Why we should never judge a book by the cover - or a Z3 by its mileage

mrscalex

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Jun 10, 2016
Points
165
Location
Swindon & Swansea
I picked up another Z3 last Tue. I had every intention of stopping at my current 5 but this little chap sat there with no bids on with a few minutes to go and I thought well why not, if I can get it at the maiden bid then it will make a good breaker at 133k miles if nothing else. And win it I did. Not for silly low money but I got the right deal for what I wanted it for.

I'm not really a breaker but I was running low on some parts for other projects. And to be honest, recent experiences have told me that most people won't touch a 'high mileage' car with a barge pole - crippling their worth and leaving them (economically) fit for breaking only. Crazy - and here's why.

The very second I clapped eyes on 'Dax' I knew breaking was not an option. Virtually unmarked panels, no rust (well only on the sill covers) - even the engine bay is virtually rust free. No signs of damp ever in the boot and bone dry carpets. A gorgeous black/blue Chameleon leather interior with extended leather door cards and dash. Runs like an absolute dream, as well if not better than my 63k 2.2. Eclipsed perhaps by a whisker by 1 car - the 155k 3.0 I did the kit build deal with last week (I got the panels etc and the kit builder got the car). The exhaust (standard) sounds amazing. Best note and most pops I've ever heard on a 2.2.

The common factor with both these cars? They were both low owner cars with strong evidence they had been very well maintained throughout their lives.

So I have the very good problem of what to do with it. It's been posted to Swansea with immediate effect and will spend at least a couple of months up there before I decide whether to move it on.

It already enjoyed a top afternoon out yesterday:

https://zroadster.org/threads/nice-black-mountains-drive.30935/


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s-l1600 (17).jpg
 

Pingu

Zorg Guru (III)
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Points
145
100% agree with you. I have an 80,000 mile E46 and it's a PITA car - there's always something wrong with it. It needs to be driven every day and I don't even drive it once a month.

The 140,000 mile M is a dream to drive. Leave it a month, jump in, turn the key and go.

The M would have been as good at 80,000, but the E46 would (IMO) be better if it had 140,000 miles.
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
@mrscalex 6?!? Are you starting a Z museum?!?

Nice looking car.

Why is it at Swansea?
 

Dalek

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 23, 2017
Points
145
Location
Highworth, Wiltshire
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i Auto
Lovely addition to the stable. Must be nice to be able to think “which zed shall I drive today?”
 

MalcQV

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Oct 30, 2018
Points
53
Location
Manchester, UK
Model of Z
1.9
That looks lovely. I'd like a 2 litre as I think it might be the best of both. Not at the moment I don't think though.
 

Jjim

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Points
168
Location
Mansfield
Model of Z
1.9 Roadster
Looks like a well spec'd model. :thumbsup:
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
So it's convenient to get into when I leave the house :)

I have a 3.0 strategically placed outside my home in Swindon for the same reason :)
Two homes @mrscalex - reminds me of Six Dinners Sid! =))
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
Well my missus is very keen to remind me the house in Swansea is not mine, mine is in Swindon and she likes it like that so she can send me back there when she’s had enough of me ;)
Whatever floats your boats. Note: plural =))
Frequent visits home, matie? =))
 
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