Z4MC for a BRZ/GR86…?

[PKT RKT]

Considering a trade - moving from a Z4MC to a GR86.

Why?

The Z4MC is getting to be worth a lot so I have concern for damaging it/hitting a deer, etc. The ‘86 is far more replaceable.

Cost of repairs and maintenance should be much less on the GR86.

Driving should be fun at street legal speeds in the lower powered ‘86. The whole “drive a slow car fast” thing.

~$10k price difference.

What do you think?

[Westersund]

Continue to drive and enjoy your Z4 M while it appreciates! If it does get damaged and can't be fixed you'll have enough money to buy a GR86. If one would be afraid all the time we shouldn't leave the comfort of our home.

[Lucky1]

Get car insurance. Also what you are experiencing is anxiety over what MIGHT happen. Ask yourself is your fear rational and all that likely?

Anxiety the great preventer of living one's life. The fact that your Z4 MC is less replaceable is what makes it so special. No engine in a small car this price will ever match the character of the S54.

Also I like to think of the Buddhist doctrine of non-permanence. In other words don't hang on to things so tightly nothing is truly forever. If you do have the misfortune of losing your baby then it was better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Or as a wise man once sang "Just one year of love is better than a lifetime alone"!

[bwright657]

I keep having a similar debate with my car, but every time I keep the Z4.

I would think alot about what you want to feel from the fun car and how you plan to use it. Then do a very long (see if they'll let you keep the car overnight) test drive of the new 86. While slow car fast is alot of fun, the 86 will have less torque and very different handling compared to the Z4 MC. While the 86 has a relatively high redline, the sound won't be there compared to the S54. I also expect sitting in the car won't feel as special as it does in the Z4.

On the financial side, you also need to consider depreciation. The running costs might work out in the Z4's favor once you factor that in. The Z4 is past the bottom of its depreciation curve and values are starting to climb, but the 86 will be a $10k car one day. If you're worried about what ifs, keep in mind that all of the exterior panels on the Z4 are bolt ons, so it's actually easier to repair than the 86 where the rear quarter panels are welded to the structure. And for insurance values, get agreed value coverage through Hagerty or Grundy.

For me, I'm keeping the Z4 MC because I want the noise, driver involvement and love the styling. The car has just enough modern tech for me and I love that the car does not have a screen. But the car is going to be used for mountain drives, the occasional BMW CCA autocross and cars & coffee. My supercharged Miata is the dedicated track car because the running costs are so much lower. The next track car is either going to be a built E92 335is with the DCT or a new 86 once prices come down and the aftermarket opens up. But that won't be until I'm using the full capabilities of the Miata, and I'm not there yet as a driver.

[Murf993]

I sold my Z4MC a few years ago to finance my 993. I drive the 993 a lot, it continues to go up in value. I never worry about hitting a deer or the cost of maintenance because I love the car and driving it. And FTR I miss the Zed, I sometimes regret the decision as it is/was such a unique car.

[Gamb1t]

I test drove the FRS/BRZ twin a few years back. Wasn't impressed. Even though it has a high rpm range, the way it revs was uncouth. Rough feeling. It is quite nimble and it has rear seating... barely.

I can understand the upkeep of the Z4M is cost prohibitive. Another viable candidate would be a 370Z. It's about the same power level/tq. It felt heavy at slow speeds. I suspect it's more in line with a Z4M than a Toybaru would.

Here's an idea, why not just buy a beater car that you can switch between?

[wdb]

Own both. Or not. But don't for a minute think the '86 is anywhere near a Z4MC.

[pungo]

• Do you have some serious seat time in a GR86/BRZ? If not, you need to, else why even ask the question
• As far as cost of ownership, if you do your own wrenching, the Z4MC is affordable to maintain, if not, sorry.
• There's nothing wrong with the Toybaru and it's great for what it is, but it's a major downgrade from the Z4MC.
• Another thought, while one will appreciate in value, the other will depreciate.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by PKT RKT

Considering a trade - moving from a Z4MC to a GR86.

What do you think?

[Vanne]

Dont trade the zed, add the 86.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Vanne

Dont trade the zed, add the 86.

And use it for target practice...

Why in God's name would trade a real high-performance BMW in-line 6 for a Subaru VW Bug motor? Flat-fours, just suck anyway you look at them.

Just sayin'

[Michael9218]

Wouldn't the new car replacement equivalent be the Supra?

[Huz-Z]

May I suggest a Z4 3.0si Coupe?

[Roadroach]

Originally Posted by Michael9218

Wouldn't the new car replacement equivalent be the Supra?

No.

Not unless you converted it to a 3-pedal manual.......

[Gamb1t]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

And use it for target practice...

Why in God's name would trade a real high-performance BMW in-line 6 for a Subaru VW Bug motor? Flat-fours, just suck anyway you look at them.

Just sayin'

I wouldn't go as far to say they suck. Let's not be haterz so quickly. There's a reason why the Toybaru enjoys great reviews and sales. While the engine is not as aristocratic as the S54, it is decent especially for what you get in terms of price standpoint.

While I do not care for the Toybaru, I applause them for keeping the flame of a small RWD with a manual shift alive. A car that caters to driving enthusiast at a decent price at that!

[Michael9218]

Originally Posted by Roadroach

No.

Not unless you converted it to a 3-pedal manual.......

Thought I read it was available with a manual. Looks like it's coming this summer.

https://motorillustrated.com/the-toy...mission/89222/

[wdb]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

And use it for target practice...

Why in God's name would trade a real high-performance BMW in-line 6 for a Subaru VW Bug motor? Flat-fours, just suck anyway you look at them.

Just sayin'

Unless you look at them in terms of center of gravity (automotive), aerodynamics (aeromotive), packaging and vibration (both).

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

I wouldn't go as far to say they suck. Let's not be haterz so quickly. There's a reason why the Toybaru enjoys great reviews and sales. While the engine is not as aristocratic as the S54, it is decent especially for what you get in terms of price standpoint.

While I do not care for the Toybaru, I applause them for keeping the flame of a small RWD with a manual shift alive. A car that caters to driving enthusiast at a decent price at that!

I really was just being a smartass mostly. They are not bad cars I guess; I've never driven one, but they are not classic IMO like the E86 is. It's a trade downwards anyway I look at it.

I will second your applause regarding keeping the spirit alive.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by wdb

Unless you look at them in terms of center of gravity (automotive), aerodynamics (aeromotive), packaging and vibration (both).

No dispute there, but I've never heard one that sounded good, which is the basis of my distaste for them; I prefer a flat 6 in that architecture. BTW my first car was a '72 VW Bug.

[pungo]

Well, it seems like the OP dropped the bomb and left the room

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

And use it for target practice...

Why in God's name would trade a real high-performance BMW in-line 6 for a Subaru VW Bug motor? Flat-fours, just suck anyway you look at them.

Just sayin'

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I really was just being a smartass mostly. They are not bad cars I guess; I've never driven one, but they are not classic IMO like the E86 is. It's a trade downwards anyway I look at it.

I will second your applause regarding keeping the spirit alive.

If you haven't driven one, best to start and end your opinion there.

I was an initial buyer of the 2013 Scion FR-S and drove mine for 50K miles before I sold it and purchased my 2007 Z4MC. The FR-S is a very capable and fast car on the track or a backroad. Certainly lacks the character, comfort and German pedigree of the Z4M. I found the FR-S to be less enjoyable than our 2017 Miata RF, which I attribute to gearing/engine and some open top fun.



Both the FR-S and Z4MC were my sole car and daily driver for 2+ years, the FR-S is much better suited to the do-it-all task.

The second gen FRS/BRZ/GT86 is already proving to be a large improvement over the 1st gen from early review (looks, ehh..). If the age and maintenance cost of the Z4MC was getting to me I would consider it. More fun to drive and use any sports car than let a fancy one sit.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

If you haven't driven one, best to start and end your opinion there.

I was an initial buyer of the 2013 Scion FR-S and drove mine for 50K miles before I sold it and purchased my 2007 Z4MC. The FR-S is a very capable and fast car on the track or a backroad. Certainly lacks the character, comfort and German pedigree of the Z4M. I found the FR-S to be less enjoyable than our 2017 Miata RF, which I attribute to gearing/engine and some open top fun.



Both the FR-S and Z4MC were my sole car and daily driver for 2+ years, the FR-S is much better suited to the do-it-all task.

The second gen FRS/BRZ/GT86 is already proving to be a large improvement over the 1st gen from early review (looks, ehh..). If the age and maintenance cost of the Z4MC was getting to me I would consider it. More fun to drive and use any sports car than let a fancy one sit.

My 3.0si Coupe shared DD duties with my E90 for about 4 years. All in all, I spent 95,000 miles commuting in it at 175-mile per-day clips. That commute was rural backroads to suburban DC traffic. I can't see any way where it was not completely functional as a daily driver. I'd take an in-line 6 any day over a flat 4 cylinder. Mine has been reliable as a rock.

Also, I think if you were to offer anyone a E86 vs. FR-S/BRZ for free, I'd bet 98% of the time the Bimmer would get the nod. Just sayin'