E85 values - bottomed out, peaked or something else…?

[Fred Smith]

Oh I definitely won't be getting my money back on it hah!
I do also appreciate your points, it's had all the expensive stuff done, all the stuff a low miles car will need doing in the near future. I'm happy to buy high-milers but I know a lot of people aren't which is fair enough.

If we assume that a typical Z4 convertible buyer might do 3k a year your car has another 15 to 50 years left in it's engine! I'm tempted to say that the only reason to buy a low miler is so you can have it for 10 years and still sell it as a fairly low miler!

[9designs]

Some good point here, as someone who bought a high mileage E85 3.0si AUTO !! spent a few K on parts has not much had been done it seems the market doesn't want to recognise parts already fitted in the price. Agree not expecting or going to get my money back, but surely should be a difference between something fixed and another with it still in front of them what ever the mileage.
I think some overlook parts age as well as wear from use. These are old cars, time degrades not just use.

Also the cosmetic condition, I'd rather see an untouched car with a little natural patina than some patched up, blown in and non original. I'm not after a concours car.
Market seems to expect rock bottom price with everything fixed and looking mint. If that car exists, it won't be for sale !!!

[DaveP]

Some good point here, as someone who bought a high mileage E85 3.0si AUTO !! spent a few K on parts has not much had been done it seems the market doesn't want to recognise parts already fitted in the price. Agree not expecting or going to get my money back, but surely should be a difference between something fixed and another with it still in front of them what ever the mileage.
I think some overlook parts age as well as wear from use. These are old cars, time degrades not just use.

Also the cosmetic condition, I'd rather see an untouched car with a little natural patina than some patched up, blown in and non original. I'm not after a concours car.
Market seems to expect rock bottom price with everything fixed and looking mint. If that car exists, it won't be for sale !!!

I think it's more the case of combining three factors:
1. The E85 isn't hugely desirable, so most buyers aren't looking for mint examples - buyers tend to be bargain shoppers
2. Some parts fitted vs Comprehensive history and folder of receipts, the latter is going to add value but the former rarely does
3. The market for used cars, particularly impractical ones, is rubbish right now

[deltasierra]

Every owner is different, I could afford a 911 or an Aston but the cost of maintenence would bug me and it wouldn’t be a pleasure driving it, the Z4 is cheap to buy, fun, fast enough and I can maintain it myself, we find it comfortable for long journeys too.
I have to admit that if I could get away with a 911 as a company car and set the costs against tax I’d have one but my accountant won’t let me.

[JimmyRichE85]

Well I’ve got to say, the discussion points raised on this post have made great reading- thank you to all for sharing your thoughts and perspectives. I guess at the end of the day, we’re all entitled to our opinion and one man’s meat is another man’s poison! Yet, I think there has been some really good common ground…

1. Z4’s represent great value at whatever price point you look at
2. The E85 has aged incredibly well- to my eyes, it still looks fresh on the road today
3. Buy the best that you can afford and seek out a car that has been well maintained and its condition reflects that
4. Mileage divides opinion - I’d go so far as to say the more mechanically competent you are, the less high mileage concerns you
5. You’re probably not going to make a fortune from buying an E85 as a short term investment!!
6. What we want from a car and dour reasons for buying it will vary enormously…
7. If you’re reading this as a prospective purchaser of an E85, go and try one tomorrow and share the experience


For me, this post has confirmed my recent entry to owning an E85 was a great decision and I look forward to many year’s enjoyment from “The One” - pictured below

[pvr]

If only that picture had worked.

Is that a Z by night?

[JimmyRichE85]

Ahhh … not sure why it’s gone all dark on me

[JimmyRichE85]

Any suggestions on why the photo is not showing? Clearly I’m technically incompetent

[Usel]

Click "add files"

Screenshot_20240426_203657_Samsung Internet.jpg (78.5 KiB) Viewed 100 times

Then find the photo on phone or pc

What for it to load

Then click "place inline"

Click submit

[JimmyRichE85]

IMG_0089.jpeg

[Usel]

Take lens cover off camera

[pvr]

Yep, that is black sapphire

[JimmyRichE85]

Take lens cover off camera

[pvr]

b18f6863-a15d-4089-976e-6c41fa2e568e.jpeg (277.88 KiB) Viewed 91 times

Whilst we are waiting , here is another black sapphire

[JimmyRichE85]

IMG_0089.jpeg (177.95 KiB) Viewed 83 times