Newbie looking to buy a 3L Coupe

[sb157]

Hi guys - I've recently finished university, and as a result, I'm looking to buy a Z4 in the next month or two - I'm pretty sure that I want a 3L Coupe, and most likely 2009+

I was wondering if I could get some advice on how much I should be paying, currently I'm just using auto trader for guidelines.

My price limit is around £11k

I don't know too much about cars - but I still love them! This will be a huge upgrade from my first car (Renault Clio). As a result, I came here to ask people who know a lot more about this kind of thing than I do!

Another thing I'm unsure of is whether to go automatic or manual, I was told that the auto can be sluggish, no idea if that's true or not.

I'd also like opinions on different engine sizes, my friend suggested that I could get a smaller engine size and a newer car and there wouldn't be that much difference in performance.

To summarise!
- Could you let me know the rough price I should be paying for a 2009 coupe 3L Z4?
-How is the auto in this car?
-Which engine size do you recommend and why? (I'm more interested in performance and sound than I am price of insurance and petrol etc)

 

[bmwaddict]

Hi and welcome.
The non M coupe is only available in 3.0si (265bhp) which is the most powerful non M, as far as I know, and was 2006 to 2009, most are '07 or '08 though. I paid just under 9k so for 11k you should get a really good one.
Auto or manual depends on your taste and what the car will be used for, people here seem to really like the auto box though so I don't think it's sluggish from what I've read, I went for a manual because that's what I wanted and live in the sticks.
I couldn't reccomend the 3.0si enough, great little engine. Good luck with your search!

 

[Marlon]

Welcome to the forum.
The E86 3.0si coupe started in 2006 and finished production in 2009 and was then replaced with the Z4 E89 with the metal folding roof. So you won't find an E86 newer than 2009, and all the engines were the same straight 6, 265 bhp 3 litres (apart from the M version of course)

 

[Chris_D]

I'd suggest getting a few insurance quotes first, considering your age, as you will prob be considered 'high risk' by most insurers. Thus it may become quite a different (and very expensive) ownership prospect.
Glwtsearch...

 

[sb157]

Hi and welcome.
The non M coupe is only available in 3.0si (265bhp) which is the most powerful non M, as far as I know, and was 2006 to 2009, most are '07 or '08 though. I paid just under 9k so for 11k you should get a really good one.
Auto or manual depends on your taste and what the car will be used for, people here seem to really like the auto box though so I don't think it's sluggish from what I've read, I went for a manual because that's what I wanted and live in the sticks.
I couldn't reccomend the 3.0si enough, great little engine. Good luck with your search!

Thankyou very much - I have no car knowledge, so a ballpark figure is really helpful!

Welcome to the forum.
The E86 3.0si coupe started in 2006 and finished production in 2009 and was then replaced with the Z4 E89 with the metal folding roof. So you won't find an E86 newer than 2009, and all the engines were the same straight 6, 265 bhp 3 litres (apart from the M version of course)

Thankyou! And that's useful information, good to know

I'd suggest getting a few insurance quotes first, considering your age, as you will prob be considered 'high risk' by most insurers. Thus it may become quite a different (and very expensive) ownership prospect.
Glwtsearch...

I've looked at insurance already don't worry! it is ridiculously expensive (Around £1,500) and the tax is £300 a year I believe, but it's ok, I'm able to afford it as long as the car is within the £11k budget, thanks for the heads up though!

 

[metal licker]

Welcome and good luck with the search

 

[sb157]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I'm shopping around now and I'll be buying it in the next 2-3 weeks - I'll be sure to post pictures when I've got it!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I'm shopping around now and I'll be buying it in the next 2-3 weeks - I'll be sure to post pictures when I've got it!

Great news.

Good luck with the search - you may have to travel a bit as there were only just over 2,000 3 litre Coupes made for the UK market so there aren't usually too many for sale at any one time!

Look forward to the photos.