EmGreenVR6 0 Posted March 14, 2014 BMW Z3 M Coupe... If anyone is seriously interested in one of these, my husband is planning to sell his later in the year. Black S54 in very good condition with black/kiwi (subtle green) interior. It's a beautiful car, fantastic to drive and seriously quick. The boot is big enough for a decent size shop/weekend away, and the design features (inbuilt dog guard, cup holder, little storage nets) make it very practical. Only selling because we have 3 cars and a motorbike between 2 of us, and we can't get the large dog in it, so Mazda estate + Z3 M Coupe will be replaced by 535D... Anyway, let me know if you are interested and I'll give you a shout when it's up for sale... Em Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
g0ldf1ng3r 15 Posted March 14, 2014 EDIT: Corrado's can be a bit of a millstone around your neck. Not because of them breaking down but because they seem very hard emotionally to part with. I'd love to try another car but I don't want to sell this and I can't sell the family car. I think you have hit a nail on the head there Portent. there are many who have fallen in love with the rado but then chose to make a change & eventually end up questioning themselves as to why they ever parted with their rado in the first place. there are very very few cars, & i say this even about many that i could never afford without a lottery win, that i would rather drive than my rado let alone part with my rado for them apart from the exotics i will likely never afford.......porsche 993 GT2, ferrari 288 GTO, pagani zonda, ferrari F40, porsche engined VW split screen camper van.......the only one i can think of at the moment that when i see one it always makes me think 'damn id love / need one of those' is a BMW E30 M3 on a D or E reg & left hooker but even those are rapidly getting to the 'out of reach' value Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P3rks 11 Posted March 14, 2014 (edited) And get the S54 engined one if the budget allows for it! That's the plan.. E46 M3 engine, right? Bit of a double edged sword for me this ! After a big break from anything Vag, I now find myself with a Mk5 Golf (daily) and a VR Raddo (3rd) I did play with some RWD stuff and a few other unmentionables !! And yet I never managed to shake off what the Corrado subliminally embedded ;) (that's a big word for a Salford lad) Anyway hope that Unicorn canters up ? But I know my raddo is staying for the foreseeable Dave ;) This is my concern. I love the Rado more than anything else I've owned. It won't actually be up for sale until I get my new car either and I may even persuade my other half to keep it, who knows? It always interests me to read comments like that. On the verge of a large bill with my Corrado and debating if it's the right way to go, or whether it's time to move on. But seem to read more comments from folks who regret it, or come back eventually. Be interested to hear how P3rks gets on over 12/24 months. I won't be looking until April time, one more pay day and a short holiday then I'm seriously looking, I don't think it'll be a quick purchase with the type of car I'm after either and I am in no rush. I expect it'll be months and months of searching. My thoughts: Porsche 944 Turbo - I'd love one of these so would certainly consider it. Porsche 968 Sport or CS -Too expensive to own and run for me. BMW Z3M Coupe - Yes. Like this idea. hate the Z3 roadster but love the coupe. BMW 850i / Ci - Interesting but doesn't float my boat for some reason. BMW M635csi - Yes like this but prefer a smaller car. Alpina 3.4s Roadster - Maybe. Doesn't float my boat again for some reason.. Audi UR Quattro - Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.... but quite old now so probably no. Audi TT Quattro Sport 240 - Very much like this as a car to collect for the future. Elise S1/S2 - A car I wish I'd bought in the past (I nearly did) but not practical as a long term only car. Or how about... e36 M3 or similar (as mentioned earlier) - bound to rise in value now. TT mk1 V6 EDIT: Corrado's can be a bit of a millstone around your neck. Not because of them breaking down but because they seem very hard emotionally to part with. I'd love to try another car but I don't want to sell this and I can't sell the family car. Your thoughts pretty much mirror mine with my choices, although 968s are just as cheap/expensive as 944's to buy and run. The Alpina Roadster is more of a personal choice when the first came out after driving one for half a day. The 8 series and M635csi are wildcards, great cars in their own right, tick all the boxes, but I'm not sure if I'm feeling them as I have no prior experience of them. The TT QS 240 is the top of the range, future classic, very special and the one to own. Although the V6 is probably up their it's not in the same league and a bit ordinary. BMW Z3 M Coupe... If anyone is seriously interested in one of these, my husband is planning to sell his later in the year. Black S54 in very good condition with black/kiwi (subtle green) interior. It's a beautiful car, fantastic to drive and seriously quick. The boot is big enough for a decent size shop/weekend away, and the design features (inbuilt dog guard, cup holder, little storage nets) make it very practical. Only selling because we have 3 cars and a motorbike between 2 of us, and we can't get the large dog in it, so Mazda estate + Z3 M Coupe will be replaced by 535D... Anyway, let me know if you are interested and I'll give you a shout when it's up for sale... Em Interesting, sounds my cup of tea. I'll drop you a PM shortly as I'm in no real rush and will wait for the right car. Edited March 14, 2014 by P3rks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Portent 0 Posted March 14, 2014 (edited) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402051582937/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402191914549/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402191927317/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403052260304/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p Edited March 14, 2014 by Portent Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted March 14, 2014 Wow, see, it was meant to be mate......Z3M it is....and the S54 version too! Yeah S50 & 54 are both E46 engines, but the S54 is DBW and a few other tweaks. It's the engine that BMW tuned up to 350ish hp in the M3 CSL and I've seen one make 360hp with a standalone ECU. There's a Z3M buyer's guide in this month's PPC mag too. Are you sure this isn't just a case of grass being greener boredom? Other cars always seem more appealing when you get bored of your own. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P3rks 11 Posted March 14, 2014 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402051582937/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402191914549/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402191927317/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403052260304/sort/mileage/usedcars/radius/1500/keywords/240/postcode/kt100px/body-type/coupe/model/tt/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/audi?logcode=p Seen all those, that first modded one is tasty and a good price, but the interior re-trim isn't to my taste, prefer the standard alcantara trim. All colours are nice though, think I prefer the silver or red because the roof stands out and makes it different and desirable from the rest. All they need is a re-map, blow off valve, sports cat/exhaust to get 270bhp / 290 ibft and I'd be done. Wow, see, it was meant to be mate......Z3M it is....and the S54 version too! Yeah S50 & 54 are both E46 engines, but the S54 is DBW and a few other tweaks. It's the engine that BMW tuned up to 350ish hp in the M3 CSL and I've seen one make 360hp with a standalone ECU. There's a Z3M buyer's guide in this month's PPC mag too. Are you sure this isn't just a case of grass being greener boredom? Other cars always seem more appealing when you get bored of your own. Very much so. Story of my life and the beautiful women once in it. :bonk: I thought the S50 was a E36 M3 engine? Need to do my research I think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted March 14, 2014 Haha, sounds like a similar story to mine! Yeah you're right, the S50 is the older 3.0 E36 lump IIRC, which means the Z3M got the S52 and S54 3.2. See, your research has got off to a good start already :) I want you to buy it and tell me how good it is so I can make up my mind about them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mic_VR 3 Posted March 14, 2014 I have to say this is a really tough question, one I've definitely struggled with in the past and again more recently.... to be honest I even struggle with it now when I see all those nice cars on Autotrader and now I've maybe got a bit in the bank for a change after the years of house buying and being a grown up..... relatively speaking Personally, and completely in my own opinion, it comes down to that 'special' factor. And to me only a few of those cars mentioned seem special, and those that might be I think I'd struggle to justify the cost to get a really good one which is what it would need to be. But the Corrado feels special, and that's not something you can really put a finger on I guess but it does seem to get under peoples skin quite badly. My situation sounds similar to yours, only really use the car once a week (if that some weeks) so I don't need a sensible car so the Corrado fits in with my need to tinker/modify etc without having to rely on it to get around, or to have £10k+ sat on the road not getting used, and it's entertaining to drive with a great community of people to talk crap about cars to. I've definitely got a list of cars I'd love to own though, but those more aspirational than realistically attainable in the short term certainly. In fact I can't instantly think of something under £10k that I'd want to replace the Corrado with, or at least not without a huge amount of over thinking and probably regretting it! Good luck to you though and I hope you find something you really like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
poll250 0 Posted March 14, 2014 How about a Z4M Coupe? I really wanted one, but ended up with an E46 M3 for a year as it was a bit cheaper and I could fit bikes in easily. Loved the M3, but never really fell in love with it, if that make sense? It was an SMG and I think I just felt a bit disconnected unless really hammering it. I think Z4MC's look stunning and would consider one in the future. Engine wise S54's are pretty bombproof and you can't beat the feeling of running over 100Bhp/Litre. Engine note is an acquired taste- it's all exhaust unless you get a CSL style air box, and to be honest I really prefer the VR6 sound. You could probably get into a cheap Cayman S for your budget. They have some reliability issues on the internet but I'm good friends with a guy who runs a Porsche specialist and problems are actually very rare (a bit like the stories of people snapping chains etc on a VR6). Ticks a lot of boxes looks and driving wise, and it's really an event every time you drive one. I get 3-4 positive comments per day when I use mine (although that might have a little to do with the RS style white/red colour scheme!) Other cars to look at could be a R32-4 Skyline, E39 M5, TVR, 964/993, SL55 AMG etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P3rks 11 Posted March 14, 2014 Haha, sounds like a similar story to mine! Yeah you're right, the S50 is the older 3.0 E36 lump IIRC, which means the Z3M got the S52 and S54 3.2. See, your research has got off to a good start already :) I want you to buy it and tell me how good it is so I can make up my mind about them! I always do stupid amounts of research when buying anything, especially a car; it's not always a good thing! I will indeed keep this thread updated though. I have to say this is a really tough question, one I've definitely struggled with in the past and again more recently.... to be honest I even struggle with it now when I see all those nice cars on Autotrader and now I've maybe got a bit in the bank for a change after the years of house buying and being a grown up..... relatively speaking Personally, and completely in my own opinion, it comes down to that 'special' factor. And to me only a few of those cars mentioned seem special, and those that might be I think I'd struggle to justify the cost to get a really good one which is what it would need to be. But the Corrado feels special, and that's not something you can really put a finger on I guess but it does seem to get under peoples skin quite badly. My situation sounds similar to yours, only really use the car once a week (if that some weeks) so I don't need a sensible car so the Corrado fits in with my need to tinker/modify etc without having to rely on it to get around, or to have £10k+ sat on the road not getting used, and it's entertaining to drive with a great community of people to talk crap about cars to. I've definitely got a list of cars I'd love to own though, but those more aspirational than realistically attainable in the short term certainly. In fact I can't instantly think of something under £10k that I'd want to replace the Corrado with, or at least not without a huge amount of over thinking and probably regretting it! Good luck to you though and I hope you find something you really like. That's my issue. This hasn't been an easy choice. I think my deciding factor is that I've reached saturation point with the Corrado. I want to keep going with it, respray so I'm 100% happy, new trim at the same time, a big fat turbo and 450bhp.. But when is enough, enough? I've put so much into the Corrado that I just won't get back, not just financial either, it's a bit illogical to keep going with it. Now a Porcshe or something, maybe I could go on for ever with that? But maybe I'll never be happy, who knows. All I know is I have an itch I need to scratch. How about a Z4M Coupe? I really wanted one, but ended up with an E46 M3 for a year as it was a bit cheaper and I could fit bikes in easily. Loved the M3, but never really fell in love with it, if that make sense? It was an SMG and I think I just felt a bit disconnected unless really hammering it. I think Z4MC's look stunning and would consider one in the future. Engine wise S54's are pretty bombproof and you can't beat the feeling of running over 100Bhp/Litre. Engine note is an acquired taste- it's all exhaust unless you get a CSL style air box, and to be honest I really prefer the VR6 sound. You could probably get into a cheap Cayman S for your budget. They have some reliability issues on the internet but I'm good friends with a guy who runs a Porsche specialist and problems are actually very rare (a bit like the stories of people snapping chains etc on a VR6). Ticks a lot of boxes looks and driving wise, and it's really an event every time you drive one. I get 3-4 positive comments per day when I use mine (although that might have a little to do with the RS style white/red colour scheme!) Other cars to look at could be a R32-4 Skyline, E39 M5, TVR, 964/993, SL55 AMG etc I know exactly what you mean with the E46, my dad had one from new and when I drove it for the first time, my gt feeling was 'disappointing'. Don't get me wrong, it was a great car, but far too easy to drive; all I wanted to do was cruise around in it, I wasn't inspired. On the edge though, it was awesome, but I'd kill myself driving around like that all the time. If I was going for a Z4 it'd be the Alpina Roadster S, in black. It's the only soft top I like over the coupé. When I was about 20 and they were brand new a friend who worked in a BMW dealership brought one home and gave it to me for an evening, I fell in love with it and I've always had a huge soft spot for them. Cayman S are not for me, never been a fan of them or the Boxter. 968's are meant to be a better drive too. I'd love a 964 but they are out of budget now. 993's are my worse 911 so couldn't do it to myself. The rest on the list are too practical and I'm not a Merc man. It's a tough choice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seanl82 23 Posted March 14, 2014 964. :luvlove: I'd be looking at something with a couple more cylinders than you're used to. Regardless of how quick it is, the sound would be enough! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ralphead 0 Posted March 14, 2014 Maserati Ghibli or 222. Fast comfortable and well.. it's a Maserati. You'd need a couple of grand handy at all times for upkeep and no interest in fuel economy.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VR6 Gar 10 Posted March 14, 2014 (edited) Doesn't fit your criteria very well but I really like 335i coupe/ M sports ATM. Remap it to 370bhp and fit some coilovers and not only will it be practical with loads of toys but also a lot of fun when pressing on. Something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bmw-335i-coupe-with-many-many-extras-47k-390bhp-manual-/171259620382?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27dfde6c1e Edited March 14, 2014 by VR6 Gar Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j_s14a 0 Posted March 14, 2014 Probably not your cup of tea, but I would highly recommend a MKIV Toyota Supra twin turbo. Go for a facelift one (like pictured) and you have a choice of 6 speed manual or 4 speed tiptronic transmissions. Both are great, the 6 speeds toughness is legendary. £15000 on a decat, restrictor ring, exhaust, boost controller and an intercooler will raise the power from just over 300hp to over 400hp. Add a clutch to that with a manual car. This is called BPU (base performance uprades) in Supra circles, and it transforms the car. 4000rpm brings an enormous surge as the second turbo kicks in. They're tough, reliable and inexpensive to run for the performance potential. They are seriously good cars, and are good for over 700hp on nothing but bolt on upgrades. The only downside is stock looking examples are very rare, and command quite a premium these days. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billzeebub 1 Posted March 14, 2014 From your list, with the Corrado ownership in mind, I would go for the Z3M Coupe or the 968 ClubSport/Sport. Both are very rare and individualistic. Others that interest me greatly are the E46 M3 ideally CS/CSL, Porsche 964/993. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maff 10 Posted March 15, 2014 I thought the Z3M only came with the e36 evo m3 engine with 321bhp? Good shout these too, Oo 10 grand, spoilt for choice. E46 m3's are a great all rounder, been looking at these myself. What about an old 911? a friend has an old A reg targa which goes like stink 250bhp! M5 v10?, bit of a stretch but what an engine, mates just sold his mapped to 538bhp for £16,000 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamiehamy 0 Posted March 16, 2014 Go find yourself a Mitsubishi Starion.....everything else listed is so bland in comparison :) http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mitsubishi/starion/mitsubishi-starion-2-0-turbo-1988/2100026 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nitsypee 0 Posted March 23, 2014 For me it would have to be a 911. Nothing else. Either a 996, or - if I wanted fun every journey - an SC. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loepan 11 Posted March 23, 2014 yeah same here, I have only two cars I wish to obtain before I push daisy's both older cars bmw 2002 tii Porsche 911 that is all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
