Z4M - where to go next?

[tomscott]

Does it need to be a huge jump in performance? I mean around 4.6/4.8 your looking at a pretty hardcore group and also price starts to spiral below that!

Like the GT3 its not a great everyday car, unlike the Z4M and the C2S or 4S. Like too stripped, too hard (unless you get a comfort spec but that defies the point right?) the performance bracket is quite acceptable IMO for that 1/2 second more you start to compromise on all levels.

Luxury, performance and agility are hard to find in cars sub 4.4 they usually have 2 of those and luxury is kicked out because of weight. Like the new M5 and M6 have the performance and luxury but lack the agility that makes it feel fast. Unless you look at supercars and your looking 70k and over and upkeep costs to match.

The only car I can really think of thats affordable is the GTR but I would hardly call it luxury on the same scale as the german counterparts. Cheap and fast but not desirable in my eyes. Not even close.

Then there is the Noble M12 but again not as reliable and not a car you would feel comfortable in. Then even further an atom, Westfield or caterham.

 

[pvr]

You can always upgrade to that white one, pay the extra 7k or so and get a nice colour with options

 

[Rialas]

You can always upgrade to that white one, pay the extra 7k or so and get a nice colour with options

but very true.
It's when you realise what value for money the mc's are when you start looking to upgrade.

 

[flimper]

I thought white had gone out of fashion? Never been able to keep up with the latest trends

 

[pvr]

We know :evil:

 

[original guvnor]

Like the GT3 its not a great everyday car, unlike the Z4M and the C2S or 4S. Like too stripped, too hard (unless you get a comfort spec but that defies the point right ?

I don't agree with that particular part of your reply Tom. Part of the beauty of the GT3 is that if you wish it can be a quite civilised road car that you can take straight on track. I'd say more civilised than our cars because it rides so much better and is equally as practical. It's very clever - if you only track occasionally get comfort spec but still enjoy the brilliant drive, if you track more often go Club Sport route or even more hardcore go GT3 RS.

 

[tertius]

There isn't a big difference between the 996.2 and the 997.1, however, there is a big step to the 997.2. But the 997.2 will have centre locks and what a pita they are.

My personal choice would be a 996 GT3 RS. Last of the true analogue cars, extremely limited production, lots of small but significant improvements over the regular GT3, etc.. A future classic, IMO.

 

[incassable]

Nissan GT-R ?

 

[exdos]

If you're looking for something a bit different with a wonderful soundtrack, how about something else beginning with "M"? I'm thinking Maserati.

A quick look on Pistonheads reveals that you could get a Maserati Gransport that would appear to satisfy all your requirements. My reservation of moving to something like this though could be potential large running costs.

 

[flimper]

If you're looking for something a bit different with a wonderful soundtrack, how about something else beginning with "M"? I'm thinking Maserati.

A quick look on Pistonheads reveals that you could get a Maserati Gransport that would appear to satisfy all your requirements. My reservation of moving to something like this though could be potential large running costs.

for £25k?

 

[exdos]

for £25k?

I was looking at this one here: http://pistonheads.com/sales/4121477.htm

I know it states £26,995 but I'm sure you'd get it for £25k or less if you wanted it.

 

[Finisterre]

I think you should downgrade, you will have to accept that you cannot afford the next step at some time. it makes good financial sense to stop before it hurts. Currently you are tending to the indulgent, becoming someone who has overspent is not terribly smart. IMO


Perhaps a RS 2000 ?

 

[Stuart Truman]

There's a drop dead gorgeous M5 Touring on AUC for £28K I bet that'll negotiate down to £25K or close if you were to push. Especially at the end of the month...

 

[flimper]

If I was to downgrade, how about an E39 M5?

 

[Wondermike]

I suppose an SLK55 AMG could be in the mix

Yes a nice SLK55, or an E89 35i would be OK too.

How set are you on having something with equal or greater performance? With fuel prices and the way the majority drives these days, ///M levels of performance seems too much.

 

[gannet]

DS3R :exitright:

 

[raiets]

To take a step up in performance whilst maintaining the rest of the qualities of the M (relative reliability, comfort, etc.) is a price too far at the moment. IMO would have to be a Noble or TVR T350C, something like that, and then a cheap run-around for the winter commute and shopping. Does just highlight what a capable little machine the M is

 

[mr wilks]

prestige make
quality build
500+bhp
under 5 sec 0=60mph?
seats 4
every extra you could want
spend all day behind the wheel
sound like thunder

a yes to all the above ? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201231480671910/sort/default/usedcars/model/m6/make/bmw/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/quicksearch/true/page/1/radius/200/postcode/bb120hr?logcode=p

my 333bhp 6 series was good so hard to imagine what these go like :evil:

 

[flimper]

I suppose the M6 would have the same concerns as the M5 i.e. running costs

 

[flimper]

I suppose an SLK55 AMG could be in the mix

Yes a nice SLK55, or an E89 35i would be OK too.

How set are you on having something with equal or greater performance? With fuel prices and the way the majority drives these days, ///M levels of performance seems too much.

Don't want anything slower, think I'd miss the performance too much