Hi All,
Well, I've just registered and I'm after some advice.
In the next month or so I'll be in the market for a premium roadster, choice was between a Boxster or a Z4. Z4 appears to have won, decision based on slightly higher running costs on the Porsche, that the Porsche would be older and because I am a bit of a BMW fan. Currently drive an X3, to accomodate a big dog and lots of guitars and amps, and I have had BMW's before.
As I will be keeping the X3, budget is very strict and can't be pushed too much, but probably quite generous. I'd be looking for a dealer supplied car, I'd prefer something with a bit of poke, so I've been looking at 2.5 engined cars on something like an 06 to 07 plate. Choice seems to be between Sport and SE spec. I think that means the same level of performance?
So, which one is better to go for? From past experience with BMW, SE spec cars still handle very well. Is the Sport going to be annoying hard? Are there any good reasons for Sport over an SE with some nice larger wheels on it? I'd be driving the Z4 on a daily basis as my wife would be using the X3, so the new car wouldn't be a weekend toy. It needs to be able to do the comfortable commute as well as the roof down, back road thrash.
I think that I want an auto. Not because I can't drive a manual, I just think that I fancy one. Anyone think that is the worng transmission to get? Does a manual box suit the car better? Incidently, most (all?) Sport spec 2.5 cars in the dealer network within my budget appear to be manual. Is that a coincidence?
Finally, if I went for a 2.0 car I'd be able to buy something newer. What are 2.0 cars like to drive compared to 2.5? Might I be dissapointed? Should I really be looking at 3.0 cars, although that means older and higher running costs......are they much more expensive to run than a 2.5 baring in mind I am mid 30's and can get sensible insurance????????
Anyway, thanks for any advice given. All helps me start to look for the right car. Hope I haven't commited any cardinal sin by wading in and asking questions without reading through the board first.
Cheers all.
Jon
Well, I've just registered and I'm after some advice.
In the next month or so I'll be in the market for a premium roadster, choice was between a Boxster or a Z4. Z4 appears to have won, decision based on slightly higher running costs on the Porsche, that the Porsche would be older and because I am a bit of a BMW fan. Currently drive an X3, to accomodate a big dog and lots of guitars and amps, and I have had BMW's before.
As I will be keeping the X3, budget is very strict and can't be pushed too much, but probably quite generous. I'd be looking for a dealer supplied car, I'd prefer something with a bit of poke, so I've been looking at 2.5 engined cars on something like an 06 to 07 plate. Choice seems to be between Sport and SE spec. I think that means the same level of performance?
So, which one is better to go for? From past experience with BMW, SE spec cars still handle very well. Is the Sport going to be annoying hard? Are there any good reasons for Sport over an SE with some nice larger wheels on it? I'd be driving the Z4 on a daily basis as my wife would be using the X3, so the new car wouldn't be a weekend toy. It needs to be able to do the comfortable commute as well as the roof down, back road thrash.
I think that I want an auto. Not because I can't drive a manual, I just think that I fancy one. Anyone think that is the worng transmission to get? Does a manual box suit the car better? Incidently, most (all?) Sport spec 2.5 cars in the dealer network within my budget appear to be manual. Is that a coincidence?
Finally, if I went for a 2.0 car I'd be able to buy something newer. What are 2.0 cars like to drive compared to 2.5? Might I be dissapointed? Should I really be looking at 3.0 cars, although that means older and higher running costs......are they much more expensive to run than a 2.5 baring in mind I am mid 30's and can get sensible insurance????????
Anyway, thanks for any advice given. All helps me start to look for the right car. Hope I haven't commited any cardinal sin by wading in and asking questions without reading through the board first.
Cheers all.
Jon
