So long X5
 

Dear Friends:

This has been (better say is) an exceptional forum, I can't express how much I appreciated all your help, when I needed help and how much I have enjoyed reading many topics, that it may not have been related to something I needed at that moment, but it was still fun to read and good to learn.

The other day, I took my wife's car to Acura for service and while I was waiting, I test drove an MDX. I really liked it and this is right at the time when my warranty on the X5 expired and I start having all those little annoyances (SES light on and off for example) that really pisses me off.

I have had my share of small issues with the X but all covered under warranty, so I did not care much. Now, with no warranty and at 93K miles, having read the potential for problems (transmission, water pump, etc. etc) as much as I love driving the X it is time to let it go, they are giving me a great trade in so goodbye X.

I have given BMW the chance to match the deal for an X3 or a 328xi station wagon (yes I love station wagons!) but they where not very keen to help in matching the trade in value, (not a good strategy if you ask me).

This is my 2nd BMW, had a Mercedes (biggest piece of junk I ever owned), Lexus, Jeep, etc. I love the way BMW drives and believe me the Acura gets very close to it. I will miss the X though, driving a BMW really is the ultimate driving experience, but now,I need reliability and in my experience this was always provided to me by Japaneses cars.

Well, sorry for such long note, I will keep enjoying this forum from time to time.

Thanks again to everyone here.

Paul

Hate to see the X go but good luck with the MDX :thumbup:

The MDX is a very good move.......I have been sniffin' around that yard myself for the wifey.......you know what the say about the X: A pleasure to drive; a pain to own.......

hope you enjoy the mdx :thumbup:

:goodluck:

It still still apple to orange comparison. Every case experience is different. Just don't harp on other brand. If I tell you all the bad experience that my sister had on her MDX, you might not buy it! But just to prove my point that every experience is different!

Acuras are good but I would stay away from first model year. Lot of electrical bugs to be ironed out. Ask me how I know.

This is actually a lease for a new 08, so I hope all the first model's issues are fixed. As I've said, I gave BMW a shot to match the deal and what they are willing to give me for my X as a trade is well below what Acura is giving me. And Acura is even cutting me a deal for below sticker price. Financially I can't beat that. With what BMW is giving me I would take such a hit! That is what really pisses me off about BMW, after having two cars and a BMW motor cycle it seems they don't care much about loyal customers.

Its a old sales trick, to offer more for the trade than its worth.

The only way to understand your deal is to :

1)look at the sales price of the MDX and the BMW. I would consider the profit above sticker price.

2) Look at the whole sale price of your existing X5 and what the two dealers are offering.


I am not saying that you got a bad deal just that the information you presented does not give a clear answer.

I am aware of that tactic, basically offer you whatever over "book value" and then add it to the price of the car, but believe me, the price of the Acura is slightly above sticker. BMW could not match the monthly payment for about 80 bucks / month (and this is for the 328xi station wagon)

I don't understand:

1) You paid above sticker price for the MDX?

2) You talk about monthly payments, is that a loan or a lease?

BTW, I have a few items left for sale if anyone is interested.

"Lobster" tray, front ashtray replacement (not the ashtray but the little storage thing that replaces the ashtray), BMW security tire locks (the bolts with their own thing to remove them to prevent your tires from being stolen) and a OEM gas cap (not used, new in the bag). If anyone is interested make me an offer. I will send you pics too. I need to take them. Buyer's responsible for shipping cost. I am in NY.