[Endless619]

I am in the market for an SUV and have looked at the following and have narrowed it down.

Acura MDX---- Looks good and is reliable
Acura RDX---- Looks ok and is reliable
BMW X5------ Overall looks good
BMW X3------Overall looks good
Porsche Cayenne--Exterior looks ok and interior looks like a Dodge Neon.
Audi Q5-------Looks horrible
Audi Q7-------Looks horrible
Mercedez Benz R Class- Looks ok, kinda like a Honda minivan

Right now the X3 and X5 are leading the pack. It's just my girlfriend and I and a dog right now. I want something to haul things around, including my dog and also to hit the slopes to do some skiing...

I have also been doing research on the models and what years to stay away.

What do you guys think if it was between the X5 and X3? 2008-2009 years on both.

[hks786]

X5

[SmartBastard]

I'm on the same page right now, also looking for an SUV for winter and have only my gf and a cat to drive with so don't really need a full size one (X5/Q7).


BMW X3 - I really like the new styling of X3 but that's only because it looks more like a X5 now. It has a great xdrive and also very nice fuel consumtion with the smaller diesel engine. Only reason why I don't like this car is the X5. The X3 will always be the baby-X5 or woman-SUV if you prefer.

BMW X5 - no real disadvantages other than the price tag of 100k EUR for the one I would actually like.

Audi Q5 - I ruled out Audis because of the ridiculous quattro system they are using (youtube -> X3 vs Q5).

Porsche Cayenne - price tag and most expensive to own in the long term. Dunno why I have the feeling that to own this car I would first have to buy a 911 so it doesn't look like I wanted a Porsche so badly that I bought the ugliest one

Range Rover Evoque - my favorite so far, just not sure about the reliability as it is with Range Rovers.


Bottom line is that I will probably go for either the Evoque or a Premium Selection X5.

[Superspeed]

Despite being a reliable car the 2008-2009 X3 already looks old and has a cheaper interior than both the X5 and the new X3.
Go for the X5

[keanu1]

x5 all the way
x3 look cheap

[pmeloche]

I am not crazy about the 1st gen X3 so I would suggest the X5.

[zibawal]

I saw little cute X1 in Canada do they import them from Europe? How do they compare $ with x3 and x5?

[jon328i]

X3 with sport package option!

[PatiWens]

I really like the new styling of X3 but that's only because it looks more like a X5 now. It has a great xdrive and also very nice fuel consumtion with the smaller diesel engine. Only reason why I don't like this car is the X5. The X3 will always be the baby-X5 or woman-SUV if you prefer

[powertech83]

If both are 2008-2009, then X5

I was faced with almost similar condition, but it was 2008 X5 3.0si to 2011 BMW X3 20d. I picked the X3 mainly because the size of the new X3 is just right for my needs, not too big and not too cramped, and 2.0 diesel efficiency is a big plus since I drive the car mainly in slow moving traffics. Also I think the new X3 is much more improved, it rides and drives much better than the first gen X3.
Of course all of this is just my opinion, you should go and test drive the cars yourself

[Zephyr15]

I agree with the previous comments about the 2008-2009 X3. The older model lacks the refinement of the new F25 X3 and is ugly to boot.

IMO, if find yourself leaning toward the X5 you should take a longer look at the MDX. I purchased a 2008 for the wife a couple months ago (she loved it and I couldn't say no due to the value). Looks good and has great features with the Tech and Entertainment packages at a significantly better price point than a similarly equipped X5. The MDX is also no performance slouch; it can't compete with the 4.8i, but it has enough power and handles and brakes well. The interior isn't something you would brag about but is still very nice, and it offers tons of head and leg room up front where you and your girl will be sitting.

[smaver]

Could agree more.

Having an X3 is wanting something huge and content with little.

Ill go for the Q7, that´s power man ¡¡¡¡¡

[creamclean]

I've driven/had a ride in most of the X models, and I have to say go for the X5, especially if you are considering getting the older model X3. It's just not that aesthetically pleasing...and there's not nearly as much room. Any X5 model I can vouch for as beautiful inside and out (though maybe not the first facelift model), reliable, and fast; however the last point goes without saying!

If you're looking at old X5 vs new X5 though, know that the steering is much tighter on the old model, and you really have to drive both to get a feel for what you want. There are some nice looking older cars floating around if you like the style better!

[ken1137]

X5 ...the X3 2010 is superb but the previous versions are not as refined.

[elusivefx]

x5

[Penso di no]

Originally Posted by zibawal

I saw little cute X1 in Canada do they import them from Europe? How do they compare $ with x3 and x5?

I believe they're built in Austria, perhaps in the factory where X3s used to be built. They're available for sale in Canada and were announced for the US but then postponed to (probably) 2013 model year (when a facelift is expected).

[Penso di no]

Costwise they're cheaper than the X3, which is part of the problem in the US since it's more expensive to import an X1 than to build an X3 here (relatively at least). They're selling the crap out of them around the world, so why bother squeezing them into the tight-margin US market?

[Penso di no]

Originally Posted by SmartBastard

Audi Q5 - I ruled out Audis because of the ridiculous quattro system they are using (youtube -> X3 vs Q5).

A BMW marketer just danced a little dance.

And a puppy died.

[mtla4]

Did you ended up buying an X5? Your (garage) says 09 X5

[epyon180]

I would go with the X5, just seems to be a manlier car. And the higher quality materials etc don't hurt either.

[szabaka]

I am very happy with my 2006 X3 3.0.

The X5 was too big for my needs, larger than the mini-van the X3 replaced; for one it would have taken up too much room in the garage.

The X3 is comparable in size to my Rav4, but gives me better leg room. I used to love my 2008 Rav4 Sport/V6, now I typically only drive the X3 (despite the lower power/weight ratio). Size is an issue for me (36" pant inseam length, 6'7" height).

If I still had kids in the house, I would go with the X5 (but if I still had kids in the house, I wouldn't afford the X5).

I live in northern Vermont, the X3 has never had any issue with snow. Unplowed roads with 6-inches of snow has not been an issue. (Using Michelin Ice-X on 17" rims)

ps Heated seats are great.

[yakev724]

N55 X5 + Procede