Looking at a couple of X5s

[wallyx5]

I love my 3.0 but I would take the 4.6 any day of the week. Because it suits my driving style better. You are going to have repairs bills on both vehicles regardless of which one you pick or for that matter any car period. I would get the 4.6 just for the exhaust note.

[Wagner]

As was pretty much the consensus, maintenance isn't cheap on a BMW. That is one of the reasons BMW instituted paid maintenance a few years back. Great when the run, sucks when they don't. There is no particular X5 better than others, per say. However, if you can swing a 2004+ you get different front end, lights, trans/X-Drive, etc....

[Supernatural]

Prior to owning my X I had a 325Xi Sportwagon which I purchased used. It had no prior history to locate but I kept it 3 years. When I sold it it had close to 170,000 miles. the 2.5 did not use a much oil,maybe a quart in 5k miles. Same with my X.

Furthermore the party I sold it to metioned that it has over 200k now,and the only thing they had to do maintenance wise was a left front axle due to a failed cv boot (drove too long before repair), thermostat and sensor, and a trans service which is routine. I changed the oil/filter every 5k with Valvoline 5w30 Synthetic for the 3 years I had it. I still miss it, but my X is more comfy for my family,and gives a similar sporty feel on the road.

[c4racer]

Compared to owning a newer one still under warrantee the total cost of ownership will most likely be much less on a used example. That that 2004 with 59K miles mention above purchased for $18,500. Over the next 3 years say you put another 40-50K miles taking it up over 100K. It will need some maint and perhaps some repairs along the way. You might spend somewhere in the $2-6K range depending on luck and if you can DIY or not. And the vehicle will drop maybe $8K in value over that time. So cost of ownership is $10-15K.

Compare that to owning a 1 year old BMW that will be under warrantee and maint for the entire 3 years. You are going to pay $40K for it and it will be worth $18K when you are done, so you are spending $22K over those 3 years to own it plus finance costs if you are not a cash buyer. Yet you have the "piece of mind" that anything goes wrong won't cost you money. Either way you pay the money, and IMHO you end up paying a lot more for the newer car.

I realize the OP was not comparing to a newer BMW. And if you ran the numbers comparing an X5 to a 4Runner it wouldn't even be close in terms of cost of ownership. But only you can decide if driving a BMW vs. a Toyota is worth the additional cost. No brainer decision for me btw - you don't see a Toyota in my driveway...

[Daytomann]

Thanks all so much!!! What a great forum.

After much thought and comparison, and consultation with the better half, we opted for an Expedition. We got an 04 EB 4x4 hard loaded with 85k miles for $15k, in great condition.

In the end, I know what to expect out of a Ford....from years of ownership. Maintenance is not a $$$$ deal with this vehicle, it should be a fine daily driver and an excellent tow rig.

[willgabriel]

Originally Posted by Daytomann

Thanks all so much!!! What a great forum.

After much thought and comparison, and consultation with the better half, we opted for an Expedition. We got an 04 EB 4x4 hard loaded with 85k miles for $15k, in great condition.

In the end, I know what to expect out of a Ford....from years of ownership. Maintenance is not a $$$$ deal with this vehicle, it should be a fine daily driver and an excellent tow rig.

I think you made a wise choice. X5 maintenance is $2k+/year from what I have seen, and the severity of the problematic issues really are ridiculous when you take off the BMW-tinted glasses. IMO, if someone wants a BMW, the best option is to stick with what they are good at: cars ... unless you simply have plenty of time and money to keep the X5 running right.

For me, the X5 is fun to drive, but in the long run it simply isn't reliable enough to justify the cost/headaches especially when you could have a 2001 100 series Toyota LC PLUS a '97 540i-manual, and get the best of both worlds for less.