FS: Sepang Bronze Z4 M Coupe in LA

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

I'm not sure if its autotrader, or cars.com, but the full price includes a non-expiring ad

yeah that's how it is on autotrader at least.

[inTgr8r]

I keep checking this, hoping to see a "sold" post Nikki.
Hang in there.... someone will fall in love with your coupe & snap it up

[Nikki]

lol I should really sell it but honestly at least half of me is kinda happy it's not sold and if I reeeeally wanted it sold it would have been done by now.

[Finnegan]

Ah, the force is strong with this Sepang one.

[ZStig]

typical stubborn woman!

[shitbrownMcoupe]

Boo Hoo, nobody loves the Shit Brown! Coupes Rule!

[r4gs]

^sepang bronze is a difficult color, very much an acquired taste

[STIHLBOLTS]

It is a good looking color. I believe I read you only posted it on sale in here? Auto trader will most likely be your largest viewer opportunity....however like you said, you really, really, really really, really don't want to sell.


Best regards

[Nikki]

I'm actually getting a little excited because I'm considering some different routes for replacing the M.

I do want the M Roadster, but financially I just don't see it working out unless I found one for around $24k and right now I can't find any in that ballpark. Even if I did, I'd have to do a little convincing that I still could afford that.

So what I'm thinking about now is getting either a mid nineties Miata or Z3 as a daily and a pre-1975 (smog exempt in CA) Datsun 240Z as a weekend cruiser/occasional daily since my commute is on PCH anyway. Combined the two cars would be around $10k-$12k so I won't have a car payment and can pocket some cash.

Am I crazy?? LOL.

[r4gs]

^so um, u're getting a second and third car? or, if i'm reading it right, u're going to sell ur beloved sepang bronze beauty and find urself an old miata/z3 as a daily and a 240z as a weekender?

there's the hassle of selling first of all, then the hassle of buying not one but two separate cars. hmm.

[inTgr8r]

have you considered the reliability of running older vehicles?

[Finnegan]

I don't have enough experience with either of these specifically from a repair/reliability perspective to comment fully. I do know that an older car will need more TLC, and often need extensive repairs and reconditioning to keep running and be safe. That can very easily eat up any potential savings--and possibly cost a bundle.

Once you're experienced a car with the power of a Z4 (any model) going to a lower powered car can be difficult. The Miata has your current ride beat on handling, but can you live with the very low power levels? Same with the 240Z--it had good power for it's day but it's a far cry from the M or 3.0. And rear drum brakes. Not the safest thing around either. Z3s have hit an age where there's a lot to do in terms of repairs (which are costly on BMWs), so the Miata wins there.

The other thing to consider is that you'll be paying close to 10% tax on these purchases. It's not much (1.2K) but it's still a cost that you probably already incurred on your current car.

I like the 240Z and the Miata though. I've had a thing for the 240Z since it came out, and the Miata is, well, a Miata. A brake rotor on a Miata will run you 12 bucks. Yes, really, 12 bucks. Engine, about 2 grand. So if you have to repair it the costs are far less than a BMW of any ilk.

I'd say go take a good long test drive in an older Miata. Speaking for myself I couldn't do it--I'm addicted to power, and despite its handling prowess I come down a bit more on the side of power.

The S2000 is another option you didn't mention. Like the Miata, it's a great handling car, but you get a high-revving engine, a good power/weight ratio, LSD, great clutch/shifter, and Honda reliability. These can be found in the low 20s, maybe less if you go for an earlier MY. I'd seriously add this to the list if you want top-down fun, handling, and a bit more power (plus revs, did I mention revs).

[Nikki]

Thanks for the advice, Finn. I have considered an S2k many times but I can't see out of them/reach the clutch pedal. I know this may also be the case in the 240Z but I figured I could just adjust the seat or pedal somehow. Now that the S2k is getting older realize I can do this in that car too but when I was looking at them they were brand new and the salesman was trying to convince me to buy a pretty pricey new car that I then would have to modify to drive, didn't really seem worth it to me.

I was driving home today and man, I know I need to save money but it is going to be difficult. I guess I'll see what happens when I get an offer on the M. I'll go with my gut.

[beta]

Can you be without a car, or for example get a scooter for any amount of time? If you wait around deals do happen like 23k, 20k, I even saw 15k (although that one had 80k miles).

Life is once, get the M Roadster

[MC 357]

Get a S2000 and take it to the track and modify it accordingly, doesn't take much to make surpass a Z4M!

[l4zy]

^ seriously if you want a cheap fun car s2k isnt a bad choice! its loads of fun to drive and has an amazing gearbox. just dont screw up and slam into a solid object or something...its a little death trap

btw since you are looking into older cars, have you thought about getting a e30? i keep entertaining the idea of picking one up as a daily/project car

[CobraR1339]

Done a few 240z's. The early Fi 77 28) with the 240 body is the most maintenance free of the bunch. Do your homework balancing carbs is a bit of a lost art. In stock form the Miata will even run away from it. I am personally to the point that I don't like driving old cars anymore. They suck more gas, the garage smells like gas, let em' idle and the smell, steer like crap , have zero brake, we have been spoiled. Yet I have done many resto's on them due to the sexy lines, chrome, etc. There are only two non muscle cars I enjoy, the Xke and the 289 Cobras. You are so spoiled with the Z4MC, it;s hard to find a replacement. I have had a ton of cars over the years so I will list a few old school favorites that may fit your budget and will hold their value form here on out.

1. Hard to find, But if you can find a well maintained stock TT 93-95 Rx7 you will fall in love. The best sports car I have ever owned, no better drivers car as long as you don't track it. Since you have time, try to find one to drive. Still quite rare and were over $42k in 1993. Should give you and idea about the car. The MC is the closest I have found. If I could find a time capsule car I would have bought it over the MC

2. The other car is misunderstood the early Zr1 vette's, cheap to buy a fantastic engine and more M/// style mods in that car people don't think about. They really drive great. Were over $50k in 94. Tip , swap the gears and it's a beast that will run with newer Z06's.

3. And finally the E36 M3 drives really nice and has a lot of utility. Vert , 4 door or coupe. Vert was billed as the ultimate tanning machine in it's day. Doubt you will be disappointed with one of those, bullet proof and not that expensive.


Two cars means two insurance bills.

The Z3 is a nice car as is the Miata and S2k. Get what you feel good in. Personally I would rather drive the Miata than a 2.5 Z3 as a daily. The Z3M is a lot of fun, cheap enough too. The Early 240 HP M"s are pretty strong cars. The motor is very dependable.

[jdl1pt]

Originally Posted by CobraR1339

3. And finally the E36 M3 drives really nice and has a lot of utility. Vert , 4 door or coupe. Vert was billed as the ultimate tanning machine in it's day. Doubt you will be disappointed with one of those, bullet proof and not that expensive.

+1 on the E36 M3. I've actually been thinking about this route a little. Though I LOVE my z4mc, I drive it like 2x/week. It's hard to justify payments on it...and then there is the modding aspect. lol. That and the fact that I want to track the car, but just hate the idea of the scuffs, scrapes, and possibly worse things that could happen to it, make it that much harder. Having an older E36 M3, I wouldn't worry near as much about it on the track, and could mod the hell out if it with the extra cash! haha

That said, I LOVE my z4mc, and like you Nikki, I would have a very hard time giving us such a sexy and fun car.

Finding a good M3 is getting a bit more difficult. It has some wear issues that need to be maintained, but you could get into a good one for 10k. Nikki if you are at all interested, there is one for sale on another formum for 9.5k that looks to be in very good condition in your area. I'll look for the link post it here in a min.

Edit: Here is the link, It's a coupe, though you may be interested in a vert: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=361411

[johanness]

Originally Posted by Type R 564

Get a S2000 and take it to the track and modify it accordingly, doesn't take much to make surpass a Z4M!

In what way? Certainly not in prestige, value, pedigree or looks. I guess MAYBE if it never left the track. Otherwise I wouldn't trade my MC for a mod'd s2k if u gave it to me.

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by johanness

In what way? Certainly not in prestige, value, pedigree or looks. I guess MAYBE if it never left the track. Otherwise I wouldn't trade my MC for a mod'd s2k if u gave it to me.

Agreed. It's hard to beat a naturally aspirated S54 without going FI, which adds heat and other potential issues on the track.

Why not check out a 3.0i? It has many E46 components including the engine; it's easier to drive, great on gas, and somewhat undervalued because few people can afford a 2-seat "toy" car at the moment. E46's regularly last over 200k miles. Pop out the sound generator foam and it will give you all the howl you want- for free. Since they are considered weekend cars and are in low demand, a Z4 with miles depreciates more than a 3-series (great for the second-hand buyer). I have 115k miles on mine and it's showing no signs of slowing down. Some people have taken them well into the 200k's.

[Finnegan]

+1 on the 3.0i roadster. It meets the goals of saving $ on multiple levels. Cheaper maintenance, better mpg, good power, pedals and seat s/b adjustable for your needs, looks damn good too! I saw 7 of them today between here and Napa--damn fine car!

[vachss]

Originally Posted by johanness

In what way? Certainly not in prestige, value, pedigree or looks.

Hmmm... Looks and value maybe (though the S2K is no slouch in either), but prestige and pedigree just don't enter the equation when I think about a sports car.