stang, a work truck is different as one is more likely to hold onto it for a higher proportion of it's useful life. However, if you are anything like me, it is questionable whether one would hold on to the diesel long enough to really take advantage of the fuel savings and longer engine life span.

I've spent/lost more money on cars than anything else-it's an affliction but healthier than drugs and affairs...

if it would only rain 'round here the grass might grow tall enough to shelter some of the collected wealth parked in the yard.

no more leases for me "amh". i used to turn'em but like wives, i believe it's cheaper to keep um.

Its one of those things that just seems to eat at you. You don't mind spending the big bucks on a vehicle but hate the cost of the fuel you put in it each week.

If I drove the X5 sensibly I would probably achieve over the 30 mpg combined city & country driving, as far servicing the diesel has less services than the petrol. On average the BMW diesel's I have had are service by BMW once a year.

My old E53 3.0d had done 76,000klm and had no major services other filters & oil. I did run out of rotors & brakes but the new 3.0SD has the V8 brakes so I don't think it will be a problem this time.

The only reason I kept the E53 for over 3 years is because I had to wait for the new E70 3.0d which was due to be released in Jan 07 but it did not arrive until end of June 07.

I had the E70 3.0d for just over a month and handed it back in Sept 07, have been in loaner since then.

Anyway I pick the new one up on Friday.

Yours is the smart philosophy on cars. My problem is I am not sure it is smart for me to "bet against the house." Driving 32 years and had 23 cars. Hate to commit to 16 mpg long term now with all the new technology changes coming.

Of course, I can only afford one wife. Good thing she is understanding about cars.

You beat me, I just added up my cars and it comes to 22 in 37 years. Did not include the 3 cars for my daughter though or my 3 motobikes I have owned.

i have to wonder what other 6500 lb vehicle out there is this much fun to drive. i picked up the X5 under the guise of section 179 and i have to admit i am amazed. even with the e36 track rat and the wife's e46 in the driveway i never expected the X5 to be quite what i have come to understand. it is the finest vehicle i have ever driven. certainly the most refined. only a couple of things i care about in a vehicle, and if it only gets 16 mpg, then you know what, i will learn to live with that.

as with fine wines and fine women, engaging interaction makes the experience all the more enjoyable. :thumbup:

17 in 27 years some of which i still have. add the wife's current two, and the kids ride, the other company truck and it is 21 since i was 21 or so.

Here's my other very high tech SUV that I did a full rebuild on. I must admit goes where no one else has gone before, not bad for 1974 model.

nice bro. i learned to drive on a '73 CJ5.

Echo the comment on the CJ.

Sounds like we all have the same affliction but not sure I want to lead this "ugly dog" contest!