Looking to buy Z4 in the uk questions

B

beavis

New member
Hi all

Just joined this forum, had a TT in the past and was over at the TT forum for a while! Currently got a Focus Diesel and looking for something a bit more interesting to look at (and drive)

With my budget, basically the cheaper the better, was just wondering the costs to keep the Z on the road if I get something with 50k miles or so on the clock, been considering models 2.2 03 models all seem to be priced around £12995 or thereabouts. Any major services/work to look out for and is it worth having a warranty? Ideally after silver, but would also consider black only other options i'm bothered about is leather seats..although heated would be nice - they were v.nice in the TT!

Don't do loads of miles approx 9000 a year but will be my main car. Presumably if I do go for the 03 model or thereabouts with the car being 5 yrs old or so hopefully depreciation will be kept to a minimum?

Thanks in advance
B
 
Personally I would not buy a used car at 50k+ miles without an extended warranty. BMW parts and labor can get quite expensive when something does go wrong.


Edit to highlight the personal preference statement :P
 
ovrkll said:
Personally I would not buy a used car at 50k+ miles without an extended warranty. BMW parts and labor can get quite expensive when something does go wrong.
Click to expand...

Why take it to BMW for problems? There are plenty of specialists that'll do the jobs for half the price and make a better job of it too.

BTW, I'm also looking for a Z4, and 50K on 5 year old car (average milage for year) wouldn't bother me a bit.
 
I had a Z3 2.8 for seven years and 80,000 miles and couldn't beleive how cheap it was to run. One service a year - about £1500 for the whole period - no breakdowns or problems and over 30mpg. Changed it last summer for a 3.0 coupe (so much better looking than the roadster!) and am just as pleased. For the first three years I took the Z3 to a main dealer but from then on to a small independent.
 
I'd definately look for a 3.0 engined car with sav + heated seats options (carver/logic 7 audio is also a good choice!), mileage shouldn't be an issue either. The extra grunt, bassey woofle from the back and 6th ratio make all the difference :evil: :driving: I also find it suprisingly economical pulling ~29mpg and would probably do a couple more on a decent run.
 
We'd all like bigger, better, newer, etc. but with the budget constraints you have set going for a 50k 03 plate seems a sensible thing to do.

If you check it out it looks well maintained and serviced then ther eis no reason to be concerned. I see no reason why a BMW cannot make 150k miles on the 4 cylinder and make cheap motoring.

Of course the 2.5 and 3.0 woudl be better, smoother, more powerful and probably last 200k miles

Warranty situatuion is very different here of course to the US so unless you get a dealer car (increased price) then it's an aftermarket warranty and personally I think they are a total waste.

Personally I'd go for a private sale, expect 2 or 3 previous owners and you should find a great car.
 
Thanks for all the useful information guys - doesn't sound too scary so far so I'll think a little more on my options... other cars being considered are poss another old shape TT, Mr2 or Mx5 (new model), something along that type of thing, but must admit like the look of the Z!

Cheers - will be back soon if there's any news!
 
i just picked up a 2.2se 05 plate 30K miles form a main dealer in scotland for £15500. now that i've driven it for a while, in hindsight.... i should have gone for the 2.5 or the 3.0. the performence on the 2.2 is ok but thats all it is...ok. when the years waranty runs out on this one i'll be trading it for a 2.5 or a 3.0 no doubt!

my advice, main dealer + older car/higher miles + 2.5/3.0 is a good combination. avoid paying for optional extras, keep the spec you want basic and you'll get a good car in your budget. in a year or two when you want to sell it there will be someone in the same shoes you are now, looking for a nice car, well cared for, on a midrange budget. you will always be able to sell it for a sensible price.
 
i'm afriad i have not got much to say apart from the year z4 you are looking at if well maintained will be fine, the engines are bulletproof and if were to get the work done is an issue i am a bmw technician that does private work in the north london area and charge back street prices. considering my dealership charges £170.00 an hour i think im very cheap.
Good luck in your decision and dont rush mate.
 
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