Fullspeed

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.

mlist84

why dont you get used z4 instead.

Fullspeed

Money, and size. The 4 would cost at least $10 large more than the 3. Also, I have a three car garage, the 3rd bay being a tandem just big enough for a small car. The 4 looks a lot bigger than the 3.

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).

cobradav

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.

Fullspeed

That's a legit reason. It's about 60 degrees here today. Brrr.
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!

heezy545i

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.

Fullspeed

Good point on the depreciation, I'd be getting a $40K car for $19K. I was more concerned with sadness from eventually getting rid of it than monetary loss. Maybe I'll get the wife to let me keep it 16 years to give to our kid (and I'll wear it out in the mean time).

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.

spinedoc

No dig against Honda or Nissan but even their best sound like lawn owers

spinedoc

lawnmowers