Should I....??

[Spitfirocks]

Hello. This is my first post on this forum. Before I begin talking, let me introduce you guys to myself.

I am 16 years old, and live in california. I am about to purchase a new car. Before you guys go off flaming me, understand that I have done my complete research, but need some extra assistance. Furthermore, I created an account, and decided to ask you guys..

My budget is around 20k, and I really like the 2006 z4 roadster.


What is a good price to pay for one of those?

What is the difference between years on the z4 models?

Is the sport package worth it?

If you could pick the bmw z4 roadster or a chrysler crossfire limited roadster, which would you pick and what?

Thanks in advance for all the input.

One thing, I cant have the M or the SRT6, becuase the parents will never allow me to drive such a power FIRST car.


Also, does the interior light up orange at night like the rest of the new bimmers?

I know where I can get 2006 roadsters for 19-21k with 22k miles. So that is not my problem.
Thanks!

[GP20]

If your budget is $20K, you might be limited to '03~'04 pre-facelifted Z4's.

And Crossfire? LOL. Do a search on "Top Gear" & "Crossfire" on youtube.com.

[ianbiz]

Honestly, the crosfire isnt that bad of a car. When modded, they are pretty sweet cars. Check out http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/ for some pics. My freind just sold his modded xfire which got more attention than my Z

[Spitfirocks]

Well, they both are going to be stock..But could someone answer the above questions?

[Hawkeye]

I believe the sport package is worth it and I would get a Zed over a crossfire any day of the week.

I can't really answer your other questions. I don't know how you can get a 2006 3.0si sport roadster for 20K with <25K on the clock. Someone might be pulling your leg.

[Spitfirocks]

its not an SI its an I

its a 2006 z4 3.0i roadster with sport and premium package, xenon lights, heated seats, etc.


I found the guy on auto trader, and I test drove it...There are about 5 other ones that are similar in price and features.

[Dr. strangelove]

Your 16? Get yourself a beater for at least 6 months. Being 16 with a car there is a lot to get used to. Just having the freedom of owning a car is a huge thing.

Hold off. There is nothing like having a car you can ding up a little when you're 16. Having a car at 16 that you can pile friends into and not have to worry about the shape it's in is a car experience you will never forget. I won't ever forget my first little crappy car. (I'm only 23 and I reminisce like this...)

Then after a little while, pick yourself up something that you really love. Something you can really take care of.




Having said all of that, I know you don't give a crap about anything I just
wrote. You want the best car you can get, I know I would.

Go sit in them, test drive if you can. Owning a car, especially a first car, is a very personal thing. Find one that suits you. I prefer the Z over the Chrysler (that'll be the bias of this board). Also check out the Nissan 350z, the Honda S2000(!), the Mazda RX8 and the Chrysler LeBaron (at least think about an older, crappy car).

Good luck with the shopping! This is the fun part.

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by Spitfirocks

Hello. This is my first post on this forum. Before I begin talking, let me introduce you guys to myself.

I am 16 years old, and live in california. I am about to purchase a new car. Before you guys go off flaming me, understand that I have done my complete research, but need some extra assistance. Furthermore, I created an account, and decided to ask you guys..

So long as you're working for your car and making the payments yourself, you shouldn't get flamed. Even if you're not, and your parents are getting it for you - oh well, who would turn down that. Just don't combine the "I know everything" teenage mentality, with the "I'm better then everyone" BMW driver mentality, and you won't get flamed

My budget is around 20k, and I really like the 2006 z4 roadster.

What is a good price to pay for one of those?

Search Autotrader, eBay, Cars.com, and the BMW CPO site to get a feel for what they're demanding on a national level

What is the difference between years on the z4 models?

Is the sport package worth it?

Yes. IMO, ZSP is a must have on any BMW

If you could pick the bmw z4 roadster or a chrysler crossfire limited roadster, which would you pick and what?

Z4. It looks better, drives better, and I'm more confident in the BMW's construction. However, the Crossfire will probably be cheaper to own/operate. Make sure you figure into your budget the cost of insurance, premium fuel, oil changes and other mechanical bills.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

One thing, I cant have the M or the SRT6, becuase the parents will never allow me to drive such a power FIRST car.

Smart parents. My father has a 2.5i Z4 Roadster, and that's more then enough power to have fun with. You don't need any more for someone of your age and experience level. My 330i was enough for me at 26, and the M Coupe is just overkill.

Also, does the interior light up orange at night like the rest of the new bimmers?

yes

I know where I can get 2006 roadsters for 19-21k with 22k miles. So that is not my problem.
Thanks!

There's a good point in saying that your first car will get dings and dents, if not worse, so don't expect it to look perfect forever. However, I also think how you are about your property is important. I never owned a "beater" car and turned out just fine. But I also take a great deal of pride in anything I spend my hard earned money on, and make sure I take care of it.

[Spitfirocks]

Thanks for that reply.

Does anyone have a picture of the interior during the nighttime?

[Yal]

if you're going to get a performance car, invest in some real training.

[atillathetom]

I had an 03 M3 and an 05 X5 4.8is that all had the "orange glow" over the center console...I loved it. I just picked up a a lease on an 07 M Coupe and was surprised that there was no red interior lighting and the guages are illuminated with white light....I think the car rules, but those devatiations are crap. For what it is worth....

Oh, and, I had the pleasure of owning a 93 RX-7 when I was 20. Too much power for me at that age....I ran it into a center devide going backwards at 120+ mph in a race wtth a porsche. Luckily I lived. I sound like an old man at 32 years old, but whatever you get, be carefull...I thought I was the best driver ever and I didn't know crap.

Tom

[Spitfirocks]

Thanks...

So the 2006 z4 3.0i does not have the interior orange lighting and the orange guages?

What a bummer..

[nmulax]

No, the Z4 3.0i should have the orange interior lighting/gauges.




It's the Z4 M that has white gauges.

[Spitfirocks]

Thanks for clearing that up. Is there anyway anyone can post a picture of the interior in the dark with the orange lighting?

Thanks in advance!

[rc'Z]

You should do edmunds.com to continue your research into price.

[atillathetom]

I think there are two topics here...1) amber dash and guage lights and 2) amber overhead lights. As far as the overhead lights...In both of my last cars (M3 and X5) there were two small LED amber overhead lights (separate from the white cabin lights)that illuminated the center console area in amber from above. They were a nice touch. They are not present in my coupe.

Tom

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by atillathetom

I think there are two topics here...1) amber dash and guage lights and 2) amber overhead lights. As far as the overhead lights...In both of my last cars (M3 and X5) there were two small LED amber overhead lights (separate from the white cabin lights)that illuminated the center console area in amber from above. They were a nice touch. They are not present in my coupe.

Tom

Are you sure about this?

I'll double check my M coupe tonight; but I'm fairly certain it does have the LED overhead lights. They're nowhere near as bright as the ones in my E90, but they are there.

[caseysc]

You've been given some fine advice on this forum, from guys a lot younger than me. A rule about advice - "Wise men don't need it and fools won't heed it." Only you can decide which you are.

I just hope you don't kill yourself and take some innocent with you. There's a reason there is a move afoot to raise the driving age to 17 or even 18.

Think about it...real hard...and remember what you read here.

[atillathetom]

Originally Posted by nmulax

Are you sure about this?

I'll double check my M coupe tonight; but I'm fairly certain it does have the LED overhead lights. They're nowhere near as bright as the ones in my E90, but they are there.

Not positive...they might be there, but they are dim if they are. I will look too.

Tom

[Dr. strangelove]

Originally Posted by caseysc

You've been given some fine advice on this forum, from guys a lot younger than me. A rule about advice - "Wise men don't need it and fools won't heed it." Only you can decide which you are.

I just hope you don't kill yourself and take some innocent with you. There's a reason there is a move afoot to raise the driving age to 17 or even 18.

Think about it...real hard...and remember what you read here.

A big +1 from me.

If you can, take a defensive driving class. I think Skip Barber offers them for not too much. When I was 16, I remember how I was the only person in all of my friends to not cause an accident. I was rear ended (twice), but I didn't cause one. The odds are not with you as far as accidents on the road, and doubly so because you are considering a relatively high HP, RWD, short wheelbase sports car for your first vehicle.

At least go to a local kart track (not go carts, but the 8-10 hp stuff) and learn how to deal with oversteer.

Now, is a lot of this coming from my being jealous of the fact that you get to have such a great car at 16? You bet . Does that make what I say any less true? Not one ounce.

Have you driven any of these cars yet? Test drives, are IMHO, the only way to find out if you really like a car or not. Plus they are a boat load of fun. Drive every car you might be thinking about. Who knows? You might fall in love with something you never thought you would like.

[Spitfirocks]

Alright, well thanks for everyones reply.

I have test driven this and the crossfire, and to be honest, I like the z4 alot better...

One thing I saw when I was at my local bmw dealer is that they had a 2006 650CiC convertible, with 17k miles.

It was pretty much perfect, with navi and everything, for 18k. Thats right, 18 thousand dollars...Im wondering what this is about?

Also, I have been working since I was 11, I have always been working. I had earned about 5k by the time I was 12. Now, four years later, I have about 35k, but I need alot of it for school...My parents still dont understand why I work(they are wealthy, my grandpa is a multi-millionare).

Anywho, thanks for all the advice..

[laidback]

Go with the Z4...