Now then Sparky,
Welcome to the site - have a look at some of the shortcuts above and you'll learn what to look for and have in mind.
Why not be patient and see what comes up on this site for sale - a well cared for Zed with good history and full service history and possibly with a new hood motor is likely to come up from time to time.
I have a 2006 'facelift' 2.0 litre sport - I really enjoy the full performance of my four cylinder - it is very smooth and great fun to drive this way. Many forum members prefer and opt for the six cylinder 3.0 litre and it appears costs are not too different - check insurance. Tyres can be expensive but there are middle range tyres available to keep things affordable.
Make sure you think about the colour/options/spec you really want - you may have to make some compromises but when spending your money wait for what you really want.
Heated seats make sense - sport / leather seats are liked / SE version has smaller wheels and less expensive sized tyres / Sport version has staggered tyres (wider at back) and 18inch which are more expensive - sport versions can have a harsher ride than SE - see what others have said on the Forum for more advice. Some cars come with parking assist/ uprated hifi/ the Zed can be breezy with the top down so a Zed which has the optional BMW wind excluder is useful ( though I have a Perspex version costing just over £100 the BMW version is far more expensive and difficult to get so good to have one with the car you buy).
The Zeds you are after can be modified - sometimes lowered and the wheels may be uprated or changed so find out what you're looking at - that's why it might be useful buying from a forum member - though some cars are advertised by newbies - so all rules of car purchase still apply - take care.
Getting your Zed serviced at a specialist garage rather than a BMW dealership is far cheaper - such a service stamp at the age you are looking to buy will be ok. My specialist likes the Z4 and services it for £200 and I trust his judgement and work.
I traded up from an MX5 and have not regretted it - I feel I am driving a far more special and focussed car - its great and you'll love it
BUT it does take some getting used to and you'll enjoy getting to know it's capabilities - most members change to non runflat tyres as the car does tend to tramline and follow cambers and faults in the road on runflats (as well as creating quite a harsh ride).
There are lots of forum members that have more knowledge than me but I was in your position a couple of years ago and made some elemental mistakes and could have done with getting info from this site before I purchased my Zed - no regrets though its been brilliant for the last 18 months. Its a very special car and so is the Forum - when you get one come along to he runs and meets - its a great group.
Best of luck with your search - there are plenty out there - be patient and the right Zed will come your way and you'll see what all the fuss is about!
south yorkshire
