Decisions Decisions....

I think i've made my mind up to buy a Z4 3.0 but wondered what other decent cars there are out there for this price. Don't want another Scooby but not fussed what sort of car, Hatch, saloon, 2 seater!

 

"View my Scoob" a bit different but on the money!

 

If its BMWs you are after:

E46 m3 convertible - get an estoril blue one, looks stunning!
BMW 330ci sport convertible - the best sounding 6 cylinder engine !!

As for saloons, how about a 530d sport (latest shape)......very tasty IMHO

Jaguar XKR ?

 

Boxster
New style Mustang
Z3M
S2000
350Z
Monaro

Loads of options....

 

IMHO I would try the M3 over the Z4 its a much better all round package in every respect bar running costs.

 

Stunning car Blue Dragoon!

I would like an M3 and was going to buy one but i'm a bit wary of buying one with too many miles on. Are their engines really that robust? I've heard these are probably the most used car on the Nurburgring.

Running costs are going to be pretty high compared with a Z4 aren't they?

 

2 Seater softtop - 3.2 Boxster

Coupe - Nissan 350z

Practical 4 door - STI Spec C Subaru

 

Elise 111r - end of debate

 

An Elise is great but isnt a serious prospect as an everyday car.

I loved mine apart from the fact that it was sh*t at long journeys has rubbish visibility for overtaking is a pain for everyday motoring and to get in and out of including opening doors in car parks isnt that fast in a straight line and left me with back ache.

I had mine as a second car and in the end decided to sell it and replace it with a bike as both have similar practicality issues. I would get another as I loved it to bits but never as a first car.

 

There are so many other factors that would determine best advice:

low annual mileage, deep pockets get a TVR Tuscan

Something Jap and tunable EVO VIII or other variant

Something quick but with some credibility - E39 M5

Something totally impractical but fun - Z3M

If you're not a badge snob - Monaro

Personally I would go for the Z3M or Evo.

 

I looked at Z4 3.0 but in the end found the S2000 to be a lot more fun, picked up a Euro import brand new and saved a few pennies too.

Fantastic engine, great taught chassis and grips really well. did I mention the way it sounds

 

I looked at this - and despite every **** having an M3, the Z4 I ended up with had sooooooo much more from the accessories list than the equivalent priced M3. In the real world performance on normal roads with traffic there ain't that much in it either.

 

Well for 18K - I've just picked up a Clio V6

 

The hothatch of the moment seems to be the Renault Megane F1 230 R26 and for £18k its virtually brand new. If I had £18K I would be seriously considering getting one of these. Its fairly practical, good on petrol and reasonable cheap to run (considering the performance), its a great handler according to most reviews, well spec'd, has a high NCAP rating and IMO looks pretty hot.

Oh and not forgetting great turbo tuning potential!

 

Octavia 1.8T 4x4 plus remap etc. 330+ bhp and the ultimate stealth car. Totally practical as well.

 

But with Renault after sales service. The reason why I will not buy one.

Steve

 

Lot's of grip and grunt, but probably not that entertaining thin the handling stakes.

Steve

 

Can't speak for all dealerships, but when I had a 172, I had no problems with Renault dealerships, fast efficient service even when I took my european import 172 for a replacement exhaust center section under warranty.

 

its all down to questions

for me with e46 M3 cab
Do I care about practicality - yes
Do I want luxury - yes
Do I want open air motoring - yes
Do I want performance - yes
Do I want to drive another bewinged jap mobile - no
Am I prepared to put up with some scuttle shake - yes
Am I prepared to put up with brakes that melt - yes
Am I prepared to put up with high running costs - yes

 

These can be bought quite cheap, I looked at one, with circa 40k on the clock on an 03 plate for 7500, was a quality car too, however had my heart set on a VRS.