ZHP stuff

Sharp11 · 05-05-2009, 01:57 PM

Some observations after two and a half years of ownership.

First, I think my example has developed the infamous 4k dip and surge - it'll hit 3500 to 4000 than dip a couple of times - is this it? Since my car was built in March of 06, I expected this problem to have been worked out, it's quite an annoyance.

The shift knob pops out of place sometimes, seemingly at random - once, while going into reverse, it came right off in my hand.

Other than that, this car is so much fun to drive and such a pleasure to own, I've not had an inclination to dump it - especially after seeing the pricing and trim levels on the upcoming Z4.

It has a few cons, as a convertible, it's a bit shakier than I'd like it to be, and it can be quite noisy. It's heavy too, but it feels like a featherweight after driving my wife's M35x.

Ride is good, steering hefty and has good feedback, clutch is heavy - the long throw I'm completely used to. Engagements are solid.

Top down, exhaust bellowing, it's a killer, so much fun!!

In convertible form, it's a tough act to follow ... not sure what I'd replace it with.

Ed

ff · 05-05-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharp11

In convertible form, it's a tough act to follow ... not sure what I'd replace it with.

Ed

M3 Convertible.

FC · 05-05-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ff

M3 Convertible.

wdc330i · 05-05-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FC

Love the pig noggin.

rumatt · 05-05-2009, 05:20 PM

wdc330i · 05-05-2009, 05:42 PM

Love everything pig. Except for swine flu.

equ · 05-05-2009, 08:27 PM

The new z4 will be a good follow-up once some 1-2 year old ones start showing up..

3LOU5 · 05-05-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharp11

.... not sure what I'd replace it with.

Ed

lupinsea · 05-11-2009, 08:00 PM

I've liked our ZHP for the most part, too.

For a 4-door family car it performs a host of duties very well for the performance it delivers. Still feels tight and rattle free at 98,000 miles.

But there are times where I get annoyed at the extra weight it carries compared to my Miata. And then there's the whole personal paranoia at "potential" costly repairs coming down the line. I hope to keep our '03 for another 3 years before replacing it with a sports car (probably).

3LOU5 · 05-12-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupinsea

.... And then there's the whole personal paranoia at "potential" costly repairs coming down the line....

Watch out for an inoperative fuel pump that will tend to leave you stranded without any sort of warning....

05-05-2009, 01:57 PM	#1
Sharp11 Vicarious Twitterer Join Date: May 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 06 330 cic ZHP Location: CT Posts: 7,566	ZHP stuff Some observations after two and a half years of ownership. First, I think my example has developed the infamous 4k dip and surge - it'll hit 3500 to 4000 than dip a couple of times - is this it? Since my car was built in March of 06, I expected this problem to have been worked out, it's quite an annoyance. The shift knob pops out of place sometimes, seemingly at random - once, while going into reverse, it came right off in my hand. Other than that, this car is so much fun to drive and such a pleasure to own, I've not had an inclination to dump it - especially after seeing the pricing and trim levels on the upcoming Z4. It has a few cons, as a convertible, it's a bit shakier than I'd like it to be, and it can be quite noisy. It's heavy too, but it feels like a featherweight after driving my wife's M35x. Ride is good, steering hefty and has good feedback, clutch is heavy - the long throw I'm completely used to. Engagements are solid. Top down, exhaust bellowing, it's a killer, so much fun!! In convertible form, it's a tough act to follow ... not sure what I'd replace it with. Ed Attached Thumbnails

05-11-2009, 08:00 PM	#9
lupinsea Jeeped Join Date: Sep 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Modified Jeep Tj and '07 Miata Location: Seattle Posts: 10,214	I've liked our ZHP for the most part, too. For a 4-door family car it performs a host of duties very well for the performance it delivers. Still feels tight and rattle free at 98,000 miles. But there are times where I get annoyed at the extra weight it carries compared to my Miata. And then there's the whole personal paranoia at "potential" costly repairs coming down the line. I hope to keep our '03 for another 3 years before replacing it with a sports car (probably). __________________ . My website "Jeep is the only true American sports car" - Enzo Ferrari Or something to that effect.

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