Considering the future of my Z Roadster

Erob

Hey all,

I realize there will be varied opinions on this and that's fine. I'm hopeful to get some good input.

I feel Roadster owners bought their Z for reasons other than just because it's a Sports Car. I enjoy riding my motorcycles and still do, however, I also enjoyed my Fiance' riding with me. But after her reading many stories in our local newspaper about riders being injured or worse due to wrecks, she became increasingly uncomfortable about riding on the back of mine with me. To the point she no longer will ride. So I looked for another option which is what lead me to my Z Roadster, same open air feel but much safer. And yes she loves it as well. Now, after owning my Z for 2 years, I find I am having increasing concern over the reliability of the convertible top. My Z is a 2010 model with only 51,000 miles, strictly a pleasant weather car. It sits in my garage when not being played with. I have been researching other Roadsters and have a great interest in the Mercedes SLK 350. The overall reviews of the car are excellent and from what I've read the top gives little to no trouble plus it's a hard top instead of a soft top. I must admit, due to the constant worry that one day my Z's "top not working you're screwed now" alarm will sound, I am strongly considering parting ways with my Z and moving on to the Mercedes. From info here on the forum I realize a removable hard top is being developed by a private person but I struggle with paying $1500+ considering the top must be removed every time I want to drive it.

Has anyone owned or currently own the Mercedes SLK 350? Experiences with it? Thoughts on parting ways with my Z? I like my Z allot....BUT.........

Thanks for reading and any constructive thoughts.

babyzilla

I know I'm somewhat avoiding your main question, but have you thought about the miata? Mechanical rooftop which takes 2 seconds to close and open. There's no electronic system to go bad (unless of course you get the RF model). It's a lot smaller than the Z, but I'm assuming if you're looking into the SLK the size isn't an issue. I'm sure the majority of forum members here will agree that the miata is better than the SLK. I've personally driven a friend's miata and thought it was a blast. The MT was great and although I'm not a big convertible guy, I actually enjoyed it. It was a hoot to drive. I just couldn't get over the smaller size and the underwhelming engine sound (compared to the Z). Plus, the wife loves the nismo more than anything else. Just something to think about...

bunk

The SLK would cost an arm and a leg and another arm to maintain. Id look into the S2000

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babyzilla

+1 yes, the S2K is another great choice if you can justify the price for a well maintained example. You also won't get a factory warranty. Just forget about the SLK all together lol

Erob

I am a HUGE fan of non-power soft top convertibles, I think every convertible should be that way. I've driven a Miata and while it is a very nice car I'm hooked on the performance aspect associated with a "sports car". It is just too small for what I'm wanting plus under powered. With that said I greatly appreciate the suggestion.

JARblue

How about keeping the Z and replacing the soft top with a hard top?

Hard Top Option...

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nizzan4u2nv

I really like the bmw z4 35i. Not the most reliable but the tunability of the n54 and being a well handling roadster do it for me. Manual gearbox option is also a plus.

bunk

The only drawback on that option is either you leave home with the top on or top off - like a Jeep Wrangler. Doesnt fold down for storage .

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bunk

Also look at the resale value. The SLK would sink like rock. S2k, theyre very desirable

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*J*ap***V*et*

I just can't see with going with an s2000...nice cars but too dated versus the Z. If you get a roadster Mercedes or Bmw may be your go to. Does Alfa or Porsche have anything that may interest you?

littlejuanito

May I suggest the Audi TT Roadster? I have a 2017 and I'm sure one of them will be the right fit for you and your wife, not as expensive as the Mercedes nor small like the Miata.

busterbull

CRiZO

Your budget is really the deciding factor. Have you considered Porsche? The Boxster S is super fun and a little less go-kart'y than the S2000 or MX-5. The 718 is amazeballs if your budget is there.

Agreed. The Audi TT is very similar characteristically to the Z. Down on power, but it's not like you're racing the thing. With a chip you gain like 50 hp anyway.

Ian B

You can always get a G37 convertible. It is a hard top and excellent car. I had one.

Ian B

Erob

I'm surprised that so far the overwhelming consensus is "Stay away from the Mercedes". From what I've read they're very reliable. Maybe I'm missing something, that's why I posted this thread. Thanks!!

As for the hard top being made for the Z, it's like Bunk said.....gotta take it off before leaving home. I actually discussed that in my original post.

I agree the Honda is dated, wish I could afford a Porsche.

I never really considered an Audi, never heard good things about them so I shied away from that direction. I also considered a Camaro, not much of a Ford guy.

I got to say, for the money Nissan offers ALOT of car in the 370Z..... if it weren't for the stupidly expensive and unreliable top!!!

I don't plan on buying a new car, 3- 5 years old is perfectly fine with me as long as the maintenance history is solid and the miles are under 50K. Not unreasonable for a convertible considering where it's lived life.

My budget.... I bought my Z two yrs ago for $16K. It had just over 40K mi on it and was in perfect shape. Yep - right place at the right time. I'd like to stay at $20K or under. Perhaps that is not realistic.

Thanks again for the input.