st33ly

As above i just sold the STi PPP and me and the good lady are doing a spot of traveling across in europe next year and was looking to get a s2k but a Z4 passed me the other day and got me thinking! They do look very smart/cool. and i would imagine the straight 6 will be sillky smooth. Will be in silver/grey with black interior.Any thoughts/ experiences people would like to mention?????

weso

Generally a very nice car.
My old man had one for a while, the 3 litre SE I think, but he found the ride to be very harsh on our roads, and the car had a tendency to tramline as a result of the firm suspension.
Eventually he got rid of it and bought an SLK.
HTH

RichB

I had an S2k for quite a while, drove a friends Z4 (2.x only so not quite the comparison you're looking for) I didn't like the Z4 at all, it was silver too which seemed very bland, my S2k was red.
The S2K felt so much 'sportier', quicker and more nimble, you have to try both really.

NACRO

2 versions: the less good version with around 230bhp and the worthwhile 3.0si with 260ish BHP.

The later engine is more powerful, more economical and the cars have much better build quality.


Bought a 3.0si for my better half and she loves it.

rallycol

iTrader: (4)

You can always buy my wifes S2000 far more exclusive than a Z4.

st33ly

had a quick shot of the Z4 and liked it. It was just a small drive and the sales guy was a ****. plus it had wood interior trim so was not happy. Need to find another one and take it for a drive. Looks sharper than the s2k and better equipment tto. I think spares are cheaper too as most of it is based on a 3 series.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

My thoughts: peachy engine, the rest is significantly inferior to the Boxster. I'd go test drive a Boxster S, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Also, the Boxster won't make you look like a Hairdresser

RAPID STI

iTrader: (4)

I have had my Z4 2.5Si for nearly 2 years now, was bought for the wife but I have taken it to the circuit before now and it performed well. I belive the 3.0 is the one to go for and if I remember Clarkson test drove the S2000, SLK & Z4 and the Z4 was the best overall (not that he knows much about cars )

Go for the Z4

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

No Boxster in that comparison group though!

RAPID STI

iTrader: (4)

I think they are about £8,000.00 more expensive so if you have deep pockets.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

If you don't tick any of the option boxes on the Z4.

Ns04

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Really - Have been tempted with one of these for a while myself, and very interesting to here this and being the petrol head I am definately would want the 260bhp car. Was there a change over in the years ? and do you know at what point ?.

I thought a 3.0ltr was a 3.0ltr so need to do some more homework myself.


cheers

RAPID STI

iTrader: (4)

Mmmm, not quite going to be that much in the price of adding extras. Z4 is more a manley car then a girly boxter though.

ScoobyJawa

In 2005-2006 they introduced the 3.0si which is the 260bhp, the 3.0i is 231bhp. I had the latter. Good car, went really well, handled well but as said, very hard ride and as a result of 18s and the hard ride it tramlined quite bad.

I tried a Boxster too, but think of it as an poor mans Porker and the Z4 is much more manly looking. Most people I spoke to about it said they weren't sure when it first came out but now think the styling looks really cool.

Also for the same cash you get a newer Z4, less miles and more kit and I like my toys so the more kit the better!

While the S2000 is as quick, I much prefer the way the Z4 delivered the power and the engine was much more flexible, more of the time in real world driving. And again, lots more toys

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Thanks - Have had a a few BMW's over the years, more in saloon guise, But always loved the 2.8 straight 6 and the later 231bhp Straight 6 engine, and can but imagine what the even later 260bhp variety much be like in a little 2 seater.. albeit a heavy 2 seater. I think the Z4 is a future classic, and stands out from the crowd with its angular lines.

The S2000 is probably a bit more raw and focused, but the Z4 for me is a little more butch and do like the build quality and longevity BMW deliver. If I were to consider the odd track day then I would probably go for a S2000, but as a daily car that doubles up as some fun then the Z4 all the way for me.

Agreed a Boxter is a poor mans porker IMO, and ever since I aspired to get a 964 and finally got it and within a week hated it and then soon sold, I have lost the love of anything porsche. My opinion on this would probably change if I tried a later porsche or a boxter, but ever since short ownership of a 964 I feel Porkers are for the badge only.

The Chief

have you drove a Boxster mate?

I had the same opinion until i drove one.

I think they are a superb car.


3.2 0-60 5.5 seconds 168mph (ish) with braking and handling that will embarrass most cars including the iconic 911 , poor mans Porker? possibly, a bit girly a hairdressers car? Nah i sports car from the ground up.


Try one trust me you'll enjoy it!

dunx

iTrader: (3)

They are quite fun, I was out playing with my pal James in January and we caught one up....

He was drifting around in an impressive style, sadly I was in fifth and couldn't get past 'cos they are quite "wide" when sideways most of the time. Still I reckon the golf club will have heard how he beat a Subaru in the "twisties" LOL

DunxC

st33ly

Thanks for all the comments. I would have a porsche Box S but it's out my price range to be honest. The s2k is a more focused xar and i had made my mind up on that but then came along the z4 and i must admit it looks cool especially ith the 18" 108 alloys. My budget is 13k so will be able to get a late 53 plate or even 04 3.0 Z4 with low ish miles. or a 04 54 plate s2k GT for 12.5k. It's coming into winter soon and with the whole credit crunch on the go these vehicle are losing fortunes at the moment.

The Chief

I know you've made your mind up but there are loads of Boxsters between 11-15k.

if your hankering after an S2000 go here and have a go of both.

S2000 - 4U : Porsche Boxster GOT TO GO PLEASE SEE THE TEXT BELOW!!!!!!!!!!

rallycol

iTrader: (4)

Nice red one with fsh and late wheels,lady owner,oh and the reg is S2OOU,pm me if interested in a drivers ,not hairdressers car

P1Fanatic

Some young punk in my road had an old shape civic type r and then appeared with a Z4M Coupe in black on a 56 plate which looks rather nice. W****er

Simon

Flatcapdriver

The Boxster would be a good choice if your budget was larger but for the amount you want to spend I think you could end up with a money pit if you got the wrong car. Regarding the comments relating to the ride/handling which are simply cured by running normal tyres as opposed to the RFTs fitted to all non-M powered Beemers, although the latest generation of RFTs are much better but still a hard ride.

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Perhaps I was a little judgemental, but only based it on my experience of my 964, and been in my brothers early 911 turbo many a time. Sounds like the boxter has got with the times, quick and not clunky. I thought the M3 Evo was aheavy clunky car until I got a 964 which felt possitively clunky, heavy, and not very quick.

If I do pluck up curaige to buy myself a toy I will give a boxter a go before I go for the Z4. . As you mention for a porsche or any other 2 seater car for that matter, they do now represent very good value for money - I have no issues with reliability or build. Just have my reservations with regards to performance and ease of drive.

The Chief

No worries, first and formost i like my Scoobies even though they are pig ugly. I was astounded on how good the Boxster was, quick - well nippy, good on fuel, up to 30mpg, great handling and fantastic soundtrack and very practical i.e. two boots.

They are reliable (just make sure no RMS issues) but like a Scoob if they do go wrong they are expensive.

scoobysmiff

iTrader: (2)

A mate of mine had one of these albeit a brand new one and we took it round the "Ring"

Found that the brakes were severely underpowered after a few laps and it understeered a lot as well on the faster tighter corners, we were averaging 9.15 min laps

It did feel quite composed though and never really felt like it was going to pile into the wall, to be honest it actually impressed me with the stick that it got going round there, he wasted a set of rear tyres and front pads though in 8 laps, after 50 laps it needed a new rear diff as well! (he didn't tell the BMW warranty department that he has been on the ring in it) :-)

st33ly

cool i'll be looking at a boxster and take one for a spin but recon i;ll get a stinky porker for my budget. Some really cheap cars going. Even BMW M3's are hitting the 13k mark