Good Points
Excellent Engine and box (Auto and manual).

Bad Points
Steering vague. Shakes, rattles but doesn't roll.

General Comments
Be warned - this car has a rock hard ride, due to large alloys and 'run-flat' tyres. You feel every undulation in the road. Of course, as a driver's car that's exactly what you crave for in a sports car, but you should be aware of this before you buy it. And don't get a nail in those run-flats - you have no option but to replace them, and they are a heart-stopping £230 each tyre.

Make sure you buy with Zenon headlamps - fast, late-night driving in the countryside is not advisable with standard lights. Also, this is a very quick car - if you are looking for a piddle about town car, then don't waste this car; buy a MX5 or MG TF.

I drove the new Boxster prior to purchase and for a similar specification, it was £14-15,000 (nearly 50%) more expensive than the deal I got on the Z4 - the Boxster made no sense as a purchase.

The switchgear, stereo, paintwork, steering, automatic gearbox, satellite navigation and so on are all faultess. It's also a 155mph everyday car which returns an average 26mpg, including urban use.

Of course you want a 911; but unless you need to show off with a Boxster, then this could be the correct head and heart buy for you.