New SUV on a budget

[Anonymous]

I have not driven an X5. Is it sporty / performance based? If so, just get a cheaper used one, as I don't know what else would be like it, besides a Cayenne. The Audi Q7 is OK, but the 3rd row is tiny, if that matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been planning on buying an X3M50 or X5 for some time but delaying until we really needed it.

That time is coming in 2025 with 2 kids.

Due to the kids, many new expenses have emerged. This caused me to reconsider adding the expense of a bmw car payment. I thought to go with a Toyota grand Highlander hybrid but it seems like it’s a lemon. I test drove a Model Y but its interior wasn’t that great.

What are my other options? The closest I can get to the bmw on a budget. Handling/performance, space for kids, and a nice interior are important.

Look at a regular Highlander. The Grand Highlanders are the ones with the problems.

Not aware of problems but as someone else who likes BMW handling (we had 3-series for years and now have an S-4) you will not like the Grand Highlander. We just test drove it and it’s an underpowered mobile living room.

[Anonymous]

Nissan Rogue is nice. Leather seats, moon roof, infotainment center. Nice middle console with lower storage.

Lots of nice features for about $35K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been planning on buying an X3M50 or X5 for some time but delaying until we really needed it.

That time is coming in 2025 with 2 kids.

Due to the kids, many new expenses have emerged. This caused me to reconsider adding the expense of a bmw car payment. I thought to go with a Toyota grand Highlander hybrid but it seems like it’s a lemon. I test drove a Model Y but its interior wasn’t that great.

What are my other options? The closest I can get to the bmw on a budget. Handling/performance, space for kids, and a nice interior are important.

Look at a regular Highlander. The Grand Highlanders are the ones with the problems.

Not aware of problems but as someone else who likes BMW handling (we had 3-series for years and now have an S-4) you will not like the Grand Highlander. We just test drove it and it’s an underpowered mobile living room.

Please excuse me for hijacking, but would you buy a used 2018 3 series? Consumer Reports has it as a recommended used car. Or which years 3 or 5 would you buy?

[Anonymous]

Get a lightly used low mile 2 or 3 year old X5. Great all-around vehicle but depreciation is massive the first few years so gently used helps avoid that. You will absolutely pay more in maintenance and repairs than, say, a Lexus RX, so be prepared for that.

[Anonymous]

OP, you know the saying "You can afford to buy it but you can't afford to own it"
That's a BMW. The upkeep and maintenance will kill you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you know the saying "You can afford to buy it but you can't afford to own it"
That's a BMW. The upkeep and maintenance will kill you.

Yes I know the saying. That’s the point of the post..I’m not buying the bmw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a lightly used low mile 2 or 3 year old X5. Great all-around vehicle but depreciation is massive the first few years so gently used helps avoid that. You will absolutely pay more in maintenance and repairs than, say, a Lexus RX, so be prepared for that.

I’ve heard of cpo bmws having full maintainance coverage. Do you have experience with that? I could see leasing a 2021/22 cpo X5 for 3 years if I don’t have to pay for any repairs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been planning on buying an X3M50 or X5 for some time but delaying until we really needed it.

That time is coming in 2025 with 2 kids.

Due to the kids, many new expenses have emerged. This caused me to reconsider adding the expense of a bmw car payment. I thought to go with a Toyota grand Highlander hybrid but it seems like it’s a lemon. I test drove a Model Y but its interior wasn’t that great.

What are my other options? The closest I can get to the bmw on a budget. Handling/performance, space for kids, and a nice interior are important.

Look at a regular Highlander. The Grand Highlanders are the ones with the problems.

Not aware of problems but as someone else who likes BMW handling (we had 3-series for years and now have an S-4) you will not like the Grand Highlander. We just test drove it and it’s an underpowered mobile living room.

I think all of your passengers in back would appreciate a mobile living room, and not someone more interested in testing their torque and quick, turning ability

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been planning on buying an X3M50 or X5 for some time but delaying until we really needed it.

That time is coming in 2025 with 2 kids.

Due to the kids, many new expenses have emerged. This caused me to reconsider adding the expense of a bmw car payment. I thought to go with a Toyota grand Highlander hybrid but it seems like it’s a lemon. I test drove a Model Y but its interior wasn’t that great.

What are my other options? The closest I can get to the bmw on a budget. Handling/performance, space for kids, and a nice interior are important.

Look at a regular Highlander. The Grand Highlanders are the ones with the problems.

Not aware of problems but as someone else who likes BMW handling (we had 3-series for years and now have an S-4) you will not like the Grand Highlander. We just test drove it and it’s an underpowered mobile living room.

Please excuse me for hijacking, but would you buy a used 2018 3 series? Consumer Reports has it as a recommended used car. Or which years 3 or 5 would you buy?

We actually looked into one of these as it’s one of the few years which still have models with manual and AWD. Decided to keep the S4 instead, but my good friend has one and it has been fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been planning on buying an X3M50 or X5 for some time but delaying until we really needed it.

That time is coming in 2025 with 2 kids.

Due to the kids, many new expenses have emerged. This caused me to reconsider adding the expense of a bmw car payment. I thought to go with a Toyota grand Highlander hybrid but it seems like it’s a lemon. I test drove a Model Y but its interior wasn’t that great.

What are my other options? The closest I can get to the bmw on a budget. Handling/performance, space for kids, and a nice interior are important.

Look at a regular Highlander. The Grand Highlanders are the ones with the problems.

This! I have owned 3 Highlanders and love them. I think I’ve owned them for the past 20+ years. They haven’t been hybrid though. I can afford any car I want, I just don’t want to give up the reliability and comfort of the Toyota.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been planning on buying an X3M50 or X5 for some time but delaying until we really needed it.

That time is coming in 2025 with 2 kids.

Due to the kids, many new expenses have emerged. This caused me to reconsider adding the expense of a bmw car payment. I thought to go with a Toyota grand Highlander hybrid but it seems like it’s a lemon. I test drove a Model Y but its interior wasn’t that great.

What are my other options? The closest I can get to the bmw on a budget. Handling/performance, space for kids, and a nice interior are important.

Volvo both ev and regular but buy a used one. Kids will destroy the car so why pay for the depreciation. Plus you get a safe car. Pick up a 2023 or 2024 in two months(or whatever brand you like). A year old car can be 1/2 a new car sticker price.

[Anonymous]

Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s much nicer than the Highlander!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not just get a minivan?

Not OP, but I wouldn't buy a minivan for the same reason I wouldn't wear clothes from Chico's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honda CRV.

+1

Safe, reliable SUV

Fully loaded will run you about $40K (including taxes). So $10K trade, $10K cash, you would need loan for $20K. But that car will last you 10-12+ years and still be worth $10K trade in.