CL Platano

Has anyone test driven the BMW X3 before buying their RDX? My buddy is thinking of taken one instead of the RDX, which makes no sense to me. Me personally would never drive a bimmer that doesn't have an M badge. Help me convince him to trade in his TL for the RDX and not the X3.

aw1

dont try and talk him out of it. let him buy what he has his heart set on. be a friend and provide info on both cars and let him decide. if they are not happy with the car you talked them into buying, they are going to blame you.

Tonia

I never got as far as a test drive. After sitting in one at the auto show, I did not care much for the interior and couldn't see spending more for less

Teledatageek

I drove the X3 prior to buying my FX35 in early 2005. FX was an easy winner, the X3 was just plain out BORING. I'm not a BMW fan either but considered the X3 because I could get a stick.

I didn't look at the X3 again before trading my FX in on the RDX, but I'm sure I would have come to the same conclusion. I also don't like the GPS in the BMW's or the other controls for that matter.

gomboy60

The best way to me is to have him or her drive both cars back to back and then decide.
The dollar differential is substential and the cost of maintenance as well down the line.
IMHO, dollar for dollar, you get alot more with RDX...

Godspeed.

CL Platano

He test drove them both but drove the RDX first and then the X3. I already informed him of the turbo lag in the RDX which he noticed, but also told him there will be mods to fix that shortly. My concern is the usual German electrical problems and the extra 12k he would spend for the same power output. He did say the X3 handled better than the RDX and as you know you can upgrade the suspension for less than 1K once it's available. I'm just hoping he doesnt pick the X3 because of the BMW Badge, too me it's not worth the extra money. The 07 X3 is more beefed up than previous years but still not worth 45K to me.

Boon

My family has an X3 and the RDX beats it hands down in the interior, comfort, and value department. The RDX is less harsh and way more inviting IMO. You also get a lot more in tech and features for a lot less money.

In terms of "fun" that's really a matter of opinion. I got used to the odd characteristics of our X3 and liked how responsive it was.

I haven't driven it yet but the 2007 X3 Si looks very appealing. The interior much nicer, the exterior more in line with BMW's look, and I remember reading somewhere that the engine is the same used in their M series models too. I'd still go for the RDX myself, but if I had money to burn I suspect the 2007 Si could win me over.

gomboy60

It is really difficult to convince people against their desire. If X3 can show me where the extra 10-12K went in to the car, (beside the BMW badge) I will be convinced.
But at the same time, some might argue with RDX owners (especially for those who want vehicle such as CX-7) with the same point.... Like I said, it is really hard to pursuade others...

jaobrien6

And IMO, you shouldn't.

This is his car... If after driving both, and considering all the differences, he's happier with the X3 and is willing to pay the extra money, I wholehearted believe that he should get the X3. You gotta love your car, otherwise, what's the point?

CL Platano

Yeah but being a close friend I have to try and stop him from wasting 15K on something that isn't worth it. He test drove a WDP RDX with chrome 19" A-Spec wheels and loved it. Listening to his wife who went to the BMW dealer alone on Saturday he went and test drove the X3 yesterday.

jaobrien6

I guess I just disagree. I think it's great for you to provide him with more facts, so that he can make the most informed decision possible. But the thing is, in the end, it's his car and his decision. You obviously don't think the X3 is worth the extra money, but he might, and that's his prerogative. I don't think you should feel like you have to stop him. Isn't he free to have his own opinion about where and how he spends his money?

schuchmn

Your friend may not consider the $15k to be a waste.

Depending on exactly what he wants and how much he has to spend, he may think it's well worth it.

These choices are reeeeaaally very individual. Believe me, you don't want your friend to make a choice and later regret it.

Let him buy the X3. If he likes it, great. If he doesn't, say, "I told you so!"

Digits

I have to agree with the others. If the X3 is what your friend is set on, that's what they should get. I wouldn't want to have my friend because I talked them into a car they didn't really want. :wink: