Monaro
SpudLink said:
If you're choosing between Z4 or E46 M3, why not consider Z4 M coupe? Best of both? I chose the 3.0si because my daily commute is a few minutes of stop-start traffic, and could not justify the M.
The purchase price for the M coupe is a bit beyond my top line as I'd want a really good example, and a few comments on the Z forum seem to suggest the Standard coupe is easier to live with as a daily driver. I like your thinking though!
V8RX7 said:
You need to think about what you want because a Brera is nothing like a Monaro and neither are like the Z4/M3.
Do you want a tourer or a drivers car ?
Because that question eliminates two of your options.
You know, that is a great question that has really got me thinking...... I suppose I want something that is fun to drive when I'm going home after work at 3am and roads are dead, yet is really easy to live with when I just want to cruise about feeling relaxed. Does that even make sense? I totally get your point though and think that will make my mind up for me. I imagine to answer your question, the Z4 is closest probably to giving me the balance.Do you want a tourer or a drivers car ?
Because that question eliminates two of your options.
I had the same thoughts and criteria as you 2 years ago (Z4 3.0si coupe was top of this list) and ended up with a mint, low mileage 645 which is my p&j to this day. The 6 was miles more reasonable on insurance and its a beautiful drive which is what swung it for me; handsome car as well (imo - not everyone agrees); gf loves it to - won't let me change it for anything else!
I'm not sure what your budget was but how about some of these as alternatives:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I've had a Z4 coupe for around 2.5 years and have generally found it a decent car to run. It's not highly strung therefore is easy to drive around town/ in traffic and the boot space is also decent enough for a 2 seater. I also think the hardtop is a fine looking car.
More importantly, it's a fun and capable car to drive, I had a lot of fun on the snakepass earlier this week in mine. Yes the driving experience isn't razor sharp in comparison to some cars, but it'll be more fun to drive then 90% of the cars on the road.
Main 2 downsides for me, the car doesn't have many toys compared to my old 3 series and generally a lot of the Z4's on the market didn't seem to. The other issue is access, it is a low down car with a low roofline, which makes getting in and out a bit of an effort. Not much of a problem on a weekend car, but a bit of a pain on a daily driver.
More importantly, it's a fun and capable car to drive, I had a lot of fun on the snakepass earlier this week in mine. Yes the driving experience isn't razor sharp in comparison to some cars, but it'll be more fun to drive then 90% of the cars on the road.
Main 2 downsides for me, the car doesn't have many toys compared to my old 3 series and generally a lot of the Z4's on the market didn't seem to. The other issue is access, it is a low down car with a low roofline, which makes getting in and out a bit of an effort. Not much of a problem on a weekend car, but a bit of a pain on a daily driver.
Don't let people who who don't know what they are talking about put you off the Brera, I had a 2.2 S and absolutely loved it.
Every time anybody mentions a Brera on here somebody will pop up and tell you that they are vastly too heavy, this was true of the early 4wd V6 cars but Alfa did a lot of work to lighten them and a 2.2 S weighs 1440kg which is not bad for what is a big solid car, it is only a little more than the Z4 and more than 200kg lighter than the Monaro.
The 2.2 is a very nice, smooth, free revving engine, they are not the most powerful engines and they have to be revved but they are still good fun. They respond very well to an induction change and re map which will easily give 200bhp and make it sound lovely.
The 2.2 S handles very well(Prodrive know what they are doing) and inspires a lot of confidence so it really is a lot of fun, the V6 is much more nose heavy and does not handle or ride as well as the 2.2.
I sold my car at 105k miles, it burned no oil, had no rattles or squeaks and was very reliable, I vary much regret selling it and it is still my favourite car of all the ones I have owned.
After I traded it in it ended up with Amari who took some very nice photos of it, bearing in mind that it had done 105k hard driven miles it still looked fantastic.
Every time anybody mentions a Brera on here somebody will pop up and tell you that they are vastly too heavy, this was true of the early 4wd V6 cars but Alfa did a lot of work to lighten them and a 2.2 S weighs 1440kg which is not bad for what is a big solid car, it is only a little more than the Z4 and more than 200kg lighter than the Monaro.
The 2.2 is a very nice, smooth, free revving engine, they are not the most powerful engines and they have to be revved but they are still good fun. They respond very well to an induction change and re map which will easily give 200bhp and make it sound lovely.
The 2.2 S handles very well(Prodrive know what they are doing) and inspires a lot of confidence so it really is a lot of fun, the V6 is much more nose heavy and does not handle or ride as well as the 2.2.
I sold my car at 105k miles, it burned no oil, had no rattles or squeaks and was very reliable, I vary much regret selling it and it is still my favourite car of all the ones I have owned.
After I traded it in it ended up with Amari who took some very nice photos of it, bearing in mind that it had done 105k hard driven miles it still looked fantastic.
Edited by Pooh on Sunday 22 February 08:54
Edited by Pooh on Sunday 22 February 08:55
Edited by Pooh on Sunday 22 February 08:59
Edited by Pooh on Sunday 22 February 09:00
The correct answer is the Monaro. I've had mine since it was new 9 years ago and like many owners, still love it to bits. Even now I get excited by the thought of driving it as the whole experience is dominated by the wonderful V8. They love to be tuned with many running in excess of 600hp with just a few mods like a bolt on supercharger. We also have what is arguably the nicest bunch of forum members on here and like to socialise if that's what you're into. In fact, if you are unsure pop along to the HSV & Monaro forum and one of us will be more than happy to take you out for a spin. You'll love it! 
wormus said:
The correct answer is the Monaro. I've had mine since it was new 9 years ago and like many owners, still love it to bits. Even now I get excited by the thought of driving it as the whole experience is dominated by the wonderful V8. They love to be tuned with many running in excess of 600hp with just a few mods like a bolt on supercharger. We also have what is arguably the nicest bunch of forum members on here and like to socialise if that's what you're into. In fact, if you are unsure pop along to the HSV & Monaro forum and one of us will be more than happy to take you out for a spin. You'll love it!
What he said ^^^. I had mine for 3 years and went to a few meets. Great cars and great bunch of owners and forum members A Monaro does make any driving situation feel special.
It's a supremely comfortable cruiser when necessary, and provided the dampers aren't worn out (heavy car, there's work to do...) it handles neatly, although I'm sure not with the precision of something from BMW.
But if you need the last word in driving dynamics, a Z4 isn't by all accounts the greatest steer either...
Go on, give the big Aussie a go
It's a supremely comfortable cruiser when necessary, and provided the dampers aren't worn out (heavy car, there's work to do...) it handles neatly, although I'm sure not with the precision of something from BMW.
But if you need the last word in driving dynamics, a Z4 isn't by all accounts the greatest steer either...
Go on, give the big Aussie a go
Lugy said:
As much as I like the other 3, I'd choose the Monaro, only ever been in one once but it still sticks in my mind, even the standard exhaust had a nice enough note, a bit more volume would be ideal though. Plus it's a V8 and that's good enough for me!
Indeed, this should help the OP make his mind up 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htvTzFx2zuUGassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff