Having a luxury vehicle is not always about pure dollars and cents. It is about the willingness to spend money for little things that you appreciate every time you crank up, as well as safety items. If you can say that you will enjoy the MDX as much as the X5, or are willing to be less happy with more money, by all means trade the cars. However, I have learned that I am willing to pamper myself in certain areas of my life, and my car is one of them.

FYI the Honda Pilot actually gets alot less mileage than they advertise, info is straight from my Honda dealer. Every small SUV out there is an attempt to copy the X5 the last 5 years. :thumbup: I understand the 'kiddie' factor. :tsk: You are in a period in your life where sacrifices are made to accommidate others. :rolleyes: You may have to get a vehicle that won't cause you a heartattack if it gets 'trashed'. :wow: You can always come back to a X5 when they are more responsible. :D

Now I'm not suggesting the car, because it is obviously not what you need, but the Infiniti FX has rear reclining seats. I would look more closesly at those cars that you decided do not have them before you immediately cross them off the list.

I rented a mitsubishi montero a few years ago on a ski trip. It was very comfortable in the back, the seat reclined, and it had a panoramic sunroof as well.

And the winner is...
 

Well, staying up late all night, looking at dealer and owner reviews, epinions, etc...It looks like the successor to the X5 is the.......

2005 Nissan Pathfinder...(tentatively :p ) Im waiting to see how big a lie the 16/23 mpg actually is.

Based on a "combination" of important features, it had almost everything I needed. Looks, size, and reclining rear seats!!

Decision wont be official until I get back in a few months, but if anything better comes along, Ill be sure to give it some thought!!

Still open to thoughts, suggestions, etc..And many thanks for everyones valued input!! :thumbup:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Don't do it. It's called seller's remorse. :( Hahahaha. I'm just kidding. I realized it all boils down to what you really want. Don't you just love the x5? You feel grounded and so secure in that vehicle. I say keep the X5.

I dunno, what your needs are but have you checked out the lexus rx400H? Price is steep but it I guess it makes up everywhere else. And I have to say it's dead quiet.

Damn I wish BMW made a hybrid X5. My vision for BMW: a 400HP hybrid X5 with 50 miles to a gallon. :D I may decide never to fly to any state if they come up with this. Hahahaha.

:withstupi Amen, brother!

So, you have a few features you don't use? Who cares? So do the MDX and Pathfinder! You think THEY won't come with trip computer or Bluetooth? I don't use 95% of my brain! Does not mean I am willing to let it go! lol

Seriously, though: what are you gonna get in return? A used Nissan or Acura for which you will pay about the same as you pay for your X now? I just don't know that it's worth it.

BY THE WAY, about that 3rd row seating: There is a reason the BMW SAVs don't have them. They are cramped (unless you buy a bus like the Suburban), uncomfortable, and dangerous (You get rear-ended while sitting back there, and it's gonna hurt). I would never put my child or any of his friends back there. Stick with the X. It's one of the finest automobiles out there, and probably the best combination of practicality, luxury and performance.

But, as Dennis Miller likes to say, "What the hell do I know?" :D

Juan

I hate you guys!! 3 hours ago, I was sold on a new Pathfinder, and now my wife says, "well, honey, maybe we SHOULDN'T sell it"...AAARGGHH!! I guess I'll keep it until I get back, and then make a more "edumacated" decision, since the vehicles I speak of are only visible to me via the internet... :(

I was just thinking, "why do I drive a $45,000 truck, with all this refinement, luxury, and gadgets, when all I do is throw groceries in the back on the weekends, and listen to my music at socially unacceptable and unsafe decibel levels? :band: :boogie: Cant I save 10-15 grand and do the same thing? :dunno:

Well, I guess I could, but jaba, and the rest of you guys may have a point. I keep thinking about the first time I sat in the X and fell in love, and my wife looking at me and saying "Yep!"... :D

Anyway, Ill keep it for the time being. I just cant wait until the guys at Bavarian Motor Werks put a 3rd row in this thing. I will be at the dealer before they can unload the first trailer. (If it looks right.) It actually comes out here in March of next year, but I will probably be in the good 'ol USA by then.... :mad:

For what its worth anyway, I think the Path is the second runner up in overall looks, practicality, effeciency, etc...Im serious! GX's, RX's, FX's, QX's, etc..(Well maybe not the GX..) comes close to the X in these areas....

Thanks again fellas...Oh yeah, what am I thanking you for again?!? :dunno: :bustingup :rofl:

My wife talked me into spending $700 USD ~10 years ago, for a new Tag-Heuer watch. I had never bought anything nicer than a Timex for myself before. I really didn't think I needed/would appreciate something that expensive, at the time. I have loved that watch (on my wrist right now) ever since.

Get the point? :)

Because you can. This is America. This is what we do as Americans. Be happy that you can; be grateful that you can; enjoy life and stop over-thinking it.

No. A Pathfinder or an MDX is not, I repeat, is NOT a BMW.


Don't hold your breath. BMW is known to dislike 3rd-row seating -- and good for them.


"Comes Close"? Remember: NO ONE remembers who comes in second place.