Z3 or TT

soupie

Hi

I am looking to buy a new car and i'm torn between two a BMW Z3 or Audi TT.

My budget is é20,000. I wanted a convertable sports car before i have kids and no longer have the choice.

I suppose i'm asking which is the better car and how expensive it is to maintain each if i needed repairs. Also what ur preference is?

Also i'd be trading in a well looked after Golf 1.4 Yr 2000. Theres 70k on the clock anyone know what trade in value i'd get for this?

cheers

Dave

Ernie Ball

Why have you narrowed the choice to those two underperforming, overweight tubs?

Owen

We had a TT at the garage recently, and it broke my heart to sell it. Yes, I felt like I should have been working in Peter Marks driving it, but it was the 225 Bhp quattro cabrio, and it was so much fun to drive. I'd recommend both, but caveat emptor, make sure the roofs on both are 100%, no patched up holes, no leaks, no mildew.

soupie

no reason other than they where both cars i liked. i'm not a car man at all wouldnt know much about performance etc. just fancied something different. had decided to get a z3 and a couple of people mentioned the TT which i thought looked class.

just looking to get something sporty and flashy to do for a couple of years, always wanted a convertable hence why i liked these.

soupie

yeah i went to view a TT and felt like just taking it there and then, have had all the hairdresser jibes from the lads but it doesnt bother at all. Women like hairdressers

here is the one i like a lot

http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=628708

Owen

soupie wrote:

Women like hairdressers

That's got to be the best retort ever. Can I use it?

Ernie Ball

How about one of these?:

Toyota MR2
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=593109

Honda S2000
http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=631927

Lotus Elise
http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=535927

Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster
http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=573366

All are better performing cars (and better looking, to my mind) than the Z3 or the TT. And they are a lot less common, too.

Owen

The S2000 would be my pick of that lot. A great engine, and oodles of fun to drive.

soupie

Would agree that Honda is class never heard of or seen one. Any ideas what i'd get roughly on the trade in??? never traded before always bought and sold private. Cheers for the idea's exactly what i needed

Those early s2000 were supposed to be very skittish at the limit.

Top quality car though.

legs11

OP get a honda S2000, this is a quality car that would leave a z3 for dust, and prob a TT also (not sure about the 230version, close call).
if you want a TT you would have to get one in the UK, i have seen s2000s here, a 05 one in cork in the wilton, owned by a chinese resturant dude, big ass tail pipes in the back and one mean looking ride.......!

The s2000 is for you if you don't mind changing gears like a lunatic to stay in the powerband.
But an engine that revs past 8000 *drool*

Darwin

Most importantly, the S2000 should be absolutely bullet proof, don't know if the same can be said 'bout the TT

JHMEG

The "pods" in the TTs are infamous for failing... there was a item on BBC's Watchdog about them. Audi still haven't admitted there's a manufacturing/design fault. On top of that there's the potentially dubious looks.

The Z3 is considered by many to be the worst car that BMW ever made (the Z4 by and large corrected that tho).

The S2000 is actually a true sports car, as well as looking pretty good and having the usual Honda no fuss reliability. And it's not near as common as the TT or Z3. In fact it's pretty rare in Ireland. For me it's the no-brainer...

237bhp, 9000rpm redline, close ratio, short shift gearbox... drool...

BostonB

You'd have too test them both and see which you liked. I don't like the Z3 at all. The TT is nice enough. I'd choose a S2000 over both aswell. Though I've read it has its own gremlins too. You'd need to have a heavy right foot to get the performance out of it though.

soupie

cheers for the post.

this is the sort of info i was after I'll take a good look at the honda doesnt seem to be a lot of them on the Market. Will defo go and test run the few that are.

Sorry to ask again but does anyone have a ball park figure for what i could get on the golf? its a basic model in excellent condition

Seth Brundle

TBH Id go for the elise or S2K!

JHMEG

There is an S2000 for sale on adverts.ie
http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=19308&cat=2

unkel

soupie wrote:

have had all the hairdresser jibes from the lads but it doesnt bother at all. Women like hairdressers

LOL - I like your attitude

soupie wrote:

i'm not a car man at all wouldnt know much about performance etc. just fancied something different

So you're not very likely to appreciate the racing pedigree of the Honda then. How about a Mercedes SLK? A 230 Kompressor in particular is what I'd be thinking of

bazz26

If your not after big performance then maybe the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota MR2 would suit you needs?

Ernie Ball

bazz26 wrote:

If your not after big performance then maybe the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota MR2 would suit you needs?

Both of which are performance cars in all but the narrowest sense of 'performance', where all that counts is power (and not even power to weight).

Mayshine

I reckon mr2/mx5 will be the best pick. They are both light and nippy - They are also a good introduction to rear wheel drive dynamics and affordable, and most importantly a better drive than either the TT or Z3

I drive the S2000 - I like it but it is a little less refined than the others. 4000+rpm while cruising on the motorway means that you will get a little tired doing long distances, but once the sun is out...

However a blat down the country lanes heeling and toeing while keeping the revs between 6-9k is a unique experience that most other cars won't match.

Be aware you would be buying a 99 or 00 model S2000, these are fine to drive, don't worry about others comments about skitishness. However they are 240hp RWD motors. You need to respect that.

Spitfire666

if your not a performance man i go with the cheaper option then the tt or the z3 or the s2000 and get the mr2 or mx5. or if they ar not sporty enough a mazda rx7? from the first 3 id go with the honda then the tt. always hated
z3's

Gatster

For the same reasons as the OP, I bought a two seater a few weeks back.

After driving pretty everything mentioned here over the past few months I stumped up for a Z3, as I felt the ride was better than all with the exception of the Honda for most of the driving I do. I tried to get an S2000, but couldn't get to any within my budget before they sold (I went to the UK). I got a mint Z3 'individual' in the end, and absolutely love it. I wasn't that bothered about outright performance and wanted a smaller engined car than I had previously, so it ticked all the boxes. People think they are more common than they are (I did), but I haven't noticed that many on the roads which is good as well.

The Z3 isn't the quickest but it's enough fun for me. I really liked the Elise as well but felt it would be too much effort as an everyday car. Given the choice again I probably wouldn't change my mind, but may put more effort into finding a Honda. As it was I needed a car and couldn't wait for an S2000 to come up in my budget. Here's my thoughts on what I drove:

Mr2 - loved it, but someone at work bought one. Also was concerned about luggage space.
S2000 - Cracking car, likes revs, but great all rounder
TT - The ride made me feel sick My mate has one and I've driven it quite a bit and always feel rough getting out of it. Also I think they are very inert
MX5 - wanted a new shape one, went off the previous gen. as soon as I drove the new one, but still a very good car I think.
Elise - Amazing, if I had another car.
MGTF 160 - Same ride issue as the Audi for me. Concerned about reliability/build/resale

PS. If you get a front engine/rwd car, get a front strut brace

Ernie Ball

Gatster wrote:

If you get a front engine/rwd car, get a front strut brace

That advice is just as valid for a mid-engined, rwd car. Made a huge difference to mine.

Lex Luthor

S2000 would be my choice of the above suggestions or look no further....

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=623498

I know you want a convertible so .....

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=300235
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=510186

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball wrote:

Both of which are performance cars in all but the narrowest sense of 'performance', where all that counts is power (and not even power to weight).

The older style Mr2 turbos are pretty quick, and light.

Gatster

I was set on an Alfa Spider for a while, and went to see a couple here and in the UK. The ones I saw here had lots of 'niggles' which I knew would annoy me over time, but they are nice to drive. Also none that were described as 'mint' were in that condition in reality. I was going to put aside €1k after I'd bought the Alfa to pay for new bushes/exhaust/getting things sorted.
If you are going to get a convertible, I do think it's best to get one that was designed as a convertible, as opposed to a coupe minus the roof.

FX Meister

soupie wrote:

Sorry to ask again but does anyone have a ball park figure for what i could get on the golf? its a basic model in excellent condition

About €7,432

BRM

The 225TT coupe would be a good option you have back seats, a hatch back similar to your golf and a decent looking car with the right set of wheels.

I found the S2000 quite low down which is great for racing around the place but for day to day driving it can be back breaking. The seats were not that adjustable on the 2002 car I had.

You’d prob get the best trade in price on your golf with the TT as its virtually the same car with a skirt on

For 20K you may even get an SLK which is streets ahead of the dull and jittery Z3..

Whichever car you choose you have to be ready to compromise on comfort/space/running costs etc

If I were looking for a sports coupe cabrio with 20K Id consider the BMW 323ci cabrio or early 320Ci coupe. The 3 series cabrio holds its valve well and is not a bad drive compared to most other convertibles.

Dades

Why not go old school - something like this..?
Save a fair few quid in tax & insurance too.

prospect

My choice would be:

http://tinyurl.com/2ubv4m

Far better than the Z3. Only other real contenders in the small roadster market are the MR2 and S2000.

Gatster

SLK which is streets ahead of the dull and jittery Z3..

What? Jittery as opposed to what, an early S2000 or the on/off power of a TT? Certainly not dull either, depends how you drive it...:rolleyes:

Also, forget about the back seats in the TT, unless you are planning on ferrying midgets around, but useful enough for throwing stuff onto.

bruce wayne

i agree, as the owner of a TT, the back seats in the coupe are useless, I've been able to carry around my nephews (4 and 6) no bother, but I would'nt even try and get an adult in there.
the roadster is a lovely 2 seater though.

bruce wayne

i agree, as the owner of a TT, the back seats in the coupe are useless, I've been able to carry around my nephews (4 and 6) no bother, but I would'nt even try and get an adult in there.
the roadster is a lovely 2 seater though.

Mitch Connor

bruce wayne wrote:

i agree, as the owner of a TT, the back seats in the coupe are useless, I've been able to carry around my nephews (4 and 6) no bother, but I would'nt even try and get an adult in there.
the roadster is a lovely 2 seater though.

can be got at a nice price second hand too - would be tempted myself, if i didn't have my heart set on a far less cool car that i can't afford anyway!

RobAMerc

I dunno if you've bought yet but here's my two cents ....

I drove both of these in the last year before buying my 320 conv.

The Z3 is awfull, full stop. I can see no reason to buy one what so ever. The inside is cheap and tacky, theres scuttle shake on even the smoothest of roads and the hood is like a rag - very noisey. Even the 2.2 6 cylinder engine could not overcome the shortcomings of this car in my opinion. ( I think the Z3 was built in the US for the US therefore crappy rear axel setup and poor build quality) - My '97 MX5 was quieter, had way less scuttle shake and felt alot more like a sports car.

The TT was in a different league. Superbly built and still felt very fresh ( 02 model I drove )like all Audi's I think.
Unfortuneately the ride is poor (short wheelbase) and the controls feel wooden, but if your not a real push on driver you'll not think this is too big a problem. ( The 225bhp really moves though)

MX5 is probably best option of the others if you want no fuss open driving IMO - best selling sports car of all time - someones got to be right!
Also 3 Series conv are becomeing more affordable and dynamically very capable - they also give you the option of back seats ( occasional only really )
I love the Alfa's and every time I go to change always look at them then end up chickening out ( some experience )

Best of luck with whichever you buy, and welcome to the topless club - (buy a hat if it's anything like last summer you'll get scalded )

Gatster

The Z3 is awfull, full stop. I can see no reason to buy one what so ever. The inside is cheap and tacky, theres scuttle shake on even the smoothest of roads and the hood is like a rag - very noisey. Even the 2.2 6 cylinder engine could not overcome the shortcomings of this car in my opinion. ( I think the Z3 was built in the US for the US therefore crappy rear axel setup and poor build quality) - My '97 MX5 was quieter, had way less scuttle shake and felt alot more like a sports car.

Maybe you drove a bad one, the fact they are built in the US hasn't been the problem it's made out to be. I drove all of them (1.8-3.0) apart from the M and didn't notice any more scuttle shake than in any of the other soft-tops I tried, and all felt well built - mine does. Also the hood design was revamped in 2000/2001, I have no idea what they were like before this date but can assure anyone they are easily as quiet as an MX5 (which a mate has).
As for the 'crappy rear axle set-up', it's based on the E30, so it's old, but I liked the way my E30 drove so couldn't really see where the issue is with this, it doesn't spoil the enjoyment.

RobAMerc

Sorry Gatser,
I didn't mean to offend you or slag off your car.

I did however drive 2 of them a 1.9 older model and a 2.2 six cylinder 02 one.
I was impressed with neither, and found the scuttle shake and noise levels awfull compared to my older MX5 - so much so after driving the 02 one I went back down the same strech of road in my MX5 on purpose to compare.
It just seemed less dynamically capable than the others, the older rear axle means poor ride and they had a tendancy to be tail happy.

It is one of the best looking cars made for years though, it does draw alot from its heritage design wise, few could argue you'd not need to read the badge to know what make it is.

As I said this is just my opinion.

Big Balls

Gatster wrote:

What? Jittery as opposed to what, an early S2000 or the on/off power of a TT?

The TT has a turbo, that's how turbos deliver the power but it is certainly NOT on/off as you make out. It pulls from low down almost to red line.

Fair enough you are going to think your own car is great but SERIOUSLY... do not make yourself look silly by comparing a Z3 to either a TT or an S2000! :eek:

The Z3 is awful. So awful. Even hairdressers turn their noses at them in this day and age.

Gatster

Fair play, I like the looseness of the rear end, so to speak. I strongly considered the MX5 1.8s as well but then drove the new model, and thought there was a big difference, but I think it was probably the look of the new one I was really keen on. In the same breath, I didn't drive the Z4, my opinion could be very different