Newbie starting to look for a Z3

[smiffy]

boot floor spot welds fail on higher mileage or hard driven examples. Not difficult to rectify and easily spotted. Lift boot carpet and check for signs of corrosion rings around the spot welds.

Higher mileage may need suspension bushes replacing.

They all have broken seat belt guides at some stage, don't let that put you off its not a sign of neglect!

They are all getting older, but very few on here have reported major breakdowns.

Mine has 144k and needs work, but still turns heads and is a great drive.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome from a fellow Black Countryman. I have a 2.8 auto and I love it. I wasn't looking for an auto but I bought it after a half hour test drive. The 2.8 engine is torquey and turbine smooth, and has been tried and tested in a few different models and is as much at home towing a caravan in a Beemer estate as it is whizzing around mountain roads in a Z3.

 

[Mint]

Hi @Mark Powis, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire.Another [very] happy 2.2 owner. The best thing is to drive different models to see which you prefer. BTW @Grumpy we're up to 156,000 now

 

[Mark Powis]

Yes I think condition and history will be the main deciding factors. I have 3 motorbikes all over 10 years old but well looked after (BMW R1100GS 20 years old and still going strong!) I like the idea of a 6cyl engine but I guess it's not a deal breaker if the right 1.9 comes along. I will keep updating as I lurk in the forums trying to pick up any useful info.
Thanks Mark

 

[Stevo7682]

Welcome from Scotland. Good luck with your search . I'm sure you'll go and look at one and that one will be ' The One '.

 

[oldcarman]

Hi from Canada! I agree that you should get the feel for what you want by testing. That said I bought my 97 1.9 from the UK and had it shipped to my drive. That was in 2014 and other than tires and a brake light it passed safety and the only other part I've replaced is a running light bulb! Good luck, no matter what you choose you'll be happy I'm sure. JIM

 

[Nodzed]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I would look at as many as possible, don't rush, you have a good budget and there are lots of options out there. Personally I would concentrate on condition and one that has been loved, rather than any particular engine type, after all its about roof down cruising, and enjoying being out in the sun (hopefully) and all the engine options offer that. Good luck hunting for the right Zed, hope you find the right one.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Antm72]

Hello and welcome.As mentioned there are loads of options and on your budget most of them open.i suggest driving afew. I looked at the 1.9's thinking sensible but for me the wide bodied pre facelift 2.8 had the appeal and as mpg is not a big difference i brought what i'd be happier with rather than settling for a model that ticked most boxes but left the one thing i wanted out in body style.
Happy hunting

 

[Zeti]

Welcome aboard Mark!
What ever you will chose, it will make you happy!
Look for a clear history and if you love the car, good trips will return to you.
Good luck,
Dan

 

[Grumps]

Hi @Mark Powis, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire.Another [very] happy 2.2 owner. The best thing is to drive different models to see which you prefer. BTW @Grumpy we're up to 156,000 now

Theres no stopping you pair mate!!