rountreed

Z3, no way! Now maybe a Z4 3.0 and a Boxster would be a better choice. I would go Boxster S, Z4 3.0, Boxster, Z4 2.whatever and then to the Z3. But again go drive them and enjoy whatever you like and not what I or others like.

ez996

Z3 is a very underdeveloped vehicle. A lot of chassis flex. Even Bmw techs say it's a junk. It is a very simple car and always got kind of left overs as far technology goes. Z4 is so much better.
Like others said Boxter would be the way to go.

BruceP

Yeah, but those Z4 looks. It's like saying you should date Rosanne Barr because she can cook.

F355and996

If you're going to buy an inexpensive sports car, I personally like to find a car that, even if a few model years old, still looks new and modern. The Z3 is a discontinued car so to most people, including me, looks a little dated. On the other hand, you can buy a well sorted 1999 Boxster and, aside from a few subtle details known only to guys like us, it still looks like a brand new Porsche. That's why I just bought a 1999 C2 as a daily driver/track learner car. In the two weeks I've owned it, I have been asked innumerable times how much I spent for my brand new 911. You won't get that question in the Z3.

BruceP

I don't know what the original poster was thinking asking this question on a Porsche forum....

Benjamin Choi

s2000

hwk72

I had an EU Z3 2.8i Roadster with M suspension prior to my 996 C2 Cab and liked it a lot. It was a very involving driving experience. I've actually choosen one despite intensively test driving a base Boxster and a SLK 230 Kompressor. Sitting just in front of the rear axle makes it feel like driving a kart. However, today I'd go for a Z4. They are reasonable priced on the used car market.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX35G...elated&search=

Swede_Matt

I have to agree with you hwk72. I had the Z3 2.5 for 6 years and I really enjoyed driving it. It's small and feels like a go-kart. I too enjoyed driving it more than the base Boxter and SLK 230 that I test drove before making my purchase. It felt quick and had lots of low-end grunt making it a pleasure to drive.

I think it all depends on what you want the car for. A newer Boxter is obviously faster and more "track-ready". The Z3 offers tons of fun for normal driving and some windy mountain roads.

Looks is in the eye of the beholder. I personally think the design of the Z3 is very classic and I believe it will stand up to the test of time much better than the Z4.

BruceP

A fair assessment, Swede_Matt. I really enjoyed my Z3, too. I had a 2.8 Dinan S. It was a hoot to drive, very easy to live with and (flame suit on) I got WAY more attention in that car than I do in this one, not to mention much less hostility in traffic.

But I'm a Porsche guy now. I don't know why on earth I waited so long.

perfectlap

The Z3 is more of a true roadster in that its small, light, long front and short rear. And since its smaller, lighter, shorter car it requires less power to go fast, the epitome of a roadster. It's a great design and the real shot in the arm that the roadster segment needed. On the other hand the Boxster is the roadster of the Porsche brand but not in the same way the Z3 is. Since the first gen Boxster is basically a Carrera from the doors forward, it's a tad large for the classic roadster label, in the Lotus Elan, Miata, Triumph, etc. way.
But Porsche made it work in a big way by placing the engine in the middle giving it handling and agility that sets the bar in the roadster class, either classic or modern.
But...... you still miss a certain something sitting in a Boxster interior that is identical to a 996 coupe in size and comfort, the classic roadster feel of z3, 550, elan, Miata is really not there in the Boxster, s2000 or the Z4. But its apples and oranges.

Now in terms of daily commuting, I wouldn't recommedn driving any small roadster. Too many 2 ton suv's driven by clueless drivers all travelling 80+ mph. I'd hate to be behind one of those Navigators in a Z3 tin can as its about to tip over and fall on top of me. If you are driving far every day and must drive a purpose built roadster get an S2000, Z4 or Boxster. But I would recommend a hybrid.
If I drove every day I would have a Prius, leave the sports car for the weekends.

Swede_Matt

Going off topic here and I'm putting my flame suit on too ....I have the same exact experience. When the Z3 was new I got tons of attention.

However, the biggest difference is the attitude of drivers around you. When I drive my P-car I sometimes feel like it (the 911) is somehow making people around me drive way more aggressive. Cutting me off, racing me, tailgating etc. And I never felt the same thing in the Z3.

Love my 911 though. Wouldn't trade it for anything! (ok, maybe for a Ferrari, Aston Martin or GT3)

BlackCab996

+1

The S2000 is an amazing car and you can't beat Honda's reliability and low maintenance costs.

pl

miata

NNH

+1

BruceP

Not sure if you're kidding, but I actually think it's a great car. You can use everything it's got, which is big fun.