Low mileage 13 year old 3.0, pitfalls?

[gov]

Personally I would go for neither of them I just wouldn't pay £6500 for a 3.0i that's getting to 3.0si money albeit on a higher milage car

This is what i don't understand - yes you can buy the same year zed for £2k less but then you have to factor in other likely costs if you want to get it up to the same standard usually things like tyres , servicing , wheel refurbs , cosmetic paint jobs to improve mileage related wear such as excessive stonechips etc - all this will swallow up the difference and you'll end up with car that cost the same but with higher miles .

" You only get what you pay for " in the end.

 

[maxman]

Personally I would go for neither of them I just wouldn't pay £6500 for a 3.0i that's getting to 3.0si money albeit on a higher milage car

This is what i don't understand - yes you can buy the same year zed for £2k less but then you have to factor in other likely costs if you want to get it up to the same standard usually things like tyres , servicing , wheel refurbs , cosmetic paint jobs to improve mileage related wear such as excessive stonechips etc - all this will swallow up the difference and you'll end up with car that cost the same but with higher miles .

" You only get what you pay for " in the end.

Sound advice from Gov.

 

[85genius]

Personally I would go for neither of them I just wouldn't pay £6500 for a 3.0i that's getting to 3.0si money albeit on a higher milage car

This is what i don't understand - yes you can buy the same year zed for £2k less but then you have to factor in other likely costs if you want to get it up to the same standard usually things like tyres , servicing , wheel refurbs , cosmetic paint jobs to improve mileage related wear such as excessive stonechips etc - all this will swallow up the difference and you'll end up with car that cost the same but with higher miles .

" You only get what you pay for " in the end.

That's why I said

buy on condition and how it has been looked after

You list a load of jobs that could well have been done by a previous owner I bought my si with recently refurbed wheels very good paint all round and excellent service history (well over serviced) the only real cosmetic issues were the roof and drivers seat both of which I sorted myself in one afternoon.....

It all comes down to the individual motor in question

 

[Fox889]

But a high mileage (100-120k) 3.0 cheap as chips & you'll always get rid of it to someone.
Just make sure it's got a decent service history & you're there.......simples......enjoy!

 

[faz_b]

Personally I would go for neither of them I just wouldn't pay £6500 for a 3.0i that's getting to 3.0si money albeit on a higher milage car...

I'd either go for a 3.0 with a few more miles on it for which you will find for 4.5k-5k if you look long enough or hold out for a deal on an si....

Dont let mileage be a major factor for you, my first Z4 was on over 120k when it got written off and was running sweet as, buy on condition and how it has been looked after lower mileage does not always a better car make....

Also forget the 2.5 they are awesome cars and my first zed was a 2.5 but I bought it without first test driving the bigger engine, when I bought the second Z4 I went for a 3.0si

Exactly this. In fact si roadsters have come down at the bottom end below this figure if you have a touch of patience. I paid £6600 for mine ( '07 3.0si with 75K on clock in mint condition) around 4 months ago. Mileage on these engines isnt really a deal breaker. worth baring in mind that the SI is facelifted, better looking, and more powerful than the ones you have suggested.

Found this one priced at £6900 which looks like a gem - 3.0si, saphire black, heated and electric M sport seats, new waterpump, inspection 2 done within last 10K, Full BMW Service History, Gaptech, and only 67K on the clock. With a cash offer of £6500 I am sure you would bag it from the seller without much hassle.

Needs only 2 things sorted - a ding in the front wing and the wheels refurbed - purely cosmetic but the fundamentals of that car look great.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201610038382066?postcode=nw71js&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&year-to=2008&make=BMW&year-from=2006&sort=price-asc&radius=1500&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&model=Z4&page=1

 

[85genius]

Personally I would go for neither of them I just wouldn't pay £6500 for a 3.0i that's getting to 3.0si money albeit on a higher milage car...

I'd either go for a 3.0 with a few more miles on it for which you will find for 4.5k-5k if you look long enough or hold out for a deal on an si....

Dont let mileage be a major factor for you, my first Z4 was on over 120k when it got written off and was running sweet as, buy on condition and how it has been looked after lower mileage does not always a better car make....

Also forget the 2.5 they are awesome cars and my first zed was a 2.5 but I bought it without first test driving the bigger engine, when I bought the second Z4 I went for a 3.0si

Exactly this. In fact si roadsters have come down at the bottom end below this figure if you have a touch of patience. I paid £6600 for mine ( '07 3.0si with 75K on clock in mint condition) around 4 months ago. Mileage on these engines isnt really a deal breaker. worth baring in mind that the SI is facelifted, better looking, and more powerful than the ones you have suggested.

Found this one priced at £6900 which looks like a gem - 3.0si, saphire black, heated and electric M sport seats, new waterpump, inspection 2 done within last 10K, Full BMW Service History, Gaptech, and only 67K on the clock. With a cash offer of £6500 I am sure you would bag it from the seller without much hassle.

Needs only 2 things sorted - a ding in the front wing and the wheels refurbed - purely cosmetic but the fundamentals of that car look great.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201610038382066?postcode=nw71js&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&year-to=2008&make=BMW&year-from=2006&sort=price-asc&radius=1500&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&model=Z4&page=1

Decent find, If I was int he market for a Z4 I'd be going to look at that

 

[Mike6]

Slightly off topic but I went to the Alexandra Palace car show 10 days or so ago and saw a Z3 for sale alongside a couple of Porsche Boxsters. There were the usual Ferraris and 911s etc etc up for auction. I spoke to the seller of the Z3 (Epping Motors I recall) and he said that without doubt the Zeds were becoming future classics and he could sell well cared for low mileage ones all day long. The older more accepted classics were becoming a problem as repairs/warranties were getting expensive and not really worth his while. The Zeds on the other hand looked good and there was a real market for a more modern reliable sports car with performance to match. A fairly resounding thumbs up for those of us who maintain our cars above and beyond maintenance schedules.

 

[gov]

Slightly off topic but I went to the Alexandra Palace car show 10 days or so ago and saw a Z3 for sale alongside a couple of Porsche Boxsters. There were the usual Ferraris and 911s etc etc up for auction. I spoke to the seller of the Z3 (Epping Motors I recall) and he said that without doubt the Zeds were becoming future classics and he could sell well cared for low mileage ones all day long. The older more accepted classics were becoming a problem as repairs/warranties were getting expensive and not really worth his while. The Zeds on the other hand looked good and there was a real market for a more modern reliable sports car with performance to match. A fairly resounding thumbs up for those of us who maintain our cars above and beyond maintenance schedules.

Ah so there I was about to sell my zed for a realistic £3k bearing in mind as it's such a low mileage the seals must be shot to pieces and the market being what is is it would have to be nearest offer as well - better hold out till April 1st and hope for a little more .

 

[pvr]

gov - depreciating silver colour as well, so really on a good day - lucky to get £1500. Tell you what, will give you £2k to take it off you :lol:

 

[gov]

gov - depreciating silver colour as well, so really on a good day - lucky to get £1500. Tell you what, will give you £2k to take it off you :lol:

Thanks PVR - forgot about the unpopularity of sterling grey - will give your offer some thought !

 

[maxman]

Slightly off topic but I went to the Alexandra Palace car show 10 days or so ago and saw a Z3 for sale alongside a couple of Porsche Boxsters. There were the usual Ferraris and 911s etc etc up for auction. I spoke to the seller of the Z3 (Epping Motors I recall) and he said that without doubt the Zeds were becoming future classics and he could sell well cared for low mileage ones all day long.


Ah so there I was about to sell my zed for a realistic £3k bearing in mind as it's such a low mileage the seals must be shot to pieces and the market being what is is it would have to be nearest offer as well - better hold out till April 1st and hope for a little more .

There not much call for low mileage ,well cared for ,sensible priced motors at the moment.With all the possible pitfalls 3k is a bit strong. :lol:

 

[Zero4]

I really don't get people who buy these cars and drive only in the summer for hundreds of miles only per year. They're not exactly a rare or expensive car , never will be an investment in terms of money and above all... they're supposed to be enjoyed and DRIVEN![i/quote]


It's never been about being an investment - it's personal choice - it's more about having something unique and original ( in terms of mileage and condition ) and enjoying the times you take it out knowing how good it looks and performs - there are many members on here who have cars that are closeted away - okay they are mostly classics but the principle is the same - and I recollect my early zed is not the lowest miler on here. How many times have people said they want a car that's different ?

My car is under SORN at the moment but I look forward to dusting it off in a few months and using again next year if only for 500 miles provided I can survive the trauma of reaching the 30k milestone

That's my point, it's a personal choice to not drive it after spending the money to buy it which makes no sense to me.

 

[pvr]

Have you never bought anything just because you like it? Some people collect paintings to look at, I buy cars to look at and very occasionally drive.

 

[gov]

Have you never bought anything just because you like it? Some people collect paintings to look at, I buy cars to look at and very occasionally drive.

Whoa steady on PVR - this is a rare occasion we agree on something ( as long as we steer clear of politics )

 

[Paulr]

Well, looked at a couple, and with my style of driving the 3.0, although faster, was not the clincher over the 2.5, but the price and condition was. Got a mint 75,000 mile 2.5i (and it really looks like a 10,000 mile car!) that has a full history with new tyres, brakes and discs front and rear, rear and front springs all done in the last two years, and a recent big service.It was £2500 cheaper than the 3.0 with 34k, and I really use my cars all year round. Also, I dont have that £2500 at the moment as I have started a new business!

Boy do they drive smoothly! And the 2.5 is no slouch is it!

Picking it up Saturday with any luck, so I will post some pics over the weekend.

 

[85genius]

Well, looked at a couple, and with my style of driving the 3.0, although faster, was not the clincher over the 2.5, but the price and condition was. Got a mint 75,000 mile 2.5i (and it really looks like a 10,000 mile car!) that has a full history with new tyres, brakes and discs front and rear, rear and front springs all done in the last two years, and a recent big service.It was £2500 cheaper than the 3.0 with 34k, and I really use my cars all year round. Also, I dont have that £2500 at the moment as I have started a new business!

Boy do they drive smoothly! And the 2.5 is no slouch is it!

Picking it up Saturday with any luck, so I will post some pics over the weekend.

Congrats on finding your Z!

Even though the weather isn't really turning the right way I'm sure you will love it!

75k is still low miles for these engines my 2.5 had 50k more on the clock than yours and still ran absolutely brilliant so from the sound of things this one should give you years of trouble free motoring ant what sounds to be a bargain price

 

[gov]

Well done mate - looking forward to seeing the pics - enjoy

 

[Marlon]

Looks like you have got yourself a Zed that ticks all your boxes, congrats - looking forward to seeing it. Very exciting - good luck sleeping between now and Saturday

 

[Sky-drive]

I looked at 3.0 litres and 2.5 litres before buying my first Z4 back in the summer. In the end I bought a 13 year old 2.5 85k on the clock for £3000. Mechanically the car is excellent, 6000 miles driven since I have bought it and very impressed: only one split air intake hose and some replacement tensioners fitted. It easily keeps up with the other 3.0 litres and 3.4 Alpinas out on the open road (Im sure Number5 can testify to that!) however its also quite relaxed to drive in and around town. I retrofitted a cruise control recently and am now seeing 42mpg on the motorway cruising at 60-65mph. Planning on getting the bodywork resprayed in a more up to date shade of blue (latest BMW Monaco blue) and adding some 18" MV2s (currently looking for a set to refurbish). So far very pleased ...

 

[Paulr]

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and help, must say I am pretty excited! Looking forward to getting it and I will be an active member here no doubt.

I will be transfering my private plate to it, and giving it a damn good polish once I get it. I am fastidious with cars. Good to hear the MPG that high, although this will be lower as it is an auto.

This has cruise already, and a 6 disc CD player with the upgraded stereo system which sounds sublime, but is there a way of connecting an MP3 player to it?

I think the only thing I need to do will be to clear the roof drains as the motor has not be relocated. Durham seems a long way away so I might try to do that myself.

I have plans on doing tours, I fancy a drive up to the NC500 in Scotland and maybe a trip to France.