How reliable? When does everything start falling apart?

[charlieaf92]

I'm currently in the market for a 03-05 3.0i (manual). I want something that I can drive daily and not constantly be working on and repairing (but, I'm capable of fixing just about anything if/when it does happen). I've found that once a car starts to go downhill it is a slippery slope - and although every car is different it seems that cars of the same model tend to follow the same pattern.

So, from your ownership experience - when has owning the car become a list of 'to-do' items to fix or have fixed? And, what are the things that are pretty much guaranteed to fail? It looks like the rear springs are a notorious problem, is there anything else?

Thanks
Charlie

 

[LeeME3]

Well I've had a 3.0i for 4 months, it had 50K on it when I bought it and has 53K on it now...so not a vast amount of experience to draw upon however...

Took my time looking for the 'right car' (for me) and probably paid £300-£500 over what I should have done but I'm not too fussed as so far she has proven to be a delight. Private purchase but had 12 months MOT on it at purchase - I knew it had an advisory for the front pads and sure enough the light came one recently...did them myself with no major issues (one helluva tight bolt though!) and no great expense (Eurocarparts).

Using info from this (excellent) forum I've done a few minor mods all without difficulty and have checked all the things it seems worth checking - springs, drain holes, flappy flap thing in engine bay (long day, brain not working) and all looks good.

Running costs have been a pleasant surprise... ~£350 insurance, 28.5mpg since collection. Have also just put M 224 pattern wheels on which have non-run flat Conti-sport tyres on and I'm loving how that has transformed the car. She no longer follows every line in the road and my teeth stay in when I hit uneven bits! I personally like the way the M wheels fill the arches more but that is a personal thing of course.

I bought the car intending to keep it for a year or 2 before returning to 911 ownership but (as you'll see on other threads!) I'm now seriously thinking about an 'M' in the next year or 2 instead.

I see you're in the US - you are aware that a manual will have 3 pedals down in the footwell??? (Only joking - it is, incidentally, a lovely gearbox).

Only other comment is enjoy your search, buy on condition and history rather than mileage and enjoy the car when you get it! Frankly, I bought mine to use as a second car but it is getting as much use (if not more) than my 'main' car and it seems to be lapping it up.

All in my humble opinion, of course! There are folk on here who know far more than me...

 

[charlieaf92]

Well I've had a 3.0i for 4 months, it had 50K on it when I bought it and has 53K on it now...so not a vast amount of experience to draw upon however...

Took my time looking for the 'right car' (for me) and probably paid £300-£500 over what I should have done but I'm not too fussed as so far she has proven to be a delight. Private purchase but had 12 months MOT on it at purchase - I knew it had an advisory for the front pads and sure enough the light came one recently...did them myself with no major issues (one helluva tight bolt though!) and no great expense (Eurocarparts).

Using info from this (excellent) forum I've done a few minor mods all without difficulty and have checked all the things it seems worth checking - springs, drain holes, flappy flap thing in engine bay (long day, brain not working) and all looks good.

Running costs have been a pleasant surprise... ~£350 insurance, 28.5mpg since collection. Have also just put M 224 pattern wheels on which have non-run flat Conti-sport tyres on and I'm loving how that has transformed the car. She no longer follows every line in the road and my teeth stay in when I hit uneven bits! I personally like the way the M wheels fill the arches more but that is a personal thing of course.

I bought the car intending to keep it for a year or 2 before returning to 911 ownership but (as you'll see on other threads!) I'm now seriously thinking about an 'M' in the next year or 2 instead.

I see you're in the US - you are aware that a manual will have 3 pedals down in the footwell??? (Only joking - it is, incidentally, a lovely gearbox).

Only other comment is enjoy your search, buy on condition and history rather than mileage and enjoy the car when you get it! Frankly, I bought mine to use as a second car but it is getting as much use (if not more) than my 'main' car and it seems to be lapping it up.

All in my humble opinion, of course! There are folk on here who know far more than me...

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge so far. This is very helpful to me.

Charlie

 

[Z4 04 25i]

I've had my Z4 for 2 years and luckily had warrantee to replace steering column $3600 saved. Tires at 60000 needed new ons and went with Michelins Pilot and their not run flats and it is more a pleasure to drive and quieter.
hydraulic motor assy in convertible being replaced by dealer because he's best price in town (unbelievable).

So, the car has never let me down yes Virginai I believe in Santa Claus and I'm gonna keep it because everyone should have a boat...Something you can spend money on that seldom is in water.

But push button sun whenever it shines in Oregon is awesome.
04 Z4

 

[charlieaf92]

Thanks for the advice guys. I ended up picking up a Z4 over the weekend. It is an 2003 3.0i, 6speed manual, sport package, premium package (I think) and has 57k miles on it. I am pretty sure it has every option except for the nav system. So far, I really like it. It doesn't have the raw power and acceleration that my previous car had, but everything feels really tight and responsive.

charlie

 

[Adamski]

Good choice sir

Remember to post some pics.... or you'll get this :worthless: