BMW Z4 -- Best $38,000 I've Spent Including Purchase of First House

Folks, there are great rewards after successfully putting kids through college and reaching the empty nest stage of life. Besides having more intimate things to do than taking kids to soccer practice, one better practice is owning and operating the BMW Z4 -- yowser! If you are considering a two-seat convertible, then you must try this updated flash from the past. First -- styling. It's perfect. I love many retro designs -- is there any better than a 1935/6 Ford coupe? The Z4 takes the classical roadster look and gives it a 21st century makeover -- it respects the past, but with a hint of dash and great technology! For both styling and performance, where the Z3 was a nice toy, the Z4 is a machine. Here's where the Z4 separates itself from all others -- it does everything very well. Whereas cars like the Porsche Boxster or the Honda 2000 do some things better, the Z4 does those things almost as well AND it handles city potholes and 8 hour vacation trips without the need for a chiropractor. The car is so good it makes you look forward to going to work every day. Of course, it also makes you want to bypass the company lot when you get there -- such is life!
Here are a few short anecdotes. The car easily handled our 8 hour, rain-deluged trip. The car handled rock solid despite blinding rain, standing water, 18-wheelers, and 20-30 mph winds. Even with ride characteristics different than our Lexus, we arrived no worse for wear. If you are self conscious, be aware that you can't return home without being stared at. One way to minimize this effect is to park at the local eatery and sit inside where you can watch customers amble around your car. It happens all the time.
Here are the 6-month initial quality issues that I reported to J. D. Power folks -- head lights were significantly improperly aligned, two faulty, plastic parts of the convertible top (did not affect its operation) will require installation of a new top, and the daytime running lights were not activated. BMW handled them all just fine.
Empty-nesters of the world rejoice!