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[Alan Patterson]

Hi Gaz Thanks for your message. I am in the market to by my first Z3 as I have always fancies a small but reliable and solid soft-top. I am going to see on locally which is described as immaculate. It’s a 1.9 W plate 2000, new tyres and exhaust and looks pretty much unmarked in the photos. Black leather interior. Badged M, and has an M steering wheel. I have noticed a wide range of prices for Z’s ranging from sub £1000 to over £3000. When I popped the details into a comparison site – value came up as £1000 Forecourt, £800 Private and £700 Trade in which is lot lower than the asking price. I know from experience of other marques that there is no such thing as a cheap car! Low purchase price is then offset with new parts and improvements that can add £100’s easily. What would you recommend for a 1.9 in above average condition. Miles are £129k. Many thanks, Alan

 

[Low Rider]

Welcome Alan

 

[Redline]

Hi and welcome.
One thing you can be sure is that it isn’t an M.
Someone has put the badges on to give the impression that the car is something it isn’t.
That aside, the price could be anywhere in the ranges you quote depending on condition. 129k miles is not high but a complete maintenance history is a must the higher the price goes.
Check the usual things including the sills which are prone to corrosion although usually easily fixed. It won’t be perfect but there is little that cannot be put right.
Am sure there will be lots of advice to follow.
Good luck

 

[Alan Patterson]

Thanks for the replies. The W plate car I am looking at is advertised at £2100 which appears high for a private sale price. It is described as immaculate with a full service history. I dont mind paying a slightly higher price if its rust free.

 

[Nodzed]

I'm no expert on 1.9s but that seems a bit expensive for a 1.9 with 129k on it,

 

[Alan Patterson]

Yes I am looking at 2 this weekend. A P plate with 149k miles new clutch and hood and what the seller describes as minor rust under the spare wheel. Mot til Aug 19 .£1190. The other is the immaculate 1.9 w plate 129k miles FSH advertised at £2100. Both are described as good tyres and exhausts, alloys like ok too. Looking online though I see 1.9z3s advertised at even over £3000. Quite confused at the pricing. I do realise though that an otherwise nice car can immediately cost an extra £400-500 if you need 4 new tyres abd exhaust plus a home service .
Alan

 

[Mint]

Hi @Alan Patterson, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Good luck with your search

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum. You could buy a 2.2 or 2.8 for £2.5 - £3k if you look around. Have a look in the "For Sale" section, it's always good to buy one from a forum member.
Also have a look at some "Progress" threads where the guys have their cars stripped down to the bare bones and it will give you a good insight into where to look for corrosion etc. Mechanically these cars are pretty bullet proof but things like rubber components, water pumps etc may need replacing if they haven't already been so.

 

[Grumps]

Hi from Mansfield. I'm with @Jack Ratt on this one. With that budget i'd definitely be looking at a 6 cylinder car. Good luck with your search.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to ZroadSter

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland .

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Jjim]

Hi welcome from Mansfield.

I’ve owned 5 Z3’s in the past 12 months - 4 x 1.9 and 1 x 2.8

I still own 2 of them, an Arctic Silver 1.9 and Montreal Blue 2.8. I will be keeping them both long term.




In terms of cost, I wouldn’t be looking to pay any more than £1,500 for a 1.9.

I even purchased my 2.8 for £1,600 with 132k on it.

All Z3 are prone to rust problems on the sill covers. So check at both wheel arch ends, and underneath to check level of rust and if they have been repaired/sprayed.

Optional extras such as sports seats, hard top fitting kit and roll hoops will add value.

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London

 

[Mr C]

Hi welcome from Southampton

 

[Keet]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[Alan Patterson]

Thanks Folks. I have read up on the common z3 foibles. Will look at these 2 cars tomorrow and report back. Cheers Alan

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi Gaz Thanks for your message. I am in the market to by my first Z3 as I have always fancies a small but reliable and solid soft-top. I am going to see on locally which is described as immaculate. It’s a 1.9 W plate 2000, new tyres and exhaust and looks pretty much unmarked in the photos. Black leather interior. Badged M, and has an M steering wheel. I have noticed a wide range of prices for Z’s ranging from sub £1000 to over £3000. When I popped the details into a comparison site – value came up as £1000 Forecourt, £800 Private and £700 Trade in which is lot lower than the asking price. I know from experience of other marques that there is no such thing as a cheap car! Low purchase price is then offset with new parts and improvements that can add £100’s easily. What would you recommend for a 1.9 in above average condition. Miles are £129k. Many thanks, Alan

Welcome to the forum from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey............Frankie