Should I....??

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by 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..

Don't get the 6er. That car at that price raises some red flags big time.
PLUS, that's just way to much car for a new driver.

If you like the Z4, get the Z4.
You've worked for your money, you should enjoy it a bit. With the work ethic you've developed at such a young age, I'm sure I don't need to stress the importance of putting money into savings - but you need to reward yourself every once in a while.

And +10000000 on the taking a defensive driving school.

[Spitfirocks]

Well, I would not keep the 6 for myself..

I would buy it, than sell it for more..

I checked it out earlier today, and it ran great, and the body looked flawless. Everything inside the car is perfect. I guess the guy just needs quick cash...The carfax report is clean.

[CalRick]

Originally Posted by nmulax

And +10000000 on the taking a defensive driving school.

Your local BMWCCA chapter will probably have a car control clinic sometime this fall for around $100 - a bargain for what you get. If you're in SoCal, the LA chapter is having a couple of them the weekend of Sept 27/28, and Golden Gate has one in mid Sept and another in mid Oct if you're up there.

[Samjam927]

Finally nice to see some more youngsters around, im almost 18 and have been driving my Z ever since I had gotten my Permit. Driving the Z at such a young age, is A HUGE responsibilty, your parents will be watching what you do those first couple months like crazy. But try hard enough and you will soon find yourself falling in love with your Z. Mines an 2003 with less then 13k on it, ive been driving it alone for nearly two years, no tickets, no accidents, no warnings, dont let people who dont know you undermind you, if your parents (and yourself), think that you are ready for a Z or crossfire, then go for it.

The crossfire, to me just DOES NOT have as much of a essence of a roadster, as the Z does, and i truly believe it looks better then the Crossfire.
Good luck, and be safe.

[dngrCharlie]

Don't forget to budget maintenance as BMWs aren't cheap unless you think you can do it yourself.

Also, if I remember correctly Top Gear actually was okay with the Crossfire convertible. After their test drive in Iceland I think they liked it better than the TT or the 350Z. But they did suggest that a Z4, Boxter or a Honda S2000 would all be better choices than any of those they tested.

[Spitfirocks]

Can I ask you guys a question..

What are the KEY differences between an 06 3.0i and 3.0si?

Also, what is the difference between an 06 and an 05?

[CalRick]

Originally Posted by Spitfirocks

Can I ask you guys a question..

What are the KEY differences between an 06 3.0i and 3.0si?

Also, what is the difference between an 06 and an 05?

The si has more standard features along with and extra 40hp (255 vs 215, IIRC). The 05 3.0i was 225 hp while the 2.5i was about 185hp, IIRC.

The 06 has facelifted styling items - tail lights, foglights, etc. and the new N52 engine series with more hp and torque (and a wider torque band). The N52 has their new aluminum/magnesium composite construction block so it's lighter than the iron block motor used in the earlier Z's, but likely not as durable and more expensive to replace/rebuild when the time comes. The 06 use 6sp transmissions across the board while the 05 and earlier only had 6sp on the 3.0i while the 2.5i used a 5sp (and I think that the earlier automatic/steptronics were 5sp also.) The earlier cars had the auto-clutch SMG transmission available, but they were pretty rare.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by CalRick

The si has more standard features along with and extra 30hp (255 vs 225, IIRC). The 05 3.0i was 225 hp while the 2.5i was about 185hp, IIRC.

IFYP

The differences between the years is mostly asthetic. I would get an si over an i because the Sport Button is priceless

[Spitfirocks]

Well, what about a 06 3.0I with the sport button? I mean, are there any features different between the two besides engine hp?

[CalRick]

Originally Posted by Spitfirocks

Well, what about a 06 3.0I with the sport button? I mean, are there any features different between the two besides engine hp?

Functionally? No. The standard and sport package wheels are of different styles, but the same size. Some features like the trip computer, automatic climate control, leather upholstery and the "upmarket" radio are optional on the i but standard on the si. The sport button is part of the sport package on either model. The si has an optional extended leather package that's not available on the i, but it's pretty rare on the si in any case.

In short, an i can be optioned out pretty much the same as an si, though it can also be had in a more basic trim; it all depends on how the original car was optioned out.

[Dan in PA]

Lemme deposit my $0.02...

I'm 18. I'm looking to buy a Z, probably same price range as the OP, in a few months. Won't be my first car...

My advice to you, Spitfirocks, is this: If you have thouroughly researched the vehicle, can afford it and like it, go for it....but with a car like the Z, be absolutely sure you're responsible enough to drive it. Don't let your friends influence ya to do stupid things in the car. Many, many accidents happened with people I know, and unfortunately 2 fatalities, because of reckless teenage driving. The urge to show off is always going to be there, and it's OK to have fun...but you gotta be real careful.

I know you've likely heard this a thousand times, but man, it's true...

Crossfire = , just my humble opinion...

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Dan in PA

Lemme deposit my $0.02...

I'm 18. I'm looking to buy a Z, probably same price range as the OP, in a few months. Won't be my first car...

My advice to you, Spitfirocks, is this: If you have thouroughly researched the vehicle, can afford it and like it, go for it....but with a car like the Z, be absolutely sure you're responsible enough to drive it. Don't let your friends influence ya to do stupid things in the car. Many, many accidents happened with people I know, and unfortunately 2 fatalities, because of reckless teenage driving. The urge to show off is always going to be there, and it's OK to have fun...but you gotta be real careful.

I know you've likely heard this a thousand times, but man, it's true...

Crossfire = , just my humle opinion...

You are looking? Your avitar says you already have one.

Oh and Cal, I am pretty sure Leather is standard on ALL Zeds.

[Dan in PA]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

You are looking? Your avitar says you already have one.

Oh and Cal, I am pretty sure Leather is standard on ALL Zeds.

Oops, that was a required field w/ the registration...anyway that's what I'm looking for. I'll change that in a few minutes...

[CalRick]

Leather has generally been optional on the base models - 2.5i and the 06 and later 3.0i but was standard on the up market models.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by CalRick

Leather has generally been optional on the base models - 2.5i and the 06 and later 3.0i but was standard on the up market models.

So it is. I was not aware that any of them came with Leatherette. I had to double check the pricing to make sure! Haha. Guess I was just full of mis-information a few days ago.

[F87LUV]

Originally Posted by CalRick

Leather has generally been optional on the base models - 2.5i and the 06 and later 3.0i but was standard on the up market models.

ehhh IIRC i paid extra for extended leather opposed to the leatherette and i have 07 3.0Si

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by ZGirl07

ehhh IIRC i paid extra for extended leather opposed to the leatherette and i have 07 3.0Si

Extended leather has always cost extra. Even in the Z4 M, which comes standard with Nappa leather; extended will tag on an extra $2k.

[erdoran]

This is a Z4 topic, of course everyone is going to recommend it. Check out the boards for the other makes/models you are considering and ask the same questions there for a more balanced viewpoint. My car preference is obvious from what I drive, but there is no "best" car, it is a personal thing for each of us, based on our pocketbooks and what we need a car for--grocery getter, haul kids, get dates, show off, have fun, etc....

And extended leather is ~$1.7k extra cost option in the si, I have it and love it, but it's another matter of personal taste/preference and budget. The z4 is a great car with or without extended leather.

[rosierobins2003]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

IFYP

The differences between the years is mostly asthetic. I would get an si over an i because the Sport Button is priceless

I have the sport button and not an SI. I believe its part of the sport package I do have.

And in case you've not heard this before, I don't like and don't use the sport button. If you get a stick then it is safer not to have/use it.

And prices must have gone down to get a 2 year old Z for $20K, I bought mine one year old and paid about $32K.

Rosie

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by ZGirl07

ehhh IIRC i paid extra for extended leather opposed to the leatherette and i have 07 3.0Si

Leather is standard in the 3.0si. There is no way you could have had letherette.

Originally Posted by rosierobins2003

And in case you've not heard this before, I don't like and don't use the sport button. If you get a stick then it is safer not to have/use it.

Rosie

I disagree here (and I am sure ZGirl would as well) The sport button is a necessity, the reason you buy a sports car in the first place. I drive a manual and love driving with DSC off and the sports button on. The Sport button is not unsafe at all. The DSC being off is questionable.

[rosierobins2003]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Leather is standard in the 3.0si. There is no way you could have had letherette.



I disagree here (and I am sure ZGirl would as well) The sport button is a necessity, the reason you buy a sports car in the first place. I drive a manual and love driving with DSC off and the sports button on. The Sport button is not unsafe at all. The DSC being off is questionable.

that's what is so good about living in the USA, freedom...within reason.

rosie

[ramblerz4]

I must admit, I find the concept of a 'sports button' in a sports car somewhat ridiculus...

"Today I'd really like to drive my sportscar in an unresponsive manner" - yeah sure!

/Runar