Thinking of buying a "work" X Diesel

[Crash513]

As the owner of an X5d and a 2012 F150-xlt with the 5L V8, I can tell you I don't think you should worry about image conflicts. My AW X5 looks more like every other white SUV on the road. For example, yesterday, some yahoo parked next to me in a white Eqinox tried to open my car with his remote remote before he figured it out. Compared to the comments I get on my truck (granted it is candy apple red w/chrome package) my X5 is low profile.

I say buy the 5 year old X5d, put the logo signs on it and see if any of your customers even notice. Besides being an appropriate executive vehicle for the proprietor of the business, it shows you run a professional shop, not necessarily that your ripping anyone off. Besides, with diesel power in a package that actually delivers the economy you need, is FTD with active suspension, and can still be used to run materials, its a lot better than knocking around in an F250, or showing up to bid a job in an Escalade.

Since I'm already ranting, the real question I have is why the he'll can't Ford (or anyone else in this country) build a 3/4 ton truck like the F150 with a reasonable straight 6 turbo-diesel? The EcoBoost Is an interesting alternative, but it lacks tractable power, which is why I ended up wit the 5L V8. I don't think my F150 weighs much more than my X5, and it would not take a 7L PoweStroke to get similar.mileage, and still have decent today for passing and towing. When BMW launches the X150d pickup I'll buy one.

[sarends]

Update: I have driven the Touareg 19,800 miles so far and am still really enjoying it - a favorite car of mine, all in all. MPG has increased. If I drive 80MPH I average about 27MPG. If I slow down to 70MPH I will get about 30MPG.

Very practical for my work vehicle esp. with the Cargo Box to keep the inside of the cabin more tidy.

The low rpm power is great for most of the driving I do. When I switch to our 2011 X5 5.0 on the weekends it is a big switch - much more aggressive vehicle, with overall greater fun factor. However, the Touareg is easier to "just get in and drive".

I REALLY wish we could get the X5 M50D in the US - I have become very enamored with the pleasant and easily accessible power of the diesel in the Touareg. And, 700 miles per tank has been very nice too.

Originally Posted by sarends

BTW, the Touareg TDI gets about 550 to 625 miles per tank of fuel. Average fuel economy is 25.0 MPG over 8,371 miles since new. This is a mixture of city and highway - on the interstate I drive (typical) 82 MPH. And, now that it is 90 degrees plus outside, she idles while I write up proposals, check directions to my next appointment etc.

My MPG would be more if I didn't have the cargo box on. Many Touareg TDI owners are getting over 700 miles per tank.

[texvette]

When you were talking about appearance and work. When I was in a segment of
the real estate field (not sales). The guy worked for traded cars every year. It
was either a new Cadillac, Toronado, or 98 that we used for work. I drove sports
cars, Trans am or vette.

When would go to meetings the others would drive a truck, or sedan and
go well things must be good at your firm. Replied doing just fine. In that case it
not negative on driving high end models. If a customer made a comment like
no wonder drive those cars, the replied there was, call someone else. If the
bank will let you. we really did have all the work could handle.

[ard]

Its been quite some time since I heard a trans am called a sports car....