u/Pocketbrez

Last week I was waffling in deciding between a Z3 or an NC Miata.

Well, I found a Z3 that was (allegedly) in excellent condition, a "garage queen", as the listing claimed. The price was low ($6,500) and it was only a couple hours from me. (and it's in my (and wife's) favorite color)

The seller did not misrepresent. Zero rust, and I mean zero. The rear suspension still had the OEM paint, all fasteners still held the same grey patina. 5spd, 2.8L, A few paint chips here and there, and a spot on the front bumper lip that likely involved a parking block. The owner was okay with me "getting on it" so I thrashed it! It shifts smoothly and I was quite surprised to see it chirp the tires in second gear.

20 years of service reports from a local BMW specialist shop (not a BMW dealer though) included this gem: full coolant system overhaul.

The slight cause for concern: 152k on the clock. From what I've read, that shouldn't really be an issue as long as maintenance is done. There's also a CEL for P1622 that I need to chase down.

Having driven a couple Z3's this past week, I do suspect that the front end on this one is a bit "mushy". From what I can tell, this car is completely OEM, even down to the CD player. The top is in good shape, with the exception of the seal on the rear window starting to lift in one small spot. I'll use some adhesive for now as a temporary repair.

How'd I do?

I did drive a 97 as well on Saturday. Suspension in the front felt a fair bit tighter and the exhaust note had a growl to it that just put a smile on my face. Seller was a "I know what I got" sort of seller and was asking premium price for an Autozoned car (led's, poorly installed sound system, questionable pin striping. I walked)

Having studied the market for the past few months, I felt the price was fair and didn't haggle with him. So yeah, the proud new owner of a 26 year old roadster😁

I decided to get out of motorcycles, too many stupid and oblivious drivers on the road. It seems like every other day there's a wreck and loss of life/limb. That said, I still very much enjoy the open road and open feeling, so I'm looking at convertibles.

I'm not a speed demon anymore (I was in my youth. At 47 y/o, not so much). I've no interest in autocross or track days, just backroads driving with my wife in the passenger seat (or driving if she prefers). I'm of average American build, she's above average on size (sorry, not singling it out, but it does matter on small cars for comfort).

I've pretty much settled on either an NC Miata or the Z3, with at least the 2.8, preferably the 3.0, a manual transmission is an absolute must. My wife has always wanted a Z3 since the day they hit the roads, but it's an out-of-production car and that concerns me a bit. For the most part, I do my own wrenching, but what is parts availability like for the Z3? (Z4 is not interesting to me)

I live in the northeast USA, so I'd have to look for something that was a "garage queen". There are many options for that in the 10-13k range. What's considered "excessive" mileage? Should I aim to keep it below 100k on the clock, or is that already pushing it?

I look at the Miata and I see...a car that does the job and is loved by many, but no timeless lines to it or nostalgic appeal (that's just my opinion). It does appeal to me in the longevity and ease of access to parts/performance.

While my speed demon days are over, I would still want to stiffen up the handling, either thru suspension mods or swaybar/braces. New England has its share of windy backroads and driving something that just "sticks" is a blast

Update: Bought a Z3!

Z3 or NC Miata