YOUR INPUT REQUIRED FOR MY Z4 REPLACEMENT !!!
- Thread starter easty027
- Start date
Not on your list are a M3 or a Jaguar X Type
My recommendation to you would be a 2 to 3 year old M3 in good condition. Over here in Canada we can find that car in the private sector or at BMW as a "Certified Car"
If purchased privately I would insist on a BMW all points inspection. I sold my M3 in February I drove that car for 4 years, never had any problems at all. I just had to have the Z4
If I would change today I would get the 330d convertible with the retractable hard top, I saw it in München at "Die Welt" problem is it is not available in Canada
PS As for the 2004 Jaguar, it is our second car (I don't know if you can get it in the UK) it was made in the USA and my wife will never ever give it up.
My recommendation to you would be a 2 to 3 year old M3 in good condition. Over here in Canada we can find that car in the private sector or at BMW as a "Certified Car"
If purchased privately I would insist on a BMW all points inspection. I sold my M3 in February I drove that car for 4 years, never had any problems at all. I just had to have the Z4
If I would change today I would get the 330d convertible with the retractable hard top, I saw it in München at "Die Welt" problem is it is not available in Canada
PS As for the 2004 Jaguar, it is our second car (I don't know if you can get it in the UK) it was made in the USA and my wife will never ever give it up.
peddy - i think you might be right?.
Rolf Dieter - We have the X-Type here but it doesnt have the best of reputations due to it being a ford mondeo with different bodyshell. Plus, i am 33 not 63 (no offence) but over here in the UK that particular car doesnt work for your image if you know what i mean.
Rolf Dieter - We have the X-Type here but it doesnt have the best of reputations due to it being a ford mondeo with different bodyshell. Plus, i am 33 not 63 (no offence) but over here in the UK that particular car doesnt work for your image if you know what i mean.
i have narrowed the list down after investigating insurance prices. I am swiftcover at the minute with 12+ years NCB and currently have 3 points. I live in south Manchester/Cheshire so probably a bit higher than when i lived back in yorkshire.
The prices below include Protected No Claims:-
Current Z4 3.0i (To use as a benchmark) £650
BMW 645CI - £750 (suprisingly low for a 4.5V8 !)
Audi TT 3.2V6 - £700
Merc Cls - £950
Cayenne - £1350 ! - This rules this one out i think.
The prices below include Protected No Claims:-
Current Z4 3.0i (To use as a benchmark) £650
BMW 645CI - £750 (suprisingly low for a 4.5V8 !)
Audi TT 3.2V6 - £700
Merc Cls - £950
Cayenne - £1350 ! - This rules this one out i think.
Personally I would keep the Zed and buy another cheaper car to run about in, though I appreciate what you are saying about not doing very many miles.
This is exactly what I'm going to do, after many month's of looking for the right car I have decided that it is already sitting outside on the driveway and there is no other car currently available that I really want in the way that I had to have the Zed from the first time I saw one and that's still after 6 years of ownership. So next year we are going to change my wife's car most probably for a 1 or 2 year old Fiesta or Megane Coupe and I' will use her old Focus for runs to the tip, Airport etc anything where we don't want to trash the better cars.
It seems extravagant but you know it makes sense.
Keep the Zed and buy a shed.
This is exactly what I'm going to do, after many month's of looking for the right car I have decided that it is already sitting outside on the driveway and there is no other car currently available that I really want in the way that I had to have the Zed from the first time I saw one and that's still after 6 years of ownership. So next year we are going to change my wife's car most probably for a 1 or 2 year old Fiesta or Megane Coupe and I' will use her old Focus for runs to the tip, Airport etc anything where we don't want to trash the better cars.
It seems extravagant but you know it makes sense.
Keep the Zed and buy a shed.
easty027, I would try an ///M. If you still like the look of Zed and it's not boring/normal for you yet then a ZMC would be a nice upgrade.
another option I thought of last night was to keep your car for another year, save a little more and then look at M5's, Caymens and anything that costs around 25k now.
another option I thought of last night was to keep your car for another year, save a little more and then look at M5's, Caymens and anything that costs around 25k now.
I have just spent 3 weeks going to every dealer possible, i test, drove everything from a toyota auris hybrid (i was meant to be buying something cheap and cheerful) to a corvette C6 (to pricey at the moment for a really good one, but i will get one in the future). I wanted something around your budget that looked good but was cheaper to run the the Z.
What about the new Peugeot RCZ, that is really nice and the interior is lovely, they are on limited production so not that common, but prices are still a bit high still, but the running costs are good.
I would not touch another audi if someone paid me, had the old 3.2 dsg - £8k of repair bills later. A bit common as well.
SKip the M3, they have the wrong image personally, go for a Z4m over the M3, but they are not practical.
What about an Range rover sport, look good, shift like stink and out run most stuff in the wet (got totally hammered by one on a winters norming earlier in the year) but maybe a little pricey, did extended test drive in one of these, including offroad, it is amazing a car. If i had to swap to having one car, this would be my choice, practical for the dog, tip runs, shopping and has the speed.
What about an alfa, after weeks of test driving stuff, my only option was the spider which i bought, a bit slow, but i have other cars if i really want to zip about, my brief was something that looked good and most alfas do. They are pretty reliable these days, not sure they really have much in the power range you are looking for though. It might be worth a look, remaps good option on these to beef them up a bit.
The only thing i can say you will not find the perfect replacement, i spent ages and in the end gave up with the power side as there is nothing to compare to the 3lt or Ms beauty and power combo. Therefore went for looks alone and scarificed 3.8 secs of 0 - 60 .
What about the new Peugeot RCZ, that is really nice and the interior is lovely, they are on limited production so not that common, but prices are still a bit high still, but the running costs are good.
I would not touch another audi if someone paid me, had the old 3.2 dsg - £8k of repair bills later. A bit common as well.
SKip the M3, they have the wrong image personally, go for a Z4m over the M3, but they are not practical.
What about an Range rover sport, look good, shift like stink and out run most stuff in the wet (got totally hammered by one on a winters norming earlier in the year) but maybe a little pricey, did extended test drive in one of these, including offroad, it is amazing a car. If i had to swap to having one car, this would be my choice, practical for the dog, tip runs, shopping and has the speed.
What about an alfa, after weeks of test driving stuff, my only option was the spider which i bought, a bit slow, but i have other cars if i really want to zip about, my brief was something that looked good and most alfas do. They are pretty reliable these days, not sure they really have much in the power range you are looking for though. It might be worth a look, remaps good option on these to beef them up a bit.
The only thing i can say you will not find the perfect replacement, i spent ages and in the end gave up with the power side as there is nothing to compare to the 3lt or Ms beauty and power combo. Therefore went for looks alone and scarificed 3.8 secs of 0 - 60
.Interesting question. Imo they're all a bit barge/grown up, call it what you will, except the TT.
I have a 3.2 TT Quattro Coupe and it feels a lot quicker than the Z4 even though it isn't much. It's a good GT but slightly disappointing as a pure sports car - A/B roads, Z4 every time, A/M way, TT. Z4 is smoother and more precise.
All 3.2s were Quattro and so 150kg heavier than the Z; based on a Golf floorpan too, and you can tell. Quality isn't all that imo, nor are (some of) the dealers. DSG box has history and not as good as you'd think, mpg not good, tax £400pa. Tyres last 12k, handle badly from 3/4 worn and are £700. Not so well equipped or advanced as a BMW imo.
That being said, it's reasonably practical for 2 people, makes a great noise and will take you over a ton without you meaning to (I don't, of course). TTS (not TTRS) is quicker and more economical if you don't mind a blown 4 pot and FWD (Quattro later iirc). Friendly and knowledgeable people here http://www.tt-forum.co.uk/forum/
I've had mine 2 years and it's hard to find something comparable. Not keen on Jap either. If I didn't mind being a little more grown up I'd have a black 335i coupe. Have some fun trying some and let us know what you find.
Btw, how did I end up with a TT and a Z4? Z4's a keeper, had it 6 years, love it. Had a 3 month old 120d as my sensible car, reasonable spec, not top notch. Got fed up with the problems, didn't live up to expectations so looked around and got an 11 month old demonstrator TT with 8k miles, similar spec for the same money as I'd paid for the 120. No brainer really and I get to see the girls in the pettrol station more often 8)
I have a 3.2 TT Quattro Coupe and it feels a lot quicker than the Z4 even though it isn't much. It's a good GT but slightly disappointing as a pure sports car - A/B roads, Z4 every time, A/M way, TT. Z4 is smoother and more precise.
All 3.2s were Quattro and so 150kg heavier than the Z; based on a Golf floorpan too, and you can tell. Quality isn't all that imo, nor are (some of) the dealers. DSG box has history and not as good as you'd think, mpg not good, tax £400pa. Tyres last 12k, handle badly from 3/4 worn and are £700. Not so well equipped or advanced as a BMW imo.
That being said, it's reasonably practical for 2 people, makes a great noise and will take you over a ton without you meaning to (I don't, of course). TTS (not TTRS) is quicker and more economical if you don't mind a blown 4 pot and FWD (Quattro later iirc). Friendly and knowledgeable people here http://www.tt-forum.co.uk/forum/
I've had mine 2 years and it's hard to find something comparable. Not keen on Jap either. If I didn't mind being a little more grown up I'd have a black 335i coupe. Have some fun trying some and let us know what you find.
Btw, how did I end up with a TT and a Z4? Z4's a keeper, had it 6 years, love it. Had a 3 month old 120d as my sensible car, reasonable spec, not top notch. Got fed up with the problems, didn't live up to expectations so looked around and got an 11 month old demonstrator TT with 8k miles, similar spec for the same money as I'd paid for the 120. No brainer really and I get to see the girls in the pettrol station more often 8)
easty027 said:
None taken and I am 72 ... about to turn 73 in a few days. See in North America it makes no difference what you drive
Besides I drive what I like never paid any mind to what others say. Our Jag is a 2004 X-Type and we think the best car they ever build. Never had any problems with it for the past 6 + years, now the clock reads close to 70K KM. The Jag has been all over Canada (coast to coast) only had one break job that is all. Goes to show you how good that car is. My wife just loves it and I drive it in the winter when there is snow on the streets. Naturally I drive my Z when the streets are free of snow here in southwestern Ontario Canada and that is very often.Hope you find the car you love to drive, as I said earlier a nice M3 about 2 years low milage would be an excellent driver coming from a Z would be a nice transition. BTW my Z4 gave me excellent fuel economy on a 13,303 KM road trip I averaged 8.6 L/100KM not bad.
hi mate,
You've got my budget for my next car (still another 16-24 months for me) and i've have the same car as you 2003..3.0SE
My personaly choices would be as follows
SL500 (for me i'm going to try for a sl55 AMG but i've got 2 years of depreciation to go there atleast 23k at the mo)But the SL500 is plenty fast enuf
Z4M..Roaster or coupe.Couples can be had in your budget now.for how new they are 2006/2007 cars and how fast and rare they are,Complete bargains
335 coupe? Nice cars..no to flash...drive great super quick and remaped there a match for anything on the road.
Boxster new shape 2004 3.2s...but typical but there great all round pros with no cons makes them great cars...
996 911 ? Again great cars... prob get a 1999-2001 model for you budget
All very diff motors? Alot of choice.
You've got my budget for my next car (still another 16-24 months for me) and i've have the same car as you 2003..3.0SE
My personaly choices would be as follows
SL500 (for me i'm going to try for a sl55 AMG but i've got 2 years of depreciation to go there atleast 23k at the mo)But the SL500 is plenty fast enuf
Z4M..Roaster or coupe.Couples can be had in your budget now.for how new they are 2006/2007 cars and how fast and rare they are,Complete bargains
335 coupe? Nice cars..no to flash...drive great super quick and remaped there a match for anything on the road.
Boxster new shape 2004 3.2s...but typical but there great all round pros with no cons makes them great cars...
996 911 ? Again great cars... prob get a 1999-2001 model for you budget
All very diff motors? Alot of choice.
some interesting feedback there guys..(here comes the rant)
i think its my brother (sales controller at Audi) is trying to sell me a TT, plus the mrs wants one and i think i am being swayed to that car to save her buying one. I have heard the S-Tronic gearbox in the 3.2V6 TT is supposed to be good with a 0-60 time of about 5.5seconds. I can see that i could get a little bored with it though.
BMW as a brand have been the most reliable so far, i had a previous TT 225C and it was a pile of shi*. The newer ones though are far better, apparently. I think if it looked like a TTS i would have it in a haertbeat, but for my budget it wont look like one, therefore i am swaying back to a 6-series. Now i am still unconvinced on the 6 series styling, front, back and interior i love, however the side profile looks a little 80's to me, too stretched and 8 series like.
So, this brings me back onto a Z4MC. Has anybody else bit the bullet and gone to a specialist/indy for insp2 service, not sure i could live with a service costing 800-1000 pounds knowing full well i have ripped off by a main dealer?
anyway, once i wake up in the morning, i could have changed my mind another 3 times !
Inuit - your right on the range rover sport front, i borrowed my parents friends 2009 V8 Diesel version and it was one of the most comfortbale things i have ever driven, totally amazing piece of kit. however its out of my price range.
i think its my brother (sales controller at Audi) is trying to sell me a TT, plus the mrs wants one and i think i am being swayed to that car to save her buying one. I have heard the S-Tronic gearbox in the 3.2V6 TT is supposed to be good with a 0-60 time of about 5.5seconds. I can see that i could get a little bored with it though.
BMW as a brand have been the most reliable so far, i had a previous TT 225C and it was a pile of shi*. The newer ones though are far better, apparently. I think if it looked like a TTS i would have it in a haertbeat, but for my budget it wont look like one, therefore i am swaying back to a 6-series. Now i am still unconvinced on the 6 series styling, front, back and interior i love, however the side profile looks a little 80's to me, too stretched and 8 series like.
So, this brings me back onto a Z4MC. Has anybody else bit the bullet and gone to a specialist/indy for insp2 service, not sure i could live with a service costing 800-1000 pounds knowing full well i have ripped off by a main dealer?
anyway, once i wake up in the morning, i could have changed my mind another 3 times !
Inuit - your right on the range rover sport front, i borrowed my parents friends 2009 V8 Diesel version and it was one of the most comfortbale things i have ever driven, totally amazing piece of kit. however its out of my price range.
Wow the world's your oyster in this price range isn't it!!
I don't envy the decision you've got to make, but you will end up with one hell of a car!
It has been mentioned above but I would be looking at a 335i Coupé. Mild tune and it is seriously fast, probably very close to Z4M except with far better mpg and far cheaper servicing. I think in the Sport guise they look mean, may be too understated for you though?
No one seems to have mentioned an SLK55 AMG?
I don't envy the decision you've got to make, but you will end up with one hell of a car!
It has been mentioned above but I would be looking at a 335i Coupé. Mild tune and it is seriously fast, probably very close to Z4M except with far better mpg and far cheaper servicing. I think in the Sport guise they look mean, may be too understated for you though?
No one seems to have mentioned an SLK55 AMG?
Don't let them tell you the S Tronic/DSG is good. When moving quickly it changes v quickly but as a normal auto it's slow, jerky, usually in too high a gear and Sport mode is like a 17yo trying to change gear quickly. Total failure at low mileages is not unheard of too. Not good. 
Btw, Bose hifi is rubbish too, zero bass. Still worth a look though
Btw, Bose hifi is rubbish too, zero bass. Still worth a look though
the bose system in my old tt was awesome!
I would say on par with my carver system in my z. I have heard horror stories about the DSG, I'm guessing the s-tronic system is a rebranded version of the dsg?
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I would say on par with my carver system in my z. I have heard horror stories about the DSG, I'm guessing the s-tronic system is a rebranded version of the dsg?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
yep, Bose Symphony just has no bass at all. My standard Z4 system is miles better. IPod connection is poor too. Shows first 5 playlists as discs, no titles, 6th 'disc' is all your music. Doesn't charge either.
Auto lights, dimming mirror and auto wipers not standard, elec seats n/a.
Still a nice car, just could be better.
Auto lights, dimming mirror and auto wipers not standard, elec seats n/a.
Still a nice car, just could be better.