Car Options and Opinions
 

OK, so 2 years later, I like the go-fast part of the CTS-V, but I miss the utility part of the X5. And, I may sell my big boat and get a trailer boat, meaning I'll have to pull a trailer again. No way my wife lets me go fishing with her Escalade.:mad:

So, near me, there are the following options:

'03 X5 4.6 - 33k miles - 52k
'03 4.6 - 31k miles - 50k
'05 4.6 - 7k miles - 65k
'06 Jeep SRT-8 - o mile - 46k.

I may lease this next car, since I've gotten into a habit lately of 2 years and trade. I would get hammered on my trade-in for the V. I may sell it first, but I'll probably trade it because I'm impatient. Eating the trade-in makes this purchase somewhat price-conscious.

I haven't seen the new Jeep in person yet, though it looks good in pictures.

The questions:
- Anyone seen a Jeep SRT-8 in person?
- Is the SRT-8 a worthy competitor to a 4.6 or 4.8?
- Given the above, the Jeep is by far the best deal. Is a performance version X5 really worth either 30k miles (to keep the price the same), or 20k dollars (low vs. new miles)?

Opinions welcomed. Thanks.

YJ/M:
My dart throw from the back row, is the '03 4.6 with 31K miles:
you'd still have a lil'Warr and Maint left, you could extend that
coverage w/the Stlr, etc.

I've seen the new hotrodJeep at a stlr...looks good, good grunt from the specs and the price is hard to beat, but don't know the "tow"
capabilities.

I'm partial to X5s, (though we had a GrndCherokee that ran flawlessly for 5 yrs and almost 100K miles.)

GL on your pick.
BR, md

Welcome back! Here's my $0.02. I would skip the Jeep. First off it's a Jeep. Second, it's pretty small. I know the X5 is not exactly a big cargo carrier but from looking at the current Jeeps, they are pretty cramped. Third, as far as it's performance, it sounds like a badass vehicle but FWIW, C&D rated the Trailblazer SS a better performer. I haven't driven the SS version of the Trailblazer but the regular version is typically terrible. I think you'd ultimately get bored of and regret getting the Jeep. Also, I don't think you can mount a hitch on the Jeep given the location of the fat twin exhaust. :dunno:

http://www.swiftindavis.com/sblog/me...8-jgc_srt8.jpg

I see that you're looking at 4.6is's and that's very cool as I'd love one but maybe you should consider leasing an '06 4.4 instead. You mentioned leasing and I know that BMWFS has some good stuff for X5's right now. When I went in last weekend to see about leasing a 330, the sales manager asked me about 3 times whether I was sure I didn't want an X5 because the deals were good. You'd get to lease, you'd get a brand new X5, all your maintenance is included, and be right in or below your price range. Your towing needs would be met too.

Pass The Jeep

Go for the 4.6 w/ 31k miles...

4.4 Lease
 

I think a lease on a new 4.4 is probally a good option.

Might also look at SS Blazer, don't know what the lease cost would be?

The SRT-8 would stomp either the 4.6 or the 4.8 Bimmers. It comes down to personal taste and who you are when it comes to buying a vehicle. If you want to shell out cash for a used car or new car. You will definitely find the Bimmer has better interior quality and nicer curves and a higher 'retained' value...however that said the Jeep is brand new and can have up to a 70,000 mile warranty from the dealer. If performance is your big push (and by comparing the 4.6 and not the 3.0/4.4, I'm guessing it is) then the SRT-8 is the easy winner. And if all you care about is hauling fishing equipment and smaller not-so-truck items, then the SRT-8 is probably a great choice.

Now if you have already, in your mind, narrowed it down to the 4.6 then obivously the newest you can afford would hold the most value.

Again, comes down to personal style. People will rag Jeep quality...but I can find you just as many people that will rag BMW quality. It's all relative, buy what you like...either vehicle is awesome.

How to Hitch your wagon
 

All of that said don't know how you would put a hitch on the Jeep?

good feedback all. They claim the Jeep tows 3500 lbs, which is not a large boat. I don't know where the hitch goes - I hadn't looked at that. I imagine not many people would use those to tow, but my car does it all - dirty dog, sweaty kids, coolers with fish in them (OK, maybe only bait). It needs to tow also.

Thanks.

Im just gonna add my .02 I just traded a 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 , for my 01 X5 4.4 , the jeep had 11,000 miles on it, the X has 55,000 , every one of those 11,000 miles I dreaded, I could honestly tell you I would absolutely NEVER EVER buy another jeep and I would advise you to do the same , in fact dont buy any american made automobiles. I have two friends with large boats , one has a infinity FX45(with 20 inch wheels) and the other has a 04 4.4 X , both are very satistfied with their towing capabilities , so you have many options other than the jeep, I wish you luck with whatever choice you make