Note: poll added at top I meant to, but forgot, to create a poll for this thread. Please add your choices to it, and edit your comments if you've already posted.
Looking out my window at my X5, and reflecting on my history of building, racing, maintaining, various vehicles over the last 57+ years (starting with my Grandpa, at age 14), I arrived at the conclusion that I'd never, ever have a "perfect" car (or truck), despite my best efforts on over 25 vehicles I've owned.
At my age, and lack of energy/ability/funds, I'm sure I'll never improve the condition of my current fleet
- 1) Cobalt has an insoluble ABS problem,
- 2) GMC's clearcoat has begun to bubble-up all-over,
- 3) my 2500HD has a low-gear slip starting,
- 4) the HHR is being destroyed a bit at a time as the wife drives it,
- 5) and my X5 is being barely driven, and no progress is being made to improve its' condition (despite my dreams of overlanding in it).
So, I made a little list, to rate where I would rank my X5 E53's condition, compared to most conditions it could be in, and it didn't make the grade. It's quite serviceable, comfortable, reliable, but worn & imperfect cosmetically, so it only climbs part-way up the scale I created...I rate it a 7-8, but then I'm very forgiving of imperfections.
Added 9/14:
Though I (later in this thread) rated mine as a 7.0001, I do drive it more often than my others, and it's stored outside without a cover, so I picked #1 (Daily Driver) and #5 (Stored outside-subject to nature) on the poll. So, maybe a 8.00001?
Where does your BMW X5 E53 fit in this rating scale? (or any X5, Bimmer, or beloved vehicle)
1) junkpile, on/off wheels
2) parts car only
3) possible to save? or not
4) yee-haw, demo derby car (South)
5) off-public roads only, ranch/farm transportation (SW & West)
6) rust-bucket winter beater (North)
7) DIY-er longterm project car
8) DIY-er project in daily-driver condition
9) survivor car, in great condition
10) restored, renewed, showroom or better, unreal condition
11) unobtainium-quality, modified by enthusiast with deep pockets, or a factory one-of-a-kind