Hi~

I had a tread debating RX350 or X3 and decided to go with the RX350 (not me but my wife).

We test drove the X3 and RX350 last weekend and I loved the X3...Wow...what a ride and handling...it hugged the road beatifully. My wife liked the handling and power of the new engine. With prem. package, 18" rim and Xenon headlights came upto $45100 including tax + ttl. ($1000 discount).

While I loved the X3 my wife liked the smooth ride of the RX350 better. It was a little more spacious and more quite than the X3. Also it had more options as standard than BMW. FWD with NAVI came up to $43500 including tax + ttl. ($3500 discount).

Lexus didn't have the car we wanted so we put a $500 deposit for a mid-January delivery. Not having the car yet is making me wonder whether I should change my mind.

My concern is that RX350 will have a model change in early 2008 and a face lift within 3 months for the 2008 model. Of course, the price will not be lucrative as of right now but still kinda makes me wonder if I should jump on it or not. If I take a 2008 or 2009 it will easily take me around upper $40K.

Reasons my wife chose the RX are 1. my wife likes the comfortable ride, 2. Lot of options (Navi.), 3. reliability, 4. a bit spacious than X3, 5. power liftgate (she really loves this feature). 6. large discount ($3500 vs. $1000).

Why I hate the RX, 1. women's car, 2. plain driving, 3. single tailpipe, 4. newer model coming, 5. interior out of style.

Why I like the X3: 1. engine, 2. simple interior design, 3. double tailpipe, 4. full maintenance, 5. BMW!!!


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What do you guys think about my situation?...I do need a car pretty soon and plan to keep it for a good 5~7 years or more.

Should I wait for the 2008 RX350 or abandon the LEXUS and go with the X3 (I think I already know the answer for this one...)?

Age: early 30's
Budget: $45,000 max including tax + ttl.