Hi ARC,
I've had a 2.0i for a couple of years and a 3.0si for the last year (before that an MX5 for 6 years with many motorcycles over many years).
The 2.0i Sport is a great looking Zed. There are lots about and that's why you've been able to find some that you like. There are less 3.0si about so you may have to compromise in what you want (colour and spec) with the 3.0si. You do have the money to buy either.
Some 2 litres have had issues of cracks in the exhaust manifold and engine warning lights being a nuisance as some sensors are sensitive. Some 3 litre have had issues with oil feed to the cams. (Do a search on the forum if you want to know more). The rest of the things to look out for can be found on the buying guide on this forum.
Running costs are quite similar except fuel consumption which is basically a third worse in the 6 cylinder Zed. Servicing costs are higher for the 6 cylinder as well.
Then we get to the driving experience of each Zed. You have to be quite honest with yourself and ask what kind of a driver you are. Are you an enthusiast who enjoys taking your car out to see how it performs on challenging roads or do you like the look of the Zed and will mostly be cruising and using it to commute? Well the good news is that both Zeds will go around corners very well indeed and can offer an exciting ownership experience.
The 2.0 litre needs you to be on your game though and using the top end of the rev range to get the most out of the performance. It's fun to do this but quite demanding. The 2.0 litre engine can take this use however and mine never missed a beat,despite being used in this manner,it just fired up the next day and was ready for more. I found it a smooth and willing engine with just enough power to have fun on the back roads where I live.
So why did I seek out a 3.0si? Well, the 3.0 litre engine Zed is a different experience in terms of the engine. The 6 cylinder is smoother still and very powerful at middle and high revs. This means you can drive it in a more relaxed manner as there is less need to rev out the engine. The extra power is very useful (and makes it safer in my view) for example when overtaking which can be dispatched very quickly and with more confidence. I wanted to experience a large engine sports car before the price of petrol stopped it being feasible - six cylinder engines are being replaced by 4 cylinder turbo-charged motors with the same performance and better mpg.
So where does that leave you? You will be able to find lots of 2.0i Sports for sale but will have to be more patient if you want to find a 3.0si (265bhp). You could purchase the earlier 3.0i (231bhp) in which case you will find even more choice but do buy a well cared for and well maintained example as they are a capable sports car and need to be in top condition - brakes tyres etc.
Both 2litre and 3 litre Zeds will deliver enjoyment and thrills - the 2.0 litre can be exciting and challenging, the 3.0 litre is a more seriously focussed proposition. But both can be 'normally' driven vehicles that will give you ownership pride. If you want the best return for your money go for a 3.0 litre as they hold their prices better and will sell more easily than the 2.0 litre. If you're not too worried about performance and want a particular colour and spec you're more likely to find it with the 2.0 litre as there are more about and you will have a fun Zed. If you want the ultimate and experience great performance then go for the 3.0si or 3.0i. (The ///M version cost far more and cost far more to run). My advice would be to go straight to the 3 litre but read below -
If you are a little uncertain but want to explore your Zed's capabilities, I suggest you seek out some training. I love learning more and more about the skill of driving and so find training a wonderful experience - there's always more to learn (and I'm 57 with 36 years experience on motorcycles and cars). These are capable cars and if you don't know what you're doing can bite back. But as they say - the throttle goes both ways and you do not have to use all the performance - but you'll find it very difficult to resist!
Finally we have many young members of the forum who enjoy owning all of the Zeds, 2 and 3 litre - see what they have to say.
Keep your eye on the For sale section of the forum - whatever you end up with, you'll find they are very special cars.
