The Search Is On

[black fingernail]

The search is on for a Z3 for swmbo.
The ads. on the 'bay and Gumtree are fun, 'Immaculate, Rust free, Loads spent, etc. Then I go on the Gov website and look at the MOT history, the poor things are raddled, that explains the 'Genuine reason for sale'.
I know there are good ones out there, at the right price, it's just proving a bit elusive.
The ideal combination, to suit the boss, in an ideal world is:-
Rust free as possible, looked after, 2.0 or 2.2, electric roof, sports seats, blue,(not silver), loud (ish) exhaust, all this with a budget of @ £2500. what are the chances?

 

[t-tony]

You could be lucky but, I think you'll have to expand the budget a bit to get a "nice" car, which will likely still be a work in progress. Don't buy a 2.0 you will be disappointed. The 2.2 is the best bang for buck Z3 shy of the bigger engines.

Tony.

 

[hard top]

The 2.2 is the best bang for buck

Nothing wrong with a 16V (140PK M44) 1.9 ....

 

[black fingernail]

As a newby, I may have posted this in the wrong place.
I'm sure a friendly moderator will shift it if it is !

 

[t-tony]

As a newby, I may have posted this in the wrong place.
I'm sure a friendly moderator will shift it if it is !

No need , it's in the Z3 forum.

Tony.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Don't buy a 2.0 you will be disappointed.

Tony.

I'm not! I think you meant to say don't buy a 2.0 auto

 

[t-tony]

Well, maybe mate. But I still would buy a 2.2 over a 2.0 to be honest Bryan. I didn't do enough research before buying my Z3 that is the truth, but I wanted a 6 cyl. for sure.

Tony.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Well, maybe mate. But I still would buy a 2.2 over a 2.0 to be honest Bryan. I didn't do enough research before buying my Z3 that is the truth, but I wanted a 6 cyl. for sure.

Tony.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing Tony, like you I should have researched more. I would probably go for 2.2 or 3.0 sport if I were to buy another, but for now I am happy with the performance of the 2.0, just wish it had the sport interior.

 

[t-tony]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing Tony, like you I should have researched more. I would probably go for 2.2 or 3.0 sport if I were to buy another, but for now I am happy with the performance of the 2.0, just wish it had the sport interior.

If you're free on the 15th. Dec. there's a small meeting at home to do some jobs for a couple of members and you would be most welcome if you have time to come over mate.

Tony.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

If you're free on the 15th. Dec. there's a small meeting at home to do some jobs for a couple of members and you would be most welcome if you have time to come over mate.

Tony.

Thanks for the offer Tony, would love to come but unfortunately I'm on a 4 night stretch over that weekend. Good luck with your retirement by the way .

 

[abh29]

I hope you get as lucky as we did.
Nearly 7 years ago my son decided he fancied a Z3 ( to add to the Isuzu and LandRover )we knew absolutely nothing about them , and never thought off finding out. I was driving the 525 e61 at the time.
Looked at Autotrader found 4 within a Saturday drive , come Saturday we set off.
First call was a semi retired dealer who only saw customers by appointment , as he kept the cars a few miles from his home.
The car looked and drove great , son said why bother going looking at others I like this. He was not into much negation ,I think he gave us road fund licence. (I know everyone says look at a few before buying)
I took the car from my son 3 years ago,and still love it,he also still drives it when home.
Turned out he had got a 2.2 litre sports ,computer , split rim wheels,chrome in and out,all new brakes ect, but had an assortment of tyres that we sorted out.It had had 6 owners in the previous 6 years. Even had the number plate that's on it now --- the original illegal plates were in the boot CB Z3 88

 

[Lazzzydog]

Come and take a look at mine. Photos in the for sale section on here. You would have to bust your budget but it is a 2.8 in good order and I am open to sensible negotiation.

 

[black fingernail]

What a lovely car, my missus would be so happy, unfortunately my budget is set in stone, (she said!) £2500 is my limit under pain of death, (or worse).

 

[t-tony]

Like the bloke who was robbed by Dick Turpin, "Your money or your life" said Dick, Shoot me then, I'm saving!

Tony.

 

[Lazzzydog]

Fair enough. One will come along in budget.

 

[black fingernail]

Thanks, I might have located one! it is blue, 2.2, 02 reg. new electric roof, black sports interior, very good mot history. this is within budget, but it is oop north, so it looks like a trek is imminent.

 

[t-tony]

Thanks, I might have located one! it is blue, 2.2, 02 reg. new electric roof, black sports interior, very good mot history. this is within budget, but it is oop north, so it looks like a trek is imminent.

You mean North of Watford Gap? Don't forget yer passport mate..

Tony.

 

[Lazzzydog]

If it means travelling a long way arrange to view 2 or 3 and make a weekend of it.

 

[Zeti]

Just a suggestion: if you give up the electric roof (which is an expensive and rare feature) maybe you can stay in the budget with a larger range of cars.
Up to me the work to open the car doesn't justify the electric actuator.

 

[Ianmc]

Up to me the work to open the car doesn't justify the electric actuator.

Couldn't agree more. Manual is faster and little to go wrong. A good upgrade.