New member not bought yet

po54 · Post by **po54** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 11:56 am

Hi Everyone

New member, been pointed this way from Pistonheads. I'm looking to buy a car at the end of the summer - it will be a birthday present to myself in Nov. It will be a 3rd car so just for fun really with the odd commute (will probably use it for work once a fortnight or on sunny days). The guys at PH seem to love the Z4, it wasn't even on my shortlist as I thought I wouldn't get one for my 3k max budget.

I've decided I want a 6 cyl model - what are the real world performance differences between 3.0 and 2.5?

Is there a buyers guide here somewhere so I know what to check when looking at a car?

Lastly, do you expect prices to fall in Autumn, ideally I'll buy in October but if they will hold strong I'll start looking early.

Are there any events/shows on near lincolnshire/yorkshire where I can get a ride in someones car (passenger)?

Thanks
PO54

Keet · Post by **Keet** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 12:00 pm

Hello and welcome to the forum

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 12:09 pm

Hi, 2.5 & 3.0 are pretty close if you compare m54 & n52 engined varieties in like pairs but the 3litre cars have a beefier torque curve so don’t need revving as hard to make progress

Rob

Russ59 · Post by **Russ59** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 12:16 pm

po54 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 11, 2018 11:56 am Hi Everyone

New member, been pointed this way from Pistonheads. I'm looking to buy a car at the end of the summer - it will be a birthday present to myself in Nov. It will be a 3rd car so just for fun really with the odd commute (will probably use it for work once a fortnight or on sunny days). The guys at PH seem to love the Z4, it wasn't even on my shortlist as I thought I wouldn't get one for my 3k max budget.

I've decided I want a 6 cyl model - what are the real world performance differences between 3.0 and 2.5?

Is there a buyers guide here somewhere so I know what to check when looking at a car?

Lastly, do you expect prices to fall in Autumn, ideally I'll buy in October but if they will hold strong I'll start looking early.

Are there any events/shows on near lincolnshire/yorkshire where I can get a ride in someones car (passenger)?

Thanks
PO54

Welcome,
Where are you based? There’s the annual meet at Shepshed next Sunday, if you can get to me in Mansfield Woodhouse you can hitch a lift with me.

jabber · Post by **jabber** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 12:27 pm

Hi and welcome good luck with the search

Dave 2 dogs · Post by **Dave 2 dogs** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 12:51 pm

Smartbear.... beefier torque curve .... I love it when you talk dirty

Dave 2 dogs · Post by **Dave 2 dogs** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 12:53 pm

Po54
Welcome to the forum

po54 · Post by **po54** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:35 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome

I think a trip to Shepshed will be a tad far - I'm based in North Lincs but thanks for the offer. I've just spotted a garage local to me with a 2005 2.5 in, which is priced over budget but would be a good start for sitting in it and maybe first test drive.

What are the general opinions on auto V manual and do the autos have manual change either on the stick or paddles?

Thanks

Z4 COUPSTER · Post by **Z4 COUPSTER** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:54 pm

Welcome and good hunting. Autos are lovely for cruising, manual is best for driving. I'm lucky I have both.
That's my personal opinion ofcourse.
D

Jollyjoiner · Post by **Jollyjoiner** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 3:14 pm

Hello and welcome to the world of all things Z

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 3:38 pm

Welcome to the forum and happy hunting.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:09 pm

Welcome to the forum OP.

Seeing as all the 6 cylinder pre-facelift E85s use the same engine just in different sizes (2.2i, 2.5i and 3.0i) the running costs are pretty much the same, so if a 3.0i is in budget you might as well go for one of those - it should feel noticeably quicker than the smaller-engines.

Anyway, here is a buying guide:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281

Good luck on your search.

And don't forget to post some photos once you've got one!

po54 · Post by **po54** » Tue Aug 14, 2018 7:34 pm

Hi Everyone, another quick question. I know the opinion of the 2.5 and 3.0 is that they are pretty robust - does that go for the 2.2 as well? All low mileage examples in my budget seem to be 2.0 - is the 4 cyl to be avoided?

Thanks

Crazy Harry · Post by **Crazy Harry** » Tue Aug 14, 2018 7:55 pm

Hi and welcome. I run a 3.0 roadster and judging by the posts about mpg I do at least as well if not better then the 2.5 - you just don't have to work it as hard and when you do that 6 pot launches you along.

I guess that your only into roadster budget with 3K as the coupes tend to command a little more. Prices may not drop in autumn but sales will so you are more likely to pay less by offering less if a cars been for sale for a while and there's no prospect of a quick sale before the sun comes back - next summer that is.

If its a roadster look for one with heated MSport seats and (combined with the fantastic cabin heater) you'll still have the top down on dry days even through winter. Good luck with your search

Jembo · Post by **Jembo** » Tue Aug 14, 2018 8:22 pm

Know Ranski’s selling a peach of a pampered car... what it costs you in additional purchase price you’ll save 4 fold in mods & time...

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