A popular motoring personality has taken to YouTube to share how used car buyers can get behind the wheel of an expensive-looking performance coupe for a particularly low price.
Adam Morris is one of the presenters on the YouTube channel ReDriven and regularly fronts videos in which he recommends a wide range of pre-owned models that offer performance, low running costs, and luxurious features for a reasonable price.
In a recent video, Adam takes a look around a first-generation BMW Z4, stating that it may not be as reliable as a Mazda MX-5 but offers plenty of entertainment
He explained: “We argue, for bang for your buck, the Z4 is incredibly hard to beat, especially with the 3.0-litre engine. Obviously, this isn’t a car for the faint-hearted. If you want bulletproof reliability and an ease of ownership experience that is in-line with a Toyota Corolla, just buy a Mazda MX-5.
“But, if you’re willing to invest a bit of time, effort, and money into a genuine enthusiast’s car, the Z4 will need to be at the very pointy end of your list!”
Built from 2003 to 2008, the original BMW Z4 was the successor to the Z3, addressing a number of issues many owners had with the way the model drove, giving the model a much stiffer chassis.
The Z4 was sold as a hardtop coupe or convertible and offered with a wide range of engines. Adam particularly praised the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol model, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in as little as 5.6 seconds.
Since the most recent examples are now more than 15 years old, drivers can get behind the wheel of a BMW Z4 with a budget of around £2,500, with particularly clean examples with the 3.0-litre engine typically retailing for between £5,000 and £10,000.
Getting behind the wheel, Adam noted that the BMW Z4’s driving style is more serious than other popular used coupes but still offers plenty of thrills.
He added: “What are these things like to drive these days? Two words: massively underrated. This thing feels like driving a third-generation Mazda MX-5 that has just spent a copious amount of time in the gym.
“It just feels bigger, more powerful, and stronger in every way. Okay, it might not be so light on its feet like an MX-5, but it’s sort of swapped that for this feeling of conviction and seriousness. Don’t get me wrong, it will still make you laugh out loud, but it’s just more of a laughing like a psychopath.”
Whilst Adam recommended the Z4 to drivers, he recommended that potential buyers make sure that all electronic features fitted to the car are in good working order.
He advised: “This actually goes for both the hardtop and cabriolet, make sure that anything on the exterior that’s powered by electricity actually works. We’re talking about the windscreen wipers, powered mirrors, door locks, lighting – check it all.
“If these don’t work or they just work sporadically, it could be an issue with the car’s GM5 module. The hot tip from the owner’s groups and forums on these modules because they can be repaired or replaced – just check the forums.”
