So, as many on CL know, I started looking for my next car a few months ago. This time, wanted it to be the "perfect" car. So far, "The absolute right pick, perfect for me, meets all I want, the most practical, yep- THIS is the one" choice(s) at one time, in order:

2009 Audi A4
2009 Lexus IS350
2008 Lexus IS-F
2008 Lexus GS350
2008 BMW 535xi
2009 Acura MDX
2005 BMW 545i
2003 BMW X5
2009 Hyundai Genesis
2008 BMW X5


I pretty much have settled (LOL, sorry, hard to keep a straight face there) on the X5 over the 5-series with the extra space and towing ability as the final winning points. Now, I worry about reliability and start second guessing myself, then I sit in a 5-series, then I see a GL550 in the next lot... then sit in another X5 and yep, that's the one, but will it last... hey, that's a SWEET ML550... wait, that color X5 is PERFECT....

What the ---- is wrong with me, or am I just a normal car addict? I know I'll get the X5, but how long til my eyes wander again? I did LOVE the week I had in the X5 during my Atlanta visit and it was no doubt one of the most fun vehicles I've ever driven...

Thanks Doc , here's $250.00 ....

 

lease or finance?
the bimmer will haunt you at one point or another, but if the reliability doesn't bother you too much, go for it
the new X5's are nice though

 

Either Finance or outright purchase, NO LEASE... and yes, the Bimmer will, without doubt, haunt me... as did my 330i...

 

As a car addict, you are ALWAYS going to look at other cars, it is the nature of the car loving beast. I loved my X5 when I had it (1st Gen) so I know you will love this one, as it drives beautifully.

With BMW, make sure it is under warranty, but since you are getting an 08, I assume you will have the BMW Ultimate Service. After that, get rid of it!

 

There is no "perfect" car.

 

I agree 100%. Every car is a compromise. Some just have less compromises than others.

I also say as long as you have the means and ability, get whichever car you desire. With my last two Bimmers, I learned as long as you do preventative maintenance you are generally okay.

 

Might just come after you've owned several dozen cars in your lifetime. There are cars that may better fit your needs at any given time in your life but no one makes the perfect car. Never have, never will.

 

As far as a 2003 X5 goes, that's a (now) almost six-year old vehicle. Do you you really want something that old? The warranty is either gone or close to being gone, and you will be looking at not only the usual questionable BMW electronics, but things like belts, hoses, weatherstripping, seals, tires, brakes, upholstery, etc.....(maybe even shocks)..... things that typically wear out with age. Of course, a 2003 model may (?) not have I-Drive, which, in my book, is a plus. The 2008 BMW X5, of course, will have much less wear and still be under warranty, but also cost a lot more......newer X5s don't come cheap. And I found both the electronic transmission shifter and I-Drive in the 2007 X5 I reviewed to be frustrating to use.

The X5 will, however, by SUV standards, deliver almost flawless steering, handling and brakes. But if you simply want a mid-size SUV with towing capacity, there are plenty of other choices, many with better reliability, but, albeit, without the X5's handling.

 

Yep, the entire electrical in the 03 was replaced along with many other parts, but naturally 08 has much more appeal... great points as always MM!!!!!!

This will be my 19th car and I am just a little north of 40... and I agree perfection is not attainable, but well-wished for

 

It's gotten to the point that major automotive technologies come along every year, making the decision even tougher. I held out buying a new car once until ABS was available, but then airbags were going to be the next big safety feature, when they arrived, VSC systems, GPS, and all kinds of goodies somehow got on my MUST HAVE list.

Today it's like buying a computer or a cell phone or almost any consumer product. New features arrive with such blinding speed, at some point you have to stop, drive a stake in the ground, and say to yourself, "OK, that's it - I'm buying what's available TODAY and I'm not going to wait any longer." You set a benchmark at that point and enjoy your new toy despite the advance of technology, promising yourself in a few years you can make another technological leap into the next generation, but today you are just going to take what you can get.

 

I believe you hit it spot on... check's in the mail!!!

 

I've seen 545 and now 550 prices in the 20s and low 30s..wonderful pick there...

 

You are not crazy and you are not alone. Most of us do love many different cars from different classes. Among the list you provided, I would first eliminate any used vehicles. For that much money, I wouldn't risk to buy a used vehicle because who knows what the previous owners had done to the vehicles? This is my only suggestion, no used car. Get a new one and baby it from day 1. I would buy a new 535i sedan if I am shopping for a $50k plus car in the market now.

 

X5 murdered out for sure

 

Yup, anyone who truly loves cars and is well educated about all the models available, will likely be in this situation.

I studied every model in my budget range for many months even before I knew when I would be able to get a new car. I got so into it. I read tons of reviews, browsed forums, thousands of customer reviews on the varous models and weighed everything that would be most important to me. I narrowed down about four cars and really wanted all of them because they all did something better than the next. But atlas, no car fulfills every need the best. So you make a ratings list of your priorities and come up with what fits you the best.

It could look something like this (rating 1-10 each)....

-Price
-Styling
-Comfort
-Fuel efficiency
-Reqiured utility
-Reliability rating
-Performance
-Overall appeal
ect....

It may not be a perfect indicator, but will certainly help point you in the right direction.



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