2nd choice purchase advice needed...

[ZimZimmer]

if it looks cheap there will be a reason , this one doesn't sound looked after so personally would walk away , eml could be a sensor or even the wiring loom itself so again dodgy

The reason apparently is he needed a 4 seater and the car has various things that need doing, mainly cosmetic and doesn't have the room for 2 cars.
After talking to the chap and been sent some further pics, the 'problems' are:

Soft top window needs to be replaced

Passenger wing mirror has a hole in the mirror housing

Driver seat bolster worn and 10cm tear on the seat

Rear corner scuffed

Dent in the bonnet right between the kidney grills

A few Minor age related scratches

Aside from the advisories and above problems. The car is supposed to run very well, and has been his daily driver for last few years.

My trail of thought is if it costs a grand to put everything back in order, It's a 2001 2.2 sport which will be worth 2,500-3,500 of anyone's money.
Am I not being realistic?

 

[ZimZimmer]

I asked him to go round the car and take pics of anything that is a problem, here are what I would consider to be the 'major' cosmetic issues

Of course for the price I wouldn't expect it to be mint, but if I can make it look mint over time and it drives as it should that's the main thing I think.

 

[Ianmc]

IMO, any sorted Z3 is going to cost 3/4K. As an example, I recently purchased a 1997 1.9 for £2500 (4 owners, FSH, 76K miles) and have spent circa £750 sorting out some bits such as two new tyres, tracking, thermostat, coolant sensor, outer door handle covers (rubbers perished), seat bushes, a vent cover, new exhaust and some minor consumables.

If a car is bought for £1500 you should expect to spend at least the same again getting it sorted. Be wary of the higher priced car that needs money spending on it or a "rotten" cheap car. As has been said, there are loads for sale. Take your time and make sure you know what you are buying.

By the way, the M44 is a fine car!!

 

[Ianmc]

Just seen the pictures since writing above. Likely needs new (or refurbished) hood, possibly bonnet, grills, wing mirror, seats, rear bumper paint - and that's just from those 3 pictures. Also take car as the car is wet and other paint blemishes may not show.

I personally would not consider this car any further, it is clearly "unloved". What's with the AC Schnitzer badge, boy racer?

 

[N4LLY]

There are a lot better for not a lot more cash. Also worried about the AC badge.

Seat and body work fine. Nice sound roof.

The inner workings have to be a worry.

 

[t-tony]

Bonnet repairable, seat repairable, new hood (if not window repair) £300. Rear bumper self repairable. Mirror repairable. Got to be worth at least looking at.

Tony.

 

[Jack Ratt]

It's worth a look if distance and travelling is not too expensive

 

[ZimZimmer]

The guy is a pilot, he said the badges were on when he bought it.

If anyone knows of a better 2.2 for similar price let me know.

Don't forget I'm in NI so cost of travel has to be considered also lol

 

[Ianmc]

The guy is a pilot, he said the badges were on when he bought it.

If anyone knows of a better 2.2 for similar price let me know.

Don't forget I'm in NI so cost of travel has to be considered also lol

I hope his aeroplane is better looked after than his car!

 

[ZimZimmer]

clearly this car is dividing opinions!

I'm thinking providing the car is mechanically sound, im not gonna get much better for the money (2.2 anyway)
And better to get something cheap with cosmetic repairs to be done than cheap because of rust or mechanical issues!?

 

[Ianmc]

You asked for thoughts and opinions which have been offered in an attempt to be helpful. Hope you make the right decision for you.

 

[ZimZimmer]

You asked for thoughts and opinions which have been offered in an attempt to be helpful. Hope you make the right decision for you.

And they have been helpful and appreciated.
I suppose I'm trying to convince myself that it's a worthwhile buy...
I wasn't even looking to buy a car until I saw one in a friends garage and have fell in love!
Maybe should just forget it for a while until I come into some money.

 

[Dino D]

It all depends on the car. I took a punt and bought a 2k 2.2 sport which was cat c repaired and no service history on eBay. Vague description etc screamed dodgy. Bought a return train ticket up north somewhere, looked at it, test drive it, was fine so handed the cash and called the insurance and drove it back to Kent.
Have a look and see, we can all posture about an advert but you need to see the car.

 

[Parmst]

Heres a couple a bit closer to home, a bit more expensive but no travel costs

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2000-BMW-Z3-Roadster-188089579

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2001-B-M-W-Z3-2-2-Z3-SPORT-ROADSTER-2d-168-BHP-ELECTRIC-HOOD-187623452

 

[ZimZimmer]

Heres a couple a bit closer to home, a bit more expensive but no travel costs

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2000-BMW-Z3-Roadster-188089579

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2001-B-M-W-Z3-2-2-Z3-SPORT-ROADSTER-2d-168-BHP-ELECTRIC-HOOD-187623452

Thanks Parmst. Believe me I've scoured NI, and there's nothing in my budget (even @ £1500 I've got to borrow)
As a self employed valeter & detailer, my income varies and rarely goes str8 into the bank so finance is not an option. So it's either buy what I've got cash for or not at all.
Unless someone is prepared to take a deposit and allow me to pay the balance weekly/monthly which I think there's more chance of stepping in rocking horse s***! Lol

 

[Parmst]

At your budget don't discount a 1.9 and be patient

 

[ZimZimmer]

Me and patients don't get on!
I appreciate what you are saying tho

 

[Antm72]

The 2.0 is still a straight six.Its fixable its the sill ends that want to be
checked for rust it's where damage from mud deposits are likely to have taken hold the most if anywhere.
The rear screen can be repaired that can be removed and New plastic sewn in but alittle more would replace it.
Strip the seat base repair from the rear and it will redye and resolve.
The rest is cosmetic the bonnet and boot repairable by the looks of things a broken see mirror will fix the casing and a code reader for circa £40 Will help you fix the mechanical parts.
As said it may be a gem in the rough wouldn't rule out but time will bring up others I'm sure.

 

[DavidM]

I asked him to go round the car and take pics of anything that is a problem, here are what I would consider to be the 'major' cosmetic issuesView attachment 57343
View attachment 57341 View attachment 57342 View attachment 57339
View attachment 57340

Of course for the price I wouldn't expect it to be mint, but if I can make it look mint over time and it drives as it should that's the main thing I think.

Looks like a nice project to undertake - provided the mechanics are in good order shouldn't have to spend too much on bodywork and interior repairs.

 

[g8jka]

I only got £1800 for my 2.0 last year and compared to that it was immaculate, new roof few years back, 2 sets of alloys one with brand new tyres and very, very well looked after.

If you want a 2.2 and nothing else you probably won't find one cheaper, but if you are open to other options you will find a much better car for the price. It needs money spending on it, probably a grand or so and it will be a nice car. You could spend that money on getting a nicer car to start with if you don't want to do the work.

It's a decent spec but pretty tatty although will look good after a bit of money and work thrown at it. Offer him a grand and see what he says, then its a bargain, or hold out for a better one. Plenty come up at bargain prices you don't need to rush into buying one, just because that one looks cheap.