rlipsitz9

What I have always mentioned to others is that if you really really like the X then set up a savings account equal to what you might pay for a new vehicle. That way when something comes up you have the cash to pay for repairs.

If that doesn't meet your comfort level then perhaps it might be better to move on to something that will fit you "mental comfort". Not everyone wants to deal with the trade off of owning this kind of vehicle.

simply solution you have two options

1/ buy a new car and sell and buy another new car before the warranty expires

2/ maintain your existing car

both option are going to cost you money there are no free rides

however with option 2 you can choose when and how much you will spend (i.e. if you cant afford a particular repair this month you have the option to park it and wait till you can)

with option 1 you have any expenses covered by warranty, but you do have a monthly commitment to the repayments, and the finance company don't like you taking breaks from that commitment.

personally i prefer a used good condition car that i own or have modest repayments on
and except there will be on going maintenance costs along the way

however that said if i could afford it i would buy a new car and trade it every 3 years for another.

All,

Really really appreciate your input. I am still swaying all over the place with what to do. I am not really set on any replacement vehicle that I really like. I am not simply trying to get approval to move away from the X5, but I am just really paranoid about keeping it. I am worried that I am gonna drive for 20k more miles and need some major repair that makes it immovable or unsellable (or both) like AC dies or clutch goes or something. The thing is maybe Global Imports just has me running scared or something. I feel like everything ...even the most minor of things is 250$....and a couple minor things (like CV Boot in theory...not major mechanical problem right..just wear and tear) is 1500-2000$ (that's a big number!). So I am worried "what happens when a real problem occurs?" If a few hoses and rubber boots are 1500$ whats a new AC system...or navi headunit....5000$? 7000$? It just seems crazy. Maybe I am just being ridiculous though. I have enough experience and knowledge that any car you own (even if its a Hyundai, Toyota, or Nissan or whatever) dealer maintenance out of warranty is always a rip off...but the reputable indy's aren't even much cheaper. I just don't see how planning for 3-5k in maintenance on a vehicle per year keeps it cheaper than a new (but I may be skewed as I feel I have done pretty well with buying and selling at the right prices in the past). The only real difference is I REALLY like this car....which maybe means fix it and deal with it right??

yeah but if you own it you have NO repayments just potential but NOT confirmed on going expense, and from my point of view thats more manageable than a NEW car with a monthly lease payment of $1000 or probably more.

i dont see how you can get away from maintenance costs unless you learn to do it your self.

i,m doing around 35000 km per year and after 18 months i,m not dissapointed in the performance or running costs at all, i have 112000 km on my 2005 3.0d sport.

however that said it is more expensive than my 4 cylinder Mazda 6 was, but then the enjoyment factor is higher

@skeet...I called Munich West this morning and spoke to Steve. Seemed like a reasonable guy. He quoted me about 40% less to do the CV boot than global. No surprise there. Gonna swing by the shop Friday and check it out. Thanks!

axle assembly itself is around 70 new and labor should exceed 150.

MW techs know BMWs from '80s to current model. They charge labor by actual work time, not some BMW shop book. Hourly rates are $70+ vs $100+ for dealer. Steve and I talked about X5 coolant system repairs just yesterday, and he suggested that @ 90K I should definitely replace expansion tank & hoses. I'm going to have pulleys, H2O pump and thermo done as well. Tech will inspect radiator and advise of any leaks.

Tell Steve the guy from Madison, GA sent ya'.

Yup will do when I go by....still not sure what I really want to do about the whole situation.