Car replacement from a Z4

[DampDoggy]

Evening all,

Sad times ahead, looks like I am going to need to replace my 3.0si Z4 with something that has a higher seating capacity.

Just looking for ideas at the moment, hopefully something that isn't a total downgrade!

I'll only be able to spend what I can get for the Z4, so looking around that's going to be around £4.5k, if I'm lucky and get the asking price!

No real criteria apart from having at least 4 seats, I'm open to anything from any marque. Ideally though it will be something that is interesting and fun, and not a total snoozefest.

I'm not interested in anything that'll be a total rust bucket, or anything at the bottom end of the market.

Currently thinking of an ST220, but I think finding a decent one will be difficult.

Maybe an EP3 Type R, but again I think my budget asks a lot for a non abused, non rusty example... Maybe an FN2 is a better option.

Clio 182 maybe?

Really not sure, will miss the Z4 for sure, but necessity dictates I must change

Edited by DampDoggy on Tuesday 6th February 18:47

[V8 Animal]

I went from that model to a E93 330D

[ZX10R NIN]

325i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401045...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311083...

Infinitit Q70 3.7:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312124...

IS 250:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401235...

2.5 Mazda 6:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311294...

ST-3 Focus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401285...

[DampDoggy]

That Infiniti scares the bejesus out of me, looks far too cheap as well??

Looking the a BMW 3 series options - are the autos the ones to get? I've always thought the manual offers better driver engagement?

[ZX10R NIN]

The auto suits the 3 series, the Infiniti uses the same drivetrain as the 370Z.

[Mr Whippy]

I went from a Z4 3.0i to a mk5 R32 and then quite rapidly back to a 130i.

That’s the “closest feeling” thing with more seats etc, but they’re a fair bit softer too.


But from a pure overall feel perspective I really rated the ST180 Fiesta we had.
The weighting, chassis stiffness, noises/NVH, and just general experience, were really good.

Not sure how hard to buy now (barried/abused?) but was also very reliable, 38mpg easy, cheap insurance, decent space. Also I assume still cheap tax.

[georgeyboy12345]

Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312295...


Renaultsport Clio 197
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401155...


Honda Civic Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401306...


Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Multiair
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311143...


Toyota Celica 1.8 VVTL-i GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401185...

[eddietiv1]

Since when as a z4 3.0 si been worth 4.5k, a decent one is worth pretty much double that and worth every penny,
unless of course yours as done 200k miles and very rusty.

[Jakg]

DampDoggy said:

Sad times ahead, looks like I am going to need to replace my 3.0si Z4 with something that has a higher seating capacity.

{...}

No real criteria apart from having at least 4 seats, I'm open to anything from any marque. Ideally though it will be something that is interesting and fun, and not a total snoozefest.

Mazda RX8?

4 doors or 4 seats?

Would be thinking a hot hatch if the latter.

[Mr Tidy]

You seem to have loved your Z4 3.0Si!

In March 2019 I bought an E90 330i with the same N52 engine as my E86 Z4, but in December I replaced my E86 3.0Si with an MC at a price I couldn't ignore!

Any E9* 3 Series or 130i look like good options.

[DampDoggy]

Thanks all

Mr Whippy said:

I went from a Z4 3.0i to a mk5 R32 and then quite rapidly back to a 130i.

That’s the “closest feeling” thing with more seats etc, but they’re a fair bit softer too.

But from a pure overall feel perspective I really rated the ST180 Fiesta we had.
The weighting, chassis stiffness, noises/NVH, and just general experience, were really good.

Not sure how hard to buy now (barried/abused?) but was also very reliable, 38mpg easy, cheap insurance, decent space. Also I assume still cheap tax.

I'm not necessarily looking for something that is the 'closest' feeling, I wouldn't mind a change, it just needs to be engaging.

The Fiesta is a good shout, I'm not totally sold on small hatchbacks, but I'll take a look.

georgeyboy12345 said:

Ford Focus ST

Renaultsport Clio 197

Honda Civic Type R

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Multiair

Toyota Celica 1.8 VVTL-i GT

Thanks for the suggestions. The FN2 might be a possibility, I think I need to actually go and see one, I know they have a bit of a reputation for being the 'worst' of the CTR's but from previous research into them they actually offer quite a bit more than the EP3 in terms of comfort and daily use.

The Alfa I know very little about, I always thought they were more show than anything else, but I'll look into it.

I do love the Celica GT, but it does seem very shouty for the performance it actually provides, it does look better than a standard Celica though, but a VVTL-i might be an option for sure.

eddietiv1 said:

Since when as a z4 3.0 si been worth 4.5k, a decent one is worth pretty much double that and worth every penny,
unless of course yours as done 200k miles and very rusty.

My Z4 has 130k on the clock, and there is some bubbling around one of the wheel arches. I am trying to be realistic with the price. Still feels spot on to drive though.

Jakg said:

Mazda RX8?

4 doors or 4 seats?

Would be thinking a hot hatch if the latter.

4 seats. I'm definitely not brave enough for RX-8, and not sure I'd cope well with the extra attention that is required.

Mr Tidy said:

You seem to have loved your Z4 3.0Si!

In March 2019 I bought an E90 330i with the same N52 engine as my E86 Z4, but in December I replaced my E86 3.0Si with an MC at a price I couldn't ignore!

Any E9* 3 Series or 130i look like good options.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into it, but looks like my budget would only stretch to a fairly decent 325. I'm not sure how good the 325's are so maybe I'll do some research.

[DampDoggy]

Would a 2.0 TSI Scirocco be a terrible move? I've always liked the look of them, and I don't think my budget stretches to a decent enough GTI

Or an R56 John Cooper Works?

Edited by DampDoggy on Wednesday 7th February 14:56

[CG2020UK]

DampDoggy said:

Would a 2.0 TSI Scirocco be a terrible move? I've always liked the look of them, and I don't think my budget stretches to a decent enough GTI

Or an R56 John Cooper Works?

Edited by DampDoggy on Wednesday 7th February 14:56

I think you’d be happy in 2.0 TSI Scirocco. I found it a better drive than a Mk6 GTI when I drove one.

R56 JCW looks great but does have a bad reputation for reliability. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can provide info.

[Hustle_]

Who are the rear seats for? I've been in the back of a Celica and it's not great

Scirocco also might not be the nicest for a rear passenger?

[DampDoggy]

CG2020UK said:

I think you’d be happy in 2.0 TSI Scirocco. I found it a better drive than a Mk6 GTI when I drove one.

R56 JCW looks great but does have a bad reputation for reliability. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can provide info.

Thanks, that's interesting about your thoughts on the Scirocco vs the Mk6. I thought the Scirocco was based upon the Mk5 and therefore would've felt worse...

Hustle_ said:

Who are the rear seats for? I've been in the back of a Celica and it's not great

Scirocco also might not be the nicest for a rear passenger?

Rear seats for two little people aged 2 and 6, so as long as a car seat fits then leg room shouldn't be an issue.

[CG2020UK]

DampDoggy said:

CG2020UK said:

I think you’d be happy in 2.0 TSI Scirocco. I found it a better drive than a Mk6 GTI when I drove one.

R56 JCW looks great but does have a bad reputation for reliability. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can provide info.

Thanks, that's interesting about your thoughts on the Scirocco vs the Mk6. I thought the Scirocco was based upon the Mk5 and therefore would've felt worse...

I was still in school when the Mk5 and Scirocco were released so had idea the Scirocco was based on the Mk5 so learnt something new!

Evo done a small comparison if any interest to you:
https://www.evo.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/14149/vw-gol...

[Mr Whippy]

I’d go for a 130i.

After a 3.0Si you’ll miss that engine, the rwd traction, and the noise etc.

Anything fwd with over 200bhp in the uk just starts to feel a bit crap in my experience, especially for the rubbish 4 months of the year.

[ZX10R NIN]

DampDoggy said:

CG2020UK said:

I think you’d be happy in 2.0 TSI Scirocco. I found it a better drive than a Mk6 GTI when I drove one.

R56 JCW looks great but does have a bad reputation for reliability. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can provide info.

Thanks, that's interesting about your thoughts on the Scirocco vs the Mk6. I thought the Scirocco was based upon the Mk5 and therefore would've felt worse...

Hustle_ said:

Who are the rear seats for? I've been in the back of a Celica and it's not great

Scirocco also might not be the nicest for a rear passenger?

Rear seats for two little people aged 2 and 6, so as long as a car seat fits then leg room shouldn't be an issue.

If the Scirocco can work fpr you then take a look at the 1.6T Astra |GTC:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310253...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402056...