Newbie Help - Opinions Wanted!

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saintsade

New member
Hi All,

First of all, what a great site - full of useful info and, unlike other forums, doesn't seem too "sniffy".

So... despite having had twins a few months ago, ive persuaded her indoors that it's finally time to retire my A4 1.8T and upgrade to a more family friendly Zed! I think she might be picturing an X5!!

I was absolutley set on getting the more practical 2.0 sport until i stupidly tried the 2.5si and now i'm smitten. I dare not test drive the 3.0si or the Z4M as, although i'm sure you will tell me they are better, i just can't justify it for the 75 miles of motorway driving i do everyday.

I set myself an absolute max of £10k and have been searching for sub-30k miles with a 56 plate or newer with as many bells and whistles as possible. Now im in a dilema as i've found the following for £11k:
-2.5si
-08
-'Dary Grey' with full black leather
-16k miles,
-xenons
-cruise
-Heated seats
-MFSW
-New MOT, FBMWSH, next service due in 9000
-According to the private seller, its "truly mint condition" and has been garaged every night.
(no parking /SATNAV /memory seats or hard top)

So, here's the question... Does that seem too good to be true or a reasonable price? It's a 200 miles away from where i live so i want to be sure its worth the time and expense before travelling. Any thoughts???
 
saintsade said:
I was absolutley set on getting the more practical 2.0 sport until i stupidly tried the 2.5si and now i'm smitten. I dare not test drive the 3.0si or the Z4M as, although i'm sure you will tell me they are better, i just can't justify it for the 75 miles of motorway driving i do everyday.
Click to expand...

Can't comment on the 'opportunity' you've come across however I wanted to pick up on your engine size comment:

I test drove all sizes and specs except the M when I was looking. Had I gone for a roadster I would have been quite happy with a smaller engine (especially to balance out insurance - 2.0l soft top was more than 3.0l coupe for me).

I test drove upwards 2, 2.5, and 3. The largest jump in economy is between the 2.0 and the 2.5, and I also found this was the major jump in performance too which I guess is what persuades so many to push for the 2.5 upwards. There isn't so much between the 2.5 and the 3.0 cost wise so don't necessarily rule out a 3.0 if you're happy with the costs of a 2.5.

Personally I felt the 2.0l was ok for me; as a soft top would have been more for cruising than putting my foot down... of course coming from a 1.6 heavy focus anything would seem faster lol.
 
ab7 said:
I test drove upwards 2, 2.5, and 3. The largest jump in economy is between the 2.0 and the 2.5, and I also found this was the major jump in performance too which I guess is what persuades so many to push for the 2.5 upwards. There isn't so much between the 2.5 and the 3.0 cost wise so don't necessarily rule out a 3.0 if you're happy with the costs of a 2.5.
Click to expand...

Sorry just wanted to add - All the zeds are capable of improved mpg figures (relative) on steady motorway drives, but @ 75miles per day the 2.0 will provide a decent fuel saving over months/ years.

Also - welcome to the forum :thumbsup:
 
Great spec list!

Nav isn't something I consider worth it (esp given the age and generation of the vehicle). I would say sensors are quite important however you you can get them retrofitted.
 
Hi and welcome to the Forum. For personal choice I would always look at the 6 cylinder variant of the Zed - such a sweet engine. the 2l 4 cylinder is a good engine and fits the purse requirements of many but I do like the smooth feel of the 6 cylinder. Remember ' truly mint condition' is in the mind of the seller and not you - I would ignore such a description, a visual examination will confirm its accuracy. As for the 'garaged every night' - worth nothing until you see the vehicle.16k miles on a 56 plate - almost too good to be true but a proper check of the interior will reveal if this is true or not.

There is a link in my signature to a pre purchase check list which you may find useful and also helps identify if the car has been 'clocked' to reduce its true mileage. :)

And.......if its up for £11,000 and after a proper inspection you like it offer £9,000....... you never know :thumbsup:

GOOD LUCK in your search and keep us updated. :thumbsup:
 
hello and welcome, i don't think there is much difference in fuel economy in a 2.5 or a 3.0ltr - you know you want to :)
 
I have to say, the 2.5si is a great engine, but the price difference is just too small not to opt for the 3.0si.
 
Guys,

Great advice and thanks for the welcome. I've arranged to see it tommorrow so fingers crossed.

ab7, i know the 2.0 would be more than enough for me but, for once i'm going to go with my heart rather than head and opt for the straight 6. Interesting comments on the insurance of the coupe v roadster. I hadn't factored that in - was only really considering insurance, tax and fuel. I'll check those out if this one doesn't work out.

Nav would definately be a 'nice to have' but i only use my tomtom once a month at the moment so would be a luxury to say the least. Parking were quite high on the priority list. Retro-fitting might pay for itself - my wife reversed the audi into a lampost the first week i owned it!

AlanJ, Its 16k on an 08 plate so approx 4k p.a. i'm naturally cynical and a firm believer in "if its too good to be true... etc" but wouldn't know a sparkplug if it bit me on the arse. I'll be taking your list with me!
 
Let's be honest, the nav looks rubbish anyway!

I've had 2 Z4s; one with nav and one without. I specifically looked for a non-nav for my first Z4, as whilst it's useful, the implementation of it is horrendous. It does have useful features over and above the navigation however.
 
Sounds about right, but as said above, make sure you offer less. I bought my '07 plate last year for just a little less than that, with 24k (although it does have sat nav), so the £11k asking price is not a givaway.

Like you, the straight 6 did it for me, although innsome ways the smaller 2.0 engines make for more fun, as you can really open them up more easily.

Good luck!
 
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