Quote:
Originally Posted by Daytomann
I've turned my attention to the 3.0i.
I got the VIN off the 3.0i and called the local dealership. Sure enough, it had been serviced there. They had all the records. The service guy ran down the list and said all the regular maintenance was done to the letter and that it had been well maintained. ... He basically said that everything that normally goes wrong with these vehicles has been replaced and all service bulletins and recalls had been done...a few other things but I cant recall. The last time he saw it was Sept 09 with 85K on the clock.
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Damn, the way this thread is going you'd think that every X5 is a time bomb incapable of driving 5 miles without breaking. While they do need maintenance and repairs, as do most used cars that are 7-9 years old, X5s are uber solid and feel like they're carved out of a block of solid steel.
I think that one primary consideration is whether you can DIY your maintenance and repairs. The insane costs you see on here for maintenance and repairs are drastically reduced/mitigated if you can spin wrenches. I do all of my own work on all of my vehicles, and like you I also have a third car that can be used in an emergency if the X goes out of service for a few days. Those two factors let me save money (likely thousands of dollars by now) on maintenance and repairs.
The 3.0 you are looking at sounds well maintained to this point, which is a huge. There is a risk buying
any used car, and Consumer Reports (which I think sucks in most auto advice) does show the X5 3.0 as "average" for used car reliability, so it can't be that bad. Yes, I have also had to do maintenance and repairs on my X, but it was nothing unusual (radiator, alternator, belts, etc...), and the X is so sweet to drive on a daily basis it is worth it. If you can do your own work, or have the resources to pay someone to do it, then I say go ahead.