You know what, when the X3 first came out (and was ugly as shit) it was EASY to pick the X5 over it. But this second gen X3 looks A LOT like the X5 and actually looks even better from some angles. Having shed roughly 500-600 pounds from the MDX to what I have now, I absolutely LOVE having a lighter vehicle. So while the X5 might be a little nicer inside and more aggressive outside, the extra weight really isn't worth it. Especially considering the interior dimensions are not that much different (at least in the case of the 1G X3, it had MORE room than the X5 of that era which was funny).

 

True point. The only X5's I've driven were the X5M...and then the V8 model for some off roading on their course in SC.

Weight makes a huge difference. I was driving around for over a week with over 1000lbs of tile in the back of the Durango...Now it feels like a feather

 

Haha absolutely! My first 4 SUV's weighed 5000-5400 pounds, then the RDX was a relative featherweight at 3950 pounds and then the MDX went back to the old trend at 4600-4700 pounds. Current car hits the sweet spot of not feeling too light (cheap) or too damn heavy at 4100 pounds.

You make me have a whole new appreciation for the Durango. I always had a mild liking for the 2011+ models but now I'm really starting to like them quite a bit!

 

Sarlacc - just curious why do you lease your cars? Isn't that stupid from the financial point of view?

 

Congrats to you and your wife on the X3...Enjoy!!

 

There isn't a way to get a new car every three years that is "smart". You take a bath either way. Plus, if you buy a $40,000+ car, you only have to finance it after that. AND if Sarlacc's situation were to change, he could go out and lease something cheaper and not be on the hook for the $20,000+ still left on the BMW.

If you're going to flip your car every three or so years, leasing is a fine option.

 

I always thought he leased b/c it was a deduction? Could be wrong.

Either way... great ride Sarlacc. It's true that when you step up to the big 3 Germans (BMW, Audi, Mercedes), the "standard" features become options. I remember when we bought my wife's A4 in 2006... I was like, my 2002 TL had that, and that, and that... how does it not come with a brand new Audi? Of course, since then we've only purchased pre-owned which has allowed us to get fully loaded cars after the initial depreciation is factored in... so we wised up a bit. Her new car has more features than we know what to do with.

Anyway, good luck wtih it. We've had several friends who have owned an X3 and all of them absolutely loved it. Hope your wife does as well

 

I did that when I started leasing, then had a chat with my account about what is better for certain things, and when I first started leasing it was my car. These are hers now.

Is leasing financially smart? Depends. Yeah, you're always saddled with payments, but you don't really have to worry about upkeep, and you get to vary it up every so many years and try new things. That said, if my wife hadn't realized how much she loved her highlander until AFTER we got rid of it...I would have probably bought it out. Oh well

 

Congrats
Crazy that it has push-button start, but no comfort access. You'd think the two would almost be hand-in-hand.
Either way, nice car!

 

why not buy another highlander, if she loved it so much?

 

Yea I agree she should have kept that Highlander. I know you say their boring but I think they are awesome SUV's - very reliable and hold their value extremely well. The 2017 Highlander is very nice inside and out.

 

if you'd read you see it said she didn't realize she loved it until AFTER we already got rid of it. And I didn't have the Durango at the time. Now, it's pointless to have two 3 row cars. And, as also mentioned previously, the lease deals currently suck on them. We got more car for money with the x3.

 

After driving the Cherokee I could see how she missed the highlander. I had a 2007 highlander and the 3rd row in that thing sucked, probably not much better in the newer highlanders.

 

I had a 2012. Third row was meh. You stuff the booster seats back there. Current highlander does have more space but it would be the same deal. I do it with my Durango. Easier for everyone to get in and out.

 

Congrats on the new ride. Very nice looking.

 

Oh, and next time back up about 150' and try to get a little more foreground in the picture.

 

That is a very subjective and complicated issue since everyone's priorities and financial situations are all different.

Just as some people have to have a new and the latest phone every 1-2 years and some people use their phones for 5 years+....

 

do you even fstop bro!

 

Yeah, my wife bought out her Honda, so I don't feel so bad having one car payment forever. To each his own.

 

Yeah, I bought the Durango and its a 0% loan.

 

No, not necessarily. I bought my last Bimmer no financing, leased the previous one. Now back with a 36mo lease. Even if it is not the case with best promotions. I could see value to pay even +15-20% to have a NEW car every 36mo. Leasing a $40-45K BMW for about $400/mo is a good move, "from the financial point of view".

 

Conrats on the new ride. We were treated well by a ford dealer on a used tsx a few years ago. they delivered it to our house about an hour away. I remember stuff like that for the future.

 

Beautiful car, congrats. I couldn't agree more on the features that BMW lacks as standard: I picked up a CPO 328d last month, and it didn't include backup camera (part of the driver's assistance package) or HIDs (lighting package). Even leather, heated seats, moonroof...all of those are optional when it feels like they should be standard at that price point. Mine just had navigation, premium package, and sports package. The sports package was my only "must have." I could have done without all the other things.

All that said, I'm sure once your wife gets some time behind the wheel, she'll forget about those things. The way BMWs drive still amazes me. Plus, being a BMW, those are one less thing to worry about breaking.

 

 

Great looking vehicle!

 

Have to admit, while I still like FCA's UConnect system overall. BMW has THE BEST voice recognition software I've dealt with. Speaking address and locations to the navi, it nails it damn near every time without hassle or frustration.

 

How am I just now seeing this? The Sarlacc switches from FCA to BMW?!

Congrats on the new ride for your wife. I hope it treats you and her well...cuz, if it doesn't, we'll never hear the end of it.