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BMW X3

4185 messages,  Last post on Apr 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 196 of 419

#1949 of 4185 Mileage by driver100

May 30, 2005 (4:29 pm)

I have had my 2004 X3 2.5 since September 04. With about 6,000 miles the gas mileage is 20 m.p.g.(U.S.), in 50/50 city highway driving.
I was skeptical about how much better a BMW could be, when you can buy fairly competent cars for almost half the price. However, I have changed my mind, it is worth every extra penny - and I don't know why anyone would buy anything else but a BMW (especially an X3) if you can afford it.
By the way, I don't have an alarm but the clown nose blinks when the car is locked.

#1950 of 4185 Re: Mileage [driver100] by bodble2

May 30, 2005 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: driver100 (May 30, 2005 4:29 pm)
Do you have auto or stick? Do you find the 2.5 adequate power-wise? Which aspect of the X3, in your opinion, makes it worth the $$$? (I'm guessing it wouldn't be luxury, nor ride comfort)

#1951 of 4185 Milage update by markcincinnati

May 30, 2005 (6:31 pm)

. . . Wheeling to Cincinnati, via Dayton, OH airport: 1 stop for gas. Route almost all interstate. Speed average 68mph. Max speed 80mph. Mileage 24.8. My wife informs me that she had never reset the mpg computer, prior to this. I reset the computer when we left eastern Ohio/Western PA/W Va area.
 
First mileage 20+ new mileage 24+. This was a trip, my wife drives about 36 miles per day about 28 on I-275 loop around Cincinnati.
 
We are NOT displeased with this milage, and it seems to be improving all the time.
 
Perhaps we have low expectations -- but this is NOT a light weight vehicle.

#1952 of 4185 Re: Mileage [bodble2] by driver100

May 30, 2005 (6:59 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (May 30, 2005 4:57 pm)
I got my 20 mpg with an automatic. I think it is worth the dollars because of the smoothness of the engine, the handling, the safety features, the overall feel of the car. A major part of the charm of the X3 is that it doesn't have a phony luxury look that I think you get tired of very quickly. The dash and seats are not fancy, but they are beautiful in their simple but perfectly designed way. Instruments are easy to read and use, seating is high with great vision, and it is done without all the phoney chrome and useless gadgets.
The ride is also enjoyable, quiet and smooth enough without the soft spongy ride you get in a big luxury boat. I was out of town and rented a Taurus - soft spongy ride, total lack of feeling in the steering, an instrument panel with fancy curves that looked like they were trying a little too hard, poor vision front and rear, seats with very little support.
I didn't even try a 3 liter because it's $4,000 more in Canada and I found the 2.5 was fine. When I test drove an X3 I didn't want to take it back to the dealer. My wife has a 2003 Mercedes C230 which I like a lot, and it has more luxury and a smoother ride, but hey, it doesn't have the same thrill as the X3.

#1953 of 4185 Re: Mileage [driver100] by kdshapiro

May 30, 2005 (7:50 pm)

Replying to: driver100 (May 30, 2005 6:59 pm)
I agree with your assessment of the X3. Of course, people have differing opinions, but my thoughts are in line with yours.

#1954 of 4185 Re: Anyone ever buy a dealer's loaner??? [bodble2] by kyfdx HOST

May 30, 2005 (9:17 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (May 30, 2005 2:55 pm)
You can certainly trade a car in, lease a new one, and not put any of the money from your trade into the new deal..
 
Example:
 
$20K value of trade
$12K loan balance on trade
 
$12K amount of check dealer pays to lien holder.
$8K amount of check dealer pays to you.
 
The lease deal on the new car works like any other.. You are under no obligation to put any of your $8K equity into the new deal.
 
The sales tax thing might work differently depending on location. If the tax on the lease is an upfront amount, which is then added to the cap cost, you may be able to get a credit against that, if it is a difference state.
 
But, some states might not allow a credit, because the title will be in the lessor's name, not yours... And, if it is a state where the monthly payment is taxed, then I think you would be totally out of luck.
 
I've got no experience or anecdotal evidence of anyone doing this.... The states where it is most likely to occur favorably, would be states like Texas or Illinois, where they tax the entire value of the new car upfront, even on a lease. But, I've never even read of an example from there..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#1955 of 4185 Re: Anyone ever buy a dealer's loaner??? [bodble2] by tidester

May 30, 2005 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (May 30, 2005 2:55 pm)
This might interest you: Vehicle Sales Tax Questions
 
tidester, host

#1956 of 4185 Is it worth the $$$$ by driver100

May 31, 2005 (4:23 am)

Hi kdshapiro. Another reason to like an X3 is this. Look at a 10 year old Buick or Intrepid, Taurus or almost any American car (a few hold their looks, such as most T-Birds or a 57 Chev, but not too many). They get dated and look like an old piece of junk.
Now look at a 10 year old BMW, Mercedes or Jaguar. They look as good as a new one if not better than a new one. These cars have simple intelligent designs that are always in style.
Glad you like your X3 too!

#1957 of 4185 Re: Mileage [driver100] by bodble2

May 31, 2005 (10:17 am)

Replying to: driver100 (May 30, 2005 6:59 pm)
I didn't realize you're from Canada. Are you sure the difference is $4K? I had priced out both a 2.5 and 3.0 on the BMW site and I thought the difference was only about $2500. But perhaps that may depend on how you load the cars 'cause I recall the 3.0 comes standard with certain features that I would have to add as options on the 2.5.

#1958 of 4185 Re: Anyone ever buy a dealer's loaner??? [kyfdx] by bodble2

May 31, 2005 (10:23 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (May 30, 2005 9:17 pm)
The sales tax part may be the deal-killer. As you know, when you trade, the dealer gives you more or less wholesale value for your trade, but (in a purchase scenario), the sales tax credit would make the deal viable. But as you pointed out, in a lease, you don't get title to the car, so you likely would not get the sales tax credit. So to avoid getting killed financially, you would have to sell privately, and then go lease the new car. But I hate selling privately!

Messages Page 196 of 419

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