I personally wouldn't want a Z3 that fits in the $5-8K range.

 

I absolutely love this mindset.

I wanted a Z3 prior to the miata. That changed when I actually drove it.

 

Same here. I always had a soft spot for convertibles. When I started looking I was very interested in a Z3. Im glad I ran into my ugly betty.

 

Couldn't agree more. There is no such thing as a cheap modern BMW. If you buy it cheap you'll end up paying the same fixing it.

 

If I'm buying a roadster, I want it to handle well. That's a big part of why I bought a Miata (it sure wasn't the horsepower). Comparatively, the Z3 suspension is unadulterated garbage. It has a semi-trailing arm rear suspension that hops around too much, shock mounts and subframe bushings that tend to tear apart, and MacPherson struts up front which are inferior to double wishbones. The car just doesn't turn like a Miata.

Yeah, James Bond drove a Z3, but he also drinks vodka martinis.

 

I would say Miata too. I used to be a valet and drove all sorts of cars and the Z3 is awful (if you're smart, you will never park a car valet overnight). I love BMWs and that did not feel like a BMW to me. I also didn't feel the M6 was a good BMW either. The M5 is still my favorite car that I've driven. Driving Miatas there is actually why I picked one up. I drove it and said, man, this thing feels great, now only if it had a little more power...

The Z4 on the other hand is a nice driving car.

 

We all say miata cause this is Miataturbo.net and we know Miata's are better cars for anything. As for me, the only thing I got out of this thread is that chick in sixshooter's avatar...well if I had a BMW tattoo on my taint, would she lick it? I can only hope for the best.

 

He doesn't want the turbo, he would change the oil and add gas. I would do the other stuff to it. I don't know if he is serious about getting the car or not, but has been talking to me about it.

 

Looks I like the Z3. BUT>>>>>>>>BMW cost way more to maintain. If you are patient, you can get a fairly newer miata for your price range.

You never ever have to work on them.

All of my adventures with miatas are on 90-93 with original 20 yr old 1.6L's. i boost them and still don't work on them.
What other 20yr old car can you do that too and still drive it 2 yrs.

But with that kind of money, you can get a NB easy. Mileage really doesn't matter as long as you are under 120K. if it was well maintained.

 

As an update, dad just got a 2002 Miata, in black. Been waiting for pics, or other info for a week now, but my father isn't the most knowledgeable when it comes to computers, so I will have to wait. Let the long distance modding begin. Hmm, where to start?

 

Turbo.

 

roll bar, lower the car, get sexier wheels.

 

WElllll

1. Clean the stupid rain rail drains
2. Put tirez on and align the car
3. Roll bar
4. Check fur rust and take care of it

It's his car. Let him do with it what he wants Get your own

 

I looked at a roadster here, but couldn't get my hand between my knees and the steering wheel. It was pretty clean too. Price was only about 450,000 yen or so.

 

I'll agree with Faeflora on everything he said and disagree with jeff man on the suspension changes. Old guys firmer riding lowered cars.

While you are in Japan, see if you can test drive a used Suzuki Cappuccino Turbo.

 

If he's interested in the above send him here (no affiliation).

 

Why choose between the two? Get the best of both worlds:

1995 Mazda Miata W/ BMW Z3 package

 

BLASPHEMY!!

I hate that kinda thing, it's like an integra / crx but if it fits the bill.........

 

LuLz... Maxipad owners.....lol.

 

I told him about the kit, but he didn't seem interested

I woud honestly rather have a Copen. Being OBD2 and all

YouTube - MSN Cars test drive of the new Daihatsu Copen