2.5 / 3.0 ?

D

Dapperdan

New member
Hi All,

Within the next month I'll be looking to buy my first Z4 and wondered if you'd be interested in letting me know your thoughts, based on the following information..

Budget - up to £5k
This will be my second car therefore used on occasions (weekends) rather than every day. I'll be putting a few 1000 miles on a year.
Low miles for year - up to 70k
Either the 2.5 or 3.0.. any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated?
Hoping for around the 04/05 mark ideally
Good spec (Xenon lights/Sat Nav)
Decent size alloys (factory standard)

If you have any thoughts on which engine to go for based on the above, if there are any stand out models maybe, and what to look out for bearing in mind my budget is at the lower end of the scale.

I can see there are hood problems on some Z4s. I've had a Mk2 Mx5 for a couple of years, so having a manual hood still doesn't concern me.

Any pointers / tips, would be much appreciated.

All the best
Dan
 
Get the 3.0 if it fits the budget.
Not only more power, but also a 6 speed so less revs on the motorway and the throw of the stick is a bit shorter on the 6 speed.

M seats is also a highly desired option.
 
3.0 from me also
"There ain't no replacement for cubic displacement". :roll:
MPG very good also
There's probably less about at that price but worth waiting for or paying a little extra to get one?
 
Toe-side said:
3.0 from me also
"There ain't no replacement for cubic displacement". :roll:
MPG very good also
There's probably less about at that price but worth waiting for or paying a little extra to get one?
Click to expand...

T-S hits the nail on the head really the 3.0 would be most peoples choice if money is not the issue. But maintenance and repairs are not cheap and with your budget you should get a lower mileage, better condition example with less risk of heartbreaking bills with a 2.5, I went for the latter option and am still very happy nearly 5 years later and in truth the on road performance is very similar (driver makes more difference than 500cc)
 
Ewazix said:
Toe-side said:
3.0 from me also
"There ain't no replacement for cubic displacement". :roll:
MPG very good also
There's probably less about at that price but worth waiting for or paying a little extra to get one?
Click to expand...

T-S hits the nail on the head really the 3.0 would be most peoples choice if money is not the issue. But maintenance and repairs are not cheap and with your budget you should get a lower mileage, better condition example with less risk of heartbreaking bills with a 2.5, I went for the latter option and am still very happy nearly 5 years later and in truth the on road performance is very similar (driver makes more difference than 500cc)
Click to expand...

At your price point I would be more concerned about history, condition and what work had been done on a Zed rather than 2.5 or 3.0. If you are patient you may find a 3.0 but I would expect high miles. Heated sport seats are sought after and useful. You may find a Zed which has had it's roof motor replaced.

I had a mk2 MX5 for 6 years before my Zeds - they are a different drive and it took me some time to get used to and exploit the capabilities of the Zed - be prepared for it to feel quite different to your MX, especially the steering (We loved our MX and we have the number plate on our Zed). You will not be able to manually open and close the roof as easily as you can on the MX - it needs the hydraulic and electric system to be working and is a faff to manage otherwise - it's difficult to open and close otherwise and only meant to be done until it is repaired so getting a Zed with a good hood operation is important - hence one that has been renewed (properly) is a positive.

I take runs with 'cherrym' mid week and his 2.5 offers equal fun to my 3.0 litre (as does chezsherman's 2.0 litre!) - only full on acceleration shows the slight difference the rest is equal and as stated above, down to driver rather than capabilities. Running costs are similar between the 2.5 and 3.0 (same outgoings other than mpg which is within a couple in any case) and although the MX is not a particularly economical sports car, the 6 cylinder Zeds when their potential is used, use a third more fuel. I get 22-26 on a 'hoon' (spirited driving) and up to 38-40 transiting on a motorway (with a very steady foot). The performance does cost and if you use the acceleration it eats into the petrol.

Don't let it put you off though - if you find a well maintained and cherished Zed you will think the outlay well worth it - it's much more of an event driving the Zed than the MX.

Keep an eye on the for sale section of the forum and do ask members for their thoughts on individual Zeds. good luck with your search.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Guys,

Thank you all for taking the time to reply, and Paul especially for the finer detail. Extremely helpful.

I'll be careful to take my time in my search, looking for low (ish) miles, along with a good solid history.

After reading your replies, it's likely I'll opt for the 2.5, as (theoretically) I should of course get a little more for my buck. Plus as you say, costs throughout, including purchase should hopefully be a tad lower.

I would very much like to increase my £5k budget (and could) as I'm also selling my converted VW T4 Campervan this month (along with the Mx5) in reality I won't get a huge amount of driving in my Zed for the next few months, so keen to stay within £5k and jump on a great one in the next couple of months.

Really looking forward to owning and experiencing Zed. Very clear that it will be a very different drive to the Mx, which I'm truly looking forward too.

Thanks again for the tips and know how, have taken it all in.

Dw.
 
Hi and welcome to the Forum. Link in my signature gives a check list which you might find useful when looking. Good luck :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom