Another newbie

jgjhhi · #1 02-27-2009, 10:29 PM

Even though I already posted my first thread I am a newbie. Been looking for the past several months to replace our 2005 Lexus GX 470 and never thought I'd find a replacement. Absolutely loved my Lexus (except for the side closing HEAVY tailgate and the second row seats which do not fold flat.). Wanted to get away from a V8 and the RX350 was just too small. Kind of stumbled on the X5 when we were looking at the Enclave at the GMC/BMW dealership. Had to wait for the sales person to research the Enclave and decided to kill time and drive the X5. Once I got in the drivers seat and took off I was sold!!! Told my husband that I was determined that we were going to buy the X5. Would have loved to ge a brand new 2009 but looked on the internet for a low mileage CPO 2008. Came across an X5 (exact color/options we wanted and was the dealership demo with very low mileage) had it shipped from TN to SC a week later and it arrived last Sunday. Even though my husband misses the Lexus and its plush soft ride I have adjusted to the X5 and am amazed with all its technology and ease of driving. And I do not find it underpowered at all (we have the 3.0 engine). I keep finding errands to do just so I have an excuse to drive the car. Its so much fun to drive. NO COMPLAINTS SO FAR!!!!

Craig · #2 02-27-2009, 10:41 PM

Congratulations! Enjoy it...

Craig

poinds · #3 02-27-2009, 11:41 PM

Congrats! Glad to hear you enjoy it!

I was actually looking to buy a '07 GX470. I test drove it and loved the smooth ride but I just couldn't get past the looks. It's basically a jacked up 4Runner and the swing out rear door is just ridiculous.

Anyways, when you mention the 3.0si has more than adequate power, are you referring to when it's already moving. I've heard that the 3.0si is a little sluggish off the line but works well once it's moving.

Any more in depths observations about the power of the 3.0si engine?

rh71 · #4 02-28-2009, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poinds

Congrats! Glad to hear you enjoy it!

I was actually looking to buy a '07 GX470. I test drove it and loved the smooth ride but I just couldn't get past the looks. It's basically a jacked up 4Runner and the swing out rear door is just ridiculous.

Anyways, when you mention the 3.0si has more than adequate power, are you referring to when it's already moving. I've heard that the 3.0si is a little sluggish off the line but works well once it's moving.

Any more in depths observations about the power of the 3.0si engine?

After break-in, it's much better off the line but it's no 4.8i of course. I find myself using a pretty heavy foot because the 3.0's engine noise isn't bad either and it can go, making me want to push more. As a result, I'm getting 12.3mpg right now (no highway this fillup yet and plenty of red lights). Heh. In hindsight, yeah I wouldn't mind the 4.8i if I'm going to be doing this and getting this kind of mileage.

As for "already moving", its 260hp is plenty already. Love it on the highways... can imagine 350hp is overkill (except for on-ramps perhaps). Can dart around lane to lane with extreme ease.

jgjhhi · #5 02-28-2009, 08:52 AM

I don't really see a big difference at all Yes, its not the same as a V8 but then again the mileage of a V8 is terrible. My 18 year old son thinks its great as he loves the sound of the engine off the line. Its worth the sacrifice of a gas guzzling V8 not to add the cost saved!!! I will agree with you about the GX 470 lift gate. Absolutely HATED it. Very hard to handle as it never stayed opened and VERY heavy. But the ride was unbelievable (especially on the highway), nothing like the 4 runner. The X5 gives you the feel of being in an SUV with all the extra added height of the car and is so much fun to drive. Not quite as smooth but much better performance and handling, especially in turns. You can't go wrong with the X5 !!!

Paydirtdog · #6 02-28-2009, 09:48 AM

I have an '01 X5 3.0 and an '07 4.8. The 4.8 is deffinatly a rocket but I've never been bothered by a lack of power from the 3.0. In '01 the 3.0 was only 225 hp, but it still had a lot of get up and go. I guess if you put your foot into it a lot you'd like the 4.8 way better, but for ordinary driving around the 3.0 is plenty. I love both of these cars for their handling, looks, and just that BMW feel.

Bodaddy · #7 02-27-2009, 11:53 PM

It always nice when you can come to love a car at first contact. Glad to hear you're enjoying it so much!

k80jr · #8 03-01-2009, 11:51 PM

I just bought a 2009 35d. It replaces a 1996 Yukon that has about 160k on it. The Yukon drives like a log wagon compared to the X5. It gets about 16mpg. It hauls everything and has been a good workhorse, but for not much more $$$$ than a new Yukon the 35d really is an amazing step up. We lost some cargo space, but are getting about 24mpg and bmw road handling. The x5 is a really nice. Also this diesel has plenty of acceleration.

Bozz · #9 03-02-2009, 08:44 AM

K80jr,

We all await the photo's of your new ride when you have some time.

Bozz.

k80jr · #10 03-02-2009, 10:40 AM

Bozz,

It's still winter here and the Jet Black looks like dirty gray now. Will clean it up when then temp gets above freezing and post some pix!