XSeries-forum

We don't currently really need two cars so have been toying with the idea of selling the 2013 Mini JCW and the E53 X5 30D and buying a newer X5 (or possibly X3).

I'm struggling with a few things.

Our X5 does its job very well and I'm not sure what it would be worth.  It's a 54 with full BMW service history and is still under comprehensive BMW warranty and has covered just shy of 50,000 miles.  Plus it has good Michelin tyres, recent brakes etc so with the low mileage we do shouldn't require any service items for a while.  Same with the Mini.

But we've had the X for longer than any other car (about 8 years) and it is tempting to go for a later X5 which would probably be the 40D with loads of options (or perhaps the 50D).

I guess first of all I need to consider what we'd get for the E53 as a private sale as it's clearly in very rare condition and low mileage with a warranty.

I then wonder as I start looking at highly specced E70 40Ds they tend to be around 2012-2013 so are fairly close to the prices of the next model.  Should I be concerned about buying something towards the end of the model life?  The X3 would be ok and I'd probably prefer the 35D in that case but a new model is due out soon...

All the stuff about restrictions on diesels is a concern as we live within a few miles of Manchester city centre.

Also what kind of discounts are people managing to get on BMW approved used cars?

The sensible option would probably be to stick with the E53 for longer and sell the Mini but if we do keep the E53 I think I'll struggle to let go of the Mini as it is fun, especially now it has Michelin Pilot Super Sports (plus new brakes).

Just thought I'd post as it might help me make a decision and stop going over and over it.

Keep both the mini and the E53.

I agree regarding the toys though the main ones I'd like are the head-up display as the steering wheel is always in the way on mine, built in sat nav, heated seats and top view cameras but I did see one in my favourite colour combination those options and a lot more which is what is tempting me depending on what deal could be done and what I could realistically get for the E53 as a private sale.

You're totally right though in that when I sit in one and even when I had the manager's F15 for a couple of days I was left thinking nice as it was it didn't do the job it needs to do better enough to justify over £50,000 (not that I'd spend that).  I had been thinking if we got about £20k for our cars but then for the later model high spec E70s 40Ds dealers are still asking about £28k I think that's where I start telling myself to be sensible and question things.

Both cars are owned outright.  I'm old school like that but do the maths each time before deciding.

What I struggle with more and more is paying the warranty each year at about £900 on a car that's worth what it's worth and I suppose just slightly perhaps the image side of things in that it's now an old car to be going out to see clients in.

Probably the best thing is to just carry on and see what happens in Manchester and observe the impact on prices for a bit as the longer I leave it the lower the prices will be or chance my luck on a low offer on the one I've got my eye on.....

Time for that shower!