Agree - and as C4racer points out, the alternatives are pretty dismal.
A Bentley manual is on its way to me. If I can maintain a small John Deere tractor, I can take care of an X5, right?

oh sure - same difference :bustingup

I think you need to be dispassionate re: these decisions.

Ok, 23k puts you into a used MDX, used RXsomething, or a used GX470 (trying to stay in a lux / near lux brand) in a private party sale (good owner, records)

Pluses
1) used Japanese is cheaper than used German generally in TCO
2) a 2004-06 MDX is a nice car if you're soft-roading / need space
3) a GX470 is an awesome car if you can get the KDSS and actually offroad

Minuses
1) switching vehicles involves sales tax / fees (true in VA?) for a private party sale
2) X5 drives better / different than those mentioned

Really need to do an open assessment of what you value / need in a SUV

All nice cars, but not with the same seat-to-floor distance for my back - and there is the little fact that their price has a $8000 tax for me - the cost of disposing of my loan. Still, something to ponder. Thanks!

I also have a high mileage X5 in VA and have contemplated with selling it for something else many times. If you're upside down, trading the car in is just plain dumb. If you're willing to eat the amount you're upside down and tack on another $20k+ loan, then that's all you. Financially speaking - you're much better off keeping the X5 and doing maintenance as necessary.

Jumping ship to another vehicle will eventually put you in the same boat again. Let's be honest, the X5 is still a ridiculously nice mode of transportation. If you feel the need to 'upgrade', do some tasteful mods -- perform a full detail job. It can quickly rekindle the BMW experience.

Excellent and uncommon common sense. Thanks.

:iagree: Perfect. Last thing you will want to do is have fixed all your problems just to start fixing someone else's. Both my cars are 2003 models and I constantly get "is that a new car" from people. I can park my cars next to brand new ones and I outshine them on the outside and have just as clean an interior. That always calm my urges to get a new car :D.

I'm like you, with one difference - I could buy a brand new 2011 and after one afternoon with the kids, dogs, our dirt roads and my tools, make it look exactly like my 2004!

My wife keeps threatening to put a bumper sticker on my X5 that says "My Other Car is a BMW"

I don't get it... Why?

**I do have to vacuum my car 3 or more times a week though.**