Help me!!! 2007 X3 or RX350

[nowstime]

Hi~

Budget: $45,000 (Out the door).
Age: 32
Usage: During weekdays, wife's car. Mine during the weekends. Planning to keep the car for at least 5 or more years...
Decision factor: price (around $45,000), reliabiity, repair cost, recent technology (comfort access, driver setting memroy key, dual climate control, rear seat air), cool design and good accerlation.

Considering models:
***THE BMW X3 (with prem. package with comfort seat, zenon headlight, 18" wheel, rear airbag, active steering, privacy glass, about $44500 + Tax).

Questions...
1. Can I expect the "comfort access" pretty soon as an option for the X3?
2. When will there be a redesign? Can I expect it to look more like the 2007 X5 ( I love the new X5 but can't afford $55,000). The current X3 looks kinda werid to me...but I love the inside and the full care service.


***Lexus RX350 (with prem. plus package and navigation, about $44000 + tax but my local dealer has a good deal...almost $44,000 out the door).

1. I like the way RX350 looks but hate the interior...if I go with the RX350...is it too outdated? (expecting model change early 2008).


Both SUVs (SAV?) are great vehicles but one handles well and one offers comfort...soooo opposite. but both seem tech-wise outdated not having comfort access, X3 not having dual climate and Lexus's image of old folk's car.

Is there any other luxury brand SUVs around $45,000 (well equipped) that has a cool look and recent techology?

(Maybe the MDX but too big...RDX, I hate the turbo...XC90...I don't like Volvo...Infinity...my wife hates...ML350...hate the boxy interior...Kinda like the Q7 but with decent options, easily goes over $50,000.)

[Don Coffey]

Your killing me here, those prices are just so good compared to what we pay in the UK. Is the price you quoted for the X5 the 4.8 or 3.0? A lot more things come as standard on the X5 over the X3, but like any car, it is the options you desire over need that cranks the price. If I was lucky enough to be in your postion, I would test drive the X5 against the X3 and RX, you may just finding yourself splashing out the extra for a car that is bang up to date. As you pointed out, the RX is getting on and the X3 will be replaced in 3 years or so as a guess.

Don

[asawadude]

If you don't have a drop dead date to make your decision, you might consider this: The X3 3.0si will be replaced with an X3 3.5si with the new 3.0 liter 300hp bi-turbo currently found in the 335ci and 335i.

http://www.xoutpost.com/183922-post15.html

There is no announced date, but the common speculation is mid-2007. IMHO, a N54 biturbo X3 would be the poor man's 4.8is at $30K less (figure $50K fully loaded), with better handling, better gas economy, and possibly better acceleration. Best of all, it will probably come with a 6-MT.

This is the vehicle I'm waiting for. I'm looking to downsize from my X5, but getting another manual transmission vehicle. Among my alternative choices are a BMW 328xi sports wagen or Audi S4 Avant (check me out, Josh!).

[rbensmithX3]

Not trying to sound rude, but I'm assuming you've never driven a BMW. Driving quality makes this an easy decision. If you like the cushy, automated japanese style of a ride, go with the Lexus. If you like to be able to hear your engine, enjoy a stiffer suspension, and place a value on German engineering, you need to buy a BMW.

That said, if you like the styling of the new X5, I'm sure it's twice the car of the current X3 (being an X3 owner). I bought an 11-month old, 16,000 mile used X3 for $12,000 lower than the sticker. This would put the new X5 right in your price range next Christmas, no luxury tax, no gas guzzler tax, and a like-new vehicle. Just a thought. . .

[Rick in Prescott]

Numb driving = Lexus.
Fun driving = BMW
It you really want a sported driving experiance buy the BMW. If you want to isolate all your senses drive a Lexus.

[xx3]

Questions...
1. Can I expect the "comfort access" pretty soon as an option for the X3?
2. When will there be a redesign? Can I expect it to look more like the 2007 X5 ( I love the new X5 but can't afford $55,000). The current X3 looks kinda werid to me...but I love the inside and the full care service.

1. No comfort access ever on this current gen of X3.

The X3 is based on the older E46 3 series (read, previous 3 series model - 99-05') and it isn't worth BMW's money to upgrade the archaic electronics (by todays standards) with such features such as comfort access, etc... for the remaining cars that exist on this platform (X3 & Z4).

With the 3 series platform, BMW starts with the sedan, then builds the station wagon, coupe, convertible, roadster and finally the SAV off of the same platform. The cycle has restarted in 06' and we've already made it past the first 4 already. The Z4 gets redone in 09/10 and the X3 follows after that.

So, when BMW releases the new X3 in 2011, it will inherit all the features and options of the E90 3 series (new 3 series platform which debuted in 2006). Therefore, comfort access, iDrive, etc... will all be there.

2. Current X3 just got a refresh for the 2007 model year. I don't know if you've seen an 07 in person, but its a quite a leap from the 04-06 models (small details and refinements here and there make a huge difference in the overall look). Look for an entirely new X3 in 2011, which will probably look more modern and edgy, perhaps more along the lines of the new 07 X5.

***

As for a choice on which car, the opinions here will be biased (it is a BMW board afterall ).

If you like sport cars and things which feel connected to the road, the X3 is a good compromise between utility & road feel/sporty handling. Opinions are mixed. Those coming from other brands might find the suspension overly stiff, while others who have owned M3's & the like find the ride perfectly fine. However, I hear that the 07's have further improved the ride over the 05's which was a slight improvement on 'harsh' 04'.

On the other hand if you prefer a smooth ride and a nice cruiser, the lexus delivers on that front. Personally I find the lexus ugly and has very cheaplike toyota plastics inside (granted, the X3's from 04-06 were not BMW's best interior effort either - although the 07's have been spruced up quite a bit). The drive is boring and cushy - although apparently they seem to have found a large market in the U.S. which likes their lexus's just like that.

I say drive both, and listen to your gut.

Another point to consider, is that X3's generally have high reliability compared to the rest of BMW's lineup because it relies on older tried & tested technology...

Questions I have for you:

1. What cars have you owned in the past, and were you satisfied with the way they drove.
2. Does a spirited drive through a mountain pass, or a back road thrill you?

[Wagner]

That isn't a fair comparison, BMW all the way because a 45K budget on a X3 isn't small. And since the Bimmer comes with 50K maintenance covered, that issue goes right out the window.

[Rick in Prescott]

When the X3 gets updated in 2011 it will again ride on "old" e90 technology as the 3 will be just a couple of years away from its update. At some point you just gotta get on the horse and ride it. Is the X3 of today state of the art? By all means no. Is it reliable? By all means yes. How many gizmos do you really need in an X3 anyway? For the most part the X3 fits the needs of the largest percent of owners. It's no Lexus and I'm glad of that.

[Aimster]

Ive driven the new Highlander which the Lexus is based off of.

It is the same car just different interior. Same engine, everything basically.

Driving that car IS HORRIBLE. It cannot take turns and the steering is so loose. I got bored driving it after 2 minutes.

I cannot see how the Lexus is any different if it is basically the same.

[AzNMpower32]

Oh the transmission on the RX sucks too. Its as if the transmission is full of mayonnaise. It's never in the right gear and literally seems confused for about 4 seconds before finally deciding........and half the time its not an appropraite gear. I have yet to drive a Toyota product with good steering, and the RX is made in Ontario, not Japan as many might think.