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Details of how to register as a zroadster.net user, plus tips on day-to-day usage
markbsac
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hi im new

Post by markbsac »

hello im mark from loughborough i love the z3 and want to buy one ..is there any reason not to buy one ? :-)
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Captain
Joined: Thu 28 Jun, 2012 06:43
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Durban

Re: hi im new

Post by Captain »

No reason at all, just do it, you won't regret the decision. :)
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Z3andZ4
Joined: Fri 27 Apr, 2012 01:25
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: hi im new

Post by Z3andZ4 »

JFDI

There are a couple of sale if you look on this forum under Stock Exhchange.

paulb1976 has a cracker on sale NOW!!
2001 Z3 3 litre Sport Roadster - titanium and special
2006 Z4M coupe - Interlagos and red
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... huiwqu.jpg
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PCSAM
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Post by PCSAM »

Z3andZ4 wrote:JFDI

There are a couple of sale if you look on this forum under Stock Exhchange.

paulb1976 has a cracker on sale NOW!!
he did have :D
I will be putting my 1.9 up for sale soon ..............
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markbsac
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

im still looking any advice the prob is i have to start with a new insurance as i cant put 2 cars on my existing one so thats approx 550 road tax is 190 is this correct......whats the best advice you could give? i have just missed out on 2 crackers one only had 15,000 miles on the clock...im 50 next year and this is going to be my treat so i have until next march to get one :-)
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

this is the colour i really like and the low miles appeal to me...what do we think about high milers ?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: hi im new

Post by Brian H »

Hi Mark,

The best time of year to buy a Z is just about upon us so hopefully you will get yourself the car you want. Below are a few links to buyers guides, hopefully this should give you some insight in to the world of Zeds.

Guide 1

Guide 2

HTH
markbsac
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

wow thanks thats an awful lot to take in think i will print it off and also take a mate with me who is on his 2nd Z3...i dont want to buy a dud that will cost me an arm and a leg :-)
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: hi im new

Post by Brian H »

markbsac wrote:wow thanks thats an awful lot to take in think i will print it off and also take a mate with me who is on his 2nd Z3...i dont want to buy a dud that will cost me an arm and a leg :-)
Your welcome.

P.S. welcome to the forum
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: hi im new

Post by Bonzo »

[quote="markbsac"]im still looking any advice the prob is i have to start with a new insurance as i cant put 2 cars on my existing one so thats approx 550 ]

Shop around and haggle for your insurance, check comparison sites. I pay around £240 for 6000miles per year for a 2.8, but mine is a fair weather/ weekend mid - life crisis toy! Or so Mrs. Bonzo tells me! :lol:
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

bonzo mine is the same...be my hairdressers car so my bro said...lol ..i will be doing prob less than 5000 miles a year i have 3 classic scooters that i ride also..the prob is starting from new again with no no claims discount...240 sounds an awsome price to be honest
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: hi im new

Post by Bonzo »

Mark, could you not try the insurers of your scooters for your Z3 insurance? Also there are lots of Classic Car specialist insurers out there to try as well as the usual suspects. The guides shown on Brian's post were very helpful to me when purchasing Zelda. Also, anything Mike Fishwick writes, take on board. I have never regretted getting Zelda, she is one of the few cars that gives me a buzz just to look at, and although she only arrived in March, I think she is a keeper. The engine note is addictive too! :drive

Let us know how you get on choosing your Z3 and insurance. You've hooked up with a great forum.

Cheers, Bonzo.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

thanks guys you are being of great help...i just need to get out there and find one ...but as people say i would buy one just to look at and say..thats my car :-)
Zed Carer
Joined: Thu 13 Dec, 2007 20:27
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wakefield

Re: hi im new

Post by Zed Carer »

markbsac wrote:this is the colour i really like and the low miles appeal to me...what do we think about high milers ?
Really depends what you mean by "high milers"?

There are 2.8s now with 150k+ milages and in the States where there a lot more Z3s quite a number are approaching 300k, the 2.0 is basically the same M52 engine as the 2.8. Mine has done 91k now and the 4 years that I have owned it the only things that have broken (i.e. excluding wear and tear items such as pads, etc) are the thermostat and an exhaust bracket.

The one in your link has done <5k per year so it could have done a lot of short journeys, never got fully warmed, etc, etc. Now a similar car with 100k on the clock that has been driven regularly, full service history, etc could be just as good a buy. My son bought a 99 2.0 in April with 89k on the clock, heated seats and roll bars but it had a complete history file and its just passed its MoT with No Advisories. There are couple of things it could with (e.g. new rear discs as the originals are now well rusty) but there again he did only pay £2,250 for it.

Generally as the cars are now 10+ years people buy on condition, service history (not stamps in a book but invoices for actual work done) but more importantly how the car drives - my 2.8 still has the all the original suspension bushes, exhaust and clutch and passed its MoT this year with No Advisories. Lots of posts on other forums of 328s, 528s and 728s going 250k + in the UK.
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
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chrisp_1
Joined: Sun 10 Jun, 2012 08:26
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Re: hi im new

Post by chrisp_1 »

If you want cheap insurance then buy one pre 1998 (15yo) and you will be able to put on a classic policy for peanuts (£150-300 depending on location/miles per annum).

There are some decent 'M' propositions on the market ATM, but obviously these are gonna be around the £7-10k mark.
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Mint
Joined: Tue 01 Nov, 2011 18:43
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Post by Mint »

I've just insured my Zed for £245 with a Churchill Multicar Policy. I insure 3 cars but you only need to insure two cars to get the discount. I am 56 with 3 years NCB.

Re miles, I got my 'Mid Life Crisis Toy' last September with (deep breath) 132,000 on the clock. Did think twice at the time but she had FSH and drove well so I bought her. The only problem I've had was when the battery went flat during the winter lay up I had some warning lights on the dash but they cleared after a long run. Shes just passed her MoT with no advisories.

Mines a 2.2 straight six - absolutly love the sound and returns about 30MPG.

Best of luck with your search and welcome to the forum - this is a great place for information.
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: hi im new

Post by Bonzo »

Mint, stick a C-TEK battery charger on your Z3 over the winter. You can leave it on continuously, it has a 'smart' operation programme.

Got around 35mpg in Zelda the other weekend on a trip from West Sussex to Hythe in Kent. My first longish trip in her, mainly on the motorway. Cruising at 80mph, sorry, make that 70mph :wink: 3000 r.p.m. top down, sunhats and shades on, magic. Just a bit more pressure on the go pedal and the response was immediate. No vibrations, ( just good vibes, 8-) ), she felt so smooth and planted on the road. Luverly!

Stay safe guys,

Regards, Bonzo
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
markbsac
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

just contacted 2 people with 1.9s both sold...one dealer z3 sold...they dont hang about do they, thanks for the insurance tips...im not gonna rush but it seems that at the moment you have to strike while the iron is hot :-)
chrisp_1
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Re: hi im new

Post by chrisp_1 »

Whats your budget and preference on models?

Nothing like enlisting the help of forum members with your search (or dangling a carrot incase anyone is looking to sell theirs :lol: )
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PCSAM
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Post by PCSAM »

i may be selling my 1.9 soon :!:
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markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

1.9 or 2.0 i think but open to opinion on that...3-4k after the light blue..but all depends on service history mots condition i would imagine most on here look after them like there own babys...dont want silver..brit racing green or the dark blue at a push...in no rush my mid life crisis dont start till next march when im 50 :D
Bonzo
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: hi im new

Post by Bonzo »

Not supposed to be much in it performance wise between the 16v 1.9l 4 pot and the 2.0l , but the sound of the 6 cylinder is like music.
Have to agree on the dark blue colour if you mean Montreal Blue. Looks very classy, especially in the sun. :sunny

Good luck with the hunt.

Cheers, Bonzo.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

hi bonzo...no i would like the lighter blue of the 2 blues .im going to take my time but obviously by whats happened over the past week when i do find a suitable car i must not hang about the one that had 15k on the clock has gutted me the most !
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XVar
Joined: Thu 24 Mar, 2011 17:58
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Location: Derby

Re: hi im new

Post by XVar »

Don't get too hung up on the mileage, the engines in Z3s tend to be pretty much bulletproof if they're well maintained. With a Z3 at 15k I'd actually be worried that it's been sat around and not maintained properly especially if it's an older one, or even worse driven by an old lady to the shops and back a couple of times a week, never being brought up to temperature.
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1997 2.8 Z3 | Gallery Thread
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

so you would all say its perfectly ok to buy a z3 with say 100-150k on the clock with full service history and mots to match ? most of them body work wise that i look at on here seem mint my mates a sprayer so anything can be painted :D
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

hi guys just too let you all know...im still here and im still looking..seen a few i like but always so far away :-(
chrisp_1
Joined: Sun 10 Jun, 2012 08:26
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Re: hi im new

Post by chrisp_1 »

If you see one you like 'too' far away then post it up here and someone maybe close enough to do the first viewing for you - that way you won't end up travelling miles for nothing.
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

what a great idea ..well heres one down in surrey if anybody fancies a look

http://www.jancarenterprises.co.uk/used ... 1472732266
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

http://www.thekarshed.co.uk/used-cars/b ... 4490885229

only 1 key though mate in the trade said no big deal he can get keys no problem..anybody been to have a look at this
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: hi im new

Post by Brian4 »

Here's one not far from you and I'm doing near tomorrow if your interested.

http://www.barkbycarsales.co.uk/used-ca ... 8493796391

There is a green 2.8 near me as well.

Brian
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
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PCSAM
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Re: hi im new

Post by PCSAM »

Brian4 wrote:Here's one not far from you and I'm doing near tomorrow if your interested.

http://www.barkbycarsales.co.uk/used-ca ... 8493796391

There is a green 2.8 near me as well.

Brian
that's a good car for the price . a dealer price :shock:
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gookah
Z Register member
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: hi im new

Post by gookah »

PCSAM wrote:
Brian4 wrote:Here's one not far from you and I'm doing near tomorrow if your interested.

http://www.barkbycarsales.co.uk/used-ca ... 8493796391

There is a green 2.8 near me as well.

Brian
that's a good car for the price . a dealer price :shock:
I notice no mileage quoted, for that price, is this the reason...? may have been to the moon and back.
but still, £1800 for an '02 sport model.....omg...
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
Brian4
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Re: hi im new

Post by Brian4 »

I might just go for a look anyway.
Brian
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Mint
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Post by Mint »

From the advert:

'2 Doors, Manual, Convertible, Petrol, Metallic Blue, MOT-08-2013. Adjustable steering column/wheel, Air conditioning, Anti theft system.......'

I thought the steering column/wheel was not adjustable on any of the Z3s but was on the Z4s???
markbsac
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

hi guys i have been told to stay well clear of barkby car sales theres a reason its that price.....anyway spoke to the dealer about this one in croydon

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

which ones are the wide boys...i cant find the info on google

thanks for your help so far
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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Location: Johannesburg

Re: hi im new

Post by Southernboy »

The biggest issue here is to be patient. There isn't a queue beating the dealers doors down to buy them. So I wouldn't worry about missing anything because you haven't managed to get to the seller asap.
"Normal is overrated"
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Badman gee
Joined: Sun 14 Nov, 2010 10:45
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  M roadster S50

Re: hi im new

Post by Badman gee »

markbsac wrote:hello im mark from loughborough i love the z3 and want to buy one ..is there any reason not to buy one ? :-)
No reason not too, great retro cars.

I don't believe there is a best time to get one.

Anytime is good it makes no difference.
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markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

can somebody tell me which ones are the wider zeds was it a certain year or certain model ect :-)
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micklaw
Joined: Sun 13 May, 2012 19:07
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  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU

Re: hi im new

Post by micklaw »

markbsac wrote:hello im mark from loughborough i love the z3 and want to buy one ..is there any reason not to buy one ? :-)
hi mark
mick from broughton astley south Leicester here :)
I think the wide body ones or facelift start around 1999/2000.
ours is x reg 2000 and is wide bodied
if I can offer any help shout up
cheers mick
markbsac
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Post by markbsac »

cheers mick everybody is really helpful on here ive been looking for about 6 months now...i wanted one for my 50th birthday in march...but ive decided not to rush and wait till the right one comes up the one in croydon looks nice but its 128 miles away...lol
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Wide body or not ? this is a T plate i cant really tell
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: hi im new

Post by Del »

I’m pretty sure that’s a wide body – the confirmation is the rear light cluster is not straight on the inside edge. The car looks OK from the pictures, I can see that both seatbelt guides (side of seat) are broken as is the net luggage holder in the passenger foot well. New seat belt guides are about £15 each and a bit of a fiddle to fit as you have to strip the leather cover from the seat – I fixed one of mine last year – there is a useful guide on this site. I believe the luggage net is an easy fix and that they cost around £20?

Privately one might see a similar car with an asking price of around £2,500. Naturally there is always a “dealer premium”.
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Brian H
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Re: hi im new

Post by Brian H »

markbsac wrote:http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Wide body or not ? this is a T plate i cant really tell
This is a Facelift or bum-lift I should say, there is a pic of the three different rears somewhere, I am struggling to find it today :head:
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

hahah i never noticed those seat belt guides i bet they are a pain to replace :-(
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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

thanks my insurance increased a lot for a 2.8 as this was the first one i looked at ...so been told to look for 2.0 or 2.2 im in no rush as this is only going to be my second car..thanks for the help so far
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: hi im new

Post by Bonzo »

What about a limited mileage insurance or a classic car insurance, you can save on premiums with these. The 2.2 is best if you can stretch to it, quite a power hike over the 2.0, but both with the lovely silk on steel six.

When you find one you like, just check everything you can. If it should move, does it, ( windows, seats, all mirrors, (folding action as well! ). if it should illuminate, does it. etc. etc.. I think there are threads on knowledge base and roadster lifestyle giving a long lists of things to check on inspection before purchase.
best of luck. Hope you find one that's just right for you.

Cheers,
Bonzo.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
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EnthuZiaZT
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Re: hi im new

Post by EnthuZiaZT »

Bonzo wrote:
markbsac wrote:im still looking any advice the prob is i have to start with a new insurance as i cant put 2 cars on my existing one so thats approx 550
Shop around and haggle for your insurance, check comparison sites. I pay around £240 for 6000miles per year for a 2.8, but mine is a fair weather/ weekend mid - life crisis toy! Or so Mrs. Bonzo tells me! :lol:
Yes, sometimes you can get a good quote with a classic car policy!
Welcome to the Forum, Mark.
Mike & Sandy
Mike & Sandy - Mora Metallic Individual 2.0L

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Re: hi im new

Post by markbsac »

yes i have done all the comparison sites limiting myself to 5000 miles a year...got the 2.0 for £300 with everything even breakdown inc home start and legal...so its not like ive not tried all different places even my existing insurance to try and get 2 cars cheaper even on different policy's...its different for all of us
Bi11
Joined: Mon 05 Nov, 2012 21:26
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Re: hi im new

Post by Bi11 »

I am 45 and bought my Z as a second car last autumn. Like you I had zero no claims and was starting from scratch. My other car, is on a company policy. I thought that the insurance might be a limiting factor, but if it is a second car, more than 10 years old, on a limited mileage and garaged over night, then you will be surprised how cheap the insurance is through a classic car policy. I pay £260 for a Z3M (it was only about £20 more than a 3.0 sport), limited to 3000 miles per year. I am not sure that the classic car insurers are on the comparison websites. I am with Classic Line Insurance (I think that is what they are called), a lot of the other guys on here are with RH insurance. Give them a try before you limit yourself on engine size.
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Jonttt
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Location: Liverpool

Re: hi im new

Post by Jonttt »

Good luck with your search. IMHO the 2.2 sports are the best all round Z3s. They used to command a bit of a premium but as your being patient worth keeping an eye out for.

I would look out for a run/meet close to you as it's a great chance to see most variants in one place and talk to owners. You would be more than welcome even on a scooter lol
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
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