Running a Coupe and a Roadster

[Jalfrezi]

I am seriously thinking of adding a Coupe to me fleet. However, I am really not sure this is sensible.

My reasons:

• I want to try an Si
  The Coupes are cool, and beautiful
  I suspect that they are near the bottom of the depreciation curve, and I'm concerned they'll become too expensive for me in a couple of years

But, I don't have a nice garage to keep them in, and I'm concerned that the costs will kill me (insurance, MoT's Road tax).

Let's hear your views, and solutions if you have any

[Angelus666]

Reality is the car will cost you more to run than any appreciation you might see. If you have the spare cash then I'd probably opt for something different as there are more similarities than differences....and that's a bit boring.

[MerBrook]

Hi Jalfrezi. We were in a similar position a year or so back and gave it a lot of thought. In the end we decided that we loved the look of the coupe, having had one prior to the Alpina and wanted another.
One of the factors that helped us come to that decision is, as you have eluded to, is that depreciation will hopefully be fairly minimal etc.
We also SORN the Alpina which helps reduce the tax side of things.
Regarding running costs depends on your financial situation I guess, and how you drive and maintain the cars.
Our cars are also kept outside as we don’t have a garage.
Also helps with budgeting if you can make sure that the tax for both cars isn’t due at the same time or that the servicing isn’t due for both at the same time etc.

Finally you get the best of both worlds.

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[Jalfrezi]

I should probably add, that my mileage is pretty low. As I generally ride a motorbike for everyday stuff. So servicing and the like are not that big a problem.

I can park the cars off the public highway, so could SORN one. I'm thinking of using the Coupe as my main car, and taxing the roadster for the summer months. So the costs, shouldn't be too bad apart from insurance.

The point about two cars the same is an interesting one. I shall ponder that further, now considering a different roadster for the summer... (S-2000, MX-5, Boxster and the like).

[Jamie25]

I think the coupe looks much better but I love a convertible. And wait for the debate....

I don't think I'd ever have both a they'd be too similar. If you run something different I'd think it would highlight the things you prefer or dislike about both all the more when you swap over. Nice dilemma to have though!

[buzyg]

Keep the roadster to drive and buy one or to original paitings, from an up and coming artist, to hang on the wall and admire You never know could even make a few quid in a few years time selling them

Don't leave them out side though.

[Phoenixboy]

or go e89 and have the best of both worlds

[Jalfrezi]

I have considered an E89, but in my eyes not as good looking as an E86 by a "country mile"

[Jl-c]

Similar to my cars. I have a Mazda Eunos for topless motoring and the E86 for daily use. The Passat is the wifes and the 911 is another toy!

[Tinker15]

I have considered an E89, but in my eyes not as good looking as an E86 by a "country mile"

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

[Jalfrezi]

Although I have to say, I thought that my E85 front end was dog-ugly when I got her, but it's grown on me, so maybe I can be persuaded. I must get out and drive one.

[Phoenixboy]

I have considered an E89, but in my eyes not as good looking as an E86 by a "country mile"

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

[Mr Tidy]

I have a slightly different situation as I do taxi duties for my elderly mother, so an E86 on it's own just wouldn't work!

I tried running a 1,500cc Mazda 323 - that lasted 6 months before I got fed up with it! So now my daily is a 325i Touring.

Both my cars have to live outdoors, and I expect they cost me as much to run as two Z4s would.

But it's a price I justify using man maths - and anyway it's a price I need to pay if I want to have an E86!

You could do with trying one to see how different it feels - then if you still want one get one. If they feel too similar maybe swap your E85 for a different Roadster, and if costs get too high you can always sell one of them!

[Jalfrezi]

After a lot of looking at cars, and considering everything, I've decided to just have a roadster for the foreseeable future. But seriously considering an Si. Keeping an eye on the market to see what comes up...

[KevinC]

Not sure what the market is like on your side of the pond, but this one just sold for pretty cheap over here yesterday...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-z4-coupe/

$12,750 = about 9,967 GBP. That's a helluva car for the money IMHO!