Z3 or Z4

[Kit]

I want to drop to 2 cars get rid of my little Picanto (My get to work car) keep the Tiguan (its very practical), and use the Z as a daily drive.
The dilemma is my brother wants to sell his Z4 to me, a 3ltr auto sport 07 plate under 30k milage and I would love to have it because its easier to drive and more comfy if I use it for a daily drive. Will I regret it? it will cost me 4.5k to swap. I can't justify having a 3 and a 4 that was my sons idea.

 

[Brian H]

If YOU like the drive and the car is easier for YOU to use swap it, the debate will go on and on for Z3 vs Z4 but you are the one driving, seems a good price to swap too. Just my 2p worth

 

[billz]

Ask your Brother if you can use the Z4 for a Month or so and use that time to compare it with the Z3. We have had both 3.0 Z3 and now we have the Z4 3.0si. I personally wish we had kept the Z3 but i am also glad we upgraded to the Z4 (if that makes sense). You will find the Si a lot quicker and more comfortable than the Z3. But you will miss the Iconic style of the Z3

 

[Grumps]

I adore my 2.8 Z3 but would I want it as a daily driver.....no. I have talked about having a Z4 as my daily driver which I'd love but it would take away the enjoyment of the 3 come spring time.

 

[Redline]

I've found the 3.0 SI Auto a pussycat to drive on the 54 mile round trip to work. First auto I've owned but it makes the driving far less effort both in traffic and on the open road. The downside is I'm only getting 29.1mpg.
Lovely and smooth but, when needed, just floor the throttle, it drops two cogs and flies. In sport, overtaking is supremely quick.
The Z3 is a great looking car but I can't comment on owning one. I expect your Z3 to be a more engaging car to drive on twisty roads though. There's the justification for owning Z3 and Z4 (possibly, just maybe).

 

[Kit]

If YOU like the drive and the car is easier for YOU to use swap it, the debate will go on and on for Z3 vs Z4 but you are the one driving, seems a good price to swap too. Just my 2p worth

The swap price was 5k for mine 9.5k for his, brothers rates The drive is better in a Z4 but Z3's look more retro, pity I couldn't swap the drive train.

 

[gookah]

there are quite a few that have gone to a Z4 and are back in a Z3, that tells a story.

 

[Kit]

But you will miss the Iconic style of the Z3

Thats is the problem the 3 has a more shapely bottomed a cute nose

 

[Redline]

there are quite a few that have gone to a Z4 and are back in a Z3, that tells a story.

I can understand why. I guess it depends which you have first and build up the affinity with. Any successor then has your own inbuilt expectations to meet.

 

[Kit]

I've found the 3.0 SI Auto a pussycat to drive on the 54 mile round trip to work. First auto I've owned but it makes the driving far less effort both in traffic and on the open road.

I did like the paddle things in his. and in sport mode floor it when the lights turn green and WOW

 

[Kit]

there are quite a few that have gone to a Z4 and are back in a Z3, that tells a story.

Thats why I need some words of wisdom form the the forum.

 

[Redline]

Thats why I need some words of wisdom form the the forum.

I know where you're coming from. I've owned my LR Freelander for 8 years. I see no reason to move on for fear of being disappointed. It hasn't missed a beat in the 120k I've driven it. I know the new model is probably better in many respects but think it becomes a car without the character of the current one. The price tag is a little off putting too.

 

[M666BMG]

The z3 every time. I would never own a z4 of any description.

 

[t-tony]

I have recently bought a 2003 Z4 3.0 Auto SE.I dropped from 2 car to one so it's my daily drive and I'm still only just learning how to drive it. As an every day car it's ahead of a Z3 to me, more refined and comfy, much better heating system and the heated seats warm up very quickly. The glass rear window and heated front demister are also a big improvement. As regards MPG mine has gone up as my Z3 is a 2.0 Auto. In sport mode the Z4 is an absolute joy to drive and around town a real pussy cat.
Now, to be honest, IF, my Z3 had been a 2.8 or a 3.0 I maybe wouldn't have been looking but when I spotted this car with only 16K on the clock at 12 years old it made me think this car will last me a very long time, and, I can have just as much fun putting my own touches to it as well.

If your brother would go for @billz suggestion that would be the best idea, but if I had done that I would still have got the Z4 over my Z3. That'll have just muddied the water a bit more Kit. Enjoy the agony of choosing.

Tony.

 

[littlefeller]

i use my 3 as a daily, cant see why some owners would put it in the garage for the winter, but then i dont have this option, if i did it might change my mind (would also give me the time to pour some love over it) i had an auto box before the zed, personal i prefer a manual but autos do have there merits, its a toughie. myself i do like the look of the z4 too, which would make it even harder if it was my choice ( you could always ditch the Tiguan and have both) im a little selfish when it comes to cars, dont know why but i always have been, to me the zed (either 3 or 4) makes sense, just two seats and an engine, how cars are supposed to be.

 

[littlefeller]

another pro the 3 has (for me anyway) is - no poxy mod cons cluttering everthing up, i like it simple, though i didnt know the 4 had a glass rear screen, now i will bear that in mind if i do ever consider going 4 (wash your mouth out)

 

[t-tony]

I think my 4 has all that the 3 has, only better, apart from the front demister and the electric seats are memory where the 3 ones aren't. Oh, and the soft top operation is much better than the 3 too.

Tony.

 

[littlefeller]

i have always thought it odd that you have to get out of the 3 to lower the roof, is the 4 the same?

 

[t-tony]

Never needed to do that, but it's much easier when all you have to do is press and hold a button. I used to drop the roof on my 3 crawling up to the roundabout on the A57/A46 junction at home time, but it was tricky needing both hands to release the clamps at the front and steer with your knees (the road is dead straight by the way). Easy enough after that to push it back one handed to engage the hydraulic system. But then you still have to hold the button down, which is behind you on the centre console, whereas in the 4 it in the console just by your right knee.

tony.

 

[littlefeller]

so how does the hydraulics on the 3 get around the first bit (the bit where you have to lift the front) electric roof will make it a harder choice for kit