motor

Zwan · 02-26-2008, 08:05 AM

yes, we are trying to decide on our next car, and we arent quite sure on what to get, originally we were after a rx8 but since i was made redundant and have a job to walk straight into we have an extra 100k (after tax) to play with, so we want a sports coupe or a convertible preferably thats quite a drivers car but isnt too difficult to live with.

This is Australian currency and we do have vast taxes on cars that arent made here, so prices may not fit direct conversions from what u might pay in ur own country.

we are aiming at about 100k we are looking at specing up a Z4 (Roadster 2dr Man 6sp 3.0i) leaving about 10k for extras (knowing bmw)

styla21 · 02-26-2008, 08:40 AM

An e46 M3: 02-07 model could be done for 70-100k. Probably one of the best performing, luxurious, reliable cars around.

Please, skip the Z4!

Zwan · 02-26-2008, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by styla21

An e46 M3: 02-07 model could be done for 70-100k. Probably one of the best performing, luxurious, reliable cars around.

Please, skip the Z4!

u seriously think a convertible e46 would look anywhere near as good as a z4 and handle that well???

nooooooooo

styla21 · 02-26-2008, 09:39 AM

If looks alone is your buying motivation - then it's a 100% personal choice, and good luck.

However, if driving dynamics and performance have anything to do with it, I wouldn't even suggest it is a fair comparison between the e46 and the Z4! The M3, IMO, kills it all around.

Perhaps test drive a convertible Porsche boxster s. They are a superb handling, engaging car. I have driven both extensively and would find the m3 the easier car to live with as a daily driver.
Did I mention skipping the Z4?

RC45 · 02-26-2008, 12:11 PM

Wow - a loaded Z4 is a 100,000 dollar car Down Under ... oooofff.. you guys get shafted quite badly.

HeilSvenska · 02-26-2008, 12:22 PM

What?! Australians pay that much for cars?!!
100,000.00 AUD = 92,902.90 USD

TT 2.0TFSI Coupé starts at 68,900 AUD and
Z4 3.0si Coupé starts from 88,100 AUD... mad.

RC45 · 02-26-2008, 12:27 PM

Yeah - quit eshocking isnt it?

9 pics

2007 Used

BMW Z4 3.0i Convertible, Gray, 3.0L I6, AUTO, 2 door, Stock# 4676132
Dealer:
CarMax SW Freeway

Phone:
877-601-4300

$33,998

4,096 mi

8 mi away Houston, TX
Map

The almost-new used prices reflect the real values of the cars.

So with a Z4 being so expensive, that really doesnt leave much room for choice then for Australian buyers who dont have unlimited funds.

nthfinity · 02-26-2008, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by RC45

Yeah - quit eshocking isnt it?

The almost-new used prices reflect the real values of the cars.

So with a Z4 being so expensive, that really doesnt leave much room for choice then for Australian buyers who dont have unlimited funds.

While its unfortunate, Zwan has to deal with his local market, and not the US market for cars... so lets try to help him rather then belittle their tax codes...

I agree with Styla, that the E46 M3 cabriolet would be the choice... and I'm sure it would out handle any Z4.... and out accelerate is the obvious

RC45 · 02-26-2008, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by nthfinity

While its unfortunate, Zwan has to deal with his local market, and not the US market for cars... so lets try to help him rather then belittle their tax codes...

I agree with Styla, that the E46 M3 cabriolet would be the choice... and I'm sure it would out handle any Z4.... and out accelerate is the obvious

No belittling.. just providing an example. From what I understand, you can import used cars to Australia that comply with rules and regs and if they are cheap enough you might get what you want, and have money left to spend on very exensive petrol.

styla21 · 02-26-2008, 07:13 PM

Please guys.. Belittle all that you like!

You have no idea how much restraint it took to not turn this thread into a styla-charged all out flame war towards the cost cars of Australian cars. No topic, other than crashed exotics, aggravates me more.
I'm also looking for a new car presently.. But paying $225k for an M5, 300k+ for an SL55, or $250k+ for a Porsche turbo is hard to stomach. Especially having lived in the US recently and paying 1/3rd that price.

Originally Posted by RC45

From what I understand, you can import used cars to Australia that comply with rules and regs and if they are cheap enough you might get what you want, and have money left to spend on very exensive petrol.

Yeah,at a cost of $1.40-$1.60 per liter ($6.36 - $7.27 per gallon!)and rising, most people are taking up the bike riding. We do get 101 octane fuel at the bowser however

Flame away. This topic centers around one of my biggest frustrations!!

Zwan · 02-26-2008, 07:56 PM

think i should wait for a gtr? i heard they were rumored at about 160k$ aus

Also i was considering a '2001 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 996 Cabriolet' browsing the second hand market.

ferrarif1fan89 · 02-26-2008, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Zwan

think i should wait for a gtr? i heard they were rumored at about 160k$ aus

Also i was considering a '2001 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 996 Cabriolet' browsing the second hand market.

I don't think that the GTR would be your cup of tea if you're considering a Z4 3.0i, really. Perhaps an SLK55 AMG? Its a good looking 2 door droptop coupe with great build quality, good handling, and a big V8. Also, it won't kill your back and is great for cruising. A used 996 is always a good choice as long as there is a service record to go with it. Also consider the boxster, its a fantastic car and has one of the best ride/handling compromises out there. Also, they're very reliable as long as the engine was replaced on the previous 986 generation, it was a factory recall and should have been done free of cost.

styla21 · 02-26-2008, 10:54 PM

^^ The SLK (SL-GAY?) $164,000 AUD is the standard price, before options.
That would sort of blow his budget!!

Zwan, go test drive a Boxster S (Make sure it's the 'S'!!), the 911, and / or the M3 and report back to us

And why even consider the GTR? You were pretty definate about the convertible aspect?

HeilSvenska · 02-26-2008, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by styla21

^^ The SLK (SL-GAY?) $164,000 AUD is the standard price, before options.
That would sort of blow his budget!!

Zwan, go test drive a Boxster S (Make sure it's the 'S'!!), the 911, and / or the M3 and report back to us

Boxter S is still $135,000... But I'd get that instead of the SLK.

styla21 · 02-26-2008, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by HeilSvenska

Boxter S is still $135,000... But I'd get that instead of the SLK.

Yes, you're absolutely right!
I was conflicting in my logic..

What I meant was, that a near-new, (04-06) boxster can be had for around Zwan's budget. And I posted the new price of an SLK... The used market would definately be much cheaper. Not sure if you would want anything other than the current model though. As the older was, IMO, complete rubbish.