2006 E53 6spd MT, 187,000 miles, keep or replace
 

Last week I had all the brake lines replaced ($1,500.00) and while the
vehicle was in the shop I started my search for new SUV in the next year or so.

I purchased the 2006 as a CPO in 2/2010 and since that time my total repair costs
amount to around $11,000, starter/alternator/radiator/brake lines/etc.

Note: there does not seem to be an increase in annual repair costs over the last few years
(except the brake line costs which messes up my 1k/yr average)

Note: I do not include maintenance items in the $11,000, tires/oil changes/upgrades.

Note: X5 is not my primary vehicle and is used for ski trips/hauling stuff/etc. So maxmimum trips are about 200 miles.

I have narrowed the new SUV down to another CPO X5 or Ford Explorer ST with
an out the door costs between 55k & 60k and this assumes my current X5
is worth no more that 3k-4k.

So the question is should I purchase an new SUV or use that purchase money to keep the X5
running for another 10 years.
I really like the 6spd and really like the idea of not putting up with all of the new electronic beeping devices.

Note: I assume the new SUV would have minimal value after 10 years

Note: Due to the age of the 2006 x5 I am no longer taxed by the local government,
but the new vehicle would be taxed at about $1,000/Year

Thoughts appreciated

I think only key info missing is current miles on X5…

original post updated, 187,000 miles

And if you DO give up your e53, you are required to continue letting us know about good parts on Craigslist! I’m running two sets of 214’s, a set of 87’s and a set of 215’s…and am always interested in finding more for some reason!


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I use searchtempest which will search all craigslists based on miles from zipcode..

I use 150 miles from Rhode Island which works well for me.

Last week I found OEM front window regulators new in box for $80.00 which
is much better than the $500 from supply houses

So, right now, it costs you a grand a year in repairsto keep going. A new vehicle would cost you a grand a year just in taxes, PLUS everything else. And you're not enthusiastic about the new vehicles?

If you want to move on to something new, that's not unreasonable. But it certainly doesn't sound like cost is the reason to do it.

I'm personally quite enjoying my recently acquired 6MT.

Good luck replacing that. There's no direct replacement for a manual trans X5. I can really only think of similar year Porsche suv's that offered it & they would be just as old. Once the new vehicle goes out of warranty, being newer & even more electronics/modules/dealer only serviceability it has potential to get real ugly on the wallet.

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Yeah... I considered a Cayenne MT, bu they are even rarer than X5s AND VWs are way harder to work on.

(Plus I already own or have access to most of the E53/M54 special tools.)

by "replace" I mean get a newer vehicle. which of course would not be a manual.

I've looked at the Cayenne, they have less cubic feet in the back and I
can get at least 1/3 cord of wood in the back of the x5.

Also I think the last manual Cayenne was 2013 or something like that
so it is also getting older and might have repair costs.

The cost of repairs by keeping the X5 you have is a crapshoot as is the cost of purchasing any other used vehicle. Often the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know.

If you decide to purchase a used vehicle the key is to be patient and flexible on color and interior, even the accessories. Look for a vehicle with less than 75,000 miles, with full service and repair records, passes a PPI, clean Carfax, 3 owners or less.

If over 75,000, one that has the major items like a suspension rebuild done. It is always better to find what you really like and then if the crapshoot doesn't go your way you at least have some emotional attachment to lesson the blow.

Lastly, do what you would have done before you asked for opinions.