POLL Commute in the Z or not?

[Connor]

I am to be starting a new Job up in Sheffield in the next month, which for the next 3 months I will be driving up to Sheffield on a Monday morning and back again on Friday night/afternoon.

during the week I will be "commuting" around 40 miles a day to and from the office from my accommodation. I've worked out a total of around 360 miles a week minimum.

I am looking at alternatives and considering buying a 1.9tdi or similar to do the donkey work, however I have to take into account a purchase price of £500-£1500 for the work horse.

What should I do!! (also does anyone know of any cheap diesels that are not brokem for sale!?)

Connor.

 

[Ianmc]

Use the Z3, it will do the car good!

 

[Gail]

Commute in the Z. It’s the right time of year for it.

 

[5harp3y]

if you are only spending £500-1500 on a diesel you are going to have to spend that again in year one on parts and servicing!

 

[Connor]

if you are only spending £500-1500 on a diesel you are going to have to spend that again in year one on parts and servicing!

My thought exactly! The Z runs well, it’s got it’s niggles obviously but I know what I’ve got with it!
It’s just the MPG I’m worried about, and adding the extra miles to the Z.

Connor

 

[5harp3y]

My thought exactly! The Z runs well, it’s got it’s niggles obviously but I know what I’ve got with it!
It’s just the MPG I’m worried about, and adding the extra miles to the Z.

Connor

work it out

mileage x mpg x cost of fuel.

then put that against the purchase / taxation / insurance / running and fuel of the diesel. it will probably take you a long time to recoup the difference

 

[Ianmc]

Major cost of car ownership is generally depreciation - not so with the Z3. And, £500 to £1500 will buy lots of replacement bits/servicing if the Z3 needs such.

 

[Mazza]

If it’s only for 3 months, Stick with the Z3,
Whatever you get is an unknown quantity and could be a money pit.

 

[hard top]

Major cost of car ownership is generally depreciation - not so with the Z3.

Err, don't want to pish on your parade but don't crash it ....

 

[t-tony]

. . . . or lend it to someone who can crash it for you.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Commuting in a Z in summer, roof down in the sun, or stuck in a stinky diesel. Hmmm. Tricky one, that.

 

[Bringit96]

My Z is my daily and I commute around 300 miles over a weekend going from London to home and back. I'd keep it for the 3 months as it'll be a joy to drive during the summer!

 

[Mint]

Drive the Zed, no contest

 

[t-tony]

Daily Zed helps keep me sane Connor, the best thing about going to work mate.

Tony.

 

[IJSK]

I’m “in between” everyday cars right now so I’m using the Z3 all the time. I’m sure it’s better for it and I’m enjoying it more and more.

Having started at £1800 and now knocking on £8000, the extra miles are also bringing my cost per mile down.

I even moved from classic car insurance to everyday with business use and saved money!

Cars are to be driven! Use it!

 

[Ianmc]

There is no reason whatsoever why a Z3 can't be used for daily transport unless, obviously, you need more than two seats or greater luggage capacity. 1.9 M44 is especially good for this, with ample performance and approaching 40mpg.

 

[Ianmc]

Err, don't want to pish on your parade but don't crash it ....

Yes, that is a good way to depreciate any car

 

[Shelly]

I'd use the Z
It will make you feel much happier in the mornings
My Z is my daily drive

 

[Biggbn]

Cars are deigned to be used. A driven car is a happy car. A z3 driver is a happy driver. You know where this is going....

 

[Rudyrov]

I commute in my Z3 every day, I have about 110,000 miles on US Freeways and city roads. I love the car and its still relatively tight. I have done some suspension work, mostly A rams and the associated rubber parts that holds the arms to the car.
I have lots of fun with it and am just careful where I park. It seems to me that unless you are interested in a show car this is what this car was meant to do.