Time to replace the E53, what to get?

[diddy0071]

Hey Everyone!

I'm at 230,000 miles on this beautiful 2001 X5 3.0i. I'm running into a horrible oil leak, hard shifting at times, rear door open sensor failure, etc. etc. etc. I think it is time I let her die a respectable death.

With that being said, I don't know exactly what I want to look for to replace her. She was loyal, almost like a good friend, we had so many adventures.

I want another vehicle but:

Cons: Expensive. they cost more than other cars, new and used. Maintenance/Parts. They are pricier, and mechanics are expensive to fix even the most mundane item. Fuel. God will this thing slurp it up. I'm not too keen on the premium gas thing (I knew what I was getting into when I purchased it though). I was thinking maybe a diesel model.

Pros: The Ride, the handling, the design. Enough said.

If I don't opt for an X5, what other recommendations do you all have? Perhaps a 5 series, or a 3 series. I don't imagine I could afford a new vehicle, so I'm looking at used. I'm thinking a 2008 X5 diesel, or a 2009 5 series. But I haven't discounted another brand either. I love the look of 2008 and newer Chevy Tahoes. If I'm going to spend a lot of money on gas anyways, I can spend it on regular gas on a big vehicle, as opposed to a smaller vehicle with the same gas mileage.

So what recomendations do you have?

P.S. I live in California, no snow (occasional trips to Lake Tahoe), dry heat, so no real road condition issues to deal with.