BMW X3

Replying to: kdshapiro (Jul 25, 2006 3:28 am)

When I google for "Timex Repair" I get 1,720 hits. Even fewer hits for Casio or Swatch repair.
 
When I google for "Rolex Repair" I get 74,400 hits.
 
hmmm, ok, searching for "BMW Repair" flops up 106,000 hits. That's more than Hyundai Repair or Toyota Repair or Subaru Repair.
 
That has to be enough data to support a PhD dissertation right there.

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• davidc1 (Jul 25, 2006 1:03 pm)
  • tidester (Jul 25, 2006 1:06 pm)
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Replying to: steve_ (Jul 25, 2006 8:34 am)

Most people don't repair Timex watches. They just get a new one. I think X3 is a pretty good "value" when leasing only. $40k is a lot for a small SUV and you have more choices at that price range. Hard to beat X3 leases though. My guess is that RAV4 fully loaded should lease for a similar amount.

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• tidester (Jul 25, 2006 1:06 pm)
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Replying to: davidc1 (Jul 25, 2006 1:03 pm)

Most people don't repair Timex watches.
 
Funny you should say that. Of all the watches I have owned the Timex I am wearing right now has been the most reliable - and at a fraction of the cost of all the others. Apparently, we don't repair them 'cause they don't need repair!
 
tidester, host

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Replying to: tidester (Jul 25, 2006 1:06 pm)

"...we don't repair them 'cause they don't need repair!"
 
Right on!
 
And I doubt that there are less repairs for Hyundai Tucsons 'cause their owners are throwing them away rather than repairing them!

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• driver100 (Jul 25, 2006 5:03 pm)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Jul 25, 2006 4:14 pm)

"...we don't repair them 'cause they don't need repair!"
IMO a Timex and a Tucson are two different things (ha ha). A Tucson you would repair, but a Timex you aren't going to repair, you just buy a new one. Anyway, I am sure there is some valuable information in those repair figures, but I am not sure what it all means.
 
However, let me approach value from another viewpoint. My wife just stopped for a red light in her 2003 Mercedes C Class Station wagon. She got slammed by a 1996 Toyota Tercel that didn't stop. The rear bumper has to be replaced and a few dents in the lift gate have to be taken out. The Tercel was crumpled from the front bumper to the windshield. My wife and passenger have no injuries. The garage that does the repairs explained how the rear bumper in European cars is made to hydralically give and there are spacers etc. to allow the rear to crumple, absorbing most of the shock of the crash.
I guess my point is that value is not just cost, or design, or feel of the car. Also, factor in safety, and I like the fact the manufacturer respects me enough to make the safest vehicle possible...what value do you place on that.
 
And, a Timex watch on a BMW guy, what's that????

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• tidester (Jul 25, 2006 7:57 pm)
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Replying to: driver100 (Jul 25, 2006 5:03 pm)

And, a Timex watch on a BMW guy, what's that????
 
Simple. It's a matter of reliability!
 
Also, safety is not usually an issue with watches.
 
tidester, host

Replies to this message:
• driver100 (Jul 26, 2006 4:14 am)
  • tidester (Jul 26, 2006 9:36 am)
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Replying to: tidester (Jul 25, 2006 7:57 pm)

Simple. It's a matter of reliability!
 
Maybe it comes down to this. Everyone prefers the most reliable car possible, or,to put it another way, nobody wants to pay for repairs.
 
However, if the pure pleasure of driving is more important, and if you factor in superior engineering, safety, low cost lease or low depreciation rate, the feeling of a car that has some spirit and is not just an appliance...well, if these things are important, then what's a few hundred bucks a year in repairs. You might even keep the car longer or buy it back after the lease because you don't get tired of it.....in other words it could cost less because you will keep it longer. (I had a 10 year Mercedes loaner once and I would buy that over most new cars).
 
Many people get a lot of joy out of trying to buy the most efficient vehicle possible and if they base their decision on practicality then they have to decide what is the base limit of their practicality. If they believe there is joy in the feeling you get from the engineering and beauty and spirit of the vehicle I think you would go with the X3.
 
I agree, nothing wrong with a Timex. I have had many myself, but my wife got me a (designer watch to embarassing to say the name) so I wear that!

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• tidester (Jul 26, 2006 9:36 am)
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Replying to: driver100 (Jul 25, 2006 5:03 pm)

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Replying to: bargamon (Jul 26, 2006 6:28 am)

Hey, an '82 Tercel was my last ride. It wouldn't die either.
 
My ski buddy has a nephew who is a BMW mechanic. He loves the cars and talked his father into flying to Bavaria to pick one up. But, he advises selling them after the free repair period (4 years, right?) since after warranty repairs tends to be expensive. His Dad will keep his longer than that, but it helps when your son is working for the dealer.

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• driver100 (Jul 26, 2006 10:23 am)

Replying to: driver100 (Jul 25, 2006 5:03 pm)

"...the manufacturer respects me enough to make the safest vehicle possible..."
 
Really? You really think the manufacturer "respects" you, cares about you, wants you to be safe and sound, nice and happy?
 
You wouldn't think, by any slight chance, that they only want your money? You want safety, so they build safety. If enough people wanted, oh say, a big red gumball on top of the hood, out of "respect" for them, what do you think would start showing up on cars??!

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• driver100 (Jul 26, 2006 1:46 pm)