Considering an X5

[Heid1971]

Been looking at a Jag sportbrake, Disco 4 and now an X5 for ourselves. Looking used and probably 4-5 yrs old certainly for 4x4, can pick up Jag XFs a bit cheaper. Anyways I need space, large family of 5 but getting smaller as eldest travels less with us but room in the back is a must. I also have a caravan to tow albeit did have plans to maybe sell it depending on what I bought . Prices are strong on 4-5yr old cars on both the X5 and Disco so it at my upper end of price range circa £25 from Franchised dealers. Any horror stories on the X5, generally decent reliable cars ? Servicing seems reasonable defo compared to Landies !

[X5Sport]

No real horror stories for the E70 compared to those found in the E53 variant.

Things to monitor and check are stone chips caused by 20" wheels on the rear doors (should have protective film on the rear doors/arches, corroding 'diamond cut' alloys, electronic handbrake actuator failure (£900 part).
Check what tyres are fitted and for excessive front to rear depth - it can occasionally lead to diff or transfer box failure - especially with non '*' marked tyres.
Get Dealer to load latest map set at their expense (£300).
Check that all the security recalls have been done and software updated.
Check that the propshaft safety check has been properly done and the propshaft bearings and joints are all OK.  A failure can lead to a £10k bill!  It only affected a few months in 2010/11 but not all have been checked and there have been some recent (expensive) failures - a handful - with some Dealers denying they know anything about it!
Other than that it's the usual thing if check everything works and ask the supplying Dealer for the 'build sheet' as this lists every option fitted.

[Heid1971]

Well thought I would update this, looked at a few X5s just after my original post and also test drove a 4.0d . Lovely car to drive albeit quite stiff suspension. Was a 12 plate with surround cameras etc and most options fitted. Maybe not the best example to see but there were a few on the forecourt with the crumpled rear bumper, its been discussed on here, where the bumper has been hit and clips get burst etc. Anyway same day I also test drove a Disco 4 HSE as well, similar age, different drive, softer suspension no chucking this about in the corners but lovely place to sit in, rear seats had loads of room. Plenty extras inc panoramic sunroof , full leather etc and the extra seats in the 3rd row .

So that was that , maintenance costs will be higher than the X5 I know, so eyes are open on that one.

[diluxe]

I went for 40d wish I'd gone for a 30'd, I'm very rarely in it on my own and with two toddlers the goal is to drive as smooth as possible so that they sleep, so I never tap into the extra power. The fuel economy on the 40d isn't great even when being sensible. I would definitely decide on the spec you can't live with out and work from there.

I also looked at Disco but found the interior very dated and the tech old.

[graemeX5]

Hi

It's probably worth reading the E70 guide very helpful.

Also some go for the Se as more spec as standard but as Diluxe says work out what you must have Nd what is desireable. Also what you are doing for some the40d is too much where as the 30d is fine where as others go for petrol which are cheaper but if doing less miles maybe worth considering.

Graeme