Time to replace the E53, what to get?
 

Hey Everyone!

I'm at 230,000 miles on this beautiful 2001 X5 3.0i. I'm running into a horrible oil leak, hard shifting at times, rear door open sensor failure, etc. etc. etc. I think it is time I let her die a respectable death.

With that being said, I don't know exactly what I want to look for to replace her. She was loyal, almost like a good friend, we had so many adventures.

I want another vehicle but:

Cons: Expensive. they cost more than other cars, new and used. Maintenance/Parts. They are pricier, and mechanics are expensive to fix even the most mundane item. Fuel. God will this thing slurp it up. I'm not too keen on the premium gas thing (I knew what I was getting into when I purchased it though). I was thinking maybe a diesel model.

Pros: The Ride, the handling, the design. Enough said.

If I don't opt for an X5, what other recommendations do you all have? Perhaps a 5 series, or a 3 series. I don't imagine I could afford a new vehicle, so I'm looking at used. I'm thinking a 2008 X5 diesel, or a 2009 5 series. But I haven't discounted another brand either. I love the look of 2008 and newer Chevy Tahoes. If I'm going to spend a lot of money on gas anyways, I can spend it on regular gas on a big vehicle, as opposed to a smaller vehicle with the same gas mileage.

So what recomendations do you have?

P.S. I live in California, no snow (occasional trips to Lake Tahoe), dry heat, so no real road condition issues to deal with.

I like E70 diesels for sure. I just can't stand how involved newer vehicles are to work on.

Jeep GC?

Yeah, the newer vehicles do look a bit more complicated to work on. It's almost like rocket science. lol. I'm not a Jeep fan, been there, done that.

What is the reliability on BMW X5s and 5 Series from 2008 up?

Any issues I can look forward to running into on these later model vehicles?

I snagged a 2008 535i. It has similar issues we've all seen. It had 120,000km on the clock when I picked it up. Needed turbos, had lots of oil and fluid leaks. I knew these issues going in to it, snagged the car for a decent price and threw the repairs at it to get a well sorted car for a fair price. Rides like a dream now.

My parents are looking to purchase a 2015 Subaru Forester XT. As such I've test driven them and have been very impressed. You can buy one new for < $30K.

I almost replaced my x5 with a 2008 535xi not long ago it is a heck of a car. My first thought is why not just buy a 2005 or newer x5. Personally I'd consider the newest nicest e53 I could afford to replace mine.

While a 2005 sounds nice, it is also a 10 year old vehicle at this point, and I don't want the "same" vehicle as I already have, as the 2005 model is basically the same body style. I want to know the reliability of those after 2008. Also, the Subaru is something I haven't looked into. I'll have to check them out.

We are getting near end-of-life on our 2005 X5 4.8is (e53) so we just bought a 2008 X5 4.8i sport (e70) that came up sort of locally and through the BMW club. Well kept and reasonable miles/price. We didn't want to get the turbos (had a 2013 X5 5.0 for 45k miles) so stayed in the pre-turbo years. That means we may give up some MPG.

We will keep the old one for use with the dog and as an extra winter beast until it gives up the ghost.

Was also considering an X5M but much more costly to buy and keep, and I have an M3 for the serious driving fun!

Obviously what you choose to replace yours with depends on your needs, desires and budget.

What do you guys think of the Touareg?