Looking to trade-up the X5... - Page 2

dkl · #11 01-26-2006, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bavarian

Guys thanks for the input. I think I was not clear though. The main reason for changing the X5 is not that it has 90000KM. I have no problem with this, and I know she will go many more kilometers problem-free.

It's just that people update their cars once in a while. So my main logic here is that this X5 will fetch a pretty low trade-in, even today. If I keep it for another year (usually keep them for 3 years total), then I will get a terrible trade-in value, also because the new-gen X5 would have been out.

Right now, on the market, this X5 is worth $39000-$42000. Somewhere in there. I'm getting it appraised this week - I'll let you know the exact digit. If I wait for the new X5 to come out, the trade-in value will automatically drop even more. I don't have the kind of funds to counter that and still have an X.

That's why I'm shuffling around now. I hope the picture is clearer now. I will have it appraised both by a BMW dealer and the Benz dealer, to see what the difference will be.

Plus there are two other very important factors in play here:

1) The money deal. My BMW dealer can offer me 0.5% less on financing, which is cool. Also since I've done business with them 2 times before, they can make a deal happen if we are both happy.
2) I've never driven an X5 with the SP. I can imagine that it will drive rock-hard like the old 330i, but what concern me is the sport seats. I would appreciate something "tighter" than the standard 8-way + lumbar I have now. But on the other hand, I'm not a small person, so I hope those sport buckets won't "lock" me in.

I'm not sure I understand your logic. Trading in your X for another one WILL definitely cost you more than if you just kept it. Sure you will get "more" for trading in your X now, but you'll also end up paying for the extra "dealer profit" of the new X or ML. Also, the two vehicles that you're considering still have the old body styles, so they will equally take the price "plummet" when the new body style show up (this already happened for the ML)! On either the 03 X5 or the 04 ML, you'll lose a minimum of $5k immediately after you drive it off the lot. It will probably take you more than six months to lose $5k on your current ride. Besides, your current X is a "known entity" and the new one is NOT! But then again, I'm somewhat conservative. I always buy all my cars virgin new and keeps them for 10+ years putting 150k-200k miles on them before even considering of selling them!

My suggestion is that you should only trade in your X if you're tired of it and really want something totally different. Don't do it just because you're thinking you're getting a good price for your current X...you're NOT. Keep trading in cars every couple of years are very bad money losing propositions, period.

Sponsored Links

ChristopherM3 · #12 01-26-2006, 03:03 PM

If you want a VERY nice ML500, I have one for sale right now. It is a 2002 Black with Grey interior - every option and VERY low miles - only 24,800. I am the 2nd owner and I bought it in August of '05 with only 15,500 miles on it.
P.M. me if you are interested and I'll give you more details if you like........

I'm going to post it on here this weekend.............

Thunder22 · #13 01-26-2006, 03:40 PM

It's a simple decision.

Slam the door on one of the X's you're considering picking up. Then go to MB and slam one of the doors on the ML. The X door will close with a healthy "thunk" the ML door will sound like a hyundai ping.
The quality just isn't there on the ML.

statdoc · #14 01-26-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gresch

It's a simple decision.

Slam the door on one of the X's you're considering picking up. Then go to MB and slam one of the doors on the ML. The X door will close with a healthy "thunk" the ML door will sound like a hyundai ping.
The quality just isn't there on the ML.

hayaku · #15 01-26-2006, 05:08 PM

why on earth would you trade in an 02 for an 03? you spend all that money for the new car, plus loss on depreciation on the old car just to extend the warranty for maybe another 12 months if you get that much????

Thunder22 · #16 01-26-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayaku

why on earth would you trade in an 02 for an 03? you spend all that money for the new car, plus loss on depreciation on the old car just to extend the warranty for maybe another 12 months if you get that much????

because he's got an itch he needs to scratch... don't question a man's desire to acquire a new vehicle, it's against "the code"!!!!

Saxi · #17 01-26-2006, 05:42 PM

I was looking at the MB ML before I got the X. The driving experience is not good at all, very "pudding" like (as Jeremy Clarkson would put it) Plus the MB would probably end up costing you a lot more since reliability isn't what MB is known for right now.

Keep your X

Of course just my humble opinion

Saxi

Bavarian · #18 01-26-2006, 11:16 PM

I got appraisal number 1. I'll write the full story in an hour. VERY dissappointed guys.

Bavarian · #19 01-27-2006, 12:58 AM

The story continues here. Click on the link for a shocker!

Sponsored Links