X5 problems to look forward to...

[hoaesq]

My 05 4.4 has a little over 87k and nothing major has happend . . . but eventually will as the car gets older - I expect that. It's the cost of ownership of any car. Sure the Lexus and Toyota are more reliable but when things break they are just as expensive to replace and repair. My 2001 Infiniti QX4 was really reliable but started to show some signs of issues right before I sold it (had approx. 110k on it).


Recent things I had to replace:


- front boots torn - decided to replace entire axles and seals on both sides- figure I do preventive maintenance since I was working down there anyway. Axles are aftermarket, inexpensive and have no problems with them. If I do, lifetime warranty . . .


- trifecta lights (ABS/4x4 . . .) - found out it was the alternator - autozone $250 and replaced


- changed shocks and struts - figure I change them since I was already replacing the axles and down there. While I was at it, I lowered it with H&R springs.


- replace coolant resv. - was cracked - cheap as I ordered from a dealer in IN. My local dealer wanted 2x as much.


- replaced battery - 7+ years old .. . that's expected.


- got some deal pixels on teh Nav so planning to replace soon and priced it out at $170 - OEM.


- new tires - DUH they wear out. They are performance tires and they will wear out faster than the ones on the Lexus or Toyota - its the trade you get for better handling.

- replaced a couple of door carriers in the past 2 months - normal wear and tear IMO but not bad for a 7+ year old vehicle.


Overall the X5 has been a workhorse and extremely reliable. I'd take it over any Lexus, Toyota or Infiniti made in the same year. Put it this way, I thought about the Lexus GX450/470 and thought the car was dated. Take for example, greater displacement in the GX450/470 but WAAAY less horses/gas milage AND the thing that made me laugh was that the 4x4 system was still manual (Toyota was the same obviously). You had to pull a lever on the floor - even the 2001 Infiniti QX4 had a switch on the dash.


At the end of the day, it's preference AND most importantly - do your homework on the car you are thinking about buying. You're buying a used car. I'd take my X5 anyday and plan on getting another soon.