Which would you go for older low miles or younger higher miles?

[mister p]

For the same price would you buy an older low mileage Z3 or a younger higher mileage one? The older one being 4 years older '97 but 20,000 less miles.

 

[Ashbandicoot]

Would base my decision on the level of maintenance and condition overall. Either car may not have had regular interval services or age related faults rectified

Ash

 

[mister p]

Fair point. Any worries about high milers or the same answer as above?

 

[Mac]

Well, there's not much in 20k - unless it's 30k vs 10k! Better off looking at history and overall condition. I would be happier with the +20k if it has seen a local garage every year...

 

[Shelly]

I would go for the lower mileage Z
As long as the body work etc was ok

 

[mister p]

Thanks for your replies

 

[Ashbandicoot]

Just read up on what to look out for but don't be disheartened, I bought my 2.8 in June 2013, 10 previous owners and 115k on the clock

It had been serviced well but needed some money spending;

Rear quarters stonechipped badly
Vinyl windscreen surround in bad shape (easy fix - just peel off)
Wing mirror bases corroded

Mechanically it was sound and others on here will be better than me at pointing out what to look out for in that department, take a look at this guide - www.zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-general-information-for-potential-buyers-by-mike-fishwick.15

As with the problems I had there are other common faults and a fair few of the other things you read are more gripes than faults and as with any car, it's the owners preference as to whether they will be bothered to change.

Cheers


Ash

 

[oldcarman]

In my case for importation the vehicle must be 15 years old or more. My first had 74K 97 well maintained rust free. The second is a 98 with 115K but with 99k of history but at 1/4 the price of the first. Both had problems I was aware of. Do your homework and arm yourself with as much info on each model, they are different, if you can And drive as many as you can. You may get the rush you need in the first,second or fiftieth. You'll know when you've found it. Unfortunately due to distance I don't have that luxury but if the second is as good as the first, I'll be happy!! Good luck, JIM

 

[Ashbandicoot]

I looked at one in the flesh and bought it, belonged to @r37 before me.

The UK market for Z3s is suffering due to somebody hoarding them in Canada.. Manitoba region if I recall correctly

 

[Grumps]

For me age and miles (within reason) don't matter at all. History and accident damage are paramount. Find the engine you'd like with the colour of your choice and if it's got the history and all lines up correctly dip your toe in. Stone chipped bonnets and shopping dings etc can be sorted. Nothing wrong with seeing some honest wear and tare. If the fundimentals are there the rest can be sorted and you'll probably enjoy doing it! After all even the newest cars are now 13 years old. I bought the oldest car I could find in the engine and colour of my choice with a cracking service history. The paint wasn't great so I had it done. It owes me a little more than its worth but for me it's about ownership for the long haul so it really doesn't worry me. Good luck with your search.

 

[Brian4]

Agree with the above, miles on most modern engines don't give a problem. There is always some concern with ultra low mileage cars they have either not been run which can cause issues or have only ever been to the shops and back which is even worse for them.

As long as they have been maintained by garage or a competent and enthusiast owner things should be ok.
Average miles now for a car is 10 to 12k so most Z3's are low mileage examples .

The 4 year difference you mentioned brings in the original cars (97 one) and the facelift cars (4 years newer) so you have another choice there which body style do you like.

 

[zedonist]

Neither I would choose one in the best mechanical condition and then body.

 

[GazHyde]

Neither I would choose one in the best mechanical condition and then body.

What Zed said!