Should I buy an older X5? Answer NO

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

Yes, very pricey, although here in Canukistan, I have seen folks asking $8k (CDN) for stock X5 just because manual transmission.


For what the auction pulled, I could get a Turbo Cayenne with low mileage. For much less, I could get a 4.8is.....


K

Jeez! For that kind of money I might be interested in becoming the X5 manual swap guy.

The last two years I've been watching the listings in Ontario for e53s and the average asking price was less than $3000 prior to covid. This includes 4.8/3.0 with the 3s being closer to the 2k mark.

The asking prices have gone up since by a couple grand, but still there are bargains to be found/negotiated.

Last month I bought a 2005 3.0 for $1200 and a couple weeks later another one for $2300

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by c-bass

Jeez! For that kind of money I might be interested in becoming the X5 manual swap guy.

The last two years I've been watching the listings in Ontario for e53s and the average asking price was less than $3000 prior to covid. This includes 4.8/3.0 with the 3s being closer to the 2k mark.

The asking prices have gone up since by a couple grand, but still there are bargains to be found/negotiated.

Last month I bought a 2005 3.0 for $1200 and a couple weeks later another one for $2300

I bought my 2001 with 212km at auction for $1500. Body & chassis in near showroom condition. Nothing was NEEDED to make it a daily, but I redid rear sub-frame bushings, a couple of front end parts and only have had to replace the wiper motor and fan controller since January. BC is the land that rust forgot; helps that we don't use salt on the roads.

Out here you can find lots of X5 for under $4k in very nice condition. Its only the manuals that sellers think are made out of unobtanium. Same with the 4.8/4.6 - asking about double the 3.0/4.4 prices

cheers
K

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

I bought my 2001 with 212km at auction for $1500. Body & chassis in near showroom condition. Nothing was NEEDED to make it a daily, but I redid rear sub-frame bushings, a couple of front end parts and only have had to replace the wiper motor and fan controller since January. BC is the land that rust forgot; helps that we don't use salt on the roads.

Out here you can find lots of X5 for under $4k in very nice condition. Its only the manuals that sellers think are made out of unobtanium. Same with the 4.8/4.6 - asking about double the 3.0/4.4 prices

cheers
K

I've heard rumors of this forgotten rust free land, here in Ontario they've managed to start using the liquid stuff that's even more corrosive than salt so finding something even relatively rust free in the future looks very unlikely.

My $1200 find (nicknamed swamp thing so far) was cheap because it was ROUGH looking but mechanically not that bad for a DIY guy with pic n pull yards nearby.

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by c-bass

I've heard rumors of this forgotten rust free land, here in Ontario they've managed to start using the liquid stuff that's even more corrosive than salt so finding something even relatively rust free in the future looks very unlikely.

My $1200 find (nicknamed swamp thing so far) was cheap because it was ROUGH looking but mechanically not that bad for a DIY guy with pic n pull yards nearby.

Maybe I should buy up a bunch of rust-free X5's and ship them east


K

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

Maybe I should buy up a bunch of rust-free X5's and ship them east


K

As long as I get to cherry pick, I approve of this message

[alberniken]

Do you think there is a market for rust-free E53's? I could probably rustle up about 7 or 8 X5's that run & drive for under $3k each. Load 'em on a truck and ship eastward.



You just need a mechanic that could expedite out of province inspections.
K

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

Do you think there is a market for rust-free E53's? I could probably rustle up about 7 or 8 X5's that run & drive for under $3k each. Load 'em on a truck and ship eastward.



You just need a mechanic that could expedite out of province inspections.
K

Yes I do, but I'm probably somewhat biased being an enthusiast and not a fan of newer cars.

However, I have noticed a lot of people are more open to "older" luxury cars because they have ABS, Airbags and all kinds of creature comforts that you still don't find in new entry level vehicles that cost 5x or 10x as much.

The BMW styling of the e46/e53 year platform has aged VERY well and the usual reasons why people might stay away from an older vehicle is high mileage and RUST, at least around these parts.

Based on the amount of time I see a decent e53 listing is up for sale, I guarantee you that if I had a parking lot with half a dozen rust free vehicles here in Ontario they would sell like toilet paper at the start of covid.

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by c-bass

Yes I do, but I'm probably somewhat biased being an enthusiast and not a fan of newer cars.

However, I have noticed a lot of people are more open to "older" luxury cars because they have ABS, Airbags and all kinds of creature comforts that you still don't find in new entry level vehicles that cost 5x or 10x as much.

The BMW styling of the e46/e53 year platform has aged VERY well and the usual reasons why people might stay away from an older vehicle is high mileage and RUST, at least around these parts.

Based on the amount of time I see a decent e53 listing is up for sale, I guarantee you that if I had a parking lot with half a dozen rust free vehicles here in Ontario they would sell like toilet paper at the start of covid.

I am always up for a side gig if it doesn't end up costing me out-of-pocket.



I am tempted to get a quote for a car carrier to Ontario. I suspect not worth it by the time you factor in shipping, taxes and all.


Also I am on Vancouver Island, not Vancouver area proper, so logistics would be a pain.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by alberniken

I am always up for a side gig if it doesn't end up costing me out-of-pocket.



I am tempted to get a quote for a car carrier to Ontario. I suspect not worth it by the time you factor in shipping, taxes and all.


Also I am on Vancouver Island, not Vancouver area proper, so logistics would be a pain.

Car ferry out of Sydney wouldn't work?

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Car ferry out of Sydney wouldn't work?

I live on the west side of VI, and most of the best deals are in the greater Vancouver area; making purchases would involve a lot of travel to view and buy, as well as finding a place to collect them all together before shipping.
Just getting to Vancouver for me is a 4 hour one way journey. Even is a 2 hour minimum with the added cost of a return flight and taxi if I don't buy.


Would be a good gig for someone who lives in the lower mainland and has parking space.


K