Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta
I had a 13 year old 1998 Z3M for several years with 60,000 miles on it. Outside of new tires, I didn't have to spend a dime other than oil changes.
I have a 230,000 mile 1993 318is with the original engine and transmission. Still runs in tip top shape and only needed minor things.
If you are worried about a catastrophic problem, then an M car isn't for you. Neither is a Porsche or other higher end sports car.
Fast, reliable, cheap....you only get to pick TWO.
Our cars actually wouldn't be more expensive to maintain than a 370Z or ISF outside of warranty. An E46 M3 with an SMG would, but the Z4M is still a rather basic car compared to newer models with more electronics.
If you're worried about expensive repairs, than a 370Z or ISF shouldn't be in your view either. I would recommend a Kia model with a 10 year, 100,000 warranty. That way there would be no worries at any time for 10 years.
The bottom line: you don't buy an M car for practicality, or dependability. You buy it for the feeling it gives you.
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i think you are continuing to miss my point - if the car can be had with a warranty for the same price, i don't want to dodge that peace of mind and pay the same sort of price for a car that doesn't have one. they are out there - CPO and BMW extended warranty cars. it's not like i'm comparing to some unicorn, haha.
also, i've mentioned maintenance isn't an issue. oil changes, scheduled maintenance...that doesn't bother me, especially with the low mileage i put on the car in this "role". catastrophic failures (bottom end or trans grenading) and common issues (ie vanos bolts finding their way out) are what concern me. a 370z and ISF are largely considered to be incredibly reliable and to boot, since maintenance keeps being brought into the conversation, in typical japanese fashion, both require nothing more than the most basic scheduled maintenance, especially the IS F. i'm not saying the z4m is some sort of abrams tank in the maintenance department, but it's definitely more needy than the two japanese cars on my list.
interestingly enough...i'd be more settled with a 993 turbo than this car, as i originally researched them. how's that grab you?
lastly, to be honest, i find your kia comment somewhat pretentious with the markings of an insult. that sort of humor isn't contributing to this conversation and if it isn't an attempt at humor, it's completely unnecessary imo. it's stupid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z4MLover2012
Good Luck and if the car checks out, why not make him an offer you are comfortable with? You've not nothing to lose!
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i agree! i definitely believe that a price closer to earth would go a long way re: my assessment of this deal. you are the reason i'm even able to consider this car...thanks again ; )
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinM
This is a very personal decision and I wish you the best in yours.
That said, I'd hate to see you miss out on what is surely a rare gem - an M coupe with 5K miles (I thought mine was low miles at 9K!). As has been stated, once the bearing issue was fixed after some early M3s imploded, the S54 has been essentially bullet-proof and near the end of its production in the Z4M (e.g., all needed updates addressed). Couple that to the fact that car is quite simple in terms of electronics, etc. (esp. compared to new BMWs) - no iDrive, manual box, etc. - and you have all the makings for a reliable car.
A PPI is mandatory. An extended warranty boils down to your comfort level and if you have a mechanic you trust. When I bought my M5 in 2004 with <20K miles on it, I had it CPO'd through the seller's local dealer before I purchased it. I was going to the dealer at that point for my previous BMWs. Now I have a mechanic I absolutely trust (and this is rare I realize) so I was looking for a non-CPO car for the M coupe if possible, because I wasn't going to take it to the dealer anyway (our local dealer's service dept. sucks).
Over 7+ years my M5 has required maintenance but few repairs and this (and my mechanic) gave me the courage to not seek an extended warranty for the coupe. I do however, budget for the possibility of a big repair for both the M5 and M coupe.
GL!
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thanks. the mechanic issue is a tough one. like i said, it's a haul to reach someone really good. i'm in a somewhat underpopulated area with very little outside of dealerships and mom/pop garages. but i'm going to research this a lot more.