Thinking of changing my Saab for a Z4 ... will I regret it?

M

mountainstorm

Member
I currently have a Saab 9-5; now 11 years old. Theres nothing wrong with it, its reliable, comfy, quiet, refined, smooth and quick enough.

For no particularly good reason, I've decided I fancy a new car. I looked at a Jag XF as its super refined and fast, and whilst its incredible I've decided its too expensive .. so I went looking at other options.

When I brought the Saab the wife didn't have a car so I needed something sensible; she now has a car so I have the option of the small sports car I wanted all along.

I've always wanted a Triumph spitfire ... but have no garage and need something more practical for the commute :( so I tried an SLK. The wife loved the SLK but I was disappointed, it lacked ... well everything, the gearbox seemed slow to react and it didn't feel involving to drive.

I've always loved the look of the Z4 so I took one out for a drive yesterday; wow. The straight six sounds incredible and it feels like a proper, old school, sports car (the long bonnet reminds me of a testdrive in a Spitfire I had); in short, I'm sold ... I'm not even going to bother test driving a TT.

My biggest worry is how practical the Z4 (or any small ragtop) is. My head points out that I'l be giving up a perfectly good car, reliable, refined, quiet etc and getting something silly but fun. The Z4's boot is big enough for my needs and the wifes cars big enough for when I need to do DIY, so it should be fine ... theres just that lingering doubt that come rain/winter I'll be slipping around on the B-roads my commute takes me a long, cold, and wishing I still had the Saab.

Can people confirm or allay my fears?

Rich
 
hi

i would think the main problem is you will be loosing 2 seats

have you considered the coupe, the boot is quite large for what is a 2 seater sports car
 
get the roadster and if you have any problems in the winter which I don't believe you will then get a hardtop.

You won't regret it, but I would say that wouldn't I.
 
Hi and welcome Rich - do you really think anyone on the Z4 forum is going to put you off buying a Z4 :D

In your well calculate approach you seem to have ticked all the positives and come up with no negatives so go for it you will not regret it. And don't worry about sliding around the DSC takes care of that unless you are being a complete loon.

Go for it. :thumbsup:
 
Two very different cars that you have for those differences. I had a Saab 9 and it was a reliable, super safe and massive saloon. The only comparison is the 4 wheels! I agree with Taz, if your gonna get a Z, get a Coupe as the boot is generous and it looks better than the rag top!
 
Rich welcome, this is my second Zed, it is my only car and I do approximately 500 miles a week in it. The fabric roof on the old model fits wonderfully, doesn't leak and is draught free. The only downside is the traction in snow but winter tyres will help here.

The zed is the best car I have ever owned, makes driving a treat and puts a smile on my face whenever I am in it :)
 
you only get one stab at life matey - and if you've always wanted a little sports car, and it certainly sounds like that is the case, then go for a zed mate - worth getting a 3.0 if you want some power or an //M :evil: (roadster of course as you can have the best of both worlds - having the roof down puts SUCH a smile on your face :wink: ) .... you'll love it. If not, sell it on ......but you won't want to :wink:

my only reservation was the seats (as I have two young kids) .... so I decided to have a zed and keep my daily too :thumbsup:
 
I do between 22-25,000 a year and have the roof down in all but the wet weather. Never had any reason to gripe and would say you will be over the moon with the zed. For my part i would say all non convertibles should be banned from the roads or at least pay triple road tax :P
Change the car and you'll never look back :thumbsup: :)
 
Seems you're looking at different things between keeping the Saab, a Jag or a Zed.
I used to have a 9000 and was just a massive practical, well built saloon. Perfect at the time for a family of 4, holidays, school runs, etc. I've always kept access to at least one big car for just such things.

Frankly if you only need 2 seats, less (but still ample) luggage capacity and wish to trade wafting in comfort for raw sports car enjoyment (engine & road noise, feedback, performance, etc.) then go for it.

If you need 4 seats, expect 5 series comfort and silence, need to shift suitcases, people, etc. then forget it
 
the main (negative) difference between a "normal"car and a z4 roadster is (in my opinion)especially when you have the m suspention and big wheels

is the ride comfort!

other than that there are several things that wil make the car better and more fun to drive.

sometimes when im tired or just not feeling well i long for my 5 series back,the comfort quietness smoothness and so on.
but when im feeling good or "normal"(for whatever that means)there is no car ever given me so much feeling of freedom and power,fun,etc etc

get it get it now!!

but dont ecspect to be as cumfy as your used to
 
While not from the same car as you, I had similar thoughts. I had a Civic 2.2, and that was reliable and would cruise at any speed you liked without batting an eyelid. Extremely comfortable, loads of torque on the motorway - basically a brilliant car for getting anywhere in comfort. Sure it wasn't a 5 series, but it wasn't that far off. The only problem is I always wanted something 'more'. The engine was willing, but the chassis really wasn't.

I looked at a series of hot hatches, all were far too bland. Point & squirt is basically what they were about. Brilliant, great handling, reasonable engines, but ultimately a bit bland. At this point I was about ready to give up and stick with the Civic when a friend got a Honda S2000. That thing is immense, if you want a sports car that's just for fun forget the Z4, the S2000 has it down to a T. Nothing beats 9k rpm. Only problem with the S is that your ears will be bleeding by the time you get to your destination. About 5yrs prior I had ridden in a Triumph Spitfire, absolutely loved that car too. Very, very low though, I remember being terrified that you wouldn't be able to see oncoming traffic if you were on the slightest of incline, but that seemed to make it all the more thrilling. So convertible it was, no matter what.

Test drove multiple MX-5s, they are ever so overrated cars. The Mk3 handling is good, but disconnected and not very thrilling. Mk3.5 was fantastic, but the soft top is noisy (hard top is fine) and the gear change is far too notchy. Test drove a Z4 2.0, loved it, bought it :p I would really like a 3.0, but they're just out of my price range :cry: Seriously though, unless you're financially constrained get the 3.0.

The Z4, for me, has something intangible. It almost fizzes. The handling is outstanding, the ride firm but still comfortable. When driving it I feel part of the experience. Cruising on the motorway is comfortable, interestingly I cruise 5mph slower 'naturally', but other than that it's largely the same as the Civic. Difference is I still have that warm fuzzy feeling the car gives off, it's just such a pleasure to drive. The soft top is surprisingly quiet too, it's noisier than a saloon but totally tolerable. I would say subjectively it's quieter than a supermini. Of course top down it's very noisy, but it's also a lot more thrilling :P All of the BMW engines have a wonderful sound, unique to BMW. Even the 2.0 sounds very special, which is very important to me. I largely can't stand 4cyl petrols, but BMW have managed to work miracles on theirs.

You only live once, and anyone into cars should get a proper sports car at least once. You'll either scratch the convertible itch, or end up with convertibles for life :P
 
Quite an unusual question. Surely your question should be "Thinking of changing my Saab for a 2 seater sports car ... will I regret it?" If you decide you want a sports car then you should definitely get a Z4, its one of the best out there. If not then i suggest you keep the Saab or possible buy a Rover.

I don't see why you would have a problem with an all year commute. The only issues you will have is from the RWD in the snow and ice. But thats no different to any other RWD car and there are millions of those on the roads.
 
Welcome to the Forum. I love my Zed as it does just what I want it to do - and I can do it with a grin on my face! Decide what you want a car for and then look at the choice you have.
 
I traded a 9-3 convertible for my Z4, with no regrets.

For luxury and comfort, there's no comparison, the Saab was leagues ahead.

For driving satisfaction, the Z4 is way ahead, and for me that's what I was after.

Chalk & cheese cars, really depends on what you want from driving.
 
Hi,

I sold my Saab 93 Aero convertible last year to purchase my Z4, I too have no regrets but I do agree with Lance that the Saab is a much more comfortable car and easier to live with, like a nice comfortable pair of slippers ! But driving the Z4 will make you feel as if you are part of the car as it demands more from the driver. I use mine daily for work, the engine sound and handling will always put a huge grin on your face and its been the only car that I have owned that gets admiring comments (other than a GT6 I owned a few years ago) I would only now change it for the new shape Z4. Good luck with your choice. :)
 
tintin said:
I use mine daily for work, the engine sound and handling will always put a huge grin on your face and its been the only car that I have owned that gets admiring comments (other than a GT6 I owned a few years ago) I would only now change it for the new shape Z4. Good luck with your choice. :)
Click to expand...

I get that too, has really caught me by surprise. I swear some people like the car more than I do!
 
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