Time to get a Z

[JuZZer]

Hello

New to the forunm. After contemplating getting into a Z for the past few years, I'm intending to bite the bullet in the next couple of months in time for the Spring (and having ruled out an MX5 BBR yesterday after a test drive - I know, I know, pleae don't judge me).

I have the age old dilemma I've seen on various threads on here about whether to go Z3 or Z4 - current thinking is a Z3 3.0, if I can find a clean one - they seem fairly scarce at the moment. If not, possibly a Z4 3.0. If I go down the Z3 route, do I need to be good with spanners? Which I'm not incidentally. Does running a 15 year old car have to be a labour of love (and expense). Car is for fun only - I have a daily driver.

 

[hard top]

Welcome on the forum @JuZZer.
I had an Oct 96 Z3 1.9 M44 as a daily for six years and never had a problem with it once.
It always passed its MOT without any problems and the servicing I had done on it was minimal to say the least.

If you look at the amount of Z3/Z4's out there, in my opinion, they are pretty much bulletproof.

 

[Cooper]

Welcome. I run a Z3 3.0 as a daily driver. The cars are old and things will be perishing on them. Parts are not overly expensive and most things can be done as a DIY if you are prepared to ask a few questions and do some research. See if you can get one that has had a lot of recent work done on it such as replaced shocks, suspension bushings, rocker cover gasket, maybe VANOS seals done, oil filter HOUSING gasket, etc. Have fun! Get the heated sports seats - a must in my opinion.

 

[Ianmc]

There was a nice looking silver Z3 on here the other day for sale for just over £2K. Advert looked promising.

 

[JuZZer]

Thank you both, good advice. I think I need to look for a car that's already well maintained, rather than buying something that needs lots of attention to get it to the standard I want. Couldn;t agree more on the heated seats!

 

[JuZZer]

I did see the silver one but I'd like something with the bigger engine. My daily driver is a 3 litre (albeit diesel) and I think I'd miss the oommpphhh with a 2 litre car. I've always had lead driving boots.

 

[hard top]

I think I need to look for a car that's already well maintained

IMHO your best bet would be to buy a car from a member on here ....

For sale section:- https://zroadster.org/forums/for-sale-section.15/

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury

 

[Grumps]

Welcome from Mansfield. What about a 2.8 Z3? Big difference in price but still with plenty of punch.

 

[JuZZer]

I'll be watching the for sale forum closely. Keen to hear from any members with a 3.0 for sale anytime in the next couple of months. I wouldn't rule out a 2.8, although I like the slightly updated looks of the facelift cars - just a personal preference I guess.

 

[Jjim]

Hi, welcome from Mansfield.

Good luck with the search for the right Zed for you.

I have a couple of Z3s. They are old and therefore will usually require some form of maintenance or preventative work, but these cars are easy to work on - either by yourself or at a good garage (so labour charges should be reasonable).

In terms of running costs, it really all depends on if you get the bug for changing things or if you plan on keeping the car long term. As most of us who are planning on long termers, seem to get into a lot of preventative maintenance.

 

[JuZZer]

Thanks for the wlecome Jjim. I'm in it for the long-term, so looking for a good one, on which I can then build and preserve.

 

[JuZZer]

I've seen this lovely 2.2 and whilst I wanted a 3.0, this is only 20 miles away, so may warrant a look. Private seller asking dealer price but it looks pretty special with the lotus leather and individual colour. Any advice welcomed.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=1

 

[Grumps]

Omg @Mint!! Looks lovely but like you say very expensive.

 

[hard top]

Omg @Mint!!

???

 

[Davyhoogy]

@NlCK I think is considering selling his lovely 2.2
I've seen it a few times and its a clean low mileage, low owner car. I'm sure he will pop up with some info and some pics.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Shelly]

 

[NlCK]

@NlCK I think is considering selling his lovely 2.2
I've seen it a few times and its a clean low mileage, low owner car. I'm sure he will pop up with some info and some pics.

Thanks Davey, Yes, I am considering parting with my 2.2i. I'll create a separate listing shortly for you to have a look at.

 

[t-tony]

Hello

New to the forunm. After contemplating getting into a Z for the past few years, I'm intending to bite the bullet in the next couple of months in time for the Spring (and having ruled out an MX5 BBR yesterday after a test drive - I know, I know, pleae don't judge me).

I have the age old dilemma I've seen on various threads on here about whether to go Z3 or Z4 - current thinking is a Z3 3.0, if I can find a clean one - they seem fairly scarce at the moment. If not, possibly a Z4 3.0. If I go down the Z3 route, do I need to be good with spanners? Which I'm not incidentally. Does running a 15 year old car have to be a labour of love (and expense). Car is for fun only - I have a daily driver.

Welcome which ever Z you go for. Where are you located as there is always some one willing to help with repairs and maintainance.

Tony. (Near Lincoln)