5 Series Touring vs X3
Discussion
thinking of either of these as the next family car
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
I had a X3 3.0 SE and it was ace, all apart from no 2nd hand value due to crap reviews! It was fairly quick, very spacious, towed very well, had a firm ride and a crap autobox. Averaged 28 mpg across 40k miles in 18 months.
Boot was pretty good, rear legroom was great. Kids did complain about the boomy exhaust (had the sports back box fitted), which I wouldn't recommend.
Active steering/headlights (bi-xenon) a great bonus in twisty country lanes. Panarama roof fantastic. Seat very comfortable and supportive.
4x4 was great, took 2 friends to Tignes skiing, fully laded, sailed across a very icy France, got the the Alps (snow chains in the top box at the ready) and the gendarme waved us through, whilst stopping all the cars/vans. The car sailed right up the roads, which were covered in loads of fresh powder! Never needed the chains at all!
Biggest thing was the wife loved it and took a lot of cajoling to convince her to try a 5 series (saloon), which is also good, but very different. If we get stuck in the 5 this winter, she'll be kicking my arse!
Only thing I regretted was not waiting for the 3.0d X3 or better still the new twin turbo version, just out! Would still have it if that was the case!
I'm sure everyone else (who probably haven't driven one for any period of time) will say the X5's better and the 5's also better. For me, the X3 was a great car and like I said, if we'd been able to buy the 3.0d of any variety, we'd still have it!
Boot was pretty good, rear legroom was great. Kids did complain about the boomy exhaust (had the sports back box fitted), which I wouldn't recommend.
Active steering/headlights (bi-xenon) a great bonus in twisty country lanes. Panarama roof fantastic. Seat very comfortable and supportive.
4x4 was great, took 2 friends to Tignes skiing, fully laded, sailed across a very icy France, got the the Alps (snow chains in the top box at the ready) and the gendarme waved us through, whilst stopping all the cars/vans. The car sailed right up the roads, which were covered in loads of fresh powder! Never needed the chains at all!
Biggest thing was the wife loved it and took a lot of cajoling to convince her to try a 5 series (saloon), which is also good, but very different. If we get stuck in the 5 this winter, she'll be kicking my arse!
Only thing I regretted was not waiting for the 3.0d X3 or better still the new twin turbo version, just out! Would still have it if that was the case!
I'm sure everyone else (who probably haven't driven one for any period of time) will say the X5's better and the 5's also better. For me, the X3 was a great car and like I said, if we'd been able to buy the 3.0d of any variety, we'd still have it!
alfaspiderman2 said:
thinking of either of these as the next family car
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
Seems like a no brainer to me too. 5 touring all the time! More space, more pace, better economy, and doesn't look "questionable"
For that money, a 3.0D X5 would be a nicer buy than an X3.
alfaspiderman2 said:
thinking of either of these as the next family car
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
You clearly 'want' a 4x4, so just go for it.
However, if you ask for advice, as on General Gassing, go for the 5 Touring, every time. (E39 or E60)
Apart from the whole negative image of the 4x4, the X3 is pig-ugly, proper 4x4 wannabe. Sorry
I've had a 525d SE Touring (E61) for about 7 months now and it is a great car, superb for long runs with acres of space and I still think it's one of the best looking estate cars out there. I'm sure the X3 is a good car too but for me the whole 4x4 thing combined with it's looks would steer me to the 5 Series every time.
You clearly 'want' a 4x4, so just go for it.
However, if you ask for advice, as on General Gassing, go for the 5 Touring, every time. (E39 or E60)
Apart from the whole negative image of the 4x4, the X3 is pig-ugly, proper 4x4 wannabe. Sorry
[/quote] actually I don't want a 4x4...I want another Land Rover as I think it's the only 4x4 that doesn't have a questionable image and Freelander has done everything that we have asked of it
however, the Freelander is too small and the new Disco is too expensive (with a decent spec) for me as a 2nd car
that's why I'm kinda stumped as to alternatives and appear to be going around in circles and/or contradicting myself
however, despite the apparent bargain that the X3 has become, I'm inclined to agree that the image (and looks) are enough to put me off
you refer to my request for advice on 'General Gassing' but I notice that (almost) nobody chose the 5 Tourer out of the list of options suggested...most preferring the E Class
Girlfriend has had an X3 now for around 6 weeks.
We specifically wanted a 4x4 as we already have a convertible (my SL) and a luxury car (LS430). We test drove a V8 X5, and, mighty as it was, it was just too close to the Lex in terms of legroom, and general comfort / toys level. Added to that, a diesel X5 broke the budget, and the V8 managed 12mpg!!! So the X3 it was.
We have a 3.0SE, and I have to say, its a hoot to drive. We do not have the sports exhaust on ours, but the standard one is quite fruity anyway. We carry a dog in the back a fair bit, and the space is just the right size (for a border collie). I imagine an estate car would be too low for the dog - I don't know, I'm just guessing.
All I've done to the car is fit a CD changer, other than that it came with pretty much everything else we wanted - and as Stu said, it was dirt cheap as they don't get rave reviews - I don't know why, its not a bad car per se.
Have a drive of one, see what you think. If you're near J16 of the M1, happy to take you out in ours.
ATB,
Greg
We specifically wanted a 4x4 as we already have a convertible (my SL) and a luxury car (LS430). We test drove a V8 X5, and, mighty as it was, it was just too close to the Lex in terms of legroom, and general comfort / toys level. Added to that, a diesel X5 broke the budget, and the V8 managed 12mpg!!! So the X3 it was.
We have a 3.0SE, and I have to say, its a hoot to drive. We do not have the sports exhaust on ours, but the standard one is quite fruity anyway. We carry a dog in the back a fair bit, and the space is just the right size (for a border collie). I imagine an estate car would be too low for the dog - I don't know, I'm just guessing.
All I've done to the car is fit a CD changer, other than that it came with pretty much everything else we wanted - and as Stu said, it was dirt cheap as they don't get rave reviews - I don't know why, its not a bad car per se.
Have a drive of one, see what you think. If you're near J16 of the M1, happy to take you out in ours.
ATB,
Greg
alfaspiderman2 said:
thinking of either of these as the next family car
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
budget's £20k making a 525d Touring (new shape) or an X3 3.0 within my price range
seems a no brainer to me (the X3) but I know that the 5 has a grreat reputation and the X3 has been slated
anyone want to convince me that an X3 3.0 Sport is a BAD family car?
I have owned an X5 and an X3 plus I have spent alot of time in 5 series. To me the best car of all was the x5 but that said now I have got used to the X3 (2.0d m sport) it is a good car and I would rather have one over a 5 series. Critisisms of X3`s to me are the dash texture is a bit low rent and I think the paint finish is not good. That aside this really is a great car and a viable proposition. Ignore all the knockers as they have probably never driven one anyway.
Noone outside of a working farm NEEDS a 4x4. They are less efficient to run (fuel being the obvious one) and suffer a terrible image. Quite rightly so too. The 5 series touring is larger, for both passangers AND luggage, and just looks like a much better vehicle. It is no less safe than an X3 and is much MORE safe for any poor pedestrian that may be involved in an accident with it.
Aside from nervous female drivers who somehow feel safer sitting higher up (yes a generalisation but a basic road fact) I cannot see a single reason to not buy a car. I will never own a Chelsea tractor as long I as live out of principle. They simple do nothing better than a car other than sit you higher up. Just my opinion though
Aside from nervous female drivers who somehow feel safer sitting higher up (yes a generalisation but a basic road fact) I cannot see a single reason to not buy a car. I will never own a Chelsea tractor as long I as live out of principle. They simple do nothing better than a car other than sit you higher up. Just my opinion though
jamesk said:
Noone outside of a working farm NEEDS a 4x4. They are less efficient to run (fuel being the obvious one) and suffer a terrible image. Quite rightly so too. The 5 series touring is larger, for both passangers AND luggage, and just looks like a much better vehicle. It is no less safe than an X3 and is much MORE safe for any poor pedestrian that may be involved in an accident with it.
Aside from nervous female drivers who somehow feel safer sitting higher up (yes a generalisation but a basic road fact) I cannot see a single reason to not buy a car. I will never own a Chelsea tractor as long I as live out of principle. They simple do nothing better than a car other than sit you higher up. Just my opinion though
Aside from nervous female drivers who somehow feel safer sitting higher up (yes a generalisation but a basic road fact) I cannot see a single reason to not buy a car. I will never own a Chelsea tractor as long I as live out of principle. They simple do nothing better than a car other than sit you higher up. Just my opinion though
Poppycock! Do you live in the countyside, where the weather is 'inclement' in winter time? Do you tow a horsebox or any other large trailer? In these cases, 4x4's are the most fit for purpose IMHO.
I'm also interested to know why a car would be 'better' to run a pedestrian over than a 4x4 as well?
jamesk said:
Noone outside of a working farm NEEDS a 4x4. They are less efficient to run (fuel being the obvious one) and suffer a terrible image. Quite rightly so too. The 5 series touring is larger, for both passangers AND luggage, and just looks like a much better vehicle. It is no less safe than an X3 and is much MORE safe for any poor pedestrian that may be involved in an accident with it.
Aside from nervous female drivers who somehow feel safer sitting higher up (yes a generalisation but a basic road fact) I cannot see a single reason to not buy a car. I will never own a Chelsea tractor as long I as live out of principle. They simple do nothing better than a car other than sit you higher up. Just my opinion though
Thanks for that informed response. Aside from nervous female drivers who somehow feel safer sitting higher up (yes a generalisation but a basic road fact) I cannot see a single reason to not buy a car. I will never own a Chelsea tractor as long I as live out of principle. They simple do nothing better than a car other than sit you higher up. Just my opinion though
Just for your information, my girlfriend bought an X3 because she had an MX-5 before that, and couldn't transport her son, me, and our dog at the same time. Well, not without a struggle, and the dog liked to sit in the front.
We already had a luxury saloon (my car) and a 500SL convertible for the 2 days sunshine.
Wish I'd sought your opinion first though James.
I had an X3 3.0d for 4 days.
I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy and I'd choose the 5-series Tourer instead.
If you must have a 4x4, then buy an older X5.
I'm afraid I agree with the comments regarding the wanabee status of the X3, and in my opinion the car is so bad that its purchase smacks of desperation -OR- the owner not having driven other vehicles that are available and MUCH better (Volvo XC for example).
I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy and I'd choose the 5-series Tourer instead.
If you must have a 4x4, then buy an older X5.
I'm afraid I agree with the comments regarding the wanabee status of the X3, and in my opinion the car is so bad that its purchase smacks of desperation -OR- the owner not having driven other vehicles that are available and MUCH better (Volvo XC for example).
Horses (and horseboxes) for courses, as always.
I live in the country and the local populus has more that it's fair share of 4x4's. If there's any argument based on 'need' based on inclement weather, though, it's not that simple. A Defender clearly has a case going for it but I'd suggest that the other end of the 4x4 scale doesn't. I drove Mrs DaveR's RAV4 in the snow on the lanes and with road oriented boots (235 section) it was no better than my 330i Touring. Funny, yes. Effective, no!
Then again, you wouldn't want to drive 600 miles to the Alps in a Defender. One day, the 330 will need replacing and, if looking at the same selection, it would be 5-er Touring for me primarily for load space, efficiency and looks. If I get snowed in, well I'll just enjoy it!
I live in the country and the local populus has more that it's fair share of 4x4's. If there's any argument based on 'need' based on inclement weather, though, it's not that simple. A Defender clearly has a case going for it but I'd suggest that the other end of the 4x4 scale doesn't. I drove Mrs DaveR's RAV4 in the snow on the lanes and with road oriented boots (235 section) it was no better than my 330i Touring. Funny, yes. Effective, no!
Then again, you wouldn't want to drive 600 miles to the Alps in a Defender. One day, the 330 will need replacing and, if looking at the same selection, it would be 5-er Touring for me primarily for load space, efficiency and looks. If I get snowed in, well I'll just enjoy it!
Oh dear people do get defensive and choose to take things quite literally to suit them don't they.
Fair enough, not only working farmers NEED a 4x4. People who pull horse boxes in winter do too
. That doesn't mean they need a Chelsea tractor/pretend MPV though does it? Plenty of normal cars offer fantastic 4x4 traction without resorting to something so anti-social. Large bodied vehicles like that block parking spaces, are impossible to see past at junctions and are, by and large, driven very poorly.
And yes, people with a family can't use a 2-seater. That was hardly my point! I myself have 2 young children and manage quite comfortably with a 5 series saloon, let alone a hatchback or an estate. There is simply no good reason in practical terms to by an X3 or an X5 or anything of that ilk. A large family car offers the same alternative for less money. If you buy them because you like them then of course good for you. I happen to dislike them, good for me
And for whoever asked about being run over - it is widely accepted that a pedestrian being hit by a 4x4 with high rising flat faced bonnet/bumpers (let alone any sort of bull-bars) causes significantly more damage than a normal car which strikes a person much lower down and allows the energy to disapate over the bonnet as it were. Not a nice thing to think about, and maybe nothing to consider when buying a car but the point stands.
Fair enough, not only working farmers NEED a 4x4. People who pull horse boxes in winter do too
. That doesn't mean they need a Chelsea tractor/pretend MPV though does it? Plenty of normal cars offer fantastic 4x4 traction without resorting to something so anti-social. Large bodied vehicles like that block parking spaces, are impossible to see past at junctions and are, by and large, driven very poorly. And yes, people with a family can't use a 2-seater. That was hardly my point! I myself have 2 young children and manage quite comfortably with a 5 series saloon, let alone a hatchback or an estate. There is simply no good reason in practical terms to by an X3 or an X5 or anything of that ilk. A large family car offers the same alternative for less money. If you buy them because you like them then of course good for you. I happen to dislike them, good for me
And for whoever asked about being run over - it is widely accepted that a pedestrian being hit by a 4x4 with high rising flat faced bonnet/bumpers (let alone any sort of bull-bars) causes significantly more damage than a normal car which strikes a person much lower down and allows the energy to disapate over the bonnet as it were. Not a nice thing to think about, and maybe nothing to consider when buying a car but the point stands.
Edited by jamesk on Tuesday 7th November 13:39
Ive only done 400 miles in my X3 3.0sd WHOA what a car, so glad i bought it new to my spec instead of the 535d touring secondhand. imho the new spec X3 looks great and my debadged sd makes a fantastic Q car, oh and i also think the higher seating position and the visability it afords makes this type of vehicle safer in almost all road conditions. Crikey what have i said, oh well i have broad shoulders, likes X3s likes 4x4s, I just like the freedom to buy whatever type of car i like, and just to ram home the Pol incorrect message if i had enough money there would be a gallardo in my drive too. Phew rant over.
boxin said:
Ive only done 400 miles in my X3 3.0sd WHOA what a car, so glad i bought it new to my spec instead of the 535d touring secondhand. imho the new spec X3 looks great and my debadged sd makes a fantastic Q car, oh and i also think the higher seating position and the visability it afords makes this type of vehicle safer in almost all road conditions. Crikey what have i said, oh well i have broad shoulders, likes X3s likes 4x4s, I just like the freedom to buy whatever type of car i like, and just to ram home the Pol incorrect message if i had enough money there would be a gallardo in my drive too. Phew rant over.
Good man, now see how you like it with a chip!
And then call me when you're thinking about selling it
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