Well, there is a premium to be paid for driving a BMW. Either purchase costs for a new one or maintenance costs on an 8 year old model, such as your X5. In the end you are right though, the cost of owning a BMW will be higher than a Subaru. For many, the cost is worth it. To me, the fun of driving a BMW compared to a Subaru is much greater than the financial savings I would get by owning the Subaru. I understand if it is not worth it to you. BMW's aren't for everyone. You have to find your balance of cost and enjoyment and it sounds like you did just that. Certain things are worth it to me though. For example sometimes when I see our e53 4.4i sport package in a parking lot or a driveway I still do a double take because it looks so good, or when I step on the throttle and the sound of the throaty V8 grabs my attention, or when I take a curve just a little too fast without drama. I would gladly pay a little more for these experiences.

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Profeshenal spellar