Thinking of a another Z - help needed

[Twin Turbo]

I had my Z now for 3 years and have 1 yr left on the lease - so starting to looking for the next motor. With the New Z5 been launched next year and the week pound not sure I can justifiy the cost to the wife on getting an Z5 30i or 40i as there be no discounts and expected cost been around £500/£600+ per month

I have a few options

1) Keep my motor - as its only done 30k miles - and one careful owner for another 2 years and wait for an Z5
2) Go for an E89 35is to become an 400+ BHP monster
3) Get a daily driver and have a Z as second motor

Been looking at a couple of Z3 2.8 for around 5k mark, and E85 for an 3.0is you talking around 10k.

As M's are expensive, especially if I am purchasing another car.

So my question of help is

Z3 2.8i = how quick and how do they handle?

 

[Tfp]

Get a cheap daily driver.

Journeys in the Z feel even more special then.

Then maybe wait for the new one, got my eye on that myself, but dare I say it, the Toyota version.

 

[stephano033]

get a cheap runner and keep the Z or even better buy Z3 2.8 and run 2 Zs

 

[Dino D]

A Z3 is not fast by modern warm hatch standards these days but that misses the point. It's a challenge to drive and makes you work at speeds that won't get you locked up or picked off the floor by a vacuum cleaner. A safe TVR is you will.

It's about the sensations and sounds, the wobliness adds to it.

Not sure you would get on with after a tuned turbo car. You need to get a sorted one or do the suspension on anything you buy to drive it properly.
A 2.8 can be tuned with manifolds and cams to be a screamer but still only be around 240bhp and no where near the torque you used to.

Very different but very fun and if that's what you want you'll enjoy. Just don't tell the 3.0l boys it's just as fast...

 

[Redline]

I suspect a Z3 would be much closer to older sports car feel than any later models. You won't get anything like the level of features and modernity that you've got now in the E89. It will probably seem a much faster even though it isn't and more challenging car (for challenging also read rewarding) to drive.

A 3.0si E85 will give similar levels of performance compared to your 28i but again without the technology. My E85 is much soother than gail E89. Power delivery is much more even throughout the range in mine. The sound is much better too.
You should be able to pick one up for less than £10k but at the expense of miles on the clock.

Would you be happy with a Z3 2.8?
If you're getting a daily shed as well, then, as a weekend car, I'm sure it would be a hoot (after any necessary suspension fettling).

If you've got used to and can't give up the modern refinements of the E89 then its either another E89 as a daily drive or possibly an E85.
Having both an E89 and E85 - I'd go for a Z3 2.8 and do the work to bring it up to scratch.
If you want something that is a slingshot of a car its the 3.0si E85 (even an auto!)
Hard choice which ever!!!!

 

[Bozzy]

Q,you're welcome to take mine out some time,but I know it would definitely benefit from new suspension as it rolls like a barge in corners as you saw at Donno.

I agree with @Dino D,they aren't fast by modern standards so if outright speed and precision handling is high on your expectations you may be disappointed.
BUT if you want an entertaining drive that puts a smile on your face then a 2.8 would suit.
Also you can't help but love that straight six engine.

Steve

 

[andyglym]

Agree with all of the above, a 0-60 mph of 6.7 seconds would be considered zippy by modern standards so not fast as such. It's the in-gear torque of the 2.8 that appeals to me most, again, not a monster by modern big engined cars but plenty to smile about. I've done 6-7 hour journeys in mine and find it very comfortable even at the end point but obviously not as refined as the more modern Zeds. Got the looks and character with a bit of zip though.

 

[billz]

The nearest zed to get to how yours is would be the 3.0si. Your car is extremely quick off the mark so would you miss that as you would not be able to get any of the Z3 or E85 into that acceleration bracket. Round the twisties it does not matter what you have got as then it comes down to the driver being able to push the Zs. A slow Zed in a racers hands would be quicker than any Turbo powered car in the hands of a mediocre driver

 

[Grumps]

I love my 2.8 Q. If you want a fun drivers car then go for it but don't expect it to be anything as quick or refined as yours. Chalk and cheese.

 

[Brian H]

My 2p worth.

Option 1 or Option 2 seem to me to be the way to go, you are used to your car with all it refinements and comfort. If you are bored and fancy a change option 2 is the way forward, if your happy with your car, buy it in a year and then throw some money at suspension and other upgrade, as other have said, it's a quick car but could be made to go quicker.

If I'm being totally honest I cannot see you in a Z3.

 

[Mac Romans]

I stick with my theory that the best all-round car for all situations is 2 cars!
It also keeps the sensation of driving the zed as special and you can be really anal about keeping it clean!

 

[ljauto]

its been said on the replies already bit 2.8 is a little peach of an engine pulls from any revs , does 40mpg if not pushed and has the rarer wide bodied shape , yes its not the best car to drive its not the best handling but that's part of its charm nowadays (as a new car it wouldn't stand up but as a used old car it does) , its a modernish version of the classic 6 cyl british sports car

 

[MAURICE THE MARTIAN]

Z4 deffo.e85 or e86. 3.0.
After all you had two behind you on your cruz last year and you couldnt shake em off.

 

[Twin Turbo]

Thanks everyone, for your feedback.

Z3 for me has benefits will fit in garage better - and has lots of charm - but I am starting to question will it be quick enough?
E85is is the logical second car - but will need a new house - as the amount of rubbish i have in the garage

So having a single car, started me looking at three possibilities:

Keep the mistress - and possible big brake kit and meth injection
Upgrade to an 35is - and twerk it
Or be brave and have an Z4M

 

[Twin Turbo]

I stick with my theory that the best all-round car for all situations is 2 cars!
It also keeps the sensation of driving the zed as special and you can be really anal about keeping it clean!

I can not take this comment seriously - from a man who has a Jag and an orange

 

[Tfp]

Or be brave and have an Z4M

Z4M is a belter of a car, seem to holding their value.

 

[Grumps]

Z4 Alpina?

 

[Twin Turbo]

Z4 Alpina?

Z4 Alipina is a great car - more refined than an Z4M

A Z4M as I understand is a dog that wants to bark all the time - Alpina is more refined

I think I am a

 

[Brian H]

A Z4M as I understand is a dog that wants to bark all the time - Alpina is more refined

Cannot speak for the Alpina but the Z4M is happy to tootle along all day, push it up the rev range though and it does change personality