15 minutes with a Z3
#1
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I've been browsing for a just-for-fun car for a month or so. Tried an Audi TT, Mini Cooper, Porche Boxster, and then I just drove a Z3 roadster yesterday. I had high hopes for the Boxster, low hopes for the Z3 - and couldn't have been more wrong.
The Z3 rips. I drove a 2.8L 5spd manual. It's been described as a German Cobra or a German Viper. Not THAT fast, but nearly that fun. It felt less like a polished and refined BMW, and more like a hot rod roadster. On dry pavement I was able to chirp the tires through the first three gears. The brakes are what you'd expect from BMW - superb. In the twisties - I am sure there are better handling cars out there, but this one is fairly predictable and very fun. No question it would only be a matter of time before this little car got me thrown in jail. The interior - comfortable (even for 6'2" me), everything where it should be. At 70mph, a little wind in the cabin with the top down, though very tolerable.
The car I drove was mint. Only 18K miles on a 1999. My first color choice for the model (Montreal blue w/ beige leather). The price is right, I could afford a large down payment so my monthly is small.
Two hurdles that have kept me from buying it. My wife and I are going to try to have a baby next year - I'm wondering if doing such would make my little two seater obsolete. I'd rather not own one at all then get really attached & have to sell later because I can't use it. Reason #2, my wife has 2 yrs left on her SUV lease. I feel that we need to be putting the miles on it that we're paying for - and that wouldn't happen with the roadie in the garage.
Still though, this Z3 is still available and I can't seem to get my mind off of it. No one buys a roadster for practicality. Life is all about the frivilous.
The Z3 rips. I drove a 2.8L 5spd manual. It's been described as a German Cobra or a German Viper. Not THAT fast, but nearly that fun. It felt less like a polished and refined BMW, and more like a hot rod roadster. On dry pavement I was able to chirp the tires through the first three gears. The brakes are what you'd expect from BMW - superb. In the twisties - I am sure there are better handling cars out there, but this one is fairly predictable and very fun. No question it would only be a matter of time before this little car got me thrown in jail. The interior - comfortable (even for 6'2" me), everything where it should be. At 70mph, a little wind in the cabin with the top down, though very tolerable.
The car I drove was mint. Only 18K miles on a 1999. My first color choice for the model (Montreal blue w/ beige leather). The price is right, I could afford a large down payment so my monthly is small.
Two hurdles that have kept me from buying it. My wife and I are going to try to have a baby next year - I'm wondering if doing such would make my little two seater obsolete. I'd rather not own one at all then get really attached & have to sell later because I can't use it. Reason #2, my wife has 2 yrs left on her SUV lease. I feel that we need to be putting the miles on it that we're paying for - and that wouldn't happen with the roadie in the garage.
Still though, this Z3 is still available and I can't seem to get my mind off of it. No one buys a roadster for practicality. Life is all about the frivilous.
#3
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Originally Posted by mlist84' date='Sep 29 2005, 10:48 AM
why dont you get used z4 instead.?
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I do really like the looks of the 4 though. I've yet to drive one (because then I'd want one). Maybe someday. I just bought my 545i two months ago though, so I'm really not ready to start that campaign against my wife yet (she's not convinced that we need the 3).
#4
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My Ride: (USA) 645Ci, Silver Gray, Chateau, Cold Weather PKG, Premium Sound PKG, Sport PKG, Step, NAV [Std Equip in 645], HUD, Satellite (SIRIUS) Radio, Aux Input, Bluetooth enabled using iPhone 3GS w/ adapter cradle - Build date - 01/05, Baby delivered 2/24/05
Reason 3) Portland, OR - can't put the top down
J/k. I'm not so sure the Z4 is that much bigger. I saw one with a Hartge kit and it looked really wicked.
J/k. I'm not so sure the Z4 is that much bigger. I saw one with a Hartge kit and it looked really wicked.
#5
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Originally Posted by cobradav' date='Sep 29 2005, 12:42 PM
Reason 3) Portland, OR - can't put the top down
J/k.? I'm not so sure the Z4 is that much bigger.? I saw one with a Hartge kit and it looked really wicked.
J/k.? I'm not so sure the Z4 is that much bigger.? I saw one with a Hartge kit and it looked really wicked.
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The forecast says rain every day for the next week.
For four months out of the year it is heaven here - unfortunately I think that season ended a week ago!
#6
If you have to sell it later, you shouldn't lose that much money in the process, so that should help.
For a fun economical ride though, I'd opt for a used boxster (~2000 and up with the glass rear window and other upgrades), a S2000 or even a 350z.
For a fun economical ride though, I'd opt for a used boxster (~2000 and up with the glass rear window and other upgrades), a S2000 or even a 350z.
#7
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Originally Posted by heezy545i' date='Sep 29 2005, 03:50 PM
If you have to sell it later, you shouldn't lose that much money in the process, so that should help.
For a fun economical ride though, I'd opt for a used boxster (~2000 and up with the glass rear window and other upgrades), a S2000 or even a 350z.
For a fun economical ride though, I'd opt for a used boxster (~2000 and up with the glass rear window and other upgrades), a S2000 or even a 350z.
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I drove a Boxster and didn't like it. That surprised me because I've always liked Porsches. The interior was awkward, and to me the car felt bigger and slower than it actually is (= not fun). The Boxster S is a different animal, but I don't want to spend the $ on a car that I drive once in a while.
As for the S2K and the 350Z - both good cars, but not my style. If it isn't German, then I don't want it.
#8
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My Ride: 545i Titanium gray poplar l Sports package l Logic 7 l PDC NAV l sunshades l chromed 124's l ski bag l euro tint
No dig against Honda or Nissan but even their best sound like lawn owers
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