Diesel vs. gas e70

[JCL]

Hey Seth, been a while. Hope you are well

Some random thoughts, based on some experience with BMW diesels (not the X5) and 26 years in the diesel business

Quieter than a pickup, noisier than a BMW gasoline model. Depends on your terms of reference.

Torque is good. I appreciate it, but value smoothness at higher rpm more, so it is a no for me. You drive an M3 so it is worth bringing it up. Some won't care.

Mileage is good but in Canada the payback is 8+ years on a new X5 compared to the gasoline model. That is just to break even. Check it out locally. I wouldn't be comparing to a 30i but rather a 35i.

Maintenance cost is a wash IMO. Engine life is the same for all practical purposes. Higher cylinder pressures and stress on the engine with the diesl but it will last as long as the rest of the car.

Fuel station convenience is down a bit but entirely manageable. Fuel odor at refueling is a bit of a negative.

If it is for your wife make sure she is OK with the above. Little things can make or break it.

Good luck

Jeff

[FSETH]

Thanks again everyone. Great food for thought!

Jeff, I know what you mean about smoothness at higher RPM, but I really wont be driving this vehicle more than a few times a month. It will be my wife's car. She really had her heart set on a larger, three row SUV. With only one child (less than a year old) I don't see what the fuss over three rows is about. However, she probably didn't see why I NEEDED an M3 over a 330, so I can only argue so much. However, certified pre-owned 3-row X5's are somewhat hard to come by in our price range. Therefore, she was strongly considering a new Ford Explorer, which is a fine, safe vehicle, but I know I would end up wishing it were an X5 every time I had to drive it. So, I thought I would throw her a curve ball and suggest this diesel e70 I came across at a really good price. She loved it as soon as she saw the ad online. Now we need to drive it and see what she thinks. Needless to say, giving up the smooth, higher RPM's for her to be happy in a diesel X5 with a rediculous amount of warranty left may be a good compromise over the Explorer.

[SquattingDog]

I rented an Explorer earlier this year for a week, and my first impressions were positive. But by the time I returned the thing, I was glad to be rid of it. My issues -

1. I thought the MyTouch stuff was cool at first, but at the end I was wishing for good old fashioned knobs and buttons for both the HVAC and radio. The touch screen was hit or miss, it was slow to respond often, and it froze up twice. And the touch buttons on the dedicated HVAC and audio buttons felt cheap. I hated how it started playing my music automatically every time I plugged a phone in to charge.

2. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with the middle row - then it hit me, it was missing a center fold down arm rest (XLT model). The only place for kids to store drinks is the door pockets, which don't work.

3. I lost several small items in the cargo area, because there is a large gap between the back of the fold down third row and the end of the cargo hold. There is no storage compartments in the cargo hold either to store your flashlights, tire sealant, jackets, etc.

4. I got about 16mpg in the city, and about 22mpg on the highway. But the engine was gutless at lower RPMs, and had to be revved up near the redline for any power. And it didn't sound pretty at higher RPM's.

5. The Explorer felt as big as the Traverse/Acadia/Enclave, but the interior packaging didn't compare AT ALL.

Otherwise, it was a nice vehicle. I definitely prefer the Durango and the GM triplets.

As a compromise, you may want to look at the MDX. Very friendly 3 row interior, easy to drive but handles pretty nice if you get the Advance package with the magnetic shocks.

Just my 2 cents.

[ViGuyChad]

IMO get gas over beause my 4.8i gets 20 on the hwy, and gas is always cheaper then diesel almost 1.00 here

[BryanCO]

Love our 35d. When test driving, I wasn't sure about the noise but after 6 months of ownership, I actually like it. The X5 is the wifes (my dd is the M3) but I drive it quite a bit and don't notice any 'smoothness' issues - but I don't drive the X5 like I do the M3...

We bought slightly used which dropped the price (with the options we were looking for) into our price range.

[FSETH]

Great overview of the Explorer. I have some of the same feelings, but my wife was happy enough driving it, it had a fairly useable third row and is rated as a top safety pick. Plus, the 2012's are very heavily discounted right now. To the point you can get a Limited with nearly all options for under $37,000. Trust me though, I would rather have an X5 in the garage.

As far as fuel economy compared to a 48i, it seems it is a no brainer. I searched fueleconomy.gov and entered the premium and diesel prices in my area as well as how many miles she will drive and what % is stop and go. It estimates that I would save nearly $1,000 per year in fuel costs over the 48i. Plus, you get over 100 mile more range from each tank.

[FSETH]

Also, I have considered the MDX. I have gotten used to the exterior styling. However, the interior is a nightmare. I have never seen so many buttons. They are everywhere; steering wheel, console, wiper/turn signal stalks. Hell, I think some of the buttons have buttons. The interior of this car just absolutely kills it for me. It just isn't up to par with the rest of the car.

As far as domestics are concerned, Ford is really the only one I would even consider. I just can't see myself spending money on a Chevy or a Dodge. I don't even know if I can actually spend it on a Ford when it comes down to it. Maybe that is why I am frantically searching for any X5's that my wife will approve of. Either way, the Explorer is the only domestic option at the moment.

[alexmish]

Hmm, you might want to ask Lady if she does not mind to deal with typically significantly dirtier diesel fuel pumps, pavement around them and handles... I suggest she wears gloves or uses full service, if available. Again, you might want to visit nearest gas station and take a look!

Here in NJ it is a no-brainer, full service everywhere, and when we go out of state, I bring my gloves.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Also, I have considered the MDX. I have gotten used to the exterior styling. However, the interior is a nightmare. I have never seen so many buttons. They are everywhere; steering wheel, console, wiper/turn signal stalks. Hell, I think some of the buttons have buttons. The interior of this car just absolutely kills it for me. It just isn't up to par with the rest of the car.

As far as domestics are concerned, Ford is really the only one I would even consider. I just can't see myself spending money on a Chevy or a Dodge. I don't even know if I can actually spend it on a Ford when it comes down to it. Maybe that is why I am frantically searching for any X5's that my wife will approve of. Either way, the Explorer is the only domestic option at the moment.

Have you looked at the Grand Cherokee ?

[FSETH]

alexmish - You are making filling up sound like a horror movie, lol. In all seriousness, I will drive by a few gas stations on my wife's daily route and see what the diesel pumps are like. Thanks for the tip.

BGM - I do like the Grand Cherokee. However, I think the only way my wife would consider a vehicle without a third row is if it's an X5. My choices are somewhat limited due to her desires.