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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,100
Addicted CEG\'er
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As the title alludes to. The parents are looking at getting one of these two as a "new" used vehicle. If I could get some wisdom from the resident gurus/aficionados/haters. Car one:
2002 BMW Z3 2.5i Roadster 2D Convertible
Exterior: Blue
Interior: Black Leather
Mileage: 42K
5 Spd Manual
2.5L/4cyl
EPA: 20/27
175tq@3500rpm
184hp@6000rpm
Remaining warranty: Balance of 4 years/50K (this year or 8K)
Price: $21,998
Options:
A/C, leather,AM/FM/CD, Pwr locks/mirrors/windows/seats/steering, cruise, heated seats, Convertible, alloy wheels, rear defroster
Car TWO:
1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 Kompressor 2D Convertible
Exterior: Red
Interior: Grey Leather
Mileage: 41K
Automatic
2.3L/4cyl
EPA:22/30
200tq@4800rpm
185hp@5300rpm
30 day limited warranty from dealer.
Price: $20,599
Options:
A/C, leather, pwr seats/locks/windows/mirrors/steering, cruise, heated seats, convertible, alloy wheels, rear defroster.
Okay. the battle begins. From a performance standpoint, but with maintenance cost averages, ease of DIY work, and track record of longevitiy coming in to play. Pros? Cons? Options to look at on either one? ANY and ALL help is APPRECIATED THOROUGHLY!
'99 CSVT - Silver #222/276
In a constant state of blow-off euphoria.
Originally posted by Kremitthefrog:
I like to wear dresses and use binoculars to watch grandmas across the street.
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,496
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2000
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Biggest Pro is that the MBZ has a hardtop convertible which is a huge step up from a cloth top with a hazy plastic rear window.
At highway speeds and in inclement weather the HT will be greatly appreciated.
Money doesn't always bring happiness. People with ten million dollars are no happier than people with nine million dollars ~ Hobart Brown
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,709
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
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wasnt their a problem with the oil passeges on the early z3's?
Originally posted by Chickens:
Religion can't do much for ashholes (unless you are an alterboy)
98.5 Se w/SVT mods
98 E0 SVT~ sold
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,193
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Posts: 3,193 |
The early Z3 had a completely different engine, probably the 1.9 litre.
My mom has a Z3 2.8 and it is a far more satisfying car and a better sporting convertible than the SLK. The SLK hardtop does give it a better 4-season ability, but a convertible should stored winters anyway.
The plastic rear window is a significant design flaw, but not a fatal one.
Any reason you're looking at these used vs. a new Mazdaspeed Miata or 2006 MX-5?
Brad "Diva": 2004 Mazda 6s 5-door, Volcanic Red
Rex: 1988 Mazda RX-7 Vert, Harbor Blue.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,100
Addicted CEG\'er
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2001
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Okay..
All good comments, and helpful!
So, if the "wintery-est" weather it will see is South Central Texas (OCCASIONAL 30's for a brief period but no snow in 8 years), then what's left to compare them?
Anyone else have anything to support either as a "better" car, like Zoom?
'99 CSVT - Silver #222/276
In a constant state of blow-off euphoria.
Originally posted by Kremitthefrog:
I like to wear dresses and use binoculars to watch grandmas across the street.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,882
Highly Medicated Member
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Highly Medicated Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,882 |
BMW: newer by 4 years, greater warranty, higher 'cool' quotient as opposed to the MB Fuddy-Duddy theme, CD player, Beter looking IMHO, and Hey, it's what Bond drove in Goldeneye...
Semper Fi
"They've got us surrounded. Poor bastards." -Chesty
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 807
Veteran CEG\'er
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Joined: Sep 2001
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You're joking, right? Z3 all the way. Manual for starters, and even if the SLK were the three pedal variety based on everything I've read the Bimmer is tons more fun. Also, while Mercedes used to make Toyota look like Fiat in terms of reliability they've gone to hell in a handbasket in the last several years; I wouldn't trust a 2002.
But hey, tell your parents to test drive both and see what they think...
--T.J.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 686
Veteran CEG\'er
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For what my two shiny pennies are worth, I had a friend with that EXACT MBZ. The roof was broken. Like, ALL the time. There was something wrong with the hinging mechanism... he couldn't put it down, because he was sure if it would go back up. That said, it was VERY comfy inside.
'98 Contour SVT - Please pardon our dust, under heavy construction.
'96 Escort LX - Pretender to the throne.
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Ray, that SLK seems overpriced from the prices I've seen. http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/136284972.htmlIf they are willing to come up a little bit on the price have they thought about a preowned Crossfire? Newer, fewer miles and a 7yr 70K warranty. Lots of HP from the 3.2L V6 as well and damn it, the car just looks cool. XFire 1 XFire 2 XFire 3
Money doesn't always bring happiness. People with ten million dollars are no happier than people with nine million dollars ~ Hobart Brown
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
The Z3 has always seemed like more of a sports car to me.
And as someone pointed out, manual and 4 years newer.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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