Should I run a mile...

T

tmcthree

Member
Hi, I'm a noob so apologies in advance... :oops:

I'm looking for a Z4 right now and I've found one that I was wondering if I could have the benefit of your collective wisdom.
I am going to get it inspected if I proceed but maybe if you guys see any red flags I won't bother...

It's a 2005 2.0i with 65,000 miles that has been a cat D write off.
I've seen pictures of the damage that caused the write off and it does look genuinely superficial. It was hit from the rear, so I don't think any serious damage to the mechanics were caused.

There were advisories on the last mot
Steering warning on dash
Play in os track rod would need 4 wheel alignment
front brake pads at 9mm rear brake pads at 8mm discs corroded
excess play in track control arm brushes

In addition, the door/boot opening indicator is malfunctioning. (Apparently the guy who repaired the bodywork "doesn't do electrics"). So it indicates they are open when closed and vice versa.
We got a flat tyre indication during the test drive.

It's priced at about £5k
Thanks in advance...
 
Cat D is the lighter of the insurance write off's & at times can be a shrewd way into a car you otherwise could not afford .
The price of your chosen one however would have me reaching for my Reebok,s & tracksuit :oops: Any car with obvious problem's like you state should be at least third under market price to allow for putting it right :wink:
Leave it alone & find a good one , there are many around so why buy trouble ?
 
Thanks for the fast response guys. That seems pretty unambiguous. :D

Does anyone think it might be worth making a lower offer? The car only went up for sale last week, maybe he's just trying his luck.
Or is your gut saying (and I get the feeling it is) that it's a money pit...
 
tmcthree said:
Thanks for the fast response guys. That seems pretty unambiguous. :D

Does anyone think it might be worth making a lower offer? The car only went up for sale last week, maybe he's just trying his luck.
Or is your gut saying (and I get the feeling it is) that it's a money pit...
Click to expand...

Are you Aquarian ? if not i see no reason why you would want to chase a donkey :cry:
There are more than enough well cared for straight examples to put your cash into :headbang:
 
tmcthree said:
Sorry guys, :oops: it's confirmation bias....I want it to be good so...
Click to expand...

Hey we only want to help :oops:
Surprisingly for a car forum there are relatively few posts per week that are related to any major mechanical problem,s ,
The Z4 in general is a pretty reliable & robust machine with the few common issues fairly inexpensive to sort .
Best of luck with your search & feel free to post up any links of possibles :thumbsup:
 
As everyone has said, leave it. Cat D will cost more to insure, it should be around 30% less that normal price and isn't. Add in the other repairs and issues and you have a real lemon.

Go find a cracking 2.5 or 3.0 with no issues for about the same money.
 
tmcthree said:
Thanks for the fast response guys. That seems pretty unambiguous. :D

Does anyone think it might be worth making a lower offer? The car only went up for sale last week, maybe he's just trying his luck.
Or is your gut saying (and I get the feeling it is) that it's a money pit...
Click to expand...
hi your problem will arise when you ever go to sell it i know as bought a car like this a few years back....just be carefull :thumbsup:
 
Don't buy the first car you see.I went to 2 dealers to see Z's that looked mint on their websites and traveled miles and they were a right bags of shite in the flesh :headbang:
I managed to bag a good private sale one in the end.
It can take time to find the right one,as the saying goes " Patience Grasshopper ". :lol: You probably can't remember "Kung Fu " :rofl:

I would have given Usain Bolt a run for his money if I had seen the car that you have looked at. :lol:
 
When I was looking at buying my Z I initially put age above condition and ended up looking at 2 complete heaps priced at around £6k (55 reg and 06 reg) before eventually settling on the car I currently own - same price but immaculately cared for and an 03 reg. What I'm trying to say is that its far better to put your money in to an older well looked after car than a newer money pit...

Paul
 
Cat D is ok if you don't want to a) ever sell it and b) insure it comprehensive.

Both are virtual impossible once on the D register.

Leave it behind I brought my 05 plate 2.2 for under 5k ok it's got 90k miles on it but its been looked after and is all working.

Just the steering issue and the electrical faults would or could be more than buying a much better car.

:? :? :o :? :?
 
Hobalnds said:
When I was looking at buying my Z I initially put age above condition and ended up looking at 2 complete heaps priced at around £6k (55 reg and 06 reg) before eventually settling on the car I currently own - same price but immaculately cared for and an 03 reg. What I'm trying to say is that its far better to put your money in to an older well looked after car than a newer money pit...

Paul
Click to expand...
Wise words.better to buy a good one than spend loads of dollar that you didn't expect to spend ! :thumbsup:
 
I wouldn't even consider a cat D car as others have said there are so many nice examples out there why would you want to consider a car like that with all the potential problems now and in the future when you TRY and sell it!!!! Be patient and get a proper car there are some for sale now on this very forum, well looked after and great examples!
 
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