Car for the wife... Miata vs Z3.

[Doward]

Ok, here's the scoop.

'02 Miata MX-5, 37k miles, perfect condition, black - $12k + TTT
'97 BMW Z3, 121k miles, interior in 9/10 condition, needs new shocks, as well as a paintjob (missing some pieces of paint, and it's a hideous chameleon/teal looking color) - $10.9k +TTT

She really REALLY loves teh Z3, even though it needs work. So much peppier than the Miata (both are 4 cyl btw)

Wondering if anyone's got any comments or stories on either car - the Bimmer seems to get better mileage on the freeway, and the same around town - while managing to have more power than the Miata.

She's looking for a little roadster in the $10-$12k area. I wish I could find an s2000 for her to test drive here locally in Gainesville

*edit*

Ok, s2000 is out, I can't find one under $12k at all. $10k for a '97 Z3 with 121k miles doesn't seem like all that great of a deal - I found another dealership with a black one with only 70k miles, looks like it's in BETTER condition, and well - same price!

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Personally I like Z3.

 

[exander]

Go with the 70k Z3

 

[IJ.]

:ttiwwp:

 

[aye mate]

70k mile z3

 

[Doward]

Z3 > Miata, eh?

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Talk down the z3 price.

 

[Big Wang Bandit]

Z3... Just remember the price of ownership for a BMW... Everthing is pretty spensive!

 

[koulee]

Hold out for the I6 Z3 - at least then, it'll have some balls.

 

[Syris]

z3 ftw

 

[PROJECT N00b]

get the miata, its just better...cheaper parts and its a neat little car, turbo the bitch! yessa...because the things you need to do on the z3 will pretty much equal the amount you would have to pay for the miata.

 

[swaq]

Another option would be the Audi TT convertible. Here's one for $11k that isn't too far away from Gainesville (~145 miles, according to Google Maps): http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205101779

I'm not saying you should pick that over the Z3 necessarily, but it is definitely in the same league. The Audi has more power but the Z3 is lighter. I would definitely go for the Z3 over the Miata though.

 

[PROJECT N00b]

wow...did you just say rotary engine? on the miata...i hope you are kidding...seriously.

 

[exander]

Sure... I know nothing about miata... go ahead flame me

 

[kwnate]

Get the miata.

Sure... I know nothing about miata... go ahead flame me

:flamed: oon: :evil5: :slap: :thefinger

 

[SupraDerk]

People have swapped 13b's into Miatas.

And I would think working on a rotary would be a shit ton easier than a piston engine. 3 or 4 moving parts vs 30-40 something.

Usually the apex seals are about all that needs to be changed on those bad boys.

 

[PROJECT N00b]

yup. rotary = less moving parts & it is so much lighter than a standard run of the mill engine. and dont worry...you just gotta read up...usually, so ive seen the RX designates the engine...correct me if im wrong. i can name the rotary cars that mazda has made...well most of them. cosmo, rx3,7,8 and the rotary truck.

 

[Ckanderson]

buy a new Pontiac Solstice from me.

 

[Doward]

LOL, I would - if it were a GXP

 

[cnewingham]

my mom had the z3 (3.3l I-6) and it was ok but as soon as the z4 came out she dumped the z3 like a bad habit. Personally I would go miata but thats me.