Need/ Want your opinion

[RDRAIDR]

The wife and I want to step into an X5 from a Jeep GC (loaded) - we have the chance to purchase a used, 2000 4.4. We had a 535i and loved it. The 4.4 has 45k miles on it and we can purchase it for $28,900 - Carfax is clean, etc. I would like to know what to look for, ask about and I'm convinced I should purchase extended warranty - what do you think? I appreciate your responses.

[italyrain]

Originally posted by RDRAIDR@Sep 13 2004, 07:28 PM
The wife and I want to step into an X5 from a Jeep GC (loaded) - we have the chance to purchase a used, 2000 4.4. We had a 535i and loved it. The 4.4 has 45k miles on it and we can purchase it for $28,900 - Carfax is clean, etc. I would like to know what to look for, ask about and I'm convinced I should purchase extended warranty - what do you think? I appreciate your responses. :help

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I recently bought a new X5 3.0, and have driven it for 7 months.....I just had to have one, and I never thought the ride would be so rough.....Very choppy, nervous, jerky ride....I've spilled countless cups of coffee trying to drink them and drive to work because the ride is so bumpy, stiff and choppy,,,,,And there is totally no leg room in the rear, I have two elementary age children, and they are cramped in the back,,,,,don't know how much longer they can fit back there,,,,,also, there is very limited cargo space and hardly any extra compartments in the cabin for misc. items, such as cell phones, sunglasses, cds, etc....the stereo is substandard, and my speakers have already cracked and sound terrible,,,,also the cup holders that are provided do not adequately hold a standard drink cup, and the inside graspers make it impossible to retrieve it out of the receptacle......the gas mileage is poor due to the AWD, and i have a 6 cylinder at that.....now it IS a BMW, so the driving is sporty and nimble, the two front seats with lumbar support are very comfortable, but the rear seat is just a flat bench, so the kids go flying from side to side, even with their belts on!
I would suggest you to drive this vehicle for at least a full day, with the daily grind of getting in and out of traffic, shopping, and parking, etc. consumer reports rates the X5 with poor reliability, so i would def. get the extnd. warranty, and if it is older than a 2002, check the electrical system out thoroughly......
hope i wasn't too negative, but right now, i am ready for a bigger, smoother SUV....i only have 10K miles on it, and Im very displeased, and ready to trade!!! good luck with your purchase,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sincerely, G. Babin
Baton Rouge, LA

[325isBaby]

The 4.4L X5 is a dream! I love it...deffinatly one of my favorites on the lot right now...as far as SAV's go anyway....the New X5 has alot of the problems sorted out and is rated the safest vehicle on the road (no brainer why on that one) but good luck!

[BMWLotAttendant]

I'd advise any 4.4, 4.6, 4.8 liter engines.....those are the best...but if you are in a financial bind, the 3.0 works well too.

The X5 is the best SUV made by BMW. Tell us what you decide. Good luck!

[inspire]

I'd go with the X5. The wife and I just purchased an 04 X5 3.0 with the sports and premium package, xenon headlights, and rear climate package. It's her daily driver now, but I drove it for the first month to break it in for her. During the first month, I was rather surprised with the agility, comfort, and power of the vehicle. I drive an Acura TLS, and sorry to say, the X5 handles better than my Acura.

We also opted for the extended warranty which covers the maintenance for up to 6 years/100,000 miles for $1795. How much are they charging you for the extended warranty?

I wouldn't rely on the carfax report for everything however. Make sure a mechanic you trust (oxymoron?) takes a look at the vehicle...or take it to an independent BMW mechanic and have them check it out.

Either way, both cars are nice...just a matter of personal preference.

Good luck.