Cheap Car Road Trip Pros & Cons - Cheap Sports Car Challenge 03 - Swapping Cars | Everyday Driver

After prepping our Cheap Sports Cars for a road trip, we set out on a 1,500 mile adventure through great scenery to discover the pros and cons of the Z4 and SLK. Join us as Paul and Todd get to review each other's cars for the first time and argue about who got the better car.
00:00 - 1:25 Intro
1:25 - 3:44 Location and Prep
3:44 - 7:10 The Cars
7:10 - 10:21 Road Trip Problems
10:21 - 12:45 Paul Drives Todd's Z4
12:45 - 17:00 Todd Drives Paul's SLK
17:00 - 20:14 Interior Issues
20:14 - Why Road Trip?
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[@paulm6481]

Good old days of BMW straight six naturally aspirated engines as base motor.

[@PresidentEvil]

blame ever increasing emissions laws

[@RoyalFizzbin]

Yeah, I sometimes wonder if a 128 with a MT would be a money pit.

[@travisswanson4660]

The great thing about the Z4 3.0, is you can do some light modifications and gain some reliable extra horsepower to get that little extra, and save a little weight in the process. And, although a little expensive, it’s not as outrageous as you might think, installing the hydraulic steering racks, which has great feedback and texture. In addition, changing out the shifter for a short throw, even M type, and adding better connections, and the shift feel is almost night and day. The aftermarket is slowly growing for this car. And for good reason.

[@noelaguirre7104]

I took a chance on the Z4 it's been 5 years still absolutely in love with the car, mine it's in top condition inside and out.

[@jayicg6189]

I bought one as well a few years ago. I love it! '07 3.0Si -. Mint condition. What year /trim did you buy?

[@willsee7452]

Bought one 7 months ago and drove it 1200 miles home. 07 3.0si 6spd. Smiles per gallon are up there, and that’s all I care about.

[@lwh4566]

What are your opinion on a 2.5i with an 5 speed auto? Can't seem to find any manual's in my country. Are the engine and transmission reliable? Thanks.

[@lwh4566]

@Rubedo Alaberti thanks!

[@dennisdoodan9348]

I have 2 3.0si s what fun

[@rust3dsteel]

"The amount of fun isn't connected to the $$$" Well said! Another great video guys.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

But unfortunately people think it is! If its expensive, its exclusive, no one gonna get it, bla bla bla bla! If people were very aware of the real cost of everything we buy . . .

[@raysiat4230]

Thought the same when a Ferrari came at me around a corner while in my MGA.

[@richcracknell]

"If this was how we always drove convertibles I would own one. Now I do own one". Todd, now you own two..!

[@rumporridge1]

The Z4 styling is timeless and pleasing to the eye. Kudos to both.

[@filippxx]

Damn the Z4 is looking good almost 20 years later

[@charlietwotimes]

I have an SLK350 and whenever I'm feeling blue, out we go. Rarely fail to return without a whole new joy for life + the simple things. Prozac for the soul.

[@klasseact6663]

My God the scenery 😉

[@512TXSDIY]

Yes!

[@mikehub6664]

Utah is an amazing road trip destination

[@nigelcarpenter4814]

bought a Z4 a year ago, same car apart from a year younger & 64000 miles & I've put 10 of those on. changed wheels & tyres for non run flats, expansion tank, full service & front wheel bearings. what a brilliant car for around the same money, took it on a European tour 2500 in 2 weeks & it performed effortlessly, absolutely live it

[@misterlob3604]

My friend and I are both 22, and we get together with our dad's once a week and watch all the Everyday Driver & Test Drive videos that came out during the week. It's a fantastic tradition that we started about three months ago and I don't see an end in sight. Couldn't be happier

[@EverydayDriver]

That's really cool! We're thrilled that it's a way all of you can connect on cars and we're honored to be a part of it. Thanks for watching!

[@johnpapa8681]

"These cars aren't that old"??? My newest car is a 1990, and I'd go anywhere in it.

[@travismaulden7170]

The trunk on the Z4 is huge for a car in this class. It makes for a great track day car. I can easily fit all my tools and gear for a weekend away at and HDPE with room to spare.

[@starskyhutch6011]

What a beautiful looking drive! I live in Denver and will definitely be seeking this route and add it to the random drives/road trips I've been doing around the state since the pandemic began.

[@brianmcgauley2664]

Allow min 2 hours each way, plus several hours at the fab auto museum at Gateway Canyon Resort.

[@jasondrane8749]

2004 3.0l Z4 6 spd for me..... adore it. Wife and I have put many country Kms on it and it is amazing, comfortable and roomy for two. And yes there is something spectacular about a soft top with the roof down in the right circumstances. Also yes the Z4 has the worst cup holders ever put in a car

[@darrylwebb3625]

This is a GREAT real-world view of motoring. Loving your insights of these cheap cars. First class filmography too : what scenery!

[@joelness]

Awesome cheap roadster series! After this one, I'm hoping for a cheap sport coupe series! (That C4 Vette from a bit ago would be a great candidate.)

[@danielbearce8668]

Definitely one of the best videos the 2 of you have done. And I love the procedures that must be followed on the German cars.

[@todddunbar176]

The review of the trunk with the inner cover on the SLK was genius. I have never seen anyone cover that aspect before. Kudos to this channel.

[@firestang70]

I have 03 z4 3.0, I did a couple of modifications that have transformed the car. The seats stink, swapped out to a set of e46 sport seats, bolstering, lumbar support, better comfort. Steering feel not great, swapped in an e46 hydraulic system, light years better. The ride harsh, decent shocks, struts, Eibach springs, ride is better than stock and handles better. My 3 biggest gripes with the car have been improved greatly and all done for less than $1000 finding a deal on used seats and hydraulic steering.

[@jontrackerjack]

With todays expensive fuel it is amazing that my Z4 3.0I easily does over 40 miles per gallon and throughout summer has averaged 35 mpg, which I reckon is so good for a 3litre 18 years old sports car.

[@billyehh]

I have a 2003 SLK 320 with a 6 speed manual which I bought off lease when my 1989 Miata died. It is not a sports car, but more like a grand touring car. I am 75 years old so it suits me better than something lower and tighter. I agree that the interior is ugly, but in the 320 which is first generation, the interior is more subtle with real wood trim. The radio is a single bay and even has a cassette player. I took it on a road trip from Toronto to Vancouver 2 years ago and it was a blast. 13,500 kilometres with all the side trips. The car has never seen snow and even now has only 136,000 km. The handling is OK but sluggish after the non power steering of the original Miata. The guys are right about the gearbox, it is crisp and the clutch is even but a touch heavy. Both of these cars are designed to put a smile on your face.

[@6SpeedTA95]

Don't even have to watch to know this is going to be great...thumbs up, then watch :)

[@stahlight]

Autotempest: 1984 Fiero 2M4 / 2.5L Manual in excellent condition... This could be fun :)

[@scottthomson9813]

I used to drive one of those new. For all the stick they get it was actually a really fun little car. Picking one up again after all these years is still in the options list!

[@statuemorris3970]

Another amazing piece! Thanks guys for the great content!

[@sprattbooks]

I've been waiting for this video all day!

[@austinfrazier7325]

The scenery is amazing!

[@31186dan]

I’d been waiting for this. Love this kind of content, keep it up!

[@chrisluecke3341]

I just realized that this is the first time you have driven each others cars on camera. I love the comparisons that you are able to extract going from one car immediately to the other. it's one of the things I love about your show. I have watched it twice already and it has solidified that I want the convertible experience next. Maybe I will win one and then I can slip my way into having a second car for me. Thanks guys!

[@jonhill9564]

Enjoying this series 👍 Somebody finds you guys some great roads/scenery. Beautiful spot there

[@cayman9873]

The bmw is great looking.

[@andreasbeaufort3594]

"Bring the family minivan" and "back off" reminded me of a short trip I took with my old (and quite beaten) '03 Renault Scénic. Two litres, four speed automatic transmission, and running at about 75mph all day long. Quite simply pleasant! Thanks for another excellent video, guys!

[@brickvision8858]

1994 mustang gt convertable is my cheap sports car, love it to death!

[@jessicaseyfried7888]

Leave me alone while I do my job. Very well said. I love these episodes

[@raymonheath1436]

Having owned many sports cars over the last 5 decades including three r170, r171, r172, lotus plans, Caterham, etype jaguar, mgbs, triumphs and many others, I can 100% recommend the slk 350 rl72 as the best driving g experience for cross continental road trips and back road day trips. Incredible value, reliability plus more than fast enough to get into trouble or out of it. I doubt anyone really needs more than 300 bhp to have fun.

[@josephflynn8158]

Please just keep doing what you’re doing! Thanks!

[@dfung4351]

breathtaking scenaries. Very well done!

[@twolaneroad]

beautiful video guys! I had to chuckle at the "almost 2k miles already", I put 900 on my tdi golf yesterday alone

[@dalibrozofficial9543]

I did a road trip back in 2017 along the Adriatic coast and through Bosnia in my 2003 Z4 3.0i. It was absolutely worth it.

[@tkbass01]

I just purchased a 2008 Z4 M Roadster this past Monday. It has 74,400 miles and is in great condition. So far, I absolutely love it!

[@geraldsmith6837]

What an amazing video! Content, scenery, commentary...all amazing. Couldn't agree with Paul and Todd more. Nice to see my S2000 at 22:42. You can have a lot of fun with any car -- it doesn't have to be expensive or an exotic. Running into two of my favorite KZbin celebrities along my road trip with my Ferrari friends was one of the most interesting experiences of my life.

[@phattyhales]

It was great meeting you guys Gerald! I'll not soon forget impressing the group with my Expedition driving skills lol

[@GlennsCarCollection]

The last time I saw a Mercedes in a manual was back in 2006 in a new SLK at a Mercedes driving event.

[@kadelansford8827]

You gentlemen are the reason I got my first cheap sports car (and have continued to get more) and I love your continual dedication to driving fun, I’d say keep it up but that’s a given with you two

[@EverydayDriver]

Very glad you found a cheap car of your own. Thanks for watching and enjoying what we do!

[@petegalindez9961]

Great review! Love the cup holder part! LOL

[@wiseleyb]

Great series... it's kind of nice to watch car stuff that isn't pie-in-the-sky expensive

[@johnny8416]

todd and paul make my day hearing the podcast and then make my night when i watch KZbin content

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad to have you with us, thank you!

[@242HP]

Great video, guys. I am enjoying following your adventures with your cheap sports cars. Hope you had some cell signals out there in Colorado in case one of the cars broke down (I guess you probably had a third car and driver along to help you do filming and stuff, though).

[@dawolfsburg]

I appreciate how far out your side mirrors are adjusted!

[@goose4150]

It's my definition of my ideal USA road trip: a Z4 and STUNNING landscapes😍😍

[@Quartz-GT]

My and my fiancée had a two week road trip around France a few years ago in a Z4 - we packed for a for a friend’s wedding, beaches, hiking up mountains, food and wine, cameras... that boot has a lot more space than you might think!

[@jimballuff3849]

I own a 2007 Jaguar XK Convertible, 1 of 97 Winter Gold 4.2L, V8 46000 on the clock. every option. Love the car, the ride, the look Saw my first Jag in the '70s a Red Type E, Always wanted one ...now I have one.. what a fun car..

[@andrewbmwz430]

I love my 06 Z4 3.0 manual (better shifter than the preface lift) and I actually have the accessory catalog still!!!!

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Really enjoyed this vid

[@miguelgalindo7941]

Just got back from a road trip to Utah; went to spend 30 minutes in front of Frank's Echo Service station just to take a few pictures of my C5 Z06 in front of the old station (I live in California). Would never have gotten the idea to own my C5 if not for your great documentary. Thanks guys.

[@andrewm5840]

Road trip realities was the best!

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@terrencelawrence5007]

It's a pleasure to drive. I look forward to driving in it. Just for the experience. Love just getting lost seeing wherever may be new.

[@dubd7626]

Keep it up guys waiting for the next podcast

[@jakevreeburg3165]

Accepting the challenge. Bought a 1995 Honda Del Sol Si with 35K miles for $5000.00 on EBay two years ago. Now has 42K miles. Automatic because I’m (a lot) older now. In 1996 I bought a brand new 1995 Del Sol 1.6 liter VTEC spec manual 5 speed and put 78K miles on it when it was stolen. A bitch’n car for a mid life crisis. I replaced it with a more mature 1990 MBZ 300 SL with an in line six and a five speed manual, again on EBay and I had to import it from Montreal in February. Drove it home to San Francisco. While I looked cool to passers-by ( I think ) the Del Sol was more fun, more practical, much more economical hence the acquisition of my current ‘95 auto Del Sol, a delightful car and cheap to insure.

[@markreynolds3850]

Great video!

[@pduffy83usa]

You both did well!!

[@gunsandcars3648]

you guys finally get it, I love my beat up convertible mustang GT as much as my boxster or 911, cause its a convertible and dont care if it gets a dent or chip

[@stevenrumfitt2239]

Thanks guys really enjoyed your reviews of these cars I’m thinking of getting one of these it’s been very helpful but don’t have long Gorgous roads like that in the UK

[@stevensumner3146]

Another great vid thanks for sharing. It would be good if maps of your road trips could be put on a still photo in your vids along with distances and any special places visited.

[@jj8383]

Hey y'all I'm late to the party but I loved your talk of “proclivities”, “nebulous” road feel, “bizarre” engineering, “hysterical” steering, "natural habitats" quite frankly 😁

[@williwonkah.9242]

I stay in Scotland BUT...I have to say that scenery is absolutely stunning 😍

[@CMazzone84]

Amazing shots guys nicely done!!

[@TheRealToybox]

Rooting for the z4

[@robertgilbert5496]

Just picked up a Z4 and drove it home to Colorado from California. I even made a point of hitting Rt 12 in Utah, a road that you guys frequent. Thank You Thank You Thank You

[@EverydayDriver]

Congrats! And glad you got to drive Hwy 12!

[@XMG3]

watching this made me plan a 1 day road trip with my BMW F32 lol, thanks guys

[@1satisfiedmind]

I am reminded as to why I still love my 1990 300zx. Everything I think I need with another car, I already have. T tops off on a gorgeous day in the mountain twisties...heaven. I'm gonna look see if you guys have reviewed the Infiniti G37 S Convertible Hardtop now as I really like those cars.

[@gaspump]

Makes me pine for my old '08 Z4 3.0si. Beautifully smooth 255-ish horsepower I6 and smooth as silk manual transmission. Great car. Edit: Solved the cupholder situation with the Ultimate Cupholder. 20 bux, no problems. As pathetic as the cupholders are good to remember the Euro-spec didn't even have them at all. Definitely an afterthought, and I don't fault it for that.

[@donaldnixon398]

I bought an '08 Z4 3.0si last year. Loving it! One of the first adds (in addition to new struts and shocks and wheel studs) was the ultimate cupholder - one for driver and one for passenger. This car is not quite as fun to drive as my '01 Z3 3.0i, but it is faster everywhere and is a great road trip car.

[@willsee7452]

Ok am I the only one without a gripe about the cup holder? Once I realized that they ratchet closed to hold the cup, I haven’t had an issues. Just no big gulps. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@edwarddunk2731]

Love my MX5 Great Video👍

[@RedWhiteandBoosted]

Great video, I have a few SLKs and a Elise. Perfect stable for the driver who likes quality

[@davidramsbottom7703]

surprised that you didnt think that these curvy scenic two lane highways are where these two cars are in their element! - for me this is where they excel. yes they are fine on the autobahn, but that is waaayy less fun, and if there are trucks or heavy traffic around then you might be less keen to drop the roof and less able to enjoy the drive. great video.

[@bryenwilliams1092]

I'm 6'5" and have an 09 SLK 300 manual that just ticked over 175K with no major work needed. To this day this is still the most comfortable road trip car I've ever driven.

[@j.delaney5525]

I have a 2012 135i convertible that is one of the cheapest and funnest cars I have ever owned! Please keep making videos!

[@malcolmscott4150]

That scenery was amazing plus 2 great affordable cars :)

[@macphistom4044]

I had the pleasure or driving a 2006 Subaru STI in California one glorious April. I took a road that went straight through the Los Padres National Forest to Maricopa Arizona and then back. 3 hours each way...State Road 33......That car was glorious....curves, canyons, apex.....i was moved.......I want to take my Fiesta ST (thanks to Todd and Paul) there.....

[@chm2]

Autotempest: 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage. What a beauty!

[@MongoMotors352]

My fun car is my 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP. Absolutely love it, however I wish is had the retractable hardtop from the SLK.

[@terrencelawrence5007]

I love my 04 z4 3.0si ❤️

[@MT-vi6vb]

Another very interesting and well-executed idea from these guys... perhaps next will be the cheap track car challenge? :)

[@todddunbar176]

What a great review. I absolutely LOVE the route you were on. I live in Colorado and try to get out there at least twice a year. The problem with buying that particular SLK is this. There is an SLK AMG out there and wow-what a car. I heard it was called the Cobra of Europe. Every time I would get in the "lessor" Merc I would always be thinking about what I could have had. I would also recommend-as far as "cheap" sports cars go-is the often overlooked Audi TT. I just bought a 3.2 model and after some "fixing up" it seems to be a wonderful car. Audi reliability is sketchy of course but I have a Toyota for a daily. But, they are fun, convertible or coupe and most of them are AWD which is great for those of us in states where it snows. Just a thought. Happy motoring everyone.

[@RarelyReplies]

Not in the market for anything like this, but not missing an episode.

[@kin0689]

I have an 03 Z4 converted to hydraulic steering. BIG difference! 18 inch wheels and bigger tires. Big difference. The electric power assist was awful and had stiction issues. Scary to drive!

[@RockstarBruski]

Great video, narrating, drone shots, cinematography and editing. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos! Also welcome to convertible goodness! My wife and I own two convetibles: a 95 Porsche 911 cabriolet with 61k miles and a 2008 mini Cooper convertible with 145k miles. While the 911 performs much better than the mini, the mini is more carefree on longer road trips and daily errands mostly because of the much lower pricepoint and being able to put on as many miles on it as we want without thinking about depreciation per mile like we do on the 911. Sadly I live in Oregon where dry rain free days are few and far between which so not much drop top road trips for me until spring time. Enjoy your covertibles! 🙂

[@GiorgosC-rp5ms]

that scenery makes me wanna pack up and move out there

[@faidleyj1]

Unbelievable filming guys!

[@KosmicKitchen]

Well said, somewhere around 23:20: 'if you're connected to a car, the amount of the fun isn't connected to the $ at all'.

[@edmundhayes1840]

The road trip realities section was a great insight. Will Paul make a video on interior cleaning?

[@brianmcgauley2664]

I travelled this same road from Telluride to Gateway fall 2021, and it was one of the most spectacular drives I’ve ever been on. Allow minimum two hours each way and as much time as you can spend in the FABULOUS auto museum at the Gateway resort. I’d love to see maps of where you guys drive in Utah.

[@pkonneker]

The z not zed license plate is 🔥.

[@brownwhale5518]

Convertibles are great, but where I live it’s either to cold, to warm, to rainy, to buggy, to snowy, to dusty, to much pollen, to windy, lacking of good scenery and about another dozen negatives to ever make one worthwhile. There’s really about 10 days a year when I’d put the top down, and those are never bunched together and unlikely to be on a weekend. So I’d be down to like two days a year. Hard tops for me.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

For these kind of natural scenarios a convertible is definitely the best choice! Every time I go to Canary Islands on vacation, I rent a cabrio! Congrats for the Drone footage is just Gorgeous!!!

[@EverydayDriver]

Thanks for watching!

[@derek6ferrari]

A 2001 audi tt quattro 6 speed is my cheap convertible sports car. Got it for 2700 dollars! Much like the z though my car is 10 footer for sure. I still love it though.

[@Maelstrom8]

What a steal! You made out like a bandit!

[@Bbronson]

How hard are the tt’s to work on? I’ve heard they’re very annoying

[@hoverlogix5554]

Hello 👋. That’s my home track! Our Miata knows Very well!

[@adamjohnsen6589]

Right about the time you two bought your cars I picked up a $5,200 fun car. A 2009 BMW 328i sedan 6spd. I have 2 boys (5 and 3) so they both enjoy the cruises around Colorado with it. First time owning a rear wheel drive and it is a lot of fun. First BMW and I am enjoying it.

[@Maelstrom8]

It's amazing to own a fun car on its own. But spending time with your sons, while introducing them to the joys of cars on the road is priceless. I wish you guys many joyous miles!

[@tookiedew]

2009 was a good year for the e90. I know someone with one who has over 200k miles and it still drives 👌

[@teacherrandy2546]

I'm so excited to see Mr. Schmucker and Mr. Deeken finally made it out to Western/South-Western CO, which I suggested in the comments section a dozen episodes or so ago. For those who want an excellent road to test your driving and car's limits, Highway 550 from Durango to Ouray and on to Telluride (via Ridgway) is a great road trip with scenery like this episode, but even more so! It's called the "Million Dollar Highway"... check it out!!

[@donaldnixon398]

550 is a great road, but actually too crowded for quick driving. Try CO-141 from Naturia to Grand Junction instead.

[@teacherrandy2546]

@@donaldnixon398 Yes sir, I did not consider that fact! 141 IS a great alternative...actually the Western Slope is FULL of amazing roads, scenery, and driving. I'm sure the EDD crew will be back again. Utah is nice for sure, but nothing beats Colorful Colorado imho. ;)

[@Aurora_v_cali]

I love your reviews..... 💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️

[@leemac1659]

I have an '06 Z4 3.0Si with the M-sport suspension (I bought it in 2015). Love the car but what he says about the ride is true. Even without run-flat tires, I swear if I ran over a coin, I could tell whether it was a penny or a nickel.

[@BarnabeeJones]

The E89 Z4 is the combination of these two cars that you are looking for. And yes, you could get a manual...