Those saying that the X5 feels like a truck have never driven a truck...

Coming from 14 years of driving pickups (1997 Tacoma then a 2009 Tacoma), the X5 handles like a car. There's little body roll, a smooth ride, and it hunkers down for better handling when you hit 80 mph. Most trucks are going to bounce around and sway at higher freeway speeds a lot more than an X5 will.

It sounds like the OP is looking at examples of poor previous ownership. Find one that isn't worn out and then make a judgement call. Be picky - it's going to be your car.

A couple of stories from my shopping experience:

I looked at a 2008 X5 with 10k fewer miles than the one I ultimately bought. It was dead on the lot and required a jump. Strike 1. Then when I got in and started going, it felt very humid and moist inside (maybe indicating a water leak). Strike 2. The previous owner had put a horrendous tinting stripe on the windshield which went about halfway down. Plus it was not very well equipped. Strike 3 and 4.

I also looked at a 540i which was very reasonably priced. This used car lot had taken it in on trade very recently. There was a message about the brakes needing to be replaced on the display. Strike 1. Other than that it drove fine but when we got back, I noticed a bunch of liquid coming out from under the engine. Strike 2. Then I realized the tires were shot. Strike 3.

When I drove mine, it fired up right away. It didn't feel humid inside even though it was pouring rain that day. It drove strong with no weird noises or feels. Tires were basically new and the brakes were in good shape. So I bought it and love it.

I do recommend getting a warranty. Mine had the smoking issue (not all V8's will get it, but it's a common issue) and it was 100% covered. Along with some other odds and ends. After only 1 year of ownership, the warranty has already more than paid for itself. And I suspect that now that a lot of the random things which can wear out are fresh and new, I'll be good to go for a while.

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2006 X5 4.4i
Sport package, summer package, cold weather package, DSP + Nav
Bought 2/14 with 73k miles