Info required on 1st gen Z4.

tuco

Member
Hello, I'm looking to change my ratty old 306 into something a bit more life affirming, either a MK3 MX 5 2.0 or a Z4 3.0. I've sat in the MX 5 and its a bit tiddly (6'2, 34" leg, 16st) is the Z4 any better for large chaps ? I don't have a big budget (5-5,200) and there are a few in budget including some auto's, is the automatic a reliable alternative to a manual car ? Would you consider heated seats to be a must have in a roadster ? some cars don't have heated seats but look pretty good otherwise, am i likely to regret not having them ? Thanks in advance for any advice !
 
If you are anywhere near me in Sidcup in Kent, you are welcome to come and sit in and try my 3.0 auto
And if you like it you can buy it for £5500
 
Thanks for the offer but I'm in Suffolk, so the Z4 and the MX 5 are pretty similar for interior space then ? wasn't expecting that as it looks a fair bit larger than the Mazda.
 
tuco said:
Thanks for the offer but I'm in Suffolk, so the Z4 and the MX 5 are pretty similar for interior space then ? wasn't expecting that as it looks a fair bit larger than the Mazda.
the only way to know is to sit in one. Adjust the seat [etc] try her out on a long :driving:
 
Don't worry mate - you will fit :D

I'm 6'7" and weigh 15 stone and fit in my E85 3.0 SE - a lot bigger inside than an MX5 !
 
gov said:
Don't worry mate - you will fit :D

I'm 6'7" and weigh 15 stone and fit in my E85 3.0 SE - a lot bigger inside than an MX5 !

:o HTF do you do that? Taken the seat out and sitting on floor? :?

No way can you be happy :driving:
 
thepits said:
gov said:
Don't worry mate - you will fit :D

I'm 6'7" and weigh 15 stone and fit in my E85 3.0 SE - a lot bigger inside than an MX5 !

:o HTF do you do that? Taken the seat out and sitting on floor? :?

No way can you be happy :driving:


I recall that there are several forumites at my height or very near - My previous car was a Lotus Elan and 40 years ago I had an MG Midget !!! The Zed is the best fit - clearly with seat fully down and back - may help that I'm not a fat bugger but at 15 stone I'm not skinny either but just right :rofl:
 
I am 176cm tall and 65kg, no any problems to get good adjustments. in fact seat is maybe half way.. i believe 180-190cm drivers can get comfortable seat position in E85.
 
You have to sit in one to be sure, I'm 6'3" 18stone and size 15shoes (yes I am a bloody giant) and I can fit and drive my e85 no problem and love every minuet.
Can I suggest the electric sport seats as these have a bit less padding = more space for us larger types.

Also heated seats are fantastic if you plan to drive all year round.
 
To the OP, the auto is lovely, very responsive and smooth and really suits the car well. There aren't many around and they are cheaper than the manual as they are just not as desirable, but with your budget you'll easily get an 04 with decent spec and low-ish miles.

By way of example, in October I got my '04 3.0 Auto Roadster with 90k and a few toys for £5k (full history, etc.).

By the way, the world has changed and few people use olde worlde measurements. Get into cm and kg and you'll be a lot happier :poke:

Basically, you're 2m tall and weigh 100kg. Simple.
 
Thanks for the info, if its only a little bit bigger than the Mazda then I'll be happy with the space ! not sure about this M's and KG's though, sounds like witchcraft.
 
tuco said:
Thanks for the info, if its only a little bit bigger than the Mazda then I'll be happy with the space ! not sure about this M's and KG's though, sounds like witchcraft.


The Z4 interior is a lot bigger than the Mazda, had a drive of a 14 plate mx5 the other week and tbh it was a struggle where as I have no problems with the zed.

As I said b4 you have to sit in one and make the adjustments only then will you know, find a local second hand lot with one even if it's not the one you want to buy, kick the tyres make all the right noises and have a seat, then say thanks for that I'll let you know. That's what I did :D
 
I've had both Mx5 and the Zed - the Zed has more space in the cab than the MX5.

Get yourself a sit in one to be sure but we've got forumites of your size at the National and they manage. . . .

You're at the price point where you should be able to pick up a manual or auto 2003/4

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
I am 6ft 4 and 16st and find the Zed comfortable , trIed a MX5 and it felt much smaller in comparison, even tried a Boxter before buying the Zed and think the Boxter is smaller in the cabin.
 
thepits said:
(6'2, 34" leg, 16st) would not IMHO fit comfortably in a E85 :?

I'm 6.2 and 15st 10lb and fit comfortably in my E85 and have done so for almost 5 years.
 
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