New to Z's

[thehunt]

Hi, not currently an owner of a Z but wishing it to happen some time soon. I drive ( am i allowed to say ? ) a 3 series but would like to purchase a Z3. As an additional purchase. Any info i can glean from all you current drivers and what type of Z to go for. ( i'm thinking money here so maybe a 1,9 is more likely for me, what with running costs etc).
As you can see i don't know a lot about them apart from things i have read on the forum. Would love to hear your experiences and what i should look out for.
Thanks, Phil

 

[GazHyde]

Hi Phil,

Nice to be able to formally welcome you to the site. They are a good bunch on here and will be able to give you plenty of views as to exactly which is the best model! That of course will be the one they drive...

Just shout if you have any questions.

Gary

 

[billz]

Hi Phil and welcome to the forum.There are a lot of mixed reviews on here about which is best. The best thing is to have a budget in mind and then try as many of the variants as is possible till you find the one that apeals to you. As for economy well the 1.9 is fairly cheap to run but then again the 3.0 returns on paper the same if not better mpg the 2.8 2.2 and 2.0 are slightly less than the 3.0 but thats in a perfect enviroment they are tested in. We have the 3.0 and on a run we get 32mpg daily driving we get 28mpg and when we go on fast cruises and i mean really motoring we still get around 25mpg. Costs to run are very cheap on all models unless you get a bad one. Apart from spending what i have wanted to improve the zed we have only had to have it serviced and have replaced the front calipers so as you can see if you get a good one they are very cheap. on the other hand if you start modding the car it can become very expensive. I have had new wheels,discs,brakes,shocks and hoops to name but a few things and it has cost me around 4k plus.
So like i said depends on what is right for you and your budget.
All the best finding the right one just take your time and make sure its a good one.
bill

 

[SeaSurfer]

Its a big welcome from me to :ymhug: \/ great place to be here, ask away if you find something you like, peeps all too willing to help if you need it.

Engine size wasnt important to me when i was looking for a zed, it had to be a Black one with Black Interior , so took me seven months but found what has turned out to be a nice 2.8 with mpg 37-38 which is great but then i rarely drive him very enthusiastically that was two and half years ago.

Good luck with your search, make a wish list as a starting point and let us know, we can help keep an eye out for you if we know what you are after and keep a look out for members cars coming up for sale on here.

In the meantime, you can have a look at how to post photos on here because its the first thing we will be asking you

Happy Hunting

 

[HornelZ3M]

And as nobody has mentioned the M roadster, 3.2 engine, a little more expensive but holds its value and worth the extra petrol for the speed

 

[z3cade]

You can pick up a bargin now days as Z3s have dropped in price..

As what to go for? I would say look at a few Z3s with different engine sizes..

Ultimately go for the best condition zed you can afford.. What's your buget?

All zeds have pritty much the same running costs so don't worry to much about engine size regarding mpg.. They all return between 25-32mpg.. Apart from the M 19-28mpg

If you asked me I would say go for 2.8-3.0 Z3 great all rounders.. Especially the 3.0

 

[z3cade]

And as nobody has mentioned the M roadster, 3.2 engine, a little more expensive but holds its value and worth the extra petrol for the speed

What you on about Paul? Yours never leaves the garage!

 

[HornelZ3M]

%-(

 

[badman gee]

Your car has the nickname olympic flame.

It never goes out

 

[SeaSurfer]

 

[HornelZ3M]

["badman gee"]Your car has the nickname olympic flame.

It never goes out

Ummmm . :ymparty: :ymapplause: what you been on

 

[Snoops]

Big

from me Phil.

I think the guys and gals before me have covered the basics, I would just endorse not making your mind up before your search starts. Drive as many variants as you can and try manual and autos, don't think the autos are for old folk - they shift for fun especially in sports mode.

It's a buyers market at the moment there have been lots of discussions recently about how low the prices are so it's a good time to buy.

Any questions just post and you'll get great advice, members are always happy to help.

Happy hunting

 

[board]

A big warm welcome from me too and as already mentioned try as many variants as possible. If you find something you like then let us know and we can advise further.

 

[swamper]

as has been said there all good....but have a look at ones that have the mods on you may want theres loads knocking about and you will get the mods on it for a fraction of the price they payed ...as SeaSurfer said make a wish list then take it from there

 

[thehunt]

Thanks everyone.budget about 2K. But I am taking my time as I am also moving so not sure the wife will let me spend more. Appreciate advice,i will be taking my time as I want to get the right car. So will spend my time now looking at options. Phil

 

[Brian4]

Another welcome from a helpful crowd on here.

Keep to your budget but you might be surprised with a deal you can strike. I think condition is important as mechanically they are pretty good.

Pick a good day for test drives and with the roof down you will get a smile on your wife's face and then you can do (what you want) she says.

Loads of options out there different seats, wheels, interior colour.

Happy hunting

Brian

 

[Rev]

Welcome to the register.

Theres nothing like open top motoring and having a special "Toy" in the garage for a sunny day!

With the world as it is at the moment the price of good quality Z3 seems very reasonable and your pound can go a long way.

For anyone thats interested (I know it's over your budget) but I was wondering the halls and corridors of the internet the other day and having a look at all things automotive when I came across this little gem.

Seems an incredibly good buy for a second car to run around in. Sounds immaculate. Worth a trip to Bonnie Scotland I would suggest.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170855864120? ... 500wt_1413

 

[thehunt]

Any particular insurers anyone can recommend? Thanks , Phil

 

[SeaSurfer]

I use Hagerty Classic Car Insurance, they will insure up to a 1999 model, great cover and very reasonable.

 

[Snoops]

Any particular insurers anyone can recommend? Thanks , Phil

Phil - have a look at This thread few companies mentioned on there too