Advise needed. Debating between X5 and 328i.

[Throatpunch]

Originally Posted by JoshLee89

Yes. 328i would be more practical choice for me since im just a student who wont't be able to afford anything without my parents. But it's also true that i want to have nice cars, especially when i had g37 and 328i seems down grading. (engine pov not the brand lol)

I understand your need for luxury but since you're a student you really should be reasonable and think about the financial RISK that is involved here. A higher mileage car is always a gamble and can you possibly afford to take that risk? correct me if you are working somewhere long term while going to school.


Also did you test drive? I would say the X5 Drives like a SUV, don't expect some nimble vehicle.

What is your need for the vehicle really? if its storage space and to haul things the x5 is clearly a winner. if its a nice car either will win.

Your comparision is a bit strange- I would have expected more of a "Do I buy a X5 or MDX" type of thing lol

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by JoshLee89

Yes. 328i would be more practical choice for me since im just a student who wont't be able to afford anything without my parents. But it's also true that i want to have nice cars, especially when i had g37 and 328i seems down grading. (engine pov not the brand lol)

Normally I would say "Life is too short so buy what you want". However that advice applies to someone who can afford the options under consideration. Since you cannot afford either of these vehicles my recommendation is to go with the more practical choice.

I don't want to sound harsh but people living beyond their means is why the economy is in the mess it's in today.

[Throatpunch]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

Normally I would say "Life is too short so buy what you want". However that advice applies to someone who can afford the options under consideration. Since you cannot afford either of these vehicles my recommendation is to go with the more practical choice.

I don't want to sound harsh but people living beyond their means is why the economy is in the mess it's in today.

When I was in college in 2000 I bought a new honda civic for 14K and I thought that was a financially dumb move myself! lol

[JoshLee89]

Originally Posted by Crash513

Hi Josh:

I have to agree with mopaman. My advice is to buy the 328i. We all love X5's or we would not be here, but from what you describe of your situation, you would be better off with the three IMHO. Here is my rationale:

• If you ever have to replace the 20's on the X5, you'll be eating mac & cheese the whole next semester to pay for them.
• You probably won't benefit that much from the advantage of a larger vehicle for your lifestyle, but you always have to pay the higher insurance and for feeding that big, thirsty V8.
• The '07 X5 was relatively reliable for a first year new model, but lots more electronics and more complex systems general means more to go wrong in comparison to the three.
• 62k miles is really nothing for these cars, but unless you buy an aftermarket warranty that really covers everything you could wind up paying a lot to fix something if it breaks.
• The money you will save on gas alone will pay for an extended warranty on the 328, if you wanted to keep it for a while. That car still qualifies for a BMW warranty extension plan, which your x5 candidate does not.
• If you know the 328 was well cared for by your buddy, and you know it's history, there is no doubt you will be getting a solid car.

Nobody likes to defer gratificaiton, but there is something to be said for setting long term goals and attaining them. Buy the 3 now, and enjoy driving it while you finish your education. Then you can get a great job and start making some real money. When you do, reward yourself with a nice used X5.

Good luck. Whaterver you decide, you can't go wrong with either of these magnificent cars.

Thanks for the opionion. Really helpful for me hearing this from someone else, not directly from my parents. Yes wise choice for me would be less mile, less cost to maintain like 3 and get a brand new X5 when i can afford on my own. But i gotta admit that my thought changes everyday. I want nicer car, realistically not a good choice for me.. But i want nicer car. Haha

[JoshLee89]

Originally Posted by Throatpunch

When I was in college in 2000 I bought a new honda civic for 14K and I thought that was a financially dumb move myself! lol

Lol but then 10 years from then, you now own a bmw x5. It ended up the dumb move you made didnt matter in your success lol

[BGM]

Originally Posted by Throatpunch

Also did you test drive? I would say the X5 Drives like a SUV, don't expect some nimble vehicle.

An X5 with Sport Pack and 20" wheels will have pretty close to same skidpad #'s as a 328 with Sport Pack. I believe a non-sport X5 hits .82 whereas a 328 with Sport Pack is .88.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by JoshLee89

Thanks for the opionion. Really helpful for me hearing this from someone else, not directly from my parents. Yes wise choice for me would be less mile, less cost to maintain like 3 and get a brand new X5 when i can afford on my own. But i gotta admit that my thought changes everyday. I want nicer car, realistically not a good choice for me.. But i want nicer car. Haha

The 328 is a nice car.

[xoutpostking]

If you are into "nice" cars, then don't go with the 328. Its a bottom feed BMW, that looks rather generic without all the aero pieces. And the engine, it will be a downgrade from your old G. I would either keep the G or go with the X5.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by JoshLee89

Lol but then 10 years from then, you now own a bmw x5. It ended up the dumb move you made didnt matter in your success lol

I wouldn't say buying a Civic was a dumb move. In fact I would say it probably was a wise move. There is a significant difference in operating cost between a Civic and an X5.

[Throatpunch]

Originally Posted by JoshLee89

Lol but then 10 years from then, you now own a bmw x5. It ended up the dumb move you made didnt matter in your success lol

Yeah but I could have partied more and worked less 10 years ago LOL

Hey my X5 was CPO'd- I still have trouble spending a ton of money on a car.