Trying to get back from the 'dark side'

[luckyian]

Hi everyone,

I am  a newbie to the forum (and a first time poster too, so please forgive me any errors in etiquette).

I am a former BMW (5-series) owner who has spent the last 6 years in what I guess must be wilderness of the cars from Stuttgart. It is now time to change my current car and having done a lot of research I can see that I need to come back to the light.

I am looking for a newish X5 but don't know where to start really. I want third row seating to accommodate my growing family and will need at least a rear camera if I'm to stand a chance of not doing something stupid to ruin the bodywork. I think I'm after a deisel to give reasonable miles to the gallon but that said I'm only covering about 7000 miles a year on runs of only 20 miles so am not sure if that is a good idea. I am looking for comfort over handling and something to cope with the terrible roads we now have in the South East since they stopped mending them properly, so huge alloys with rubber bands round them are definitely out however good they look. 

Am I better going to a main dealer or can you pick up good examples privately (I like cars but know nothing about them) and what should I look out for? I guess answers to all those questions and many more that I should have will be in the forum, but any help that you can give would be much appreciated.

Thanks       

[X5Sport]

Welcome aboard.......the E70 body will be along shortly to advise you on which option(s) to go for.

If you can though, I would look for a 40d as it will give you the performance, although if you want petrol then a 4.4 twin turbo migh suffice.  It depends upon how 'new' you want to buy?  Standard 3.0d cars are pretty good if you aren't performance driven.  I've not driven a 3.0i so I don't know how they might drive.

M Sport trims are a harder ride so a car with 19" wheels would suit you better.  All versions have run flat tyres.

Given the costs that a private seller that might leave you with unprotected then a AUC car would give you some protection but even so check any potential buys VERY carefully.

Richard

[paddy wright]

Welcome- the E7) is a great car- I am awaiting the delivery of mine, I would say drive a few, decide what you want and then buy AUC as they are well prepped and covered by warranty (2 years if you push hard)

[luckyian]

Thank you for your aadvice guys and sorry for the slow response.

Boy do these cars go quickly. I've seen two cars so far that meet my specifications perfectly, arranged with the dealers  to visit and take a look but before I get the chance they are sold!

It doesn't seem wise to put a deposit down on a car I haven't seen yet so shall I just wait it out until the right one comes along at the right time?

Also, do you have any views on how prices might be affected when the new X5 comes out? Is it worth hanging on for that?

Thanks again 

[Raj]

When buying AUC you can put a deposit down which will be returned should it not meet your requirements or expectation. I have done this previously as the dealers are pretty good. In all honesty though, if it's AUC and the spec you're after then usually it'll all be good but as I said you always have the ability to have your deposit back.

[Don Coffey]

Welcome Lucky,

Sod's law will always say that any car you are interested in will suddenly be snapped up by someone else!  Don't get carried away and feel that you have to make a rash decision.  As you have pointed out, the nex X5 will be here soon, and although I wouldn't expect a huge drop in price, what you may find is a sudden availability of cars as owners trade in the E70 for the latest model.  As these cars are also unlikely to be discounted, it stands to reason that a lot of new owners will be the type that want the latest model with little regards to cost, as such these people tend to trade in pretty well specced cars.

Good hunting

Don