Hello

[bronty]

Having recently retired and the owner of a expensive Range Rover (for transporting wife and dogs)with summer on the way it seems like a good time for a 2 seater convertible.
So I am going to buy a Z3.
it must be an auto(due to a knee problem) I have always liked the z3 styling and with the early models becoming tax and mot exempt in the next 3 years it seems a good investment.
I have found a low millage 1 owner 1.9l with a leaky roof that I will be viewing in the next week.

 

[ExMX5owner]

Gidday from down here.

 

[Ianmc]

with the early models becoming tax and mot exempt in the next 3 years it seems a good investment.

Welcome. Unfortunately, not so.

 

[AntStark]

40 years old before tax exempt..got a while to go yet

 

[Jam03]

A 1.9 with a leaky roof will never be an investment. In fact I doubt any Z3 could be classed as an investment. Unless you’re buying as a hobby to fix things up yourself, spending a bit extra will get you one where everything works. Coming out of a Range Rover and needing an auto, I would recommend one of the 6cylinder models.

 

[AntStark]

A 1.9 with a leaky roof will never be an investment. In fact I doubt any Z3 could be classed as an investment. Unless you’re buying as a hobby to fix things up yourself, spending a bit extra will get you one where everything works. Coming out of a Range Rover and needing an auto, I would recommend one of the 6cylinder models.

I’d agree, a 6 cyl auto would be better ..the later 5 speed ZF box is much better than the 4 speed.

 

[Nodzed]

Nope, won't be tax or MOT exempt in 3 years. If you want an investment you need a 3.0 or an M and then the market shifts every few years so prices go up and down like a kangaroo on a pogo stick..

40 years old for MOT exemtion
Pre 01/01/ 83 for tax exemption.

 

[bronty]

Thank you all for you warm welcome
Looks like I was wrong with the tax exempt but that dose not matter
I am looking for a cheap summer car(grand children and dog free) that I can work on as a hobby, but with a sound body the 6 cylinder sound good but finding one at the right price is proving difficult
The one I am looking at is a 1997 with 56,000 and full service history but the back window is damaged causing the leak it goes for its mot on Wednesday.
The seats are cloth so if I buy I would like to swap them for leather at some point.

 

[t-tony]

It needs to be very cheap or one with leather and a good roof will be a better option.

Tony.

ps. Welcome from me near Lincoln.

 

[Jam03]

Unfortunately the auto box seems to be quite limiting unless you’re interested in the top end of the market for Z3’s. A couple of things to consider:
If ULEZ of other similar schemes are a factor, 2.0 and 2.8’s are not compliant.
Water ingress is an issue on many Z3’s, and if neglected the thick layer of foam under the carpets becomes saturated and a number of electrical bits can start to fail. If you suspect it’s sodden, think twice.
Back window May not be an easy fix and unless you have a garage will be a huge pain to deal with until you can get the roof redone.

 

[Shelly]

 

[Mint]

Hi and to the forum from me too in Stafford. If the leaky roof has been leaking for some time, the carpets will look ok but the soundproofing underneath will be sodden. They hold a lot of water and you'll be in for quite a bit of work to dry them out....after you've stopped the leak.

 

[bronty]

After the advice on here I have been having second thoughts about the 1.9 and now thinking of a 2 auto
I have seen one on auto-trade for 3.5k but it is in London and I am in Lancashire (I don't like citys)

 

[Zed Chimp]

If youre going for a circa 20 year old convertible the word "lottery " comes to mind unless you really know what youre looking at ( im pretty clueless thats why i drive a new one as my daily ) but my advice would be buy the best you can afford rather than a banger that needs a load of work . Future investment as per my "learned colleague" Nodzed.

Good luck with the search

 

[bronty]

I gave back word on the leaky roof 1.9 and have now increased my budget I don't want to go to high as these cars are not ulez compliant which may make them difficult to sell in the future.I think that is why most of the car for sale are in the London area.
I am looking for a 6 cylinder and considering a jap import but I am slightly concerned about a import with the speedo in km instead of mph

 

[Jam03]

Yes, the 2.0 6cylinder cars are not ULEZ. Still seen a lot of low mileage 2.0’s being advertised between £5k and £10k, which I think is crazy, unless it’s one of the special editions in mint condition. If you can find a bargain 2.0 being sold because of ULEZ, that’s great. If you’re only paying a few grand, a drop in value in a few years time is still nowhere near the depreciation you would suffer on a newer car. The 2.2 and 3.0 are ULEZ compliant, albeit that some 3.0 cars initially show up as non compliant when you run a check.

 

[bronty]

I have bought a 2.8i z3 auto low millage and one owner for the last 12 years
Just waiting for it to be delivered

 

[bronty]

Today on its long drive from Dartmoor to the North west
found a few little niggles but all in all the long drive was quiet pleasant