I think the next most comparable domestic SUV's are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Dakota. Once you load one down with leather, Xenon's, upgraded stereo, v8, etc. you are pushing $40K. The gas mileage isn't that much better either.

I decided to buy a low mileage X5 with the extended warranty in place. I think the taxes, license, and insurance is more on the new car as well.

As a side note, the 4runners and Honda Pilots are also $35K off of the showroom floor. Sure they are reliable, but you pay the piper one way or the other. I am not sure you can get an AWD midsized SUV for under $30k. That depreciation will pay for a lot of repairs and maintenance.

I'm not saying that the X5 is the most economical car you can get. I'm just saying if you want to drive a SUV the X5 is not that bad of a choice from an economical standpoint if you can get a good deal on a nice used one.