Considering a Zed, possible midlife crisis.... lol

[Ozyboyross]

Morning all,

Im Ross, mid 30s (feeling old saying that) From Norfolk.

Currently driving a very sensible and boring but pretty 118d, But its not getting much use and when it does its only ever me inside the car so the other four seats are wasted!

due to this im considering selling it on and pulling a few grand out of it and buying an older Zed as a toy! Mrs has a Mini Paceman we can and do use for family duties so my car is literally just for me now!

I would like to get a zed 3.0, but would consider a 2.5 and would like to spend £4k ish? is that realistic or will I get a bad car at that budget?

Also im around 6 foot 2, and 16 stone, Would I find the zed comfortable? I really fancy a convertible and I love BMWs but dont really want a 3, and cant quite afford a 125i.

Also im thinking I might wait till November, MOT my 118d, sell it with a fresh MOT and then maybe get a bargain on a zed due to the time of year? or will it make no difference?

cheers all!

Current car below..... looks good but its dull and boring!

 

[Crazy Harry]

Hi and welcome - plus points for first post with a pic (even if its not a Zed!).

Loads of owners on the forum who have a Zed for a daily and I prefer to think of it as a life style choice rather than a mid life crisis. I'm now somewhat vertically challenged by today's standards even though I was average height at school but I'm sure some forum members are your height and build and got a Zed because they could get into one! Sure they'll be along soon.

We are trying to get an active group going in Norfolk with quite a few owners now so plenty of opportunity for you to see the size of the car. Price tends to affect condition but winter prices are always a little lower than a good heatwave summer for roadsters. Enjoy the search.

 

[Ozyboyross]

Hi and welcome - plus points for first post with a pic (even if its not a Zed!).

Loads of owners on the forum who have a Zed for a daily and I prefer to think of it as a life style choice rather than a mid life crisis. I'm now somewhat vertically challenged by today's standards even though I was average height at school but I'm sure some forum members are your height and build and got a Zed because they could get into one! Sure they'll be along soon.

We are trying to get an active group going in Norfolk with quite a few owners now so plenty of opportunity for you to see the size of the car. Price tends to affect condition but winter prices are always a little lower than a good heatwave summer for roadsters. Enjoy the search.

Haha love a photo or two me, even though I don't have a zed yet!!

I wont even be using it daily really, work are moving (if you know Norfolk) From Marsham, to Sweet briar estate in Norwich, which means I will probably walk/cycle to work most of the time as ill be around 3 miles away, hence looking at a zed for fun at the weekends/evenings and a little toy for me as I do like to clean and tinker with my cars!

Its good to know that I should fit fine, I would go take a look at one but I'm not in a position to buy until I shift my current 118d really... it could be done but it would be easier to wait lol

Do you think £4k will get into a half decent early 3.0? as I wouldn't really want to spend much more than that and would prefer a 3.0 to a 2.5 for sure!

Good to know there's a little group in Norfolk! I'm always up for a blast to the coast, Love a road trip! although currently id have to let the side down in my 1 series lol!

Maybe I'm better off trying to bag a bargain in the winter then, as we are having quite a good summer this year! although I am very impatient and itching to get a zed!

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum.

Been having a mid life crisis for 20+years here. no end in sight. Like your plan. Plenty of comfy space in an E85 for 6 footers, I'm 6'4" and was 17.5 stone when I bought it. Lost a few pounds since then, mainly on super unleaded.

There are less buyers in the winter, though bare in mind there is less choice too, so be ready to travel for a good car. Prices generally ease a few hundred quid too. Good hunting.

 

[ColinBR]

1 thing to remember about winter selling.
You'll lose money on yours then too not just the Z.

With more choice available now you wont need to feel like your picking the best of a bad bunch during winter time. Now you can pick the best of a better field.

 

[Melman]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I’m 6’1’’ and fit fine. Your budget should get you in a decent early 3.0. As many more experienced than myself say on here, buy on condition not miles, and be realistic that even a good car at 15+ years will need some love, so look carefully at the advisories and any receipts for work.

Looking at prices, I’d buy now and enjoy the summer!

 

[Ozyboyross]

Welcome to the forum.

Been having a mid life crisis for 20+years here. no end in sight. Like your plan. Plenty of comfy space in an E85 for 6 footers, I'm 6'4" and was 17.5 stone when I bought it. Lost a few pounds since then, mainly on super unleaded.

There are less buyers in the winter, though bare in mind there is less choice too, so be ready to travel for a good car. Prices generally ease a few hundred quid too. Good hunting.

Haha its time I drove without a roof I think! and I think im going to be a total convert! ill probably be one of those people I laugh at who have the roof off in the winter :lol:

Good to know there is plenty of room for a larger chap!

Thats a good point, maybe I should get the 118d listed now, I am craving a zed quite badly anyway haha

quite happy to travel for the right motor! have done before many times, would rather buy a car from a loving enthusiast than eBay/autotrader etc

1 thing to remember about winter selling.
You'll lose money on yours then too not just the Z.

With more choice available now you wont need to feel like your picking the best of a bad bunch during winter time. Now you can pick the best of a better field.

Thats a good point, I have seen quite a few that tick the boxes for me, seems to be more 2.5 in my price range than 3.0 and I would rather have a 3.0.... but I cant really spend much more than £4k ish.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I’m 6’1’’ and fit fine. Your budget should get you in a decent early 3.0. As many more experienced than myself say on here, buy on condition not miles, and be realistic that even a good car at 15+ years will need some love, so look carefully at the advisories and any receipts for work.

Looking at prices, I’d buy now and enjoy the summer!

im not afraid of giving it some love, the beauty of going for al older zed and it being a toy means it doesn't matter if I have a few days/weeks of it being off the road while I sort things out. Good to know my budget should me the sort of car I would like, and that I should fit fine!

Yeah there do seem to be some bargains about, hopefully my 1 series will sell fairly easily and then I can pinch the wifes mini for now (as she's home working) while I go on a zed hunt!!

 

[Chippie]

Yeah there do seem to be some bargains about, hopefully my 1 series will sell fairly easily and then I can pinch the wifes mini for now (as she's home working) while I go on a zed hunt!!

That sounds like a plan to me
Once you have sold your 118 then you in a good position to snap that perfect E85 when it comes along,
The sooner you buy it the quicker you can scratch that itch and enjoy the summer sun.
Any way, welcome to the forum and good luck with the search, you can always ask for opinions when viewing a potential purchase.

 

[jock156]

What is it with people buying Z4s in Norfolk at the moment?????

You rarely spot them kicking about Norwich!

I'm in Sprowston

Welcome and good luck with the search!

 

[Ozyboyross]

What is it with people buying Z4s in Norfolk at the moment?????

You rarely spot them kicking about Norwich!

I'm in Sprowston

Welcome and good luck with the search!

Haha Sprowston born and bred! I hope I can find a nice zed to get me into one!

me and my lad on our daily walks walk past a black 2.5 near Catton park which over the weeks has convinced me I want one, would be a very small world if thats yours!!

 

[Wyldie85]

Hi Ross,

The Zed certainly doesn’t dictate a mid life crisis. I ran my E85 as a daily for a few years, in all weathers and it’s fine. If you’re looking for something as a weekend car or something for you to enjoy then its definitely worth a serious look. I also found my Z4 surprisingly practical and frugal. The 3.0 is also economical too.

As others have said, buy on condition and history, rather than miles. A convertible is always a special place to be and on a sunny day with the straight six singing away in your ears, you cant beat it.

Your 118d looks clean and tidy. Take a punt and see if you can get it sold and then start looking whilst there are likely to be more for sale at the moment and throughout the summer.

Also, its worth travelling some distance for a decent Z4.

 

[jock156]

What is it with people buying Z4s in Norfolk at the moment?????

You rarely spot them kicking about Norwich!

I'm in Sprowston

Welcome and good luck with the search!

Haha Sprowston born and bred! I hope I can find a nice zed to get me into one!

me and my lad on our daily walks walk past a black 2.5 near Catton park which over the weeks has convinced me I want one, would be a very small world if thats yours!!

Bottom of Burma Road? Nope not me! LOL anyways mine is Sterling Grey!

 

[Stevo1987]

He ain’t got one and neither do I.

 

[Ozyboyross]

Hi Ross,

The Zed certainly doesn’t dictate a mid life crisis. I ran my E85 as a daily for a few years, in all weathers and it’s fine. If you’re looking for something as a weekend car or something for you to enjoy then its definitely worth a serious look. I also found my Z4 surprisingly practical and frugal. The 3.0 is also economical too.

As others have said, buy on condition and history, rather than miles. A convertible is always a special place to be and on a sunny day with the straight six singing away in your ears, you cant beat it.

Your 118d looks clean and tidy. Take a punt and see if you can get it sold and then start looking whilst there are likely to be more for sale at the moment and throughout the summer.

Also, its worth travelling some distance for a decent Z4.

haha im at that age where im past caring what people think anyway! so bring on the top down fun!

I would love a 3.0 but I fear my budget and lack of patience may mean I take a 2.2 or 2.5 instead, I just hope I can sell my 118 and have enough money left after paying a small debt off to be able to get into a half decent zed! Hoping to have around £4k as ive mentioned before, but the less I spend the better lol probably asking alot!

My 118d isn't in bad condition, cleans up well! the photo was after a day of me applying various wonder potions lol

What is it with people buying Z4s in Norfolk at the moment?????

You rarely spot them kicking about Norwich!

I'm in Sprowston

Welcome and good luck with the search!

Haha Sprowston born and bred! I hope I can find a nice zed to get me into one!

me and my lad on our daily walks walk past a black 2.5 near Catton park which over the weeks has convinced me I want one, would be a very small world if thats yours!!

Bottom of Burma Road? Nope not me! LOL anyways mine is Sterling Grey!

Haha yeah thats the one!!! I grew up on Foxburrow road, went to sprowston first (Where my boy now goes) and middle and high (as did my wife except she went to Cecil and falcon lol) and now live on Colindeep!

Ill keep an eye out for you! although at the moment ill be in my 118d or the wifes Mini Paceman haha

He ain’t got one and neither do I.

I want one badly at the moment though :lol:

 

[jock156]

I've never seen it move!!!!! Do you know Jacko & Wafer?

 

[Stevo1987]

Hi Ross,

The Zed certainly doesn’t dictate a mid life crisis. I ran my E85 as a daily for a few years, in all weathers and it’s fine. If you’re looking for something as a weekend car or something for you to enjoy then its definitely worth a serious look. I also found my Z4 surprisingly practical and frugal. The 3.0 is also economical too.

As others have said, buy on condition and history, rather than miles. A convertible is always a special place to be and on a sunny day with the straight six singing away in your ears, you cant beat it.

Your 118d looks clean and tidy. Take a punt and see if you can get it sold and then start looking whilst there are likely to be more for sale at the moment and throughout the summer.

Also, its worth travelling some distance for a decent Z4.

Living in Norfolk that is a given unless one gets lucky. We are a bit remote. No motorways here.

 

[Ozyboyross]

I've never seen it move!!!!! Do you know Jacko & Wafer?

A couple came home in it the other night with the roof down as me and my lad walked past as they were putting the roof back on which he thought was so cool

Nope don’t know either of those?

 

[Ozyboyross]

Living in Norfolk that is a given unless one gets lucky. We are a bit remote. No motorways here.

Just the way us Norfolk folk seem to like it!

 

[Stevo1987]

Living in Norfolk that is a given unless one gets lucky. We are a bit remote. No motorways here.

Just the way us Norfolk folk seem to like it!

Ha ha maybe, but I am Essex, Crazy is from the grim North and Enuff is from the South Coast somewhere. I have been here nearly 19 years so still an outsider. Gotta buy my (replacement) Zed soon. I did think about other options but I am pretty sure that is what I am going to do.

 

[Ozyboyross]

Living in Norfolk that is a given unless one gets lucky. We are a bit remote. No motorways here.

Just the way us Norfolk folk seem to like it!

Ha ha maybe, but I am Essex, Crazy is from the grim North and Enuff is from the South Coast somewhere. I have been here nearly 19 years so still an outsider. Gotta buy my (replacement) Zed soon. I did think about other options but I am pretty sure that is what I am going to do.

Haha no one seems to leave Norfolk it’s a funny old place haha!

Essex ain’t far! Would be a good blast once i have a zed!

I’ve never had one and I currently want one so badly I’m debating buying one on a credit card before I sell my 1 series but trying to be sensible haha!

There’s definately something about them