M2 OG manual / Z4M coupe (which is sensible financially)
Discussion
Hey all, so in a dilemma.
I’ve narrowed my next car down to either of those two, or potentially a Cayman 987.2 S (if I can find a low mileage example)
Budget is 30k max for a low mileage M2 OG manual.
Or
20-25k for Z4M for low to mid mileage Z4MC
Or
25k for 987.2 manual (if one can be found in the right spec and low mileage etc)
Potentially looking to keep it 5 years and run them as a daily, without any regard for mileage (but will prob average 8k miles a year)
Question is which is likely to loose me the least money in your opinion - I know it’s all hypothetical, and I know they very different cars (especially between m2 and z4mC) but I’m pretty sure I’d like either in equal amounts for different reasons.
So it basically comes down to not what I can afford, but what will loose me the least money in the long run (and also taking into account potential future classic factor causing values to potentially not fall below a certain level)
Tax and maintenance is a slight concern on Z4mc but on the other hand, values seem very stable, but then it’s a very niche car too which I may have trouble selling on at a fair price (quite a few on sale at mo, and don’t seem to be shifting). On the other hand I am certain it’ll become a design classic.
M2 - has the convenience of four seats, even though it’s not essential for me, but less special, probably not hit the bottom of depreciation curve, but I’m assuming more reliable, as well as being less costly to maintain,
And the Porsche, seems expensive for the mileage, so it’s an outsider.
Thoughts please, what’s the more financially sensible choice…
I’ve narrowed my next car down to either of those two, or potentially a Cayman 987.2 S (if I can find a low mileage example)
Budget is 30k max for a low mileage M2 OG manual.
Or
20-25k for Z4M for low to mid mileage Z4MC
Or
25k for 987.2 manual (if one can be found in the right spec and low mileage etc)
Potentially looking to keep it 5 years and run them as a daily, without any regard for mileage (but will prob average 8k miles a year)
Question is which is likely to loose me the least money in your opinion - I know it’s all hypothetical, and I know they very different cars (especially between m2 and z4mC) but I’m pretty sure I’d like either in equal amounts for different reasons.
So it basically comes down to not what I can afford, but what will loose me the least money in the long run (and also taking into account potential future classic factor causing values to potentially not fall below a certain level)
Tax and maintenance is a slight concern on Z4mc but on the other hand, values seem very stable, but then it’s a very niche car too which I may have trouble selling on at a fair price (quite a few on sale at mo, and don’t seem to be shifting). On the other hand I am certain it’ll become a design classic.
M2 - has the convenience of four seats, even though it’s not essential for me, but less special, probably not hit the bottom of depreciation curve, but I’m assuming more reliable, as well as being less costly to maintain,
And the Porsche, seems expensive for the mileage, so it’s an outsider.
Thoughts please, what’s the more financially sensible choice…
Buy what you want - what's a few quid? Different layouts and technical specs. Porsche has more feel and competence out the box, BMWs for doing big skids. Test drive them and make a decision as these cars should be bought with the heart not based on numbers on a spreadsheet. If that were the case, get a Micra.
Personally I would go for a 911 but that's me.
Personally I would go for a 911 but that's me.
SidewaysSi said:
Buy what you want - what's a few quid? Different layouts and technical specs. Porsche has more feel and competence out the box, BMWs for doing big skids. Test drive them and make a decision as these cars should be bought with the heart not based on numbers on a spreadsheet. If that were the case, get a Micra.
Personally I would go for a 911 but that's me.
Agreed, stop being ridiculous and buy what you want, the difference in money would be small over the course of 5 years once depreciation and maintenance is factored in.Personally I would go for a 911 but that's me.
If I was being sensible I would buy a micra. The whole point of the post is to get peoples thoughts on what people think is more sensible financially.
I like both. if I could afford both I'd buy both. But I can't afford both. I like each for different reasons - so it comes down to financials - what will I loose less on?
just asking for thoughts on that.
I like both. if I could afford both I'd buy both. But I can't afford both. I like each for different reasons - so it comes down to financials - what will I loose less on?
just asking for thoughts on that.
You probably need to drive them all, then just buy what you like best.
I have a Z4MC and didn't consider anything else because I have wanted one for years, and was finally able to afford one 18 months ago.
While prices haven't been dropping, running costs aren't low!
For a start there is the £600 a year road tax, then at some point you might want to have the big end shells and engine mounts replaced as a preventative measure - that's pretty much a 4 figure bill at an Independent. And every other service (every 4 years on BMW schedules) it will need valve clearances checked and adjusted with shims if required - probably £600/700 or so.
You might as well buy what you like best and just enjoy it - none of them is really likely to be an investment for quite a while!
I have a Z4MC and didn't consider anything else because I have wanted one for years, and was finally able to afford one 18 months ago.
While prices haven't been dropping, running costs aren't low!
For a start there is the £600 a year road tax, then at some point you might want to have the big end shells and engine mounts replaced as a preventative measure - that's pretty much a 4 figure bill at an Independent. And every other service (every 4 years on BMW schedules) it will need valve clearances checked and adjusted with shims if required - probably £600/700 or so.
You might as well buy what you like best and just enjoy it - none of them is really likely to be an investment for quite a while!
My two pence for what it’s worth …
The M2 is a mass market car that as good as it is still has a long way to fall in the future
The Cayman is around in large numbers, certainly several thousand of them and as great as they are all three friends of mine who have the S model and one with a later GT have all had unexpected very large bills with them
The Z4M coupe probably isn’t the dynamic last word but it is an event to drive and it’s rare, very rare, and really distinctive and a lovely thing to look at .. there were only 594 MC sold in the U.K. you won’t lose any money on it in my view where I’d suggest you would with the above two
If you are looking for something different and distinctive just think when did you last see a 2 series coupe ?
When did you last see a Cayman ?
When did you last see a Z4 Coupe ?
The M2 is a mass market car that as good as it is still has a long way to fall in the future
The Cayman is around in large numbers, certainly several thousand of them and as great as they are all three friends of mine who have the S model and one with a later GT have all had unexpected very large bills with them
The Z4M coupe probably isn’t the dynamic last word but it is an event to drive and it’s rare, very rare, and really distinctive and a lovely thing to look at .. there were only 594 MC sold in the U.K. you won’t lose any money on it in my view where I’d suggest you would with the above two
If you are looking for something different and distinctive just think when did you last see a 2 series coupe ?
When did you last see a Cayman ?
When did you last see a Z4 Coupe ?
Yeh the main reason stopping me buying a Z4mc is primarily the two seats. I have the z4c and even though I’ve managed, it’s not ideal…have two dogs and if only the coupe had like a space through into the boot, that would have been a lot lot better. (Had 350z previously - and was really good for dogs, as the boot is raised meaning dogs can see to through to the front.
Cayman again has that benefit.
Z4m also way more special.
The thing with m2, yes it’s common, but it’s totally different to my current ride, love how it looks, and has a proper four seats (and I can do ikea/ B&Q shop).
I think Cayman is out…. Finding the asking prices a bit too high for a gen 2.
And yeh I hear u guys about they being classics just yet… probably another 10 years away for the z4m and even longer for m2.
You think m2 will depreciate more? Do think the z4m has more or less now stopped depreciating?
Cayman again has that benefit.
Z4m also way more special.
The thing with m2, yes it’s common, but it’s totally different to my current ride, love how it looks, and has a proper four seats (and I can do ikea/ B&Q shop).
I think Cayman is out…. Finding the asking prices a bit too high for a gen 2.
And yeh I hear u guys about they being classics just yet… probably another 10 years away for the z4m and even longer for m2.
You think m2 will depreciate more? Do think the z4m has more or less now stopped depreciating?
Bemmer said:
I think the Z4MC will be the least depreciating but will definatly be mileage sensitive. I do use my E46 M3 but not as a daily plus it feels that bit more special when I do use it. I would love to add a Z3MC & Z4MC to my garage but space and MONEY is the problem...
My Z4MC isn't a daily and as a result also feels more special when I use it. I'd love an M3 and a Z3MC to go with it but have the same limitations.
Maybe we need to get together with a Z3MC owner!
OP have you driven a Z4MC yet? The ride is brutal; I ran mine for 2 years, about 6 months as a daily, and it is far from comfortable enough for that IMO. Rear springs seemed to be consumable items too; went through 3 in 2 years IIRC. Distinctive, great engine and very low depreciation as others have said though.
what is a Z4MC like in terms of creature comforts, does it have everything you would want in a daily?
I think the M2 will hold its value ok as its widely regarded as an awesome machine in all guises, Z4MC has probably already seen the bottom of its depreciation curve but as others have said an older car can fairly eat money in terms of maintenance, but then once outside of warranty the M2 is probably not much better.
I think the M2 will hold its value ok as its widely regarded as an awesome machine in all guises, Z4MC has probably already seen the bottom of its depreciation curve but as others have said an older car can fairly eat money in terms of maintenance, but then once outside of warranty the M2 is probably not much better.
MK1RS Bruce said:
what is a Z4MC like in terms of creature comforts, does it have everything you would want in a daily?
My Z4MR had bluetooth/cruise control/heated seats/upgraded HiFi etc. It didn't have nav though but many do. After experiencing the manual gearbox though(I personally didn't like it)...it could have done with an auto gearbox option as well! 
CRA1G said:
Mr Tidy said:
My Z4MC isn't a daily and as a result also feels more special when I use it.
I'd love an M3 and a Z3MC to go with it but have the same limitations.
Maybe we need to get together with a Z3MC owner!
I'd love an M3 and a Z3MC to go with it but have the same limitations.
Maybe we need to get together with a Z3MC owner!
Er i have a Z3MC.....
i see you have all three and more....
I have to say that with your budget of wanting a drivers car that'll daily with ease & still be special, then I'd say you really need to test drive an Evora & they're a 2+2.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...
Not yet, but I have a z4C sport which as far as I’m aware has the same or very similar suspension. I’m pretty use to hard suspension… but driving both in next few weeks, so will know more.
Without driving both, I feel I’d prefer the M2 overall. But for me the Z4mc is a design icon, and something very different, and obviously the s54. It’s just I feel I might end up buying the Z4mc and then decide I need an m2 more for practicality reasons.
I can just about live with maintenance costs of the z4 (if I did buy the Z4mc then would defo be going for a super low miler)
Without driving both, I feel I’d prefer the M2 overall. But for me the Z4mc is a design icon, and something very different, and obviously the s54. It’s just I feel I might end up buying the Z4mc and then decide I need an m2 more for practicality reasons.
I can just about live with maintenance costs of the z4 (if I did buy the Z4mc then would defo be going for a super low miler)
Diderot said:
OP have you driven a Z4MC yet? The ride is brutal; I ran mine for 2 years, about 6 months as a daily, and it is far from comfortable enough for that IMO. Rear springs seemed to be consumable items too; went through 3 in 2 years IIRC. Distinctive, great engine and very low depreciation as others have said though.
Yeh I do want avoid buying anything that is still got a bit to go on depreciation curve… defo agree on the Z4mc curve, but does feel a little over valued at mo… (considering Aston Martin vantages are similarly priced)
MK1RS Bruce said:
what is a Z4MC like in terms of creature comforts, does it have everything you would want in a daily?
I think the M2 will hold its value ok as its widely regarded as an awesome machine in all guises, Z4MC has probably already seen the bottom of its depreciation curve but as others have said an older car can fairly eat money in terms of maintenance, but then once outside of warranty the M2 is probably not much better.
I think the M2 will hold its value ok as its widely regarded as an awesome machine in all guises, Z4MC has probably already seen the bottom of its depreciation curve but as others have said an older car can fairly eat money in terms of maintenance, but then once outside of warranty the M2 is probably not much better.
Yeh unfortunatly the looks of the Evora aren’t for me, but it’s a little bit too unpractical.
My other options were, Aston Martin vantage, and the f type, and the 987.2. But they all have a few things that I wasn’t suitable for my needs, and maybe even an r8 OG
My other options were, Aston Martin vantage, and the f type, and the 987.2. But they all have a few things that I wasn’t suitable for my needs, and maybe even an r8 OG
ZX10R NIN said:
I have to say that with your budget of wanting a drivers car that'll daily with ease & still be special, then I'd say you really need to test drive an Evora & they're a 2+2.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...
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