Part of the problem with the X3 is it was priced too close to the X5.

Men would rather have an X5 (probably for the extra space, possibly also the socks-in-pants thing) whilst women would like something a tad cheaper & more compact. Hence the forthcoming X1!

If it's any consolation, Acura's RDX has been almost as epic a fail as the X3! And that's based upon the top-selling CR-V.

 

Mrs P had a 2.0d X3 for two years. The car averaged 30-32 mpg, never needed a service in 20K miles and visited the dealer only once for a new gear knob, as the silver trim on it was delaminating. In truth it was one of the 'cheapest' cars we've run over two years - in part due to a great contract hire deal.

It had everything that one needed considering it was a poverty-spec' model, with only leather in addition to the standard specification.

Whilst Mrs P is somewhat ambivalent about cars, coincidentally this weekend she announced that the X3 had been her favourite car to date. I found the car quick enough (it was a 150 hp version), comfortable (aside from the centre rear seat which is hideous), a pretty good handler and definitely quite practical. It was no Land Rover of course as the road tyres were limiting.

Certainly the ride was firm, but with Mrs P's propensity for travel sickness this was a benefit.

I always considered the X3 BMW a jacked-up 3 Series Touring - somewhat analogous with the Subaru Outback version of the Sports Tourer.

 

some saving grace! We are looking at the 2.5 6pot, although speed really isn't needed as for the missus although dont want to be pushing it up hills....

Was hoping to get 25mpg in town / 30-35 on a run. (my e46 325 averaged 36mpg over the last 40k miles i had it, although was mainl motorway i confess).

For 10k, seems to be a very highly spec'd 54 plate BMW which should offer what we are looking for. a 'taller' e46 was jsut what we are looking for....difficult to fathom that it is only 150mm longer than a 5 door 1 series....narrower too!!!

 

Phil

I'd say buy it if you like it

BUT I would definitely be telling the salesperson that everyone had told me not to

Bit like buying a yellow

 

LEGACY.

someone had to say it.

my scoob has been great in the ice.

i even got the back out.

 

ha! have made an offer and sure we can do a deal on it. Have had the mini for 3.5 years, spend nowt on it (just 1 service and a few tyres) and is returning about £6k in the deal....only 4 less than we paid....

cheap motoring that is.

Pains me to say, but the S may have to go in the summer as will be spending most of the summer in Cyprus (business....ish), so will be a waste....have enjoyed the car for the little ltime i have had and hope to get a few more months out of it. Working from home, find that i barely use the car and a bit of a waste....shame really as wanted one for years...but is another tick in the box. Will be on here first when the time does come.

 

I know Clarkson slated it but for god sake dont let that stop you. I have a feeling and I may be wrong that the X3 has run flats and if thats true I would imagine that it is this that kills the ride. If you do a search for X3 forums Im sure if what I have said is true then it will be well documented. I know when I had a cooper s most of the enthusiasts took the runflats off and raved about the difference.
Also dont listen to the absolute rubbish about "buys an X3 as cant afford an X5" this absolute dribble is normally spoken by people who cannot afford either.

 

yes this is bizarre

I can (just) imagine situations where I might have an X3

I can't for the life of me imagine being in a situation where I would need the X5

I'm sure many people are the same

 

that should say.

this absolute dribble is normally spoken by people who would not want to buy either.

 

The leasing deal's definitely the upside to a car that's bombed in the marketplace.

Which tend to negate that it was priced too high in the first place.

There also can be a perverse tendency for cars that are flops often to be quite good and the great unwashed simply didn't get it.