BMW rookie scared, wants 4.4!

[JCL]

Price is reasonable in the Canadian market, not great. Depends on condition.

There are two ways of looking at the future maintenance expense.

a) Everything that can break has already done so.

b) The car has required regular upkeep, and will continue to do so.

I would go with (b), and budget for maintenance if you get it.

[Lak]

Originally Posted by JCL

Price is reasonable in the Canadian market, not great. Depends on condition.

There are two ways of looking at the future maintenance expense.

a) Everything that can break has already done so.

b) The car has required regular upkeep, and will continue to do so.

I would go with (b), and budget for maintenance if you get it.

Yes, it seems like prices are all over the place - as low as $9000 for an 01 4.4 with 130K miles on it.

I will still have this one on the back burning, but for know I think I agree with Nazario, perhaps I should widen my search. However, one thing that scares me a little bit, is that when its time to sell it in 3-6 years, american cars here in Vancouver for some reason go for cheaper and are harder to sell it seems.

[JCL]

Yes, resale value will be down when you do sell a US vehicle here.

No import duty if you do bring one in, as it is built in North America, but you have all the taxes to deal with, plus an inspection, border agent fees, and changing small items like the speedometer. If it was a collector car, I could see bringing it in, but not so much for an eight year old used car.

The 3.0s tend to be the same price here, the V8 models haven't held their value as much. If you want a 4.4, you can find them.

There isn't a reliability difference with the year (once you get past 2001) but the 2004+ models have a more efficient engine in the 4.4, a better AWD system, and a six speed transmission.

[Lak]

Originally Posted by JCL

The 3.0s tend to be the same price here, the V8 models haven't held their value as much. If you want a 4.4, you can find them.....].

I noticed the same, that the 4.4 havent held there value as much here...why do you figure...?

Hmm, I will keep everyone posted, I might go for this one or might just wait and see. After all, it is December, perhaps in early 2011 I will see more options locally and prices going down.

Or i just might say F*it, and go for this one. I'll sleep on it.

Keep the advice coming guys, I really appreciate it all the perspectives!!

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Lak

I noticed the same, that the 4.4 havent held there value as much here...why do you figure...?

Fuel mileage primarily, higher repair costs as well. Most X5s are six cylinder models, by far, in all markets.

[RMak]

Originally Posted by Lak

I noticed the same, that the 4.4 havent held there value as much here...why do you figure...?

Hmm, I will keep everyone posted, I might go for this one or might just wait and see. After all, it is December, perhaps in early 2011 I will see more options locally and prices going down.

Or i just might say F*it, and go for this one. I'll sleep on it.

Keep the advice coming guys, I really appreciate it all the perspectives!!

I think it's a plus that at least that they can provide you with a detailed service history. Looks like the person that owned it took care of it. I agree with one poster that said that if there were any issues, looks like the owner resolved them.

I knew when buying a BMW that maintenance costs would be higher than average once out of warranty. I just try to do preventive maintenance stuff to keep the x5 in top shape. But I soon forget how much money I spent fixing her up the minute I take a nice road trip. I have the 4.4 and it puts a smile on my face when I stomp the throttle down and pass 3-4 cars in one shot on a single passing lane.

[calicolorado]

With that amount of money being spent on the car up to this point, it seems like many problem areas have been fixed, including the transmission, which is great. As an added bonus, you have the entire service history of the car in hand, which should set your mind at ease even further. If the car is well kept cosmetically, and at 18 grand with that mileage, it probably is, I'd be tempted to go for it. If it were my decision to make, I might consider a used car warranty just in case, but I don't think it's necessary. The X5 is a very well built vehicle with a robust drivetrain, designed to be driven-that I'm sure you already know...

I bought our '03 4.4i with 71k miles for 18K in September. It was a one owner car (bought with cash) that lived a pampered life in San Francisco and Beverly Hills. The interior has very, very little wear and it drives like a tall sports sedan. In the rain, on a twisty, vacant road, one can slide the car around and steer it with the throttle, I kid you not...

One thing most folks might not realize is that despite the differences in design and power output between the M62 V8 (00-03) and N62 that came in the 04-06 cars, the acceleration numbers are virtually identical, the pre-facelift 4.4 being a few ticks faster (according to Car and Driver). The car you're looking at has 290 horsepower vs 315 in the later car and a 5 vs 6 speed trans. The full VANOS on the N62 and the 6 speed auto likely contribute to it's better fuel economy ratings than the earlier car.

The styling differences follow facelifts and other changes that took place at the same time in the BMW line (E46, E38-E65).

If you like this particular car, the color combo and options, then DO IT! The X5 is insanely awesome.

[Lak]

Originally Posted by calicolorado

With that amount of money being spent on the car up to this point, it seems like many problem areas have been fixed, including the transmission, which is great. As an added bonus, you have the entire service history of the car in hand, which should set your mind at ease even further....].

Exactly what I was thinking, full service history and the tranny already replaced are a BIG bonus. The service agent said that the new tranny is better since it has new fluid and has better, sturdy compenents (interior drum housing or something like that). Not to mention, I would get a set of winter rims and tires (owner said this cost him $2500 via internet, but if went through dealer it would be $4000+, I dunno, but assume he's right).

I guess I would save on the plane and transportation costs if purchase more locally...