Need persuading to do something stupid
Discussion
I've lurked on these forums for 5+ years but this is my first post.
I've had my good ol' reliable Mazda3 2.2D for 3 years now. 136k miles. Only really wearables to replace. Been paid off since April last year. It's stupidly cheap as chips to run. About £60 of fuel a month, £20 in tax a year and cheap to insure too. Mainly use it just to run the gym and back and forth up the motorway to work. Mrs has a 420d gran coupe so we have a practical car that we use for most long journeys, mainly just because it's much nicer than the mazda to be in, despite the mazda being top spec.
I've wanted an e89 z4 for years. I'm in the position where I can afford one in the spec I want now. Auto 28i, which I test drove last week and loved. I know the N20 is made of glass but it's pretty low mileage this thing despite it's age. Absolutely loved it.
The Mrs thinks I'm mad as its has basically 0 practicality and a "bit of a girls car" in her words lol. However, I personally think the e89 is one of a dying breed of sports cars in this country. I test drove one back to back with a GT86 and whilst the gt86 was way more engaging, the z4 just felt comfier and more liveable.
I know the zed isn't a pure sports car (more of a tourer) but I just love the thing.
Also we don't have kids and don't plan to so practicality isn't really a concern in my eyes, I think she's just stuck in her ways. I think it'll be a blast having it when we go on trips up to the lake district etc.
I've been enjoying cheap as chips motoring and having trouble selling the mazda3 too tbh (likely due to the milage despite it have FSH, receipts, top spec)
But I want you guys to tell me to sod the money and enjoy some proper motorised for the first time! I've only had econoboxes in my 6 years of driving but I've been petrolhead all my life before this, just never had the money to get anything nice.
Anyway, sorry for the wall of text, I've right waffled on there. Look forward to your replies!
I've had my good ol' reliable Mazda3 2.2D for 3 years now. 136k miles. Only really wearables to replace. Been paid off since April last year. It's stupidly cheap as chips to run. About £60 of fuel a month, £20 in tax a year and cheap to insure too. Mainly use it just to run the gym and back and forth up the motorway to work. Mrs has a 420d gran coupe so we have a practical car that we use for most long journeys, mainly just because it's much nicer than the mazda to be in, despite the mazda being top spec.
I've wanted an e89 z4 for years. I'm in the position where I can afford one in the spec I want now. Auto 28i, which I test drove last week and loved. I know the N20 is made of glass but it's pretty low mileage this thing despite it's age. Absolutely loved it.
The Mrs thinks I'm mad as its has basically 0 practicality and a "bit of a girls car" in her words lol. However, I personally think the e89 is one of a dying breed of sports cars in this country. I test drove one back to back with a GT86 and whilst the gt86 was way more engaging, the z4 just felt comfier and more liveable.
I know the zed isn't a pure sports car (more of a tourer) but I just love the thing.
Also we don't have kids and don't plan to so practicality isn't really a concern in my eyes, I think she's just stuck in her ways. I think it'll be a blast having it when we go on trips up to the lake district etc.
I've been enjoying cheap as chips motoring and having trouble selling the mazda3 too tbh (likely due to the milage despite it have FSH, receipts, top spec)
But I want you guys to tell me to sod the money and enjoy some proper motorised for the first time! I've only had econoboxes in my 6 years of driving but I've been petrolhead all my life before this, just never had the money to get anything nice.
Anyway, sorry for the wall of text, I've right waffled on there. Look forward to your replies!
Edited by Z4guy on Sunday 4th June 15:06
I can only recommend it.
The e89 Z4 is a lovely thing.
I started my own Z4 journey with a 2.2i E85 many years ago when they first arrived and loved it. I drifted to a 330d convertible for family reasons after but returned with a Z4M.
I regretted selling the Z4M which was followed by a string of family vehicles and some sports models including a 911.
When the opportunity arose recently to get back into a Z4, I didn't hesitate.
They are practical - relatively - and comfortable. They feel sporty and with the roof down on the roadster, they are a joy. The classic long bonnet is great and the whole BMW Z4 package has always appealed to me more than the competition.
The e89 Z4 is a lovely thing.
I started my own Z4 journey with a 2.2i E85 many years ago when they first arrived and loved it. I drifted to a 330d convertible for family reasons after but returned with a Z4M.
I regretted selling the Z4M which was followed by a string of family vehicles and some sports models including a 911.
When the opportunity arose recently to get back into a Z4, I didn't hesitate.
They are practical - relatively - and comfortable. They feel sporty and with the roof down on the roadster, they are a joy. The classic long bonnet is great and the whole BMW Z4 package has always appealed to me more than the competition.
Z4guy said:
I've lurked on these forums for 5+ years but this is my first post.
I've had my good ol' reliable Mazda3 2.2D for 3 years now. 136k miles. Only really wearables to replace. Been paid off since April last year. It's stupidly cheap as chips to run. About £60 of fuel a month, £20 in tax a year and cheap to insure too. Mainly use it just to run the gym and back and forth up the motorway to work. Mrs has a 420d gran coupe so we have a practical car that we use for most long journeys, mainly just because it's much nicer than the mazda to be in, despite the mazda being top spec.
I've wanted an e89 z4 for years. I'm in the position where I can afford one in the spec I want now. Auto 28i, which I test drove last week and loved. I know the N20 is made of glass but it's pretty low mileage this thing despite it's age. Absolutely loved it.
The Mrs thinks I'm mad as its has basically 0 practicality and a "bit of a girls car" in her words lol. However, I personally think the e89 is one of a dying breed of sports cars in this country. I test drove one back to back with a GT86 and whilst the gt86 was way more engaging, the z4 just felt comfier and more liveable.
I know the zed isn't a pure sports car (more of a tourer) but I just love the thing.
Also we don't have kids and don't plan to so practicality isn't really a concern in my eyes, I think she's just stuck in her ways. I think it'll be a blast having it when we go on trips up to the lake district etc.
I've been enjoying cheap as chips motoring and having trouble selling the mazda3 too tbh (likely due to the milage despite it have FSH, receipts, top spec)
But I want you guys to tell me to sod the money and enjoy some proper motorised for the first time! I've only had econoboxes in my 6 years of driving but I've been petrolhead all my life before this, just never had the money to get anything nice.
Anyway, sorry for the wall of text, I've right waffled on there. Look forward to your replies!
I'd probably speak to the mrs again about it but it sounds like your heart is set on it so I'd try and make it work.I've had my good ol' reliable Mazda3 2.2D for 3 years now. 136k miles. Only really wearables to replace. Been paid off since April last year. It's stupidly cheap as chips to run. About £60 of fuel a month, £20 in tax a year and cheap to insure too. Mainly use it just to run the gym and back and forth up the motorway to work. Mrs has a 420d gran coupe so we have a practical car that we use for most long journeys, mainly just because it's much nicer than the mazda to be in, despite the mazda being top spec.
I've wanted an e89 z4 for years. I'm in the position where I can afford one in the spec I want now. Auto 28i, which I test drove last week and loved. I know the N20 is made of glass but it's pretty low mileage this thing despite it's age. Absolutely loved it.
The Mrs thinks I'm mad as its has basically 0 practicality and a "bit of a girls car" in her words lol. However, I personally think the e89 is one of a dying breed of sports cars in this country. I test drove one back to back with a GT86 and whilst the gt86 was way more engaging, the z4 just felt comfier and more liveable.
I know the zed isn't a pure sports car (more of a tourer) but I just love the thing.
Also we don't have kids and don't plan to so practicality isn't really a concern in my eyes, I think she's just stuck in her ways. I think it'll be a blast having it when we go on trips up to the lake district etc.
I've been enjoying cheap as chips motoring and having trouble selling the mazda3 too tbh (likely due to the milage despite it have FSH, receipts, top spec)
But I want you guys to tell me to sod the money and enjoy some proper motorised for the first time! I've only had econoboxes in my 6 years of driving but I've been petrolhead all my life before this, just never had the money to get anything nice.
Anyway, sorry for the wall of text, I've right waffled on there. Look forward to your replies!
Edited by Z4guy on Sunday 4th June 15:06
I'd make sure you're not putting you or your wife in a financial situation to do it though (not just the purchase of the car, but future repairs and avoiding a "told you so" situation).
Life is too short. I don't apply this to my car choice, but I apply it to my other interests.
I’d have an E85 Z4 again.
I’d go try an E85 as imo they’re a solid, more basic, more raw car, but still completely liveable.
The E89 were certainly more of a GT.
Mine still felt special doing commuting, long boring journeys down to London, early morning drives out, tip trips, etc.
Also wife friendly still, my wife had no issues with memory seats, just used her key, hopped in, and off to work etc.
I’d go try an E85 as imo they’re a solid, more basic, more raw car, but still completely liveable.
The E89 were certainly more of a GT.
Mine still felt special doing commuting, long boring journeys down to London, early morning drives out, tip trips, etc.
Also wife friendly still, my wife had no issues with memory seats, just used her key, hopped in, and off to work etc.
I think the above poster might be right about my Mrs changing her mind once she's been in it (wasn't on the test drive). I'm not on a huge amount of money but I've locked down my budget to a point where I can afford to put £700 per month in my savings, including the loan of the car and estimating £100 per month on fuel. I've got no other debts, no dependants etc.
I nearly bought a 2.5l e85 a few years ago but I ended up getting a vovlo c30 at the time as I had a new opportunity spring up and needed a frugal diesel for a 60 mile daily commute.
I've wanted a zed for years basically!
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a d
head like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something.
It almost feels like it's too nice for me to have too. Maybe something about being raised in a poor northern family but it almost makes me feel like a bit of a poser getting one.
I suppose I'm coming across as asking permission to get this and I am in a way as it seems so ludicrous lol. I doubt anyone would blink an eye if I got something like a 640d just because it seems like it would be more practical to the average non-car person.
I nearly bought a 2.5l e85 a few years ago but I ended up getting a vovlo c30 at the time as I had a new opportunity spring up and needed a frugal diesel for a 60 mile daily commute.
I've wanted a zed for years basically!
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a d
head like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something. It almost feels like it's too nice for me to have too. Maybe something about being raised in a poor northern family but it almost makes me feel like a bit of a poser getting one.
I suppose I'm coming across as asking permission to get this and I am in a way as it seems so ludicrous lol. I doubt anyone would blink an eye if I got something like a 640d just because it seems like it would be more practical to the average non-car person.
Z4guy said:
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a dhead like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something.
1. I think you need to do this for you, for all sorts of reasons.head like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something. 2. I would imagine that some 'man maths' taking into account depreciation could show that the Z4 make more sense than a PCP Fiesta.
Z4guy said:
I think the above poster might be right about my Mrs changing her mind once she's been in it (wasn't on the test drive). I'm not on a huge amount of money but I've locked down my budget to a point where I can afford to put £700 per month in my savings, including the loan of the car and estimating £100 per month on fuel. I've got no other debts, no dependants etc.
I nearly bought a 2.5l e85 a few years ago but I ended up getting a vovlo c30 at the time as I had a new opportunity spring up and needed a frugal diesel for a 60 mile daily commute.
I've wanted a zed for years basically!
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a dhead like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something.
It almost feels like it's too nice for me to have too. Maybe something about being raised in a poor northern family but it almost makes me feel like a bit of a poser getting one.
I suppose I'm coming across as asking permission to get this and I am in a way as it seems so ludicrous lol. I doubt anyone would blink an eye if I got something like a 640d just because it seems like it would be more practical to the average non-car person.
A lot of what you say above rings true with me. I'm going back a long way though and in my case it was a Z3, but one with a 3.0 litre straight six engine because I always wanted a soft top and something with a decent size engine. I had a company car at the time though and my wife had her own car too, so it was more of a weekend toy. I felt a bit like I was spending un-necessarily and others might think badly of me for that. However I also thought that I could be too stiff and infirm to get into something like it when I was older, so I thought 'sod it'. I got a bit tired of the 'hair dresser' comments, but ironically usually from those driving quite dull diesel hatchbacks...I nearly bought a 2.5l e85 a few years ago but I ended up getting a vovlo c30 at the time as I had a new opportunity spring up and needed a frugal diesel for a 60 mile daily commute.
I've wanted a zed for years basically!
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a d
head like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something. It almost feels like it's too nice for me to have too. Maybe something about being raised in a poor northern family but it almost makes me feel like a bit of a poser getting one.
I suppose I'm coming across as asking permission to get this and I am in a way as it seems so ludicrous lol. I doubt anyone would blink an eye if I got something like a 640d just because it seems like it would be more practical to the average non-car person.
I bought well and knew that worst case I'd get back most of what I paid (I did in the end). My wife drove it quite a bit in the end and enjoyed it too once she'd been out in it. I kept it 7 years in the end and only due to lack of use decided to sell it and my wife's old Mini to get her something nicer, but she wanted a convertible by then, so I guess it did convince her.
Don’t have regrets - long time dead and all that.
If you can afford it then involve your wife when you go to see one but don’t worry about what others may or may not think.
It’s not exactly a mid life crisis car either.
When you also take your wife away in it for a nice weekend break I’m sure all will be forgiven.
Don’t forget to post up pics when you buy one.
If you can afford it then involve your wife when you go to see one but don’t worry about what others may or may not think.
It’s not exactly a mid life crisis car either.
When you also take your wife away in it for a nice weekend break I’m sure all will be forgiven.
Don’t forget to post up pics when you buy one.
Z4guy said:
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a dhead like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something.
fhead like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something. k 'em. If you've found yourself in the fortune position of being able to buy something that you are going to enjoy without unduly stressing your finances then go for it.Enjoy!
After a string of close bereavements including my sister, I certainly believe that if you want something AND you can afford it, then you have to do it. Worse case scenario you dont like it or get on with it then you can always sell it.
Life passes quickly and can be taken away in a literal heartbeat.
GET.IT.BOUGHT.
But I'd get the 6 pot turbo
Life passes quickly and can be taken away in a literal heartbeat.
GET.IT.BOUGHT.
But I'd get the 6 pot turbo
We recently got a E85 Z4 3.0L manual as our second car.
Missus didn't seem impressed at first at the idea of buying a 2 seater convertible - however, after experiencing how fun the car could be with the top down especially on sunny days like today, she now loves it.
I would go along with the others in saying your partner needs to drive it to see the value of the purchase. As I'd learnt from my car sales days, test drives sell cars!
A powerful two seat convertible just feels special, and puts a smile on your face when you get the roof down and listen to that exhaust note.
Isn't that what your hard earned cash should be used for?
Do it! Whilst you still can!
Missus didn't seem impressed at first at the idea of buying a 2 seater convertible - however, after experiencing how fun the car could be with the top down especially on sunny days like today, she now loves it.
I would go along with the others in saying your partner needs to drive it to see the value of the purchase. As I'd learnt from my car sales days, test drives sell cars!
A powerful two seat convertible just feels special, and puts a smile on your face when you get the roof down and listen to that exhaust note.
Isn't that what your hard earned cash should be used for?
Do it! Whilst you still can!
Edited by onlychengy on Sunday 4th June 16:46
I think the e89 looks great.
There aren't many options if you want a folding hard top.
Z4
SLK
MX5
I've never driven them but on paper the Beemer seems to offer a good balce between sporty and luxury with the SLK and MX5 being at either end.
If you're worried about the engine why not go slightly older and get a 30i?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023011332...
A little more bhp but a little less torque than the 4 pot turbo. Arguably more characterful though and the N52 engine is well proven.
There aren't many options if you want a folding hard top.
Z4
SLK
MX5
I've never driven them but on paper the Beemer seems to offer a good balce between sporty and luxury with the SLK and MX5 being at either end.
If you're worried about the engine why not go slightly older and get a 30i?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023011332...
A little more bhp but a little less torque than the 4 pot turbo. Arguably more characterful though and the N52 engine is well proven.
OldSkoolRS said:
Z4guy said:
I think the above poster might be right about my Mrs changing her mind once she's been in it (wasn't on the test drive). I'm not on a huge amount of money but I've locked down my budget to a point where I can afford to put £700 per month in my savings, including the loan of the car and estimating £100 per month on fuel. I've got no other debts, no dependants etc.
I nearly bought a 2.5l e85 a few years ago but I ended up getting a vovlo c30 at the time as I had a new opportunity spring up and needed a frugal diesel for a 60 mile daily commute.
I've wanted a zed for years basically!
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a dhead like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something.
It almost feels like it's too nice for me to have too. Maybe something about being raised in a poor northern family but it almost makes me feel like a bit of a poser getting one.
I suppose I'm coming across as asking permission to get this and I am in a way as it seems so ludicrous lol. I doubt anyone would blink an eye if I got something like a 640d just because it seems like it would be more practical to the average non-car person.
A lot of what you say above rings true with me. I'm going back a long way though and in my case it was a Z3, but one with a 3.0 litre straight six engine because I always wanted a soft top and something with a decent size engine. I had a company car at the time though and my wife had her own car too, so it was more of a weekend toy. I felt a bit like I was spending un-necessarily and others might think badly of me for that. However I also thought that I could be too stiff and infirm to get into something like it when I was older, so I thought 'sod it'. I got a bit tired of the 'hair dresser' comments, but ironically usually from those driving quite dull diesel hatchbacks...I nearly bought a 2.5l e85 a few years ago but I ended up getting a vovlo c30 at the time as I had a new opportunity spring up and needed a frugal diesel for a 60 mile daily commute.
I've wanted a zed for years basically!
I feel like everyone will think I'm a bit of a d
head like, family, friends, colleagues etc for not buying something more "responsible" like something like a fiesta on monthly PCP finance or something. It almost feels like it's too nice for me to have too. Maybe something about being raised in a poor northern family but it almost makes me feel like a bit of a poser getting one.
I suppose I'm coming across as asking permission to get this and I am in a way as it seems so ludicrous lol. I doubt anyone would blink an eye if I got something like a 640d just because it seems like it would be more practical to the average non-car person.
I bought well and knew that worst case I'd get back most of what I paid (I did in the end). My wife drove it quite a bit in the end and enjoyed it too once she'd been out in it. I kept it 7 years in the end and only due to lack of use decided to sell it and my wife's old Mini to get her something nicer, but she wanted a convertible by then, so I guess it did convince her.
I know I'm going to get a load of grief from my mates for driving a girls/hairdressers car when they all drive EV and diesel mum wagons.
The lot of you are right though, sod em it's my enjoyment. I think of it like a motorbike but a tiny bit safer lol. I'm not really into bikes so it's my bit of fun. Basically a go cart.
The straight 6 twin turbo would be lovely but ruinous I fear as a daily. It's why I was going for the 28i as economical but fast.
I have done some man maths as suggested in some other posts. Rough man maths I should say.
Figured out that if I kept the mazda and got an older e89 like a 2010 plate 30i with 90k on it the monthly cost is likely to be the same over 4 years as the newer low mileage 28i. This is due to estimated repair bills, additional fuel and insurance costs, tax of running 2 cars etc.
However, I think I'd make more in residuals by going for the one car. Though less practical I'm sure I can sell it for a good price when I'm done with it. I think if I go to sell an older z4 in 4 years with 100k+ on it, it's not going to be worth much. The mazda will probably be worth shed money in another 4 years. Probably moon miles on it. It's the more practical solution having the 2 cars I suppose with a little run around for weekend fun but I feel it may cost more overall to run.
Anyone daily a z4 here and wish they'd stuck to 2 cars?
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff