Help a new boy find the right e85/86!

[JonLeeper]

So, I'm Jon and I'm seriously considering buying an e85 / e86! Wow feels great to get that off my chest.

So a little background. I'm Jon, as previously stated, and in a, seriously short, couple of months I finish being a soldier and have to start working for a living. It's been over 22 years since I joined and I'm finding it's both exciting and scary in equal measure! I have a house in deepest darkest Kent, about 10 miles outside Dover, but am still living and working in Bristol until the end of June.

The most important thing for here, however, is that this means that for the first time in almost forever my daily commute is not a walk or cycle from my front door! This means that I need a new car. Hence my appearance on the site. I am quite mechanically minded, I own a couple of sets of spanners, and actually enjoy tinkering with stuff so I'm not adverse to doing things myself. However that must be tempered with the fact the car will be my main commuting method so any work will need to be completed in a weekend.

So what do I need?

1. I will need to commute about 50 miles each way. A mixture of back roads and some motorway / a roads. As I'm only just starting out I think reliability is the biggest thing for me. Not arriving at the office because I've broken down, again, is, I suspect, the quickest way to ensure I don't pass my probation period! As such a decent length of MOT is high on the list as I know I "should" get nearly a years motoring out of it.
2. I'm a little over 6 feet 2 inches tall and starting to become what my kids call "cuddly" so will need to get comfortable in the car. I suspect that this isn't an issue but I will have to try a couple to make sure.
3. As I won't get my pension for a while, and there's loads of things that SWMBO thinks rate higher than a car for me on the spending front, I have a limited budget of £3,500 to £4,000 max! There will be a small "fighting fund" that will start to build from October but I need a base car first.

I think that sorts the "musts" so onto the "nice to haves"!

1. I'd love a car that I can enjoy driving. As a family we've have a "hand me down" Passat Estate, that whilst great, doesn't really excite me. The last time I had a car I enjoyed driving it was a Mk2 Golf Gti 8v around 10 years ago!
2. I'd love a car I can do the occasional track day in. I did have a dedicated Mk2 Golf for this task but it had to go about 7 years ago. I may go back to another dedicated track day toy in the future but being able to have a couple of fun days out each year until then would be a bonus.

So what has my research told me thus far?

1. I'm pushing the boundaries of Z4 ownership with such a limited budget! There are more 2.5's out there than 3.0's but they're not "hens teeth" scare.
2. Most people say that the car to go for is the 3.0 as it offers advantages over the 2.5 but doesn't particularly increase MPG or tax.
3. There were not too many toys fitted by BMW as standard and not many options either!
4. Both the 2.5 and the 3.0 are essentially the same engine and are as robust as any modern engine, with regular servicing.

So what have I seen?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804105411590?minimum-badge-engine-size=2.4&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Manual&price-to=4000&postcode=bs329be&model=Z4&sort=distance&page=1&make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New

A 2.5 but has the sport pack. MOT until March 19, relatively, low miles and close to Bristol. Also well within budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201805276913875?minimum-badge-engine-size=2.4&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Manual&price-to=4000&postcode=bs329be&model=Z4&sort=distance&page=1&make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New

Top end of budget but it is a 3.0. Short MOT, only Sept 18, but the tyres have been replaced since the last MOT, they were adviseries then.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201805056237488?minimum-badge-engine-size=2.4&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Manual&price-to=4000&postcode=bs329be&model=Z4&sort=distance&page=2&make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New

Another 3.0 at the top end of budget. A decent MOT, Apr 19 but lots of adviseries which makes me a little nervous about how well its been looked after. It is, relatively, low miles though

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804245879264?minimum-badge-engine-size=2.4&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Manual&price-to=4000&postcode=ct130bg&model=Z4&sort=distance&page=1&make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New

A 2.5 but long MOT, Apr 19 and well within budget. Lots of adviseries but they all seem to be consumables rather than anything too dire.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201805206692881?minimum-badge-engine-size=2.4&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Manual&price-to=4000&postcode=ct130bg&model=Z4&sort=distance&page=1&make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New

Another 2.5 but, again, a reasonable MOT, Feb 19. Not too many miles and well within budget.


So an insanely long first post but over to you all. Am I barking up the wrong tree entirely and ought to head over to the MX-5 forum? Is there a better option that I've missed? Answers, informed opinions, other points of view, general ramblings, etc gratefully received.

Jon

 

[RustyZ4]

Hi Jon

Fellow Kent lad here

Both the 2.5 and 3.0 engines if maintained properly are very reliable, many cars on here creeping up to a 150k and still going well, the one problem they can both suffer is the roof motor failure, but there are quite a few gurus on her that can move it to the boot for not to many bucks,

As for which car you go for, I would go and test drive both a 2.5 and 3.0 and see what suits you, there is marginal mpg difference

As for an MX5 -- no idea :rofl:

 

[Courageous]

Hang around Jon. There's a world of difference in both the cars and the type of people that drive them. Zed 4 every day. You won't regret it I promise you! Welcome to civvy street buddy.

 

[idej_z4]

Welcome to the fold Jon!

Just a quick thought...you've done a lot of looking on AT, but have you checked out the for sale section on here? At least if you get one from here you're likely to get a well maintained motor as most of the peeps on here are enthusiasts who look after their cars.

Good luck!

 

[ErrErrminator]

Hi and welcome.

As has been said get yourself to see and drive some of both the 2.5 and 3.0 and buy the best car you can in budget based on history, condition and spec.

I was looking for a 3.0i initially, then ended up with a pre-facelift 2.5i from these very forums, as it was a good car, for less money, meaning I had some left for the inevitable few jobs, tax, insurance and some fuel to be able to get out and enjoy it. Ok, so another 30 (2.5Si), 40 (3.0i) or even 70 (3.0Si) horses would have been nice, but I honestly do not feel the 2.5i to be lacking. For the type of roads I use it on, mostly rural B-twisties, the performance is more than adequate. If I had the extra power would I drive the same roads any quicker? Probably not. Does it sound great, accelerate smoothly and swiftly and make me smile when I’m driving it? Yes it does.

Whichever you go for good luck with the search and don’t be afraid to ask any more questions here.

 

[chrisgreen]

I would definitely stretch to a 3 ltr engine - they are actually better on fuel as they have 6 gears so when cruising on the motorway they sit about 2.3k rpm. I regularly get 40+ mpg motorway driving.

Bide your time - don't buy the first one you see and go.

the E85 Z4 is a surprisingly cheap car to own and run - I can get a full set of front of discs and pads for less than £80 from ECP! also I'm in Bristol - happy to take you out in mine

 

[srhutch]

Hi and welcome

Test both is my only advise. 3.0i cars had a slightly higher spec, such as electric seats, 6 speed box on pre facelifts.

TBH the only option you really need on a roadster is heated seats. Even if you don’t want them, it will be easier to sell on with them.

 

[JonLeeper]

I would definitely stretch to a 3 ltr engine - they are actually better on fuel as they have 6 gears so when cruising on the motorway they sit about 2.3k rpm. I regularly get 40+ mpg motorway driving.

Bide your time - don't buy the first one you see and go.

the E85 Z4 is a surprisingly cheap car to own and run - I can get a full set of front of discs and pads for less than £80 from ECP! also I'm in Bristol - happy to take you out in mine

Thanks for the offer and I'd definitely like to take you up on that, especially as I've never actually sat in one! I'm about all weekend.......... :driving:

 

[JonLeeper]

Hi and welcome.

As has been said get yourself to see and drive some of both the 2.5 and 3.0 and buy the best car you can in budget based on history, condition and spec.

I was looking for a 3.0i initially, then ended up with a pre-facelift 2.5i from these very forums, as it was a good car, for less money, meaning I had some left for the inevitable few jobs, tax, insurance and some fuel to be able to get out and enjoy it. Ok, so another 30 (2.5Si), 40 (3.0i) or even 70 (3.0Si) horses would have been nice, but I honestly do not feel the 2.5i to be lacking. For the type of roads I use it on, mostly rural B-twisties, the performance is more than adequate. If I had the extra power would I drive the same roads any quicker? Probably not. Does it sound great, accelerate smoothly and swiftly and make me smile when I’m driving it? Yes it does.

Whichever you go for good luck with the search and don’t be afraid to ask any more questions here.

Thanks for the response and I'll definitely be back with more questions!

 

[JonLeeper]

Welcome to the fold Jon!

Just a quick thought...you've done a lot of looking on AT, but have you checked out the for sale section on here? At least if you get one from here you're likely to get a well maintained motor as most of the peeps on here are enthusiasts who look after their cars.

Good luck!

Thanks for the welcome. I had looked on the"for sale" posts on here but there's nothing even close to my budget! I'll keep looking though.

 

[idej_z4]

Welcome to the fold Jon!

Just a quick thought...you've done a lot of looking on AT, but have you checked out the for sale section on here? At least if you get one from here you're likely to get a well maintained motor as most of the peeps on here are enthusiasts who look after their cars.

Good luck!

Thanks for the welcome. I had looked on the"for sale" posts on here but there's nothing even close to my budget! I'll keep looking though.

Keep checking though, I’ve defo seen some on here for the top end of your budget.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Well of the ones you have put links to I like the third one best.

It's a 3 litre, I like Maldives Blue and Style 107 wheels and it's got the desirable heated seats!

Good luck finding the right one.

 

[chrisgreen]

I would definitely stretch to a 3 ltr engine - they are actually better on fuel as they have 6 gears so when cruising on the motorway they sit about 2.3k rpm. I regularly get 40+ mpg motorway driving.

Bide your time - don't buy the first one you see and go.

the E85 Z4 is a surprisingly cheap car to own and run - I can get a full set of front of discs and pads for less than £80 from ECP! also I'm in Bristol - happy to take you out in mine

Thanks for the offer and I'd definitely like to take you up on that, especially as I've never actually sat in one! I'm about all weekend.......... :driving:

i'm away this weekend i'm afraid but free the weekend after or during the week!

 

[JonLeeper]

JonLeeper wrote: ↑

chrisgreen wrote: ↑
I would definitely stretch to a 3 ltr engine - they are actually better on fuel as they have 6 gears so when cruising on the motorway they sit about 2.3k rpm. I regularly get 40+ mpg motorway driving.

Bide your time - don't buy the first one you see and go.

the E85 Z4 is a surprisingly cheap car to own and run - I can get a full set of front of discs and pads for less than £80 from ECP! also I'm in Bristol - happy to take you out in mine

Thanks for the offer and I'd definitely like to take you up on that, especially as I've never actually sat in one! I'm about all weekend.......... :driving:

i'm away this weekend i'm afraid but free the weekend after or during the week!

I'm away next weekend but I'm about all week. I've got to pack up and sort out my accommodation up here, so any distraction welcomed! Thanks.

 

[Fox889]

I’m 6’ & a tad more cuddly than I ought to be & the Z is a wonderful choice. I have the 3.0 which has 6 gears, leccy seats, leccy roof, heated memory seats virtually the lot. I’m totally biased but the 3.0 would be my choice.
As others have said, look on the forum as you’ll get a good buy on here. Don’t worry about mileage at all, i.e. 04 3.0 with 100k +/- 15k should come out between £3250-£4K? These girls, properly looked after are capable of 200k so service history is of paramount importance!
If you go for an MX5 you do realise you’ll be shot at dawn every morning until you denounce the devil? Plus the fact the comparison is like chalk & cheese. Stay with a Z, I still cannot believe what an affordable, beautiful & reliable car the Z is!

 

[JonLeeper]

I’m 6’ & a tad more cuddly than I ought to be & the Z is a wonderful choice. I have the 3.0 which has 6 gears, leccy seats, leccy roof, heated memory seats virtually the lot. I’m totally biased but the 3.0 would be my choice.
As others have said, look on the forum as you’ll get a good buy on here. Don’t worry about mileage at all, i.e. 04 3.0 with 100k +/- 15k should come out between £3250-£4K? These girls, properly looked after are capable of 200k so service history is of paramount importance!
If you go for an MX5 you do realise you’ll be shot at dawn every morning until you denounce the devil? Plus the fact the comparison is like chalk & cheese. Stay with a Z, I still cannot believe what an affordable, beautiful & reliable car the Z is!

I'm glad to hear that those of us with "rugby player" frames can fit! I'm hoping that you're correct in the pricing as that's what I'm thinking as well. I have a couple of months before it gets really close to starting work again so I'll keep looking. I just hope that the good weather doesn't bring the chances out increasing the price because its a soft top!

 

[idej_z4]

There is a nice one on the UK Z4 group on Facebook just in your budget. Can’t share the post from there but it’s a guy called James Lynch.

 

[srhutch]

There is a nice one on the UK Z4 group on Facebook just in your budget. Can’t share the post from there but it’s a guy called James Lynch.

EFF654A6-9AAD-4271-AB75-D0CCD807D9C2.png5E4DD5CF-1367-4F74-B08F-252380A98D02.png

Has M6 reps and then quotes “originals are £3250” :rofl:

Like saying it has an ///M badge on it and an ///M was over £40k

 

[wonkydonkey]

Has M6 reps and then quotes “originals are £3250” :rofl:

Like saying it has an ///M badge on it and an ///M was over £40k

I read that to mean "I bought replicas because the originals would have cost me a fortune", rather than trying to imply that the price of originals should somehow add to the perceived value of his car Looks right up the OP's street in terms of price, spec and location

 

[Courageous]

Looks very nice indeed!