The $20K Question
 

This website is great, so far, I've learned a tremendous amount about what to expect from my future X5 purchase. For about a year, I've been looking for an '02 (or '03) 3.0i that includes the premium and cold weather packages. In talking to my local BMW dealer (a good group by the way), they said that I won't be able to find an appropriate vehicle for around $20k. They said "for that price, the only one's that you'll find will either have 80k+ miles or have been in a bunch of accidents." Is it possible to find an '02 X5 in excellent condition with a clear title and appropriate mileage (averaging 12-15k per year) for $20,000? Am I being unreasonable? Because of potential repair costs, I'm pretty set on that price. I've been looking locally and on ebay, but it's been slim pickings... I know I can get an '01, but I'm not interested in the 1st model year due to reliability issues. Thanks for your thoughts, opinions, and for reading the ramblings of a committed X5 seeker. Maybe one day. Thanks again. http://www.xoutpost.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

I think you answered your own question
 

If you haven't seen any out there in your price range, it's probably not possible to find one that way. It's possible you could find someone willing to take you to an auction to get your price, but you're in major buyer beware category there.

Sounds like you either need to increase your budget or wait for a little while longer.

2000 was 1st model year, not 2001. Try a non-cpo through some individual seller on car.com and autotrader.com. Good luck.

Is your heart set on an X5? Why not an X3? You may be able to get a price in your range on a 2004 X3 2.5i. I did.

You might be able to get close to that if you look at manuals, which seem to be a good bit cheaper. Otherwise I agree you'll have to wait...

It's not easy to get a X3 2.5i with the appropraite options for $20k. A base model might be close to $20k, but doesnt include cruise, steering wheel buttons, foglamps, or a center armrest.

A manual transmission X5 would be hard to find, and since they're so rare, there are people who seek these jewels out, so the price ain't gonna be much lower than an automatic X5.

To the OP, you''ll probably need to wait longer or raise your price bracket a bit.

Keep looking. It took me a year and many trips to the dealer till I found someone selling a 2001 4.4i loaded 70000 miles for $ 17,000.00. The asking price was low so I looked into the history at the dealership where he serviced it. Clean bill of health. Took the money I saved and bought some 177's and cold air intake. Hold out for a V8 if you can the difference is night and day.