From S2 Elise to Z4?

[C.A.R.]

Not me (sadly) but my dad fulfilled a life long dream of owning a Lotus Elise last year. A nice S2 111S (160 K-series) with hard top too. He even had the obligatory hgf just a few weeks into ownership!

I think the reality is that the novelty has worn off. Dad only has access to one other car; a Peugeot Partner converted for wheelchair access at the rear (for my mum). During really poor weather, he's used this on the short commute. However, he's ended up using it more than intended, because the Lotus is so bloody awkward to use. Fair play, he commuted in it for about a month straight during summer, mind.

The other intention was to drive it out to motorsports events we attend during the year... But each time we've done this we've ended up in my car instead! Air con and other creature comforts are much needed after picking up a Silverstone sun tan...

So the search for something practical begins. Something almost as exciting as the Elise - but more usable and comfortable.

Enter the Z4. I'll admit, I know very little about these things, so wonder if there's a good buyers guide anywhere? (I'll Google it later of course....)

Has anyone else on PH made a similar transition?

Is there an alternative everyday car around the £16k mark which should also be considered? I suggested the older Jaguar XK, but he's convinced it has an old man image unless you get an R, which are out of budget!

Thanks in advance for any advice

[C.A.R.]

Thanks for the responses so far.

I think he has his heart set on the folding metal roof- the e89 looks pretty good roof up or down whilst also having a greater sense of security too. I couldn't think of many other cars with similar folding metal roofs at a sub-20k budget and no more than 10 years old.

I tried to convince him an M model of slightly older vintage will depreciate much less, but I'm not sure it worked! The only thing he's concerned about is that; being his first BMW, it must have 6 cylinders.

Is the 3.0 worth seeking out over the 2.5? And the Highline spec of the model he is going to have a look at, is this the spec level to go for?

Struggling to find much on the e89 model, all the buying guides seem to be about the older Z4s.

[C.A.R.]

dabigginger said:

How about a GT86 or BRZ?

I did also discuss these with him, but I think the main problem is the roof won't retract for that odd day we get warm weather...He's become used to the Elise removable top!

Which obviously beckons the most common response, why not an MX5...I just don't think he could see himself in one, the Z4 has a much more masculine appearance and offers more punch in 2.5/3.0 form.

[C.A.R.]

Committed the sin of agreeing on the first car he'd seen this morning - a '12 Z4 23is Highline spec in black with red leather.

It does look rather lovely, everything works (although I didn't test the heated seats).

I tried to convince him to hold out for a decent 3.0 (dealer had one but much less equipment). He was rather taken with the 2.5.

Should pick it up in a week! Thanks for all the replies