Hi all, thanks for reading...
I currently own a Skoda Octavia vRS (Mk one) and have done so for 4 years. It is a great car, not given me any problems and after a remap is pretty quick tbh. BUT, I see this as the time to get a fun car before imminent children in 2-3 years, as getting married next year so we all know what happens then!
I had a shortlist which included:
M3 (E46)
S4
Mazda 3 MPS
Evo FQ320
Clio V6
R32 Mk V
350z
ST220(?!)
S2000
Z4
Discounted all but the last two cars, then thought I don't wanna spend much more than £6k. So decided on the S2k but after sitting in one http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2972993.htm I realised I just didn't like it, nasty interior, didn't like the look, sound etc. SO, have been looking at the Z4, however I won't settle for anything less than the 3.0i SE (no offence to sub 3 litre owners!)
So, I have a budget of £7k - £8k(Max maximum!) really. So, what shall I look for...?
Manual or Auto is a real unknown of mine and probably my biggest query, I've rarely driven autos and Parkers says auto is 2mpg less economical and 0.3secs slower to 60mph? Is this true/noticeable? I will be doing about 12-15k miles a year, will that make a difference? The thought of an auto is pretty cool tho and I suppose I have the option of using the box right? Following on from that I really want a low mileage example, under 40k really. I also would like a car that I won't have to spend much money on in 2 years and buy cheap enough so that when I sell on I won't loose to much cash! Realistically, are they expensive to service/maintain? Much more than a Octy vRS??!
What is the general opinion on wheels, which are the best for ride/comfort/looks for selling on (popularity etc). Can anyone provide a link to a decent discussion on this? I known its essential to have a FBMWSH so will make sure of that. I really like the dark metallic grey colour, seems like there are more of those on the market too - Is that the best colour...eh oh hope I haven't started an argument there! I like the red or black leather so not too fussed which one I get, does red sell better though?
I have seen one that is low mileage (53 reg) and quite cheap, but has NO goodies which is a shame. I really wanted heated seats, cruise control, parking sensors, xenons and a decent soundsystem (bluetooth and loudspeaker) but all this has that I wanted from my wish list is the wind deflector and memory seats
but it is VERY cheap and low mileage so does that outweigh things? I guess its the car I want, that straight six etc not gadgets...hhmmmm I dunno.
Guys/gals, any examples, advice, adverts etc you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I have definitely decided I want a Z4, but just want the right one at the right price. Am I wanting to much for £7ish grand tho? There are so many on the market and they are going down in price, as its a roadster would it be better/cheaper to wait until winter time, do they get cheaper then?
Thanks in anticipation
Alex
PS - Love the forum by the way, as good if not better than Briskoda!!
I currently own a Skoda Octavia vRS (Mk one) and have done so for 4 years. It is a great car, not given me any problems and after a remap is pretty quick tbh. BUT, I see this as the time to get a fun car before imminent children in 2-3 years, as getting married next year so we all know what happens then!
I had a shortlist which included:
M3 (E46)
S4
Mazda 3 MPS
Evo FQ320
Clio V6
R32 Mk V
350z
ST220(?!)
S2000
Z4
Discounted all but the last two cars, then thought I don't wanna spend much more than £6k. So decided on the S2k but after sitting in one http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2972993.htm I realised I just didn't like it, nasty interior, didn't like the look, sound etc. SO, have been looking at the Z4, however I won't settle for anything less than the 3.0i SE (no offence to sub 3 litre owners!)
So, I have a budget of £7k - £8k(Max maximum!) really. So, what shall I look for...?
Manual or Auto is a real unknown of mine and probably my biggest query, I've rarely driven autos and Parkers says auto is 2mpg less economical and 0.3secs slower to 60mph? Is this true/noticeable? I will be doing about 12-15k miles a year, will that make a difference? The thought of an auto is pretty cool tho and I suppose I have the option of using the box right? Following on from that I really want a low mileage example, under 40k really. I also would like a car that I won't have to spend much money on in 2 years and buy cheap enough so that when I sell on I won't loose to much cash! Realistically, are they expensive to service/maintain? Much more than a Octy vRS??!
What is the general opinion on wheels, which are the best for ride/comfort/looks for selling on (popularity etc). Can anyone provide a link to a decent discussion on this? I known its essential to have a FBMWSH so will make sure of that. I really like the dark metallic grey colour, seems like there are more of those on the market too - Is that the best colour...eh oh hope I haven't started an argument there! I like the red or black leather so not too fussed which one I get, does red sell better though?
I have seen one that is low mileage (53 reg) and quite cheap, but has NO goodies which is a shame. I really wanted heated seats, cruise control, parking sensors, xenons and a decent soundsystem (bluetooth and loudspeaker) but all this has that I wanted from my wish list is the wind deflector and memory seats
Guys/gals, any examples, advice, adverts etc you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I have definitely decided I want a Z4, but just want the right one at the right price. Am I wanting to much for £7ish grand tho? There are so many on the market and they are going down in price, as its a roadster would it be better/cheaper to wait until winter time, do they get cheaper then?
Thanks in anticipation
Alex