Should I buy a 2003 Z4?

G

grabowski33

New member
Hello everyone. I am new to the forum so sorry in advance if i posted in the wrong section, but I am thinking about purchasing a used 2003 Z4 2.5. It has approximately 120k miles and is in fairly clean condition. The current list price at the dealership is 11,500 which i think is quite overpriced. I have gotten a few appraisal estimates from Edmunds and they came out around $8-$9k.

So i was looking for some unbiased(I know everyone in this forum is a proud Z4 owner) buying advice if I were to make this purchase. At what price should I get it at, and would it be a dependable purchase at 120k miles?
 
Hi there. I would say that car is way over priced. A similar car in the uk would realistically be about £5500 tops so your estimates are about right.

I have an 03 2.5 with 99k and I've spent quite a bit of time and money getting it sorted. Even with approx £1000 spent ( that's just parts, I did all the work) my car is only worth £6k USD9.5k and it is absolutely immaculate and mechanically excellent. My advice to you would be to get the car thoroughly inspected as there are a number of issues you could face; engines are generally bomb proof but unless it's been owned by an enthusiast who has done some maintainance, at those miles it's very likely to need any combination of brakes, suspension bushes, springs, aux belts/ pumps/ thermostat, roof motor etc. If you can buy it cheap and you are quite handy with tools then a high mileage z4 makes good sense. Ive thoroughly enjoyed my car and although I can't say I've got any money in it, I've certainly enjoyed owning and working on it. I think there is something to he proud of in running an older high miler that puts alot of others to shame...I test drove a 47k 2007 2.5 si today and would not swap it for my car...and it cost just over twice as much!

Overall if this car is immaculate and it stands up mechanically, you buy it in the range of your estimate and you fancy doing some diy now and then, I would go for it. If not I'd strongly recommend saving up and buying something newer, preferably with a warranty.

Hope this helps; and good luck! :D
 
I bought a 2004 2.5se Z4 off a mate for just over £3000 with 146,000 on the clock.
I used to have spitfires back in the 80's and bought it as a winter project as it needs a bit of tlc.
Have changed the oil in diff , gearbox, checked the disa, replaced the oil filter housing gasket and all the drive belts.
Replaced the wheel caps and given it a good cut & polish.
Roof still works and the engine sounds sweet.
All I can say is it has renewed my love of top down driving and puts a smile on my face ever time I get in it.
Lots of other bits to do on it but if you can do the work yourself don't worry about the mileage.
Wish I had got a Z4 years ago.
Brilliant motor!
 
I bought a 2003 3.0 Auto SE last autumn with only 17,000 miles on the clock. It now has 19,500 and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. I may have paid a little over the odds for this car but there aren't many out there with such low miles on. It drives like new and I plan some mods this year.
If you have any doubts about this car you have seen, walk away, another will be round the next corner.

Tony.
 
Just to add... US and UK car prices are not the same. US prices are invariably cheaper (...and not just for cars). I remember struggling to believe how much cheaper European cars were over there when I was working there.

Bottom line: Anything quoted in the UK is more than you should pay in the US.
 
Absolutely agree there Rick, when we're at our place in Florida the prices they quote in the ads on the radio stations and on TV make your mind boggle.

Tony.
 
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