I am on my second Z4, 6 years, and the lease expires on my '07 in April. The new Z4 is gorgeous, and imho has three issues - its overpriced, if you look at how poorly these cars are dropping in value, the trunk is pretty much useless, and the options are way overpriced (and they downgraded the audio system this year, so you have to buy the premium audio (another $1800). The Boxster is a better choice as a pure sports car, it drives better in every respect and costs about the same, depending on how you equip it. I still love the new Z4 though. Killer styling.
However I'm ordering a 370Z Touring roadster instead. BMW is not bending on the price yet, but they will. The Z4's are not selling (see the numbers on the Bimmerfest forum) they were knocking $10,000 off the leftover '09s, gave up on the '10s, and are now only making '11s. Guys on the Z4 board were shocked to find out what there cars are worth now. (I'm glad I don't have to sell or trade mine). The 370 has a great driving feel, very similar performance (but only if you chose the more expensive twin turbo Z4) and can be purchased at near invoice, so about $10,000 less than the BMW. A new Z4 with wicked CA taxes, license, & insurance, say adios to about $60,000 all in. If I was prepared to spend that much it would be a Boxster. I struggled with the same decision for the last three months and read just about everything written on these two cars. I came down on the value side. If B of A stock hits $50 maybe I'll go German again. Make sure you drive each car more than once.
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