BMW Z3 roadsters are pretty affordable now and talking to owners I have always found that they love them.

They are mainly well-built but don't feel as poised or sharp as the best sportscars.

Six cylinder 2.8 and 3.0-litre engines give very good performance but the much more plentiful 1.9 four cylinder is rather ordinary.

All were built in the USA, not Germany, and this is why quality is occasionally not up to the usual BMW standard. However, reliability is generally very good.

Main models are 1.9 with 118 or 140bhp and 2.0 or 2.2 six cylinder with 150 or 170bhp. The 2.8 has 193bhp and the 3.0-litre 231bhp.

Ride is disappointing but they do handle safely and have good road-holding and grip.

Refinement is good with the roof up but it's very blustery hood down and no wind deflector.

Don't buy without up-to-date service history or you could be buying problems this far down the line.

The boot is a fairly good size, lockable cubbies provide storage and air-con was only standard with big engines.

Seats are supportive and most people can get comfortable but it's a car that gives the odd feeling of sitting on it rather than in it.