Back into the Z world - 2003 Z4 with only 33,000 miles!

[z3aficionado]

Hi Z fans,

I had an old 1998 Z3 for a couple of years, then I sold it to get a 1999 Porsche 911. Got tired of that and now I am back with a spiffy 2003 Z4 with only 33K miles on the clock!
I must say this is a fabulous car for the money. I don't know why I didn't consider it before. Picked up this garage queen for $12K. A bargain as far as I am concerned.

It's good to be back in a straight 6!

[B328iC]

What is it with the 2003 & low miles? Mine had 42k on it when I got it last year.

[MartyZ4]

Hi,

These are great cars. Nice photo and great score!!! I purchased a 03 in Black Sapphire new back in October 2003. My local NJ dealer is always happy to see this car as it is in fabulous condition with 28K on the odometer. I am curious - what made you tire your prior 911?

[z3aficionado]

Hi MartyZ4,

While I am a Porsche 911 fan, I sold my Porsche 911 because the cost of purchase and ownership was not worth the driving experience in my opinion. Bottom line: the value proposition is just not there. The interior ergonomics of the (996) 911 could be better. Your right leg hits the center console, your left leg hits the door arm rest, the rear seats serve no purpose, no cup-holders, no glove box (until later years), and plastics all over the place (unless you got the extended leather package). On the mechanical side, the transmissions are a nightmare to fix (you need a 20 ton press to remove the pinion gears) and not even a Porsche shop wants to touch them, furthermore, the engines suffer from the IMS issue and when a shop replaces the IMS bearing, it might not go right and you can just be creating more problems. It's just a hassle.

The gas mileage is average and the performance is ok. Note* If you have a convertible, it is very complicated operation to troubleshoot when it breaks because of all the moving parts and sensors. I loved my 911 but the driving thrills were not good enough to justify the cost of ownership.

I sold my 996 and bought a 2003 Z4 and for me, it's a better fit. The interior is ergonomically much more comfortable, smoother engine, better transmission, superior gas mileage, simpler convertible top operation, easier to fix and a much better car to drive.

I took the money, bought the Z4, put down new asphalt in my driveway, cemented my back yard and got rid of a headache. Best thing I ever did.

[Kram71]

I think you made a good choice. I like Porsche but I could never get in to the look of them from the back unless they have a wing like the gt3.