I've finally decided what car I want next

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XYZ

Member
Hi everyone,

I've been searching and searching for a replacement car that ticked all of the boxes for me. Up until recently I always had my heart set on owning a Porsche, either a Boxster S or a Cayman. I was put off going down the Porsche route after I researched the IMS failure on Boxsters and the potential costs involved. My father owns a 911 and speaking to him about maintenance completely swayed me. After deciding against Porsche ownership I was really stuck, I just wanted to nail down which car I wanted next.

There weren't many other options to consider, but I looked at the following:

S2000
SLK
Z4
MX5
Cooper S
John Cooper Works

I currently have an MX5 and I wanted something quicker, that was still fun to drive. Out of the above I test drove the S2000, Z4, MX5 MK3 2.0L, Cooper S and the JCW.

I've previously driven my dad's Z3 2.8L and was unimpressed. The handling was horrible in comparison to my MX5. I also drove my brother's old Z4 SMG 3L and I can't say I remember much from the experience as it was years back.

On Saturday I went and test drove a manual 3L coupe and I am officially in love. It ticked every single box and my boyrfiend loved it too. So the decision has been made. I need to now decide on a budget and what I need to look out for, should I wish to search for one privately.

Any advice re service intervals and what to look out for?

I read somewhere here to make sure that the car has been serviced at least every 2 years. I thought it was dependant on the car and how it is driven and how many miles it has covered? Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, is there anything specific to look into regarding the coupe? Any known faults etc?

Did a lot of you buy BMW approved cars? Coupe's seem to start at about 18-19k from dealerships, whereas they are around the 15-17k range privately. So you can save a lot privately.

Thanks.
 
welcome along and good choice :D

Several threads to browse - including AlanJ's checks etc.

Servicing is a confusing issue - there is condition based servicing based on how the car is driven, but the oil should be changed at least every 2 years, as too the brake fluid regardless of mileage.

I bought AUC for the piece of mind with 12 months warranty on a car you don't know etc - but each to their own :D

happy hunting :driving:
 
I had a similar list when looking for a sports car.... had a Mk 2.5 MX-5 myself... and loved it; the Z4 is a great step up from the MX-5 ... personally i don't think the Zed is as well balanced as the MX-5 probably due to the heavier engine but the performance is stunning and the engine sound is first rate.

I like the fact that the Zed is not the default sports car choice..... unlike the Boxter.
 
Welcome to the Forum. My pre owned check list in my signature. Good luck with the search. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the replies guys. ZermattV I currently own a Mk2.5 Sport myself. I'm looking forward to finally having an engine with torque :D I was so impressed by the 3L and I'll finally have the extra power that the MX-5 lacks.

Gannet I will check out AlanJ's check if I can find it.

Can you buy a warranty outside of BMW? If so any idea of the yearly cost and who are the recommended companies to go with?

Thanks.
 
I was quoted about 500 quid from warranty direct...... other option may be Tesco finest which has a good reputation but not sure whether they'll cover the Z4 ring them up and check...
 
Give BMW a ring regarding the warranty as they may let you take out cover, but you will have to get it serviced at a main dealer there after.
 
I will only pick either facelift Z4 or facelift SLK from your list. I paid only £42 a month for no excess BMW warranty cover for my old Z4 2.5i Sport. My partner used WD for her Polo and it was rubblish.
 
IMHO,I wouldn't bother with paying aprox £3-500 a yr for ins/warranty and only put it towards repairs as and when it needs it,which ,in my exprnc,is not often.Only the 2 items listed below are all i have had bother with,in aprox 3 and a half years of ownership :thumbsup:
Each to their own though,i guess.

As for common potential items that do tend to need replacing at some point(if not in alan j's post),would be
1.Rear Springs- aprox £80 per side from bmw/plus fitting(i used local indpndnt to fit mine)/OR Fit a full set of 4 EIBACH Springs(lowers it slightly/but not too much),AT only a slightly higher/total cost

2.Wiper motor. expensive(£2-400),but there is a how to guide on here that tells u how to fix sticking wipers/if they start sticking half way up your screen;before a new motors needed. Basically,cleaning gunk/crud from around the mechanism :)

These are quite often mentioned on here,and both happened to me also/the rear springs went 1 at a time,1st 1 at mot time,or i would have went down the eibachs route.
The other main thing is Corrosion on the 18inch, 108 style split-rim alloys(optional fitment);which can be anything from £250 to £450 for a profesional/full refurb,so budget that when buying. if they are in good nick,get a good wheel wax on them regularly(once a month) :thumbsup:

Hope this helps a bit,cheers.

p.s,if u don't like the firm(ish) ride,fit some non-runflat tyres. Ins Companies used to frown on this a few yrs back,but not now :D :driving:
 
ZermattV said:
I was quoted about 500 quid from warranty direct...... other option may be Tesco finest which has a good reputation but not sure whether they'll cover the Z4 ring them up and check...
Click to expand...

Tesco have stopped offering the warranty insurance :(
 
I'll only be echoing others comments, but I'll answer as well.

Warranty - £41 a month or £440 per year on a 3.0si - I just took mine out on my coupe. HOWEVER, the Z4 is, for the most part, a very reliable car.

Service intervals are:
Oil, Insp1, Oil, Insp2, recurring. These are every 2 years, or as the indicator states. NO LATER than every 2 years. The brake fluid also needs doing every 2 years and is not mileage limited.

Known faults - Not much, but mainly the springs. They WILL go over 20k or so (mine went at 22k and 24k).

If you're looking for a coupe, incidentally I know someone selling a beautiful Montego Blue coupe with Champagne Nappa leather... ;)
 
Hi, welcome aboard :)

My advice - Buy well and you'll not regret it. Get as many options as you can for your budget and retrofit the ones you didnt manage to get further down the line.

Warranty??? Got to be kidding me, one of the most reliable cars on the road and your paying someone monthly in case it goes wrong WTF :rofl:
 
craig3.0 said:
2.Wiper motor. expensive(£2-400),but there is a how to guide on here that tells u how to fix sticking wipers/if they start sticking half way up your screen;before a new motors needed. Basically,cleaning gunk/crud from around the mechanism :)
Click to expand...

Just quoting this because I test drove an AUC at the weekend with sticking wipers. Will definitely push for a new motor if I decide to go that route.
 
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