So I'm getting the vibes here that a base X5 with only a few options would not be worth it? I totally understand the whole MDX and value stuff, but he really wants the badge and presence of an X5. My dad had suggested stuff like the Lexus RX, which is an ideal SUV for just tooling around NYC in comfort. But he wants an X5, and I kinda can understand why. He's well into his 50s and wants something NICE for once, kinda of like a reward for his life's work. I mean, if you've spent your last 20+ years running a liquor store and not really going anywhere, you'd want something nice too. And I'm not going to deny him that. Plus, I dunno his actual price cap.

My dad did suggest a late model E53 to him, which is possible and makes sense. However, my uncle's friend has an '04 X5 3.0i with lots of toys (it was a dealer demo)........thus, my uncle might want to outdo him.

I'll keep tabs on whatever goes on.

Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather be in a fully loaded Murano or CX9 than a base X5 3.0. You're paying $45k just for the badge, it's not actually "NICE" unless you get all the goodies with it.
Imagine being in a $45k vehicle with no NAV, no comfort access, basically no nothing that even a $23k CX7 or $29k RAV4 would come with. He's showing off to his buddy, who happens to own one of the new fully loaded RAV4's, his new $45k X5. His buddy steps into the car to realize that he just saved $20k and got a better vehicle with his RAV4....

amen brother!!

if you're going to do it, do it right!!

That's fair. Perhaps, you're the one leading him down the wrong path then. Having PDC and Comfort Access at the cost of Premium Package is silly at best. Seems like he needs to spend some more time with the configuator and understand what each package does and doesn't include, and what options are available individually.

On another note.. even if his budget is strict, he may be in for a shocking surprise when the warranty is up, at the cost of repairs. And much more so, if he keeps the vehicle for 12 years like the van.

The MDX seems to be a dead-on match for him, minus the Roundel.

Ha, so my uncle is having a hard time deciding between the MDX and a X5 3.0si.

We went up to NYC over Thanksgiving break, and took him to test drive an X5 at BMW of Bayside. Unfortunately, they did not have a 3.0si in stock so I told him to go ahead and try the 4.8i, since the handling, brakes, and interior would be the same. The sales rep was a bit of an a** and didn't let us go on the freeway, and I didn't want to intervene. After we got home, I said I could probably hook him up with our sales rep and get an X5 for around $48k with a few options.

The next day, after we had left for home, he test drove the MDX. He loves the value factor, and all the toys that come at a lower cost. He's looking at the Sport + Tech packages, and the dealer's offering him one for $44k. But he said it doesn't respond like a BMW, and nor does it have the curb appeal. His friend (with a '05 X5 3.0i loaded to the hilt) laughed when he told him was considering the MDX, saying "Ha! It's just an Acura. Why don't you go consider the Volvo XC90 as well? :nanana:"

Up until this point, I've just been being objective when giving him the facts, saying that he should decide himself which vehicle he likes. I think he's pretty split between the two, but deep down inside he wants the X5. So I'll make it easy for him. We'll test drive the MDX this weekend, I'll rat out all the shortcomings of the MDX, and tell him to get the X5 ;). You get what you pay for in life.

A funny aside: As I was taking my uncle to the dealership, we got on the Jackie Robinson Pkway in Brooklyn, known for its short merge areas. As luck had it, there were a number of fast moving cars, so I hit the kickdown from 35mph in the merge lane and roared to the redline. He was very impressed at the quick response, saying our 2.5 litre was punchy and very quick on its feet. After driving the MDX, he called us, saying that although it has 300hp, it never felt as responsive on merges like our X3 does.........call it promotional advertising, but it's funny how I can elicit responses in others just by driving a certain way. ;)