My Z4 is worth much less because it's a stick??

[zzzing]

I had my car in for service so I went into the showroom to look at the new BMW models.
I have a 2005 Z4 Roadster 2.5i stick 5 speed with 8000 miles.
I have another car for day-to-day and this car is for pleasure. I bought it new from this dealer.

Here’s the question, the dealer says my Z4 trade is not worth much because it’s a stick.
They didn’t want to quote a price, they said “everyone wants Automatic”.
Do you think they are correct, or are they setting me up for a low-ball?
All of the roadsters that I have owned have been stick shift. Has the market changed?
I will get a second opinion however the next BMW dealer is an hour away. Jack, USA

 

[Anonymous]

Mmmm, well in the US, people tend to be lazy, so I can probably understand that, but it's a bloody sports car, so you can only go the way of the stick!

I would say an auto is less desirable, boring etc.

 

[WLH]

zzzing, welcome to the forum...
I belong to a Z series car club with about 35 members. 2 of those members have automatics.
I think they are setting you up for a low ball...

 

[Z4 Pilot]

Mmmm, well in the US, people tend to be lazy, so I can probably understand that, but it's a bloody sports car, so you can only go the way of the stick!

I would say an auto is less desirable, boring etc.

I would tend to agree with shidevil (except for the Americans are lazy part.) I think there are two basic issues. There has been a simple change in demand re: automatics vs. standards in the last few decades. They're easier to use for the novice driver, easier in urban stop and go traffic, etc. Secondly, with the reduced demand for standards there are far fewer people today who are comfortable driving a standard. They simply didn't grow up with them and are nervous about them.

Now, back to watching TV reruns and scratching my belly . . . Z4 Pilot

 

[Mangozac]

When I was searching for mine I noticed that here in Oz used Z4s in manual are generally more expensive because they've been owned by a true car enthusiast and hence have been better looked after

 

[WLH]

Just made a call to a friend of mine who is a salesman at the local BMW dealer. I asked the question concerning the used value of auto vs manual and while when new the auto added well over a $1,000 to the price it is now worth nothing. In other words you get nothing extra if trading in a Z with auto. The reason is they are a little harder move. I confirmed this by going on line and checking BLUEBOOK value and if you check auto it does not increase the trade in value.

 

[T-J]

Hi and welcome zzzing The Zed is a sports car and for me a sports car should have a stick. I think they a setting you up for a low-ball. Drive the hour I bet you find it worth it.

 

[cyhliu]

I specifically wanted a stick-shift, I've never driven an automatic and the SMG was attractive but knew if they broke down, they would be expensive to repair.

For me having driving a stick-shift is part of the enjoyment of driving something like a Z4, I want to choose what gear to be in!

Anyway, returning back to the original posting, I think they are attempting to low-ball you, they probably know your nearest other dealer is an hour away too hence the attempt. I find it difficult to trust dealers sometimes, like estate agents, you really don't know if it's the truth or not...

 

[mikedav]

A dealer will suck his teeth, tut, shake his head and use anything to barter you down. It will always be the wrong colour / time of year / gearbox / mileage, whatever.....it may well have some truth to it but it's not a Camry so I don't think it should affect the value THAT much

Hi and welcome zzzing The Zed is a sports car and for me a sports car should have a stick. I think they a setting you up for a low-ball. Drive the hour I bet you find it worth it.

He's in the USA though, different market...

 

[inkey$]

I would tend to agree with shidevil (except for the Americans are lazy part.)...
Now, back to watching TV reruns and scratching my belly . . . Z4 Pilot

 

[lacroupade]

Easily fixed, just find out which dealership Jerry Lundergaard works at. Oh yah.

[youtube]h-8hkD-QoW4[/youtube]

 

[bmwangler]

I think the difference between the UK and the USA is fact that in the UK, to get a licence that doesn't limit you to an auto only, you HAVE to learn to drive a manual.

The vast majority of First time Buyer cars are small, older, cheap manuals, so almost everyone here naturally graduates down the way of the stick.

It's the opposite in the States in just about every respect. :smart:

 

[Taz]

i would have thought a stick in the USA was a rare beast, i assumed 99% of cars over there were automatics

 

[AlanJ]

Welcome to the Forum - every salesman on a trade in will do all they can to reduce the value - it's their job: MAXIMISE PROFIT!

 

[WLH]

i would have thought a stick in the USA was a rare beast, i assumed 99% of cars over there were automatics

Your are correct and it is often not even an option to have manual. Most of the BMW model can be obtained with manual but most sell with auto. However, you don't see too many Zed with auto.

 

[lacroupade]

i would have thought a stick in the USA was a rare beast, i assumed 99% of cars over there were automatics

Your are correct and it is often not even an option to have manual. Most of the BMW model can be obtained with manual but most sell with auto. However, you don't see too many Zed with auto.

So you guys can learn and test on an automatic, but drive a manual on that same licence without any further testing?

 

[mikedav]

Auto Z4s are pretty common in the UK, especially in London. Though it tends to be more for the larger engined cars. As an example, something like 70% of 330/335s are Automatic, while a 320d or 325d is more likely to be manual....335d only available as an Auto.

So you guys can learn and test on an automatic, but drive a manual on that same licence without any further testing?

Yes.

I spent a year of my degree over there and it was funny how many guys thought driving a stick was a manly, impressive skill. You also see some questionable techniques when everyone is self taught on occasion. One guy I knew would put it into neutral for bends and then select a gear on the exit....

Odd.

 

[Jimmy Gee]

So you guys can learn and test on an automatic, but drive a manual on that same licence without any further testing?

Yes.

I spent a year of my degree over there and it was funny how many guys thought driving a stick was a manly, impressive skill. It's pretty funny to think your Mum and your little sister can do it over here

You also see some questionable techniques when everyone is self taught IMO. One guy I knew would put it into neutral for bends and then select a gear on the exit....and nobody ever used their handbrake, they simply parked in gear everywhere as you would with an Auto...

Odd.

Neutral for bends :lol: will have to try that one this weekend

 

[WLH]

i would have thought a stick in the USA was a rare beast, i assumed 99% of cars over there were automatics

Your are correct and it is often not even an option to have manual. Most of the BMW model can be obtained with manual but most sell with auto. However, you don't see too many Zed with auto.

So you guys can learn and test on an automatic, but drive a manual on that same licence without any further testing?

Yes...

 

[lacroupade]

I spent a year of my degree over there and it was funny how many guys thought driving a stick was a manly, impressive skill. You also see some questionable techniques when everyone is self taught on occasion. One guy I knew would put it into neutral for bends and then select a gear on the exit....

Odd.

My wife drives like that all the time???