Pick up tips

[ja_m_es]

Hello,

I've been thinking about getting a Z4 Coupe for a while now and have been reading some very useful stuff on here which has already been a massive help and has convinced me to go for it. Yesterday I finally found one that I liked and in budget so put down the deposit and hope to pick it up next week. Before I do, I thought I'd see if anyone has any tips on things to ask the dealer (Coopers) for and get your opinions on a few of the options they've offered...

First off they offer 3 services - has anyone had any experience of them and think they're worth it or not?...

Inchcape Vechicle Protection - Application of a sealer to the paintwork and interior, and a guarantee for 3 years. This is £299 and I'm leaning towards not doing this after reading a few mediocre reviews on other forums.
Inchcape Tyre Insurance - 3 year policy to replace tyres as a result of punctures/damage for £269. It has run flats on it so this is tempting given the cost of one.
Inchcape Alloy Wheel Insurance - They'll send someone out to repair your wheels if you damage them (up to 5 times) for £199.

After reading the FAQ I'm also going to ask for the bluetooth pair key to save me from pulling up the carpet and also double check the headlights for condensation. Does anyone have any other tips about questions to ask or things to check before I take it away?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

James

 

[glastoveteran]

Hi James,

I have "Inchcape Vechicle Protection" on mine after Cooper Reading offered it as part of the package. The paint still beads water well after a year and I haven't polished or waxed it at all. It has picked up a few swirl marks though so it doesn't protect against that. They do claim that if the leather gets stained during the 3 years then they will pay for it to be professionally cleaned, so that could prove useful. But I wouldn't choose to pay £299 for it.

As for the wheel protection you'd have to be a pretty bad driver to get your money's worth from that!

And it goes without saying, but check the service history thoroughly

Enjoy!

 

[blackredz4]

you ll want to get rid of the run flats any way so would nt bother with that
life shine paint protection is poo so dont bother with that either

 

[ja_m_es]

Thanks both for the replies, I'm thinking I'll invest some of the 300 quid in car polish/wax/kit instead of getting the vehicle protection.

As for the alloy wheel insurance, I'm upgrading from a 1.2 Punto which is a doddle to park so it might take a bit of practice but I'm pretty sure I can stay away from the kerbs! I'm more worried about sticking it in a tree!

It's interesting about replacing the run flats, I though the fact that it had them was a positive so will have to research the alternatives.

Cheers for the info!

 

[AlanJ]

Paint protection - a waste of money i.m.o. good wax and sealer the best option to keep paint in good condition
Tyre insurance - use the money and get rid of the runflats for a decent set of tyres
Alloy wheel repair - might be useful but just drive carefully and who knows who they will send out to do the 'repair'

AND look in my signature there's a vehicle check list link. Yes i know it's a dealer but it's your money so worth going through it

AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM

 

[glastoveteran]

It's interesting about replacing the run flats, I though the fact that it had them was a positive so will have to research the alternatives.

The main criticisms are the harsh ride and the tramlining effect they have (the tendency for the tyre to follow grooves in the road) so some people have replaced them with non-runflat alternatives and found the ride and handling to be much better.

 

[ja_m_es]

Thanks AlanJ, the checklist will be very useful. I'll take a copy with me when I collect it and also stick a reminder in my calendar to run through it again a month or so before the year warranty runs out.

I'm used to a harsh ride but will definitely look at replacing the run flats if I get a puncture or when they need replacing. So do you carry a full size spare or space saver or just cross your fingers?