Cupra 290- keep or replace with Z4M/other roadster
Discussion
Hi there
Currently have a Leon cupra 290 manual, which I bought as a ‘do everything’ car (commuting/odd track day/backup family hack.
I now have a Tesla through salary sacrifice, meaning the cupra is now firmly a ‘second’ car. Only used when the missus needs a car for work (she uses the Tesla). So it’s now used once, maybe twice a week.
Looking at perhaps changing to something a bit more ‘special’. Maybe a Z4M roadster? Also looking at 370z and possibly a BBR mx5 of some description. Needs to be able to handle the odd track day (I go to enjoy it, not looking for ultimate lap times so won’t be stripping it all out etc.)
Good idea or not? Don’t mind my cupra at all, it’s great fun on the right road and on track. But seeing as it’s only ever me in it, may be a good time to scratch a roadster/convertible itch?
Budget is flexible up to 15k or so.
Currently have a Leon cupra 290 manual, which I bought as a ‘do everything’ car (commuting/odd track day/backup family hack.
I now have a Tesla through salary sacrifice, meaning the cupra is now firmly a ‘second’ car. Only used when the missus needs a car for work (she uses the Tesla). So it’s now used once, maybe twice a week.
Looking at perhaps changing to something a bit more ‘special’. Maybe a Z4M roadster? Also looking at 370z and possibly a BBR mx5 of some description. Needs to be able to handle the odd track day (I go to enjoy it, not looking for ultimate lap times so won’t be stripping it all out etc.)
Good idea or not? Don’t mind my cupra at all, it’s great fun on the right road and on track. But seeing as it’s only ever me in it, may be a good time to scratch a roadster/convertible itch?
Budget is flexible up to 15k or so.
You might be on the limit size wise for an MX5 but i do know the NC is the largest of them all and some taller people report they are fine.
Great cars but a little boring in the engine noise department so it depends where you stand on that, can be tuned fairly easily up to 200 Bhp for decent money if you wanted to spice it up a bit and would make it a very capable car then.
The 370z would be a great car i think though, often overlooked but a fantastic looking car and sounds great.
Great cars but a little boring in the engine noise department so it depends where you stand on that, can be tuned fairly easily up to 200 Bhp for decent money if you wanted to spice it up a bit and would make it a very capable car then.
The 370z would be a great car i think though, often overlooked but a fantastic looking car and sounds great.
If you want something that cruises and looks and sounds good for sure the 370z, but a track car they are not, well not without some fettling.
The Z4M is a beast and very fast, the E85 chassis is seriously underrated. I just sold a Z4 3.0si which has the straight 6 three litre in, quick but also light, nearly 300kgs lighter than the 370z. The Z4M is a bit heavier but still a couple hundred KGs lighter than the 370z.
The Z4M is a beast and very fast, the E85 chassis is seriously underrated. I just sold a Z4 3.0si which has the straight 6 three litre in, quick but also light, nearly 300kgs lighter than the 370z. The Z4M is a bit heavier but still a couple hundred KGs lighter than the 370z.
coldel said:
If you want something that cruises and looks and sounds good for sure the 370z, but a track car they are not, well not without some fettling.
The Z4M is a beast and very fast, the E85 chassis is seriously underrated. I just sold a Z4 3.0si which has the straight 6 three litre in, quick but also light, nearly 300kgs lighter than the 370z. The Z4M is a bit heavier but still a couple hundred KGs lighter than the 370z.
No opposed to fettling at all. Although the weight would always (possibly) be an issue. The Z4M is a beast and very fast, the E85 chassis is seriously underrated. I just sold a Z4 3.0si which has the straight 6 three litre in, quick but also light, nearly 300kgs lighter than the 370z. The Z4M is a bit heavier but still a couple hundred KGs lighter than the 370z.
I worry about the state of the market for the Z4M- lot of price variation in what is for sale, some are under 13k, others which seem similar age/mileage/condition are 20k+ some are going through auction at under 10 grand. trade in values are low… am I better off waiting 6-12 months or are we at the bottom… not that I’m overly fussed about making money, just don’t want to lose a load!
Take a good look at the 370 Nismo they're a proper drivers car with a better suspension composure & setup than the Z4M imo they're a cracking steer:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407232...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404299...
With the Z4M I'd look for ones that have had some (engine/suspension etc) mods already carried out.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407232...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404299...
With the Z4M I'd look for ones that have had some (engine/suspension etc) mods already carried out.
I had OEM then Eibach springs on a Z4M roadster and the ride was pretty rough. If buying again I would keep an eye out (or set aside budget in future for) revised shocks as well as springs (I think there was a Bilstein kit that was popular but it was some time ago so I could be wrong)
Noise was great and as a second or occasional use car it would be a good choice. Will you SORN it over winter or do you still need occasional trips? The road tax is hefty on these so it is something to consider if you can get away without running it for a few months.
There has always been that price variation but I do agree it is off putting when looking.
Mint low mileage cars will always command more money but if you don’t mind a bit more mileage then there’s no reason to overlook a sensibly priced, well maintained private car from the owners club. I bought and sold through there.
Noise was great and as a second or occasional use car it would be a good choice. Will you SORN it over winter or do you still need occasional trips? The road tax is hefty on these so it is something to consider if you can get away without running it for a few months.
There has always been that price variation but I do agree it is off putting when looking.
Mint low mileage cars will always command more money but if you don’t mind a bit more mileage then there’s no reason to overlook a sensibly priced, well maintained private car from the owners club. I bought and sold through there.
CrouchingWayne said:
I had OEM then Eibach springs on a Z4M roadster and the ride was pretty rough. If buying again I would keep an eye out (or set aside budget in future for) revised shocks as well as springs (I think there was a Bilstein kit that was popular but it was some time ago so I could be wrong)
Noise was great and as a second or occasional use car it would be a good choice. Will you SORN it over winter or do you still need occasional trips? The road tax is hefty on these so it is something to consider if you can get away without running it for a few months.
There has always been that price variation but I do agree it is off putting when looking.
Mint low mileage cars will always command more money but if you don’t mind a bit more mileage then there’s no reason to overlook a sensibly priced, well maintained private car from the owners club. I bought and sold through there.
Would be used year round and I don’t have a garage either. Tax isn’t too off putting- insurance is much cheaper than the cupra so the difference is pretty negligible. Noise was great and as a second or occasional use car it would be a good choice. Will you SORN it over winter or do you still need occasional trips? The road tax is hefty on these so it is something to consider if you can get away without running it for a few months.
There has always been that price variation but I do agree it is off putting when looking.
Mint low mileage cars will always command more money but if you don’t mind a bit more mileage then there’s no reason to overlook a sensibly priced, well maintained private car from the owners club. I bought and sold through there.
Thanks. Have had a look on the z4 forums and getting an idea of what to look for.
The particular z4 I may be looking at tomorrow has been for sale for over a year… but looks to be in good condition, clean MOT history and allegedly plenty of service history…
I've had a Z4M Roadster, and I've currently got a 370Z Roadster. Both are lovely cars I reckon for the money, but I do personally prefer the 370Z though. The Z4M frustrated me because I didn't get on with the gearbox(especially first to second), plus I found the suspension too hard for my taste on bumpy country roads as well.
The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
I know its not the range topper, but you should consider an E85 3.0si over a Z4M, or at least drive both and see what you think.
You dont get the madness of the Z4M but plenty of reviewers say the 3.0si is the better car day to day in terms of driving it around British roads. Still plenty fast, low slung, sporty, tight chassis, lightweight.
You dont get the madness of the Z4M but plenty of reviewers say the 3.0si is the better car day to day in terms of driving it around British roads. Still plenty fast, low slung, sporty, tight chassis, lightweight.
coldel said:
I know its not the range topper, but you should consider an E85 3.0si over a Z4M, or at least drive both and see what you think.
You dont get the madness of the Z4M but plenty of reviewers say the 3.0si is the better car day to day in terms of driving it around British roads. Still plenty fast, low slung, sporty, tight chassis, lightweight.
Yeah I’ve read this. Would likely need more prep to go on track though? No lsd… although to be fair, if I got an M it would likely end up on coilovers and a brake upgrade regardless so maybe not much in it. Far cheaper to buy too. You dont get the madness of the Z4M but plenty of reviewers say the 3.0si is the better car day to day in terms of driving it around British roads. Still plenty fast, low slung, sporty, tight chassis, lightweight.
cerb4.5lee said:
I've had a Z4M Roadster, and I've currently got a 370Z Roadster. Both are lovely cars I reckon for the money, but I do personally prefer the 370Z though. The Z4M frustrated me because I didn't get on with the gearbox(especially first to second), plus I found the suspension too hard for my taste on bumpy country roads as well.
The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
Thanks for your perspective. Do you happen to have any experience of the 3.0si? The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
cerb4.5lee said:
I've had a Z4M Roadster, and I've currently got a 370Z Roadster. Both are lovely cars I reckon for the money, but I do personally prefer the 370Z though. The Z4M frustrated me because I didn't get on with the gearbox(especially first to second), plus I found the suspension too hard for my taste on bumpy country roads as well.
The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
Thanks for your perspective. Do you happen to have any experience of the 3.0si? The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
MrSpanky49 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I've had a Z4M Roadster, and I've currently got a 370Z Roadster. Both are lovely cars I reckon for the money, but I do personally prefer the 370Z though. The Z4M frustrated me because I didn't get on with the gearbox(especially first to second), plus I found the suspension too hard for my taste on bumpy country roads as well.
The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
Thanks for your perspective. Do you happen to have any experience of the 3.0si? The 370Z soaks the bumps up far better for me, plus I prefer the manual gearbox in comparison too. The Z4M is definitely more of a drivers car though, whereas the 370Z is a bit more of a GT really. Although you can also throw the 370 about though, and it doesn't totally fall apart in that regard for me.
The S54 engine in the Z4M is more rev hungry, whereas the VQ37VHR in the 370Z relies a bit more on torque in comparison, but it does still rev to 7500rpm though should you wish.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
I’ve had a 3.0si and a Z4M. The 3.0si was underwhelming in every way. The Z4M unresolved to the point of being dangerous and not able to be resolved regardless of the fettling by any suspension specialist.
How far did you go with suspension fettling? Did you try aftermarket dampers/springs/coilovers at all? Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff