My mother just called me about a 1997 Z3 1.9 Roadster.

A quick rundown...

• 180,000 miles.
• 5-speed manual.
• Driver's seat has tears.
• Not sure if sport package.
• Green with tan interior and top.
• Guy is asking somewhere around $4,200, but he said he'd take no less than $3,800.
• I think she's going to try to offer $3,500... maybe less.

I told her to prepare to replace the cooling system upon getting it. Any other quirks on these 1.9L engines? She says she wants to restore it to "like new" condition (re-cover the seats, maybe put some wheels on it, etc.) and possibly sell it for double what she paid for it.

Thoughts?

with that many miles and age, it's unlikely to sell for it anywhere near double, fixed up or not.

My dad used to be a dealer and we had one for a brief stent and personally I wouldn't buy the 4 banger. Also check the head gasket we had a problem with ours

For 3,500 you could get a miata instead...

Originally Posted by Cobra

with that many miles and age, it's unlikely to sell for it anywhere near double, fixed up or not.

NADA said "Clean Retail" was a hair over $6,100.

Originally Posted by 04cbM3

My dad used to be a dealer and we had one for a brief stent and personally I wouldn't buy the 4 banger. Also check the head gasket we had a problem with ours

I'll be sure to let her know.

I tried to tell her to hold out for a Z4, but I swear she has impulse control issues.

Originally Posted by Fergo_the_mule

For 3,500 you could get a miata instead...

She sees me riding around town in the car I love and she's like, "I want a B-M-DOUBLEYOUUUU-HOOOOOO!"

If not a z4 then a 6cylinder z3. The 4 banger was just a joke... It was quick in 1st gear then nothing lol

you Mom called. not your mother. Unless you're trying to prove something

Perfect car for moms and couldn't-afford-a-Porsche'rs

3500 you can buy a 3series with half those miles


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Sounds like a nightmare to maintain. Maybe a MX5 instead?

She might break even if she flips it...maybe. Terrible starting point for a flip or even if she just wants it for herself.

Sounds like a terrible idea. Buy a used car that's already in decent condition and improve from there.

Originally Posted by Fergo_the_mule

For 3,500 you could get a miata instead...

A very nice one too +1

pics of mom

You could restore it but you'd never get double your money for it. At most you'd get 4,500.00 pass on the car.

Originally Posted by makecopies

A very nice one too +1

Yeah, there are some good deals. Maybe an earlier 1.6 one, which I'm sure is fine for his mom (doubt she has turbo plans).

Here's a decent NB with high miles
http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/3836826983.html

Here's a really nice looking 1.6
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/3868302129.html

I plan to get one in the future for turbo plans and autocross.

A miata is such a better choice

Eh... she wants THAT car. I think she's going to offer the guy $2,800 or so. I told her, "Good luck with that," but she's still convinced he'll take it and be able to sell it for more afterwards. I tried to tell her to just get a Z4, because I have a feeling she'll want to keep it after she drives it. She wants me to go test drive it sometime soon so she can make a decision (since I'm the "BMW guru" of the family).

And believe me... she can afford a Porsche if she wants it. She and my step-father are frugal when it comes to cars, though. I think the last "expensive" one they bought was a fully-loaded 2007(?) Chevy Avalanche.

Take her for a spin in a 3 liter car and ask her what she wants then.

for 2800 sure but the engine has to run perfect