X5 Purchase Advise - Purchase now or later

[BGM]

Originally Posted by cbnat

The 08's are drying up. I just bought an 09 on Saturday. 1k over invoice and 0.9% financing for 60 months. I may have been able to get it at invoice if I pushed harder, but I'm happy with the price. I kept my money in the bank and put zero down. It's as close to interest free I have ever seen on a luxury vehicle and the discounts the dealers are offering are unheard of. Even in the unlikely chance things get better (meaning prices drop more) the cars are still a great deal now. If your waiting for the bottom you may miss it. Also I figure any changes in the car are going to be a holding point for price negotiation.

I think we are safe for awhile on discounts and low APR on cars even on luxury brands--I saw Lexus has been doing low rates as well (which I don't recall they have ever done that). I would guess there will be discounts and low APR offers by BMW through late next year (only time will tell). I have a paid off e53 and not in a big hurry but like you want to get the best deal out there but am hedging that things aren't going to change in the economy too much next year which forces auto manufacturers to get customers into the showroom.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Did your dealer tell you when 09 production will end? Bet he does not know that.

No, he didn't say and I doubt he knows...

Craig

[Penguin]

>I think we are safe for awhile on discounts and low APR on cars even on luxury brands

Yup:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1227...?mod=djemAutos

[mtech8]

Originally Posted by jlackey49

Thanks for all the advice. Good to hear some real users of the X5 and the old iDrive. The reviews are brutal.

I only keep a vehicle about 2-3 years, so would the old version be obsolete and impact resale? Would this be avoided if I lease?

Thanks all!

I haven't done any calculations, but typically if a person only plans on keeping a vehicle for 2-3 years, leasing is the better option. Not sure how true that is in this economy where BMW is pushing harder for purchasing.

I'm sure having the old iDrive would make it harder to re-sale the car. Not to the point where no one will buy it, it'll just rule out the tech-savvy guy looking for a used car and perhaps give the knowledgable buyer more reason to ask for a bigger discount. Leasing would definitely eliminate the problem. At the end of the lease, you simply return the vehicle. Re-sale is then the dealers problem.

As for the version of the iDrive, if you are only driving for 2-3 years. Old or new is fine. The old isn't as bad all the bad reviews. It's nothing to rave about, but it works fine. Honestly, for all the real functions you'd use on a regular basis, there are buttons there to do the same task (AC & Radio). Only real gripe is the navigation, rear view camera resolution and slow boot up. New better of course, but you have to factor in the wait plus price difference and impact on re-sale if you are purchasing.

[Fastbuck]

Originally Posted by mtech8

New better of course, but you have to factor in the wait plus price difference and impact on re-sale if you are purchasing.

Not to mention whatever gremlins BMW have decided to engineer into the new iDrive!

[jlackey49]

Thanks for all the comments! I have someone wanting to assume my lease on my 335 so I'm going to price out a couple of 2009s. Maybe I'll return as a proud new owner of an X5...I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions after that!

Happy holidays!