BMW Z3 (2.8 or 3) vs MX5 (1.8)

antodeco

So, I am in the market of buying a weekend car.

Im stuck in the middle of going for a BMW Z3 (either 2.8 or 3l) or going to a 1.8l MX5.

They will only ever be driven in the summer, and probably only taxed 3 - 6 months at most per year.

I want a good sounding (i know the straight 6 is better sounding!), fun car to drive. My heavily leaning towards the Z3 at the moment, but my concern is the cost of running/maintenance.

Any advise would help!
Thanks

CorkMan_

My honest opinion is for a car that's not going to be driven much get the car you want and don't worry about running costs. Biggest problem will be getting a good one in the first place. And if stored correctly with the low miles you'll prob put on it costs shouldn't be an issue. It's to be a fun weekend car so get the car you want. I've never driven an MX 5 and it's so long since I've driven a Z3 I can't remember what it was like. So try both and whichever you enjoy more I'd get it. That's my thinking anyways.

Nuw

CorkMan_ wrote: »

My honest opinion is for a car that's not going to be driven much get the car you want and don't worry about running costs. Biggest problem will be getting a good one in the first place. And if stored correctly with the low miles you'll prob put on it costs shouldn't be an issue. It's to be a fun weekend car so get the car you want. I've never driven an MX 5 and it's so long since I've driven a Z3 I can't remember what it was like. So try both and whichever you enjoy more I'd get it. That's my thinking anyways.

This

antodeco

This is the problem I have.

As a weekend car, am I happy to potentially be pumping alot of money into it (Z3), or go for a more "budget" vehicle like the MX5, and spend the extra costs and upgrading it?

Shane732

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/porsche/boxster/used-2003-porsche-boxster-2-7-2d-wicklow-fpa-8297949694257504140

antodeco

Shane732 wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/porsche/boxster/used-2003-porsche-boxster-2-7-2d-wicklow-fpa-8297949694257504140

Thanks, but too new I'm afraid! Looking for pre 1999!

RobAMerc

it's got to be an MX5 - every time.
I've owned the MX5 and drove numerous Z3's. I really wanted to like them, as I think the styling was one of the best "RETRO" copies ever produced and a straight 6 convertible is so appealing.
I bought a Honda CRX DelSol by mistake too - save yourself that pain too.

But the MX5 would knock it into the weeds as soon as you drive both down a set of twisties.

Look for a 1.8is model MX5 with limited slip diff - what a car.

landmarkjohn

antodeco wrote: »

my concern is the cost of running/maintenance.

Any advise would help!
Thanks

Has to be the MX5. More smiles per mile, buy one... you won't regret it. Make sure and do insurance quote beforehand, especially pre 1999!

And then take it out on a summer night on a country road with the top down

q85dw7osi4lebg

S2000 :pac:

antodeco

S2000 out of my budget!

Insurance not an issue as I already have a few classics insured! (Z3 is only €100 extra!)

I never thought about the Boxster. Thought they'd be out of my budget, but just at he very high end of it, for a 1999 model. Even more decisions to make!

q85dw7osi4lebg

I have an s2000 and I tried my luck on Donedeal a while back (house purchase). No joy. There is a lot that have been advertised for a very long time. Not much demand due to nearly being impossible to insure but I know the 99 models are approaching classic insurance territory. Definitely movement on asking prices I would imagine.

I drove an mx5 and z4 (never driven z3) before purchasing and the two couldn't have been more different. MX5 admittedly easier to have fun within legal limits.

Nuw

I don't think it is the kind of purchase you can rationalize tbh.

On paper the Z3 is quicker, but the sheer feel of driving the MX-5 cannot be ignored (I would strongly advise against upgrading it, it's just perfect as it is in 1.8 form and the risk of spoiling it is strong). The porsche is also an excellent choice in terms of driving sensations, but will cost a good chunk of money to run and maintain (especially against the MX-5).

If it was my money, I'd put it on the Mazda, but it isn't, and you really do need to get out there and drive them all, see which one puts the biggest smile on your face. We could discuss it all day long, won't change the fact that I prefer the Mazda the same way someone else would prefer the beamer or the porsche...

I do think that when buying this type of car, you will know the one you want the moment you drive it. You're not buying with your head...

antodeco

Looks like it will be the Z3. Insurance on the MX5 is proving quite tricky! (Im secretly happy with that though!)

colliemcc

I have a z3 summer car its the 2.0L flat 6 one,
Have spent very little on the car.

Bought it in 2010

1 front shock went, but replaced the 2 font
Rebuilt the front brake calipers
Got the wheels refurbed
1 bushing on the front wishbone
2 brake lines on the front

Its normaly only taxed for 6 months of the year, the insurance is 250

Mind you in the past 7 years its only done about 7000 miles

antodeco

It will probably be taxed for 3 months of the year and declared off for the rest. Insurance for the year is only €100 so very low cost for me. It's more so the maintenance on it/previous history. It's a high mileage so going to arrange an inspection on it for peace of mind.

antodeco

95% certain going for the Z3 I saw this afternoon. Going to take it for a spin on Thursday and all going well, may have it for the bank holiday weekend.

Just need to get the missus drunk so I can tell her...

antodeco

Picked it up this afternoon! Needs a small bit of work, but 100% driving!

MojoMaker

Congrats, and lash up some pics.

IN what weird world is insurance on an MX5 'trickier' than on a 2.8L BMW ragtop? Was the MX5 much newer?

antodeco

It was 4 years older. Reasoning being (I assume), MX5 (Eunos Roadster), is a Japanese import, part of heavily modded scene and is a younger "boy racer" car.

Unlike a 2.8l BMW which is an old man's car!

I'm not complaining though. €99 for 11 months insurance!

antodeco

CorkMan_

Very nice. Don't see too many anymore. Well wear!

MojoMaker

Tasty indeed.