Cost of Cheap Sports Cars & What's Next! - Cheap Sports Car Challenge | Everyday Driver

It's time to add up the real cost of buying "Cheap" German sports cars. We review the adventures we had, miles driven, and money spent to have our year of adventure in the Mercedes SLK an BMW Z4. Then we reveal the cars we'll be covering for our next long-term series. We're incredibly excited to get started!
You can try our same cheap car search with the link below:
www.autotempest.com/results?maxprice=9000&drive=rwd&bodystyle=coupe%2Cconvertible%2Chatchback&transmission=man&
Watch the entire cheap car series here:
kzbin.info/aero/PLHxU7q4gi5_vortpPHIGummZoP0X3luGx
00:00 - 1:10 Intro
1:10 - 3:43 What we did
3:43 - 5:46 Final Driving Impressions
5:46 - 6:30 Favorite Adventures
6:30 - 7:57 Biggest Surprise
7:57 - 9:23 Costs to Own
9:23 - What we bought - What's Next!
#CheapSportsCarChallenge #BMW #Porsche #Radwood
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Our Podcast, "The Car Debate", can be found every Tuesday and Friday wherever you get Podcasts.
New videos here on Thursdays.
Subscribe and hit the Bell - lots more on the way!

[@erichansen2571]

I'm Eric, and I won the SLK (pinch me, seriously!) I drove it 1,300 miles home and I'm SUPER pumped to own it - it's a runner. Super excited for the next series - I've always been a fan of the 928, but I LOVE the 300ZX! Thanks guys...

[@Mark1Mach2]

Congrats man! Enjoy the ride

[@Trendyflute]

SLK vs Z4 was interesting, but Z32 vs 928 goes back to my 14 year old's heart, looking forward to that series!

[@VirtualGuth]

This was a great series overall. As a S2000 owner, I find no controversy in the statement that for many people a Z4 would be a better choice (though the long-term ownership experience might change that for some - it would have been good data to include the costs associated with repairing the tops on both of these cars). I personally enjoyed this series as I much prefer older cars to those being cranked out today for a variety of reasons. My brother owns a 300ZX and I had a friend who owned a 928 in the past, therefore I'm definitely looking forward to what's coming next.

[@chuckyducky237]

Another S2000 owner here. Agree completely. Z4s are great - I nearly got one instead of my S2000, and that was back when they were about the same in price. I absolutely adore my S2000 and I’ll probably never sell it, but it’s not for everyone, especially as a frequently used street car.

[@drmyers85021]

I'm sure that many of us would like to know what the repair estimates for the broken tops on both the Z4 and SLK were. I do think that you should have included those figures in the total costs for the year, as if I owned a convertible, having a working top would be a priority to get fixed!

[@VirtualGuth]

Agreed

[@pinut187]

Nah a roof doesn’t need replacement every year.

[@drmyers85021]

@@pinut187 You probably don't buy a car every year either, however they included the entire cost of the car in the 1st year expenses, too. Therefore, I disagree.

[@randyfine4535]

I found my cheap sports car 3 years ago, a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire with only 23,000 miles for only $9500. 3rd year of driving and all I've done is an oil change, and differential fluid change. Crossfires can be had for cheap because everyone forgets about them, don't forget, it's really an SLK under the skin.

[@faidleyj1]

Knew it when I spotted the 300zx on the adventure pics and when Todd noted he wasn't driving his Lotus on the adventure. Love the choices guys

[@jacobl6714]

Yesssssssss! Love 928's and the 300zx is no gift horse with a maw to gaze upon. Btw, my single favorite thing about this channel is that you guys have different scenery. Not only is it autumn in some videos, not only are there beautiful beautiful trees and streams and fields everywhere, but you film in winter and have videos where that entire gorgeous landscape is blanketed and you guys are out playing in it. Fantastic. Since most media is made in california, most car shows are in california, which means almost every car show is a wonderful 78 degrees, and nothin for miles around but palm trees and desert. Miles and miles of boring, sleep-inducing desert. So thanks guys, keep it up, cannot wait for the new series of challenges with these two thoroughbreds

[@EverydayDriver]

Thanks for noticing and commenting. We feel blessed to have these surroundings and feel the locations and weather we drive in can be as important as the cars. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobpinto2662]

Love my z4 such a fun car and since I do all repairs myself which have only included changing coolant reservoir and general maintenance very reliable.

[@MiuraSeri]

Definitely looking forward to this. I adore both the "new" cars and looking forward to seeing how they progress over the next year.

[@anthonyb8979]

I love both of these new challenge cars, the Z32 is what got me hooked on sports cars as well - can't wait to see the new content!

[@papatorr3669]

Great finale to a wonderful series. I want to add my two cents worth: I consider your costs to be the coolant repair. Those winter wheels and tires are totally on you, and although I do the same, it's not the car's fault. Tires are an expenditure on even the most reliable cars. And as far as the struts and/or shocks that was the previous owners negligence or it was simply due to the mileage on the vehicle. Again another item that wears on even the most reliable vehicles.

[@EverydayDriver]

We completely agree with you. But at the same time we do want to list all the money spent in that year of ownership. Certainly things like tires and shocks vary wildly and won't repeat any time soon. Thanks for watching!

[@TheTardis157]

The 928 is what got me into cars as it was the first car I ever bought and worked on. It was $1000 10 years ago but not so much now lol. I drove that thing all over and it never left me stranded even after blowing the head gaskets, it made the 300 mile drive back home on a single tank of gas and didn't miss a beat. Cannot wait to see what the next series has in store!

[@psulion101]

Best car choices yet!!!! Look forward to watching and hearing all the adventures. Great idea to return to the start of your journeys.

[@thefinalboss2083]

Wow so happy to see these cars after years of hearing you guys talking about them !

[@f1jones544]

You've knocked these last two cheap car series out is the park. Great work, guys. I was sure that was a 928 under the cover. It and that model 300zx are two is my favorites from that era. Can't wait.

[@jaredjohnson3985]

Loved this series, guys! Have kind of been living the Z4 end of the equation and it's been a blast. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@joneal1186]

Great picks guys, very excited about this next challenge! My dad almost bought a 928 when I was in high school and ever since I thought that was a project for us that got away. 300zx TT was another car that just had such a cool factor to it.

[@lostwhirley]

I watched the whole series of youtube videos about convertibles

[@andygray8313]

You guys have the best ideas! I'm excited to see how this upcoming year goes for you. I'm getting settled into my first MX-5 (NC1) and loving it.

[@mattguerra82]

Yes!! Looking forward to seeing more videos with the two new cars!

[@HandsomeAlex25]

Teaching Manual transmission was my favourite from this. I will use your video as a reference on how to teach others how to master the three pedal dance.

[@fredturner4447]

Sweet! Looking forward to hearing about the 928 and 300Z!

[@beauwulf]

I have a s2000 and that exact same color e85 Z4 3.0 6mt myself. Totally agreed with the comparison between the two cars. The Z4 is a great daily that's still plenty fun.

[@clubracer6]

This is so awesome! Way more exciting than all the new stuff which has no soul. And to be consistent, you do need to raffle these off too!! 😎

[@patrickfitzwater5511]

Both of your new choices are some of my favorite vehicles as a kid. Can't wait to see what happens!

[@brianriley9259]

Thank you for doing this! I enjoyed it very much!

[@gregjwitherspoon]

I love that y’all are coming full circle with these cars. Can’t wait to see if they are as good as you remember, or are they more sentimental than good.

[@jacobl6714]

You're right, this next challenge could be Risky Business. What if they're not as good as they remember lol

[@jasondrane8749]

I love my Z4. E85 very similar to yours. I find it it comfortable and fun. Done many trips in Australia. It eats the roads up.

[@thomasfarias3146]

Can’t wait to see how it goes with the new cars and to see if it lives up to your nostalgia for them!!

[@Rick1984FL]

Thanks for the time stamps guys; I immediately skipped to the “what’s next!” Section because I couldn’t wait. When I was in HS I had a neighbor that had the Nissan! Fun times! I even like the color! All in on #TeamZX Now then to return to the beginning to watch the rest…

[@krshultz]

Totally didn't see that coming and really looking forward to it!

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

i had a 300zx TT in red just like that one. bought it for new from a dealer (demo) for about, i think, $30,000 in 1991 maybe? anyway, something like that. except for a warped rotor i didn't have to spend a penny on maintenance. it was fast and fun. loved the interior. the T-Top made me a fan of them for life! can't wait to hear about it.

[@jbrew5150]

I always wondered if my memories of my favorite car were greater than the car itself. I am looking forward to finding out if these cars live up to your memories. Can’t wait!

[@edfour2464]

Awesome series pls keep up the 👍 work!!

[@2006gtobob]

I love my 2001 Miata LS with the sport package. 6-speed and lsd. I haven't pushed this car, it does have low miles and is absolutely solid, a testament of what a car company can do if the engineers are unleashed and allowed to make dynamics #1. I bought it 3.5 years ago, the only things I've done so far is change oil and tires, clutch and basic maintenance

[@addisonlessing8709]

You guys are a big reason we just bought an SLK350 manual sight unseen. Following this journey, we’ve been looking for a road tripping sporty roadster, and found a gem. SLK350 6 speed with the AMG handling pack. It’s a gamble, but if we get a year out of it, I’m happy

[@kenhurstmedia]

Great content and fantastic production value! Best of this genre on KZbin and elsewhere! Keep ‘em coming! Wish I was there to do some of the camera work!

[@EverydayDriver]

We consider those big compliments. Thank you for watching!

[@mjmelancon640]

Z32 was my first car and I still have it at 31 years old! Great choice!

[@derrickabbey8139]

@EverydayDriver Thank you for this series! I've always enjoyed your videos, but because of this series, I found a Z4 near me, and now I own one. I haven't had a fun car since I had kids, and I'm loving having something enjoyable to drive again.

[@EverydayDriver]

Thrilled to hear this, glad to have been inspiring. Congrats on a great car in your Z4. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonquaile2492]

I'm stoked to see these 2 cars in a new series! With that said, I was so hoping to see you guys buy an RX-8 for a cheap car challenge

[@ymmichael1]

Now that you sum it up - that's really quite a lot of content from these cars! Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@EverydayDriver]

Thank you, we were thrilled to be able to get so many varied things done with them. Glad to have you watching!

[@DC5Brandon]

Paint me excited too! Can't wait to see your next challenge.

[@Aldo-Music-Channel]

In Australia, all these cars are expensive and not cheap. In fact unaffordable. We get ripped off. You got it real good over there 👍

[@ze_ep]

They're not that cheap here either. You're not getting a clean Z4 for under 10k in 2021.

[@papatorr3669]

You Australians are in Orwellian lock down!

[@Cooperd0g]

I was kind of interested in the sedans more to see what went wrong. I really liked the cheap sports cars. But I'm quite excited to see you guys back in your old cars to see how they compare to memory given all the experiences you have now.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Wow! I am genuinely happy for you two for going back to your first car loves. Also, this video seems like it would be the basis for a great TV episode, as well.

[@pinut187]

Who is still watching TV?

[@edoardomigliori4666]

Uuuuh, that's so cool! Can't wait to see more of the new-old cars!

[@scoobers90]

Can't wait to watch the next challenge!!!

[@Mark1Mach2]

Guys, the production quality, the presentation, stories and the content is just amazing! You are my favorite KZbin bar channel!! Don't stop making videos.

[@EverydayDriver]

Wow, thanks Mark! We greatly appreciate your viewership and support. Glad to have you with us.

[@Martinez271992]

Looking forward to the 300zx because it was your guy's review that got me watching this channel!

[@Atomb]

Congrats gentlemen. Solid reporting.

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for watching!

[@334trax2]

Got me a cheap not so cheap used car recently, a 2006 Porsche Boxster S with manual transmission. It has been decades since I look up a 928, but didn't they have some oil issues with the engine? The 300Z IMO is the best looking Z.

[@guano1274]

Funny how you could tell the first second that under the left blank there was an 928. Really looking forward to this.

[@mattfarrar8566]

I am pumped to see the 300zx and 928 content! Side note i drove a slk350 manual years ago. The bigger engine makes it a pretty quick ride.

[@davebarron5939]

I LOVE your idea to go back to your roots so to speak, this is gonna be a HOOT! Cheers!

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Great choices for the replacements

[@keith6360]

Looking forward to both new long term cars. Hope you'll do even more stuff and do move videos on it.

[@dammyo6010]

Thrilled to see the new adventures in those nostalgia mobiles. The 300ZX looks as cool as ever. I do wonder i it will feel heavier than you remember.

[@jessicaseyfried7888]

Been looking forward to seeing this one since you teased it on the podcast!🌞🍂🏁🏔

[@dogdoc1]

2001 BMW Z3 ROADSTER 3.0i manual . Yeah😃👍

[@brianiswrong]

Subscribed just found your channel,and with you production values,how can I not follow, 👍 and hunker down to watch from the start And the fact the 928 has always been my dream car since its launch ❤️

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad you found us. Thanks for being with us!

[@Cosmicgardening]

Oh my god I'm so excited for you guys for the new cars 🙏🙏

[@lesleyalbjerg2831]

What an awesome series! I really have enjoyed this and because of you, I have a car in mind. Not any of the ones you have listed! I'm on the prowl for one right now and hope to check one out this weekend. I'm really looking forward to this next series. I've always been attracted to both of those cars! I have often watched shows over and over again because of the great photography. Like Todd, I'm over 6 feet tall so the Miata is out! That said, I do own one of the vehicles that was in the Drag Race - a Toyota Sienna. We love love love our Sienna. So, I guess I'm part of the "Everyday" family! Everyday Driver is the best. Thanks for what you guys do.

[@EverydayDriver]

Really glad to know you enjoy what we do. And that Sienna was FAST! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@twbones99]

One thing I always hear on the podcast is people scared if German repair bills and especially with the golf GTI, I've owned a MK7 for years, I've put over 100k on the clock and I've never had to drop the engine or do anything to get the car running again, just oil, a clutch, some light modifications, and new trans fluid. Probably should do bushings but that's neither here nor there. Excellent car

[@JuanLopez-kw9of]

Can't wait for the next chapter. Todd, You Really Got Me with that 300ZX and Paul, that is some Risky Business with that Porsche!

[@EverydayDriver]

We see what you did there... nice!

[@EnxoRan]

Very excited for what's next. Two more great sports cars yes please

[@kylepalaian]

Wow super excited for these cars! Both cars (in my opinion) are some of the best looking cars out there

[@mflury7599]

Ha another great series !

[@IsaacReddinger]

I LOVE the idea of these new cars. I bet you guys have "all the feels" about these cars...

[@CliffWarren]

HA! Plastic parts in the cooling system of BMWs. The exact reason I got rid of mine! I'm happy for you, save your money for future failures. Somehow Miatas don't have any issues with Utah temperatures.

[@RandomGuyDan]

I got to drive several 300ZXTT's back in 1992 when I sold Nissans, an amazing car that even in today's crazy times you can get for reasonable money with under 100k miles. I had hoped one day to own a 928, preferably later S4, but prices have spiked and they are no longer the bargain that they were. The 944 is last Porsche worth owning that you can get for under $10k (under $6k if you are handy and willing to take a bit of a chance).

[@lezzbmm]

loooooove the z32 and the 928 esp the gen1 928 - much better looking w the recessed lights and the bubbly wheels than the later, sharper, smoother revisions..

[@TheAnalyticalObservers]

Love this channel, you guys remind me of those three British guys, on that one car show thing.

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad you found us. Thank you for watching!

[@mandycombs8364]

The SLK's trunk is indeed much more practical to fit things than one would think. :)

[@3kgt964]

Yessss 300z let's go!!!! Good timing considering the 400 is on it's way.

[@mrmackee123]

Continue to come up with great ideas 👍

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad to have you with us!

[@1993Warbirds]

I did not see that coming in terms of what the next pair of cars would be. Well Paul's choice of brand is completely on point. You know he's a Porsche fanboy, but I did not think they would ever decide to try to do a comparison of the cars that got them started. I know both of them talk fondly about the 300ZX and the 928. We'll see if absence really did make the heart grow fonder.

[@ShutterSpeed713]

Excited for both the new cars, especially the 300zx, I have a z31

[@quebecpower978]

Sick video!

[@VirtualGuth]

It's like looking at sports cars as investments in driving fun rather than as financial investments or status symbols. If a person were to take the miles driven and divide it by the costs associated with the car (the purchase price plus the costs to maintain and insure the car), they would start to get an idea of what that car's fun factor or enjoyment factor is like. Those cars that are reliable and fun to drive are going to be driven more for less money. Very expensive sports cars that are driven very little might do well at auction, buy they wouldn't score so well when it comes to the fun/enjoyment actually realized.

[@dougrobinson8602]

That coolant hose fix would be pretty cheap if you did it yourself. Being a used BMW owner means either doing the bulk of the work yourself, or finding a good independent repair shop that knows BMW. It's the labor that makes these expensive to keep running. Working on BMWs is not as bad as people make it out to be. Once you get proficient at removing the firewall cowling, or better yet, deleting it, the rest isn't too bad. The N52 is BMW's last naturally aspirated straight six, and it's a joy to rev out. When the cams shift at 4000 rpm, you'll be saying "VANOS, Yo!" and grinning all the way to the 7000 rpm redline, which you should do daily. Expect to have to deal with leaking valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gaskets, ignition coils/plugs, and coolant pumps. There are plenty of good videos on YT that help immensely with this.

[@glen7999]

Yep, the plastic cooling system parts in the BMW will get you every time if you don't address it once you go over 75k miles. Happened to me many years ago with a 325is, lesson learn. My Z3 has been rock solid so far. Thanks, cheap sports cars are fun.

[@jlwoodsy]

How fun to revisit the cars that originally sparked your passion for driving in the 1st place. Looking forward to the next year. Will these cars be raffled off too? (They kind of look like keepers)

[@air-headedaviator1805]

Z32 my dream!

[@hyogomarume8345]

Spike calls these “taproot” cars. Super cool idea. 👍

[@andrewolff708]

omg, I so love both of those youngtimers. 300ZX almost impossible to get in Germany, 928 extremely expensive or crap.

[@mifluent]

Z4 1st gen got a very good reliability. According to various data I found. It's still quite simple and easy to repair car too. I think the real trouble BMW's came later. Between 2010-2020.

[@mifluent]

Btw I worked at BMW FIZ Munich. The global development centre of BMW..from 2011

[@salimovruslan3080]

guys i love that videos sou much i was think what car buy slk or z4 and your video help mi ) maybe that video have not most vies but it lest for one guy it help thank you for you job

[@dswallrich]

So I was listening to the podcast today, and you recommended "The Shoe"...I finally figured out why I could never own this car.. it's not that it looks like a shoe, there are many beautiful shoes...it that it looks to me like A particular shoe..One worn by a very stern, very large, very old Dutch grandmother, sporting wooden clogs.

[@dougantelman2369]

The SLK280 is a watered down version of the 350. The SLK350 with a 6 speed is much more capable. The cars weak spot is its weight and there’s too much body roll when pushed hard. The AMG sport package lowers the car 1 cm and is more stiffly sprung. The 6 speed shifter is as good or better than the Cayman 6/speed

[@cayman9873]

Good choices. Wish you would have done a porsche 944 but maybe next year you can do two porsche cars followed by two bmw cars

[@JohnFromAccounting]

I don't know which car I'd pick, the 928 or the 300ZX. I love Japanese cars but I also love Porsche. Both excellent vehicles.

[@wjames2000]

I love both of my 05 SLK 350 manual and my 2010 911 4S cab manual. But my SLK cost me a lot of $$ so far in my two years of ownership. 5k purchase price + 12k maintenance and repairs but now it’s in a very good condition as my daily.

[@wjames2000]

By the way, I want the Z as the replacement for SLK in the future.

[@papatorr3669]

How am I just now discovering that they made a manual? Test drove an SLK 350 Automatic but it did not shift quickly enough. Will have to track one down. But $12k in repairs sounds terrible!

[@danny100d]

Thanks for the video…

[@vincemc2259]

I can't wait for more Z32 videos!!!!!!!

[@ryanr482]

Love the new cars. Can’t wait. Sign me up for the raffle now🤣

[@NotThatSlow]

Oh snap, the 928 and the Z!

[@p.a.93]

Please compare SLK 280 to the SLK350 and SLK55

[@SHiFTDI3S3L]

Unfortunate, I was tasked with selling a couple of 928 from an estate sale once, and it got low balled so hard the widow decided to keep them. I don't know where they are now, and I don't know if they've been treated well.

[@hot57rambler]

You guys really need to test a Chrysler Crossfire. That would be a great show!

[@weaverpsu]

I feel like the Mini Cooper S fits the bill of best cheap sports car. Not the current version but the 2002-2006 version is pretty awesome. Since, the "man" has gotten to it and it's not the same.

[@EverydayDriver]

Todd enjoyed the 2003 Mini he had as a winter car a few years back. It didn't qualify for our cheap car series as we were specifically shopping RWD 2 seaters. Great cars though. Thanks for watching!