Buying a new E70 diesel

[becLaguna]

Hey Everyone,

I've owned my 2002 X5 since it was new (Jan. '02) white/ tan 3.0. For the most part I have loved this truck. I remember the first week of owning it and thinking I had made a huge mistake spending so much money... But at about one or two months I started bonding with it and it wasn't long before I fell in love!

I usually trade cars/trucks every few years. After year four I began to get the itch for something new and started watching for my next car, waiting to be inspired by the next cool car. Here it is 2010 and I still haven't seen or driven anything that I like better.

I've taken wonderful care of my car. Maintained it by the book, avoided accidents, scrapes and scratches, have done repairs as needed, details once a year and always have kept it garaged...But the love is fading. In the past 2 years I've spent $5000 on repairs on a car that's worth less than $10,000.

So... now I'm out looking at new suv's and I can't help but come back to the X5. I'm not excited about the new 2011 Cayenne... the Chevy Tahoe is a bit boring, the Lexus GX is a bit too cushy and "Cadillac-like" for my taste and I'm not a big fan of the Toyota's. I have a small boat, (6000 pounds) so I'm limited on what I can buy.

I'm looking at buying a new, (2011) E70 diesel. I'm probably going to pull the trigger in the next few days so just looking for feedback on color combos, options and the diesel idea. I tend to go pretty basic on options as I think anything electronic (gps, etc.) will be outdated in a few short years and might be a potential problem in the future. So far, I'm thinking Premium pkg. and roof rails. The MSRP on the unit I'm thinking about is $55,675. The diesel rebate takes it to $51,175. The local (Newport Beach, Ca) dealer says he'll do a discount of $2500 which seems pretty good. That would make a net of $48,675 for a new diesel X5. Considering that I paid $45,000 for my 2002 3.0 gas X5 this sounds pretty great!

Also...if you know anyone looking for a well maintained 2002 The dealer will give me $8000... anything more is a bonus!

Any advice or feedback is appreciated.

Cheers!