opinions for buying this Z4 please

V

vanilla

Active member
Hi,

I'm new and looking to buy my first Z4 and I'm thinking of buying this one.

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/bmw-z4-20-convertible-55-reg-50000-miles/1006626827

The vendor seems nice and said he could give it for £6k himself which is bang on my budget, and the hpi initial checks were clear but revealed the car has had 5 previous owners before current. The mileage is quite low and it's been serviced recently so I am still tempted to go for this..(though not overly keen on the red leather seats).

Obviously I would book a comprehensive vehicle inspection before buying (and would need to get it transported to the south) but would like some opinions please? The two problems are that I need a car asap for commuting to work and that I'm 23 so in the young driver category (24 next month) so I cannot get anything with a bigger engine <2.5L as insurance is already going to be sky high. Also I was considering automatic initially given the commuting I'd be doing but they're harder to come by and more expensive..I could stretch my budget a bit more however I would prefer to spend for getting a warranty, breakdown cover or installing parking sensors/ bluetooth /iPhone adaptor.

Thanks.
 
All vendors seem nice - they want to sell their car :P

I see exactly the same advert as you do so can only asses the car on what the advert says. Mileage seems love for 5 owners - and the 5 owners bit would put me off quite frankly. Its the 2L '4' pot engine which is OK but I would go for a 2.2 '6' pot or above. Much better engines but insurance may preclude this 4 you.

I would want a check done as you suggest but would want to be there and be part of it......and as your not keen on the leather seats (and probably never will be) give this opne a miss and keep looking closer to home. :thumbsup:
 
I always liked the red leather seats, think it looks nicer in contrast with the black, if i'd have been able to get one with red sports seats I would've. I agree on the 6cylinder vs 4cylinder issue, if you're using comparison sites try ringing independant insurers/brokers they give better deals, I can't remember the last time that the best deal I found was via a comparison site. Adrian flux were cheapest for me this year by a mile and i've always avoided them based on poor reviews but these complaints are all to do with admin charges for vehicle changes etc which are actually all there in the contract. Greenlight and Sky insurance are another two to try for young drivers, of course if your driving record is bad then you may well have to stick to the 2.0 regardless.
 
I'm not sure 5 owners is a huge issue, condition and history are key so the inspection is a good idea, just be prepared for a report showing 'problems'. Inspections sometimes look at the car Vs new condition and can be overly critical failing to acknowledge acceptable wear and tear on a 7 year old 50k mile car, as long as you don't let this put you off if the issues are just wear and tear, then it can be a good bargaining tool :thumbsup:

If you do buy and want to swap the red seats for black ones there would be takers - me #1 please :trampoline:
 
Thanks for your replies.
Hmm but the HPI said there was no discrepancy with the 55000 mileage. Also
I think with a sports /convertible car people probably change it often due to families growing etc and getting more practical cars...so I think I'll book an inspection anyway. Fingers crossed.

I would love I get a bigger engine with more bhp but even with 4 cylinders it comes down to the compression ratio. My driving record is clean but I've been ony been driving for three years and with a London postcode the insurance is £2k + (with £3k compulsory excess) for a bigger engine it goes to £4k+ so I really cannot afford it. After I pass over to the right side of 25 hehe. :thumbsup:
 
Car looks nice I originally wanted a black one with red leather. I'd not let the number of owners put me off if all the service history is correct and the condition of the car is good. But if you have doubts walk away and keep looking the correct car will come along.
 
£2000 premium with a £3000 compulsary excess on a £6000 car....so you would get £1000 back? Erm, there is very little point insuring it beyond TPO if that is the case.
 
I would look at mileage and year (its below average) - expected for these cars as they aren't generally daily runner (although mine is!).

My motor bought May last year had like 4 owners on an 08 and at first I was a bit on edge, looking through documents the original owner went through a divorce and car went to partner, then she sold it on and the guy I was buying off was moving back to America. <---- point being things like this can happen! If shes got full service history I wouldn't care.

Your insurance is horrid! I pay a little over £1500 for my 08 Z4 3.0 Coupe, had to be paid upfront however otherwise it would of been over £1000 a month to spread the cost over 12 months LOL.
 
I got my car a year and a half old and was the 3rd owner! I guess with these cars they are usually the second or third car and the wife usually says sell it!


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
 
I've bought it now!!! Getting the train up north this weekend to bring my Z4 home! :D
Just need to sort out insurance in the morning...ppl def recommend calling as opposed to online quotes?
 
vanilla said:
I've bought it now!!! Getting the train up north this weekend to bring my Z4 home! :D
Just need to sort out insurance in the morning...ppl def recommend calling as opposed to online quotes?
Click to expand...

I keep renewing with direct line but then I'm perhaps a little more "classic" than you :D
 
Thanks guys...I just got the train so will be with the car soon :rofl: ..been trying quotes all journey. So tired..pics soon!
 
Thanks for your help guys - sorry that I've been hectic moving around with work, just getting settled into my new place now but I've posted a pic in the Newbies board now...
=)
 
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