Future proof cars Z4m vs 996 C4s
Discussion
The Cat C on the C4S would make the decision for me, looking at AT that's nowhere near enough of a saving for a total write off.
A not CAT C manual, coupe with 40k less miles is £23k?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012...
A not CAT C manual, coupe with 40k less miles is £23k?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012...
Just go for a non cat 996 if that's what your heart is saying:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...
ZX10R NIN said:
Just go for a non cat 996 if that's what your heart is saying:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...
I assumed the autobox was a no no, which is fair enough.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...
SWoll said:
ZX10R NIN said:
Just go for a non cat 996 if that's what your heart is saying:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...
I assumed the autobox was a no no, which is fair enough.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...
maz8062 said:
Hi all,
So I’m considering buying one of 2 cars.
1st is 2003 996 C4S (CAT C) FSH 110k mikes. £19k
2nd Z4M 2008 - HPI clear 75k miles - £19.5k
The head says Z4, heart is the Porsche.
I can’t decide. Help!
Get a nice early 3.4 C2 - maybe with an aerokitif you can get it in a good colour (red or blue or yellow). Don't get a cat C car. Check for rust.So I’m considering buying one of 2 cars.
1st is 2003 996 C4S (CAT C) FSH 110k mikes. £19k
2nd Z4M 2008 - HPI clear 75k miles - £19.5k
The head says Z4, heart is the Porsche.
I can’t decide. Help!
C4S is heavy and slow and the engine is much more of a liability than the earlier motors.
Some interesting input about the 996 option, but I know nothing useful about them!
However I did buy a 76K mile BMW Z4M in December 2019 that was due an Inspection 2 service after 25K miles since it last had an Inspection Service, which involves checking the valve clearances when cold and using shims to adjust them. My car needed 5 shims, a new cam-chain tensioner and a few other bits so that cost about £1,000 at a BMW Indy.
And big end bearing shells (BMW call them crank rod bearing shells) are known to wear, especially if the car is ragged before it is properly up to temperature as they use 10W/60 oil which is like treacle at ambient temperature!
Mine had 7 previous keepers so I got them replaced at 78K miles and when I saw the old ones I was glad I did as half of them were showing copper. While the cross-member was off I also had new engine mounts fitted because mine were knackered, so another £1,000 bill.
But as it turns out I bought it at the right time and it has gone up enough in value to more than cover those costs but you might want to factor those in to your decision, unless it has had those jobs done.
I just love it especially since I had a 4-wheel alignment done to E46 M3 CSL alignment settings, but it probably isn't a scalpel sharp handler like a Porsche - more of a tail-happy hooligan.
But that suits me fine after a MK2 Escort RS2000 and a couple of 2.8i Capris!
However I did buy a 76K mile BMW Z4M in December 2019 that was due an Inspection 2 service after 25K miles since it last had an Inspection Service, which involves checking the valve clearances when cold and using shims to adjust them. My car needed 5 shims, a new cam-chain tensioner and a few other bits so that cost about £1,000 at a BMW Indy.
And big end bearing shells (BMW call them crank rod bearing shells) are known to wear, especially if the car is ragged before it is properly up to temperature as they use 10W/60 oil which is like treacle at ambient temperature!
Mine had 7 previous keepers so I got them replaced at 78K miles and when I saw the old ones I was glad I did as half of them were showing copper. While the cross-member was off I also had new engine mounts fitted because mine were knackered, so another £1,000 bill.
But as it turns out I bought it at the right time and it has gone up enough in value to more than cover those costs but you might want to factor those in to your decision, unless it has had those jobs done.
I just love it especially since I had a 4-wheel alignment done to E46 M3 CSL alignment settings, but it probably isn't a scalpel sharp handler like a Porsche - more of a tail-happy hooligan.
But that suits me fine after a MK2 Escort RS2000 and a couple of 2.8i Capris!
The C4S has its appeal, but IMHO (and some others) it’s an appeal best enjoyed from outside the car. However, that wasn’t your question and if you want one, you want one.
From the point of view of future-proofing, presumably value and saleability, a cat car can’t be recommended. The fact that you came on here to ask should tell you all you need to know…
Condition, provenance, heritage and appeal are all important and of the options above, the Z4M is the pick.
From the point of view of future-proofing, presumably value and saleability, a cat car can’t be recommended. The fact that you came on here to ask should tell you all you need to know…
Condition, provenance, heritage and appeal are all important and of the options above, the Z4M is the pick.
griffter said:
The C4S has its appeal, but IMHO (and some others) it’s an appeal best enjoyed from outside the car. However, that wasn’t your question and if you want one, you want one.
From the point of view of future-proofing, presumably value and saleability, a cat car can’t be recommended. The fact that you came on here to ask should tell you all you need to know…
Condition, provenance, heritage and appeal are all important and of the options above, the Z4M is the pick.
You’re right of course. The deal that I was offered was just so convenient (chopping in an ageing 320i touring 166k miles LCI) plus £15k cash seemed tempting and gets rid of the hassle trying to sell the BM.From the point of view of future-proofing, presumably value and saleability, a cat car can’t be recommended. The fact that you came on here to ask should tell you all you need to know…
Condition, provenance, heritage and appeal are all important and of the options above, the Z4M is the pick.
Back to the spreadsheet 😊
griffter said:
The C4S has its appeal, but IMHO (and some others) it’s an appeal best enjoyed from outside the car. However, that wasn’t your question and if you want one, you want one.
From the point of view of future-proofing, presumably value and saleability, a cat car can’t be recommended. The fact that you came on here to ask should tell you all you need to know…
Condition, provenance, heritage and appeal are all important and of the options above, the Z4M is the pick.
You’re right of course. The deal that I was offered was just so convenient (chopping in an ageing 320i touring 166k miles LCI) plus £15k cash seemed tempting and gets rid of the hassle trying to sell the BM.From the point of view of future-proofing, presumably value and saleability, a cat car can’t be recommended. The fact that you came on here to ask should tell you all you need to know…
Condition, provenance, heritage and appeal are all important and of the options above, the Z4M is the pick.
Back to the spreadsheet 😊
Right, so it's back to the drawing board.
I've upped the budget cap to £30k net. Again, I'm looking for future-proofing purchases, so the following have caught my eye:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313973979798?ssPageName...
or
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203163...
or
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
Or, out of the left-field:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201311...
I have got a couple of young kids so ideally need a 4 seater but I could get around it.
Opinions welcome
I've upped the budget cap to £30k net. Again, I'm looking for future-proofing purchases, so the following have caught my eye:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313973979798?ssPageName...
or
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203163...
or
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
Or, out of the left-field:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201311...
I have got a couple of young kids so ideally need a 4 seater but I could get around it.
Opinions welcome
ChrisH72 said:
Out of those I'd choose the Cayman R.
Why the fixation on the 996 by the way. I'd have thought a 997 would be a better option for that money?
I haven’t looked at the links above, but on that point, the 996 (having taken a while) is definitely coming into its own. It has (love it or hate it) stand out styling (in the world of 911s) and is closer to classic status than the 997. In terms of “future proofing” these things might make a difference. Of course if future proofing means as modern as possibly the 997 wins!Why the fixation on the 996 by the way. I'd have thought a 997 would be a better option for that money?
Thats my view, OP may differ!
Ok now I’ve looked at the links. Of those, the only one which is “future proof” in either sense is the Cayman R. In particular that one being manual, Spyder wheels and buckets. I had a Boxster Spyder in that spec 7 years ago and I made money on it even then.
For a future proof 911, in my opinion (as above) you want manual, coupe 2wd. History shows that anything else is not at the leading edge of 911 appreciation.
For a future proof 911, in my opinion (as above) you want manual, coupe 2wd. History shows that anything else is not at the leading edge of 911 appreciation.
996 prices are definitely on the up. The Cayman R although not to my taste with those graphics will probably also prove a wise choice.
However (and it's a big one) as I mentioned earlier the later 9X6.2 and 9X7.1 motors are very prone to bore scoring. An earlier car is definitely a safer bet and will have done all the depreciating it's likely to have done.
Other than the the 996 Turbo with the Mezger is likely to be a safe bet and those engines are not as notorious for requiring expensive rebuilds. However there is an issue with the water pipes which needs resolving which is an engine out job.
However (and it's a big one) as I mentioned earlier the later 9X6.2 and 9X7.1 motors are very prone to bore scoring. An earlier car is definitely a safer bet and will have done all the depreciating it's likely to have done.
Other than the the 996 Turbo with the Mezger is likely to be a safe bet and those engines are not as notorious for requiring expensive rebuilds. However there is an issue with the water pipes which needs resolving which is an engine out job.
griffter said:
ChrisH72 said:
Out of those I'd choose the Cayman R.
Why the fixation on the 996 by the way. I'd have thought a 997 would be a better option for that money?
I haven’t looked at the links above, but on that point, the 996 (having taken a while) is definitely coming into its own. It has (love it or hate it) stand out styling (in the world of 911s) and is closer to classic status than the 997. In terms of “future proofing” these things might make a difference. Of course if future proofing means as modern as possibly the 997 wins!Why the fixation on the 996 by the way. I'd have thought a 997 would be a better option for that money?
Thats my view, OP may differ!
For less than that budget, I'd be looking to find a really well sorted 996 3.4 and enjoy it.
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