Which One - Bare X5 vs Fully Loaded X3

[msand12]

Hi All -

In the market for a new SUV with the impending birth of our first kid. As title implies, narrowed down decision to a fully loaded X3 vs relatively bare X5. Details:

2016 CPO X3 - $35K/36K miles
- Mineral Silver Metallic/Oyster Nevada Exterior
- Cold Weather Package
- Driver Assistance and Driver Assistance Plus
- Lighting Package
- Premium Package
- Technology Package
- Parking Assistant
- Harmon Kardon Sound

2015 CPO X5 - $37K/33K miles
- Black Sapphire Metallic/Canberra Beige Dakota
- Cold Weather Package
- Premium Package
- Rear View Camera
- Standard HiFi Sound System

Test driven both models (haven't driven either of the above) and the X3 is noticably sportier/firmer than X5. Will keep car for at least 6 years, will need to fit 2 kids. Only marginally concerned about maintenance.

Which would you pick, why?

Thanks for your help in advance!!

[ano0oj]

X5 just because you mentioned it needs to fit 2 kids and all the extras that come along with them - strollers, car seats, baby bags. When it comes down to it I think you'll appreciate the extra cargo/passenger space.

[bandwagn]

On the specs alone, I'd probably lean towards the X3 - the decision would likely be swayed by size requirements (how much stuff do you need to haul with the kids) and quality (a big difference between the 3er and 5er, but the new ones are catching up)

[CeeTeeX5]

If the X3 is large enough. I'm assuming it is if you are cross shopping. I'd go with the X3. More warranty left and more convenience features, which will likely give you a bit more satisfaction if you intend to keep for 6 years.

I'd ask the folks on the X3 forum as well.

[msand12]

Thanks everyone. It's definitely a tough decision.

Problem is - since we are new to this whole "planning for kids" thing, we have no idea what to expect in terms of amount of stuff we'll be hauling around (when we eventually have 2). We'll be taking trips to beach (3-3.5 hours away) and maybe a longer road trip a couple times a year. We are looking at both since we don't know the space requirements.

I agree the convenience features/warranty makes the X3 the more tempting choice. But for the more basic things - ride comfort/space/quality/safety - the X5 wins.

I'm typically great with decision making but this one is giving me some trouble!

[ramforinkas]

I'd go with the X5.

I was in a similar boat as you (wanted to keep purchase price under 40k).
I test drove a more loaded version x5, and the HK stereo didn't impress me that much, and the other features I could care less on. I just wanted AWD, the things that come standard were good enough for me. The quality of the x3 just didn't compare to the x5. Now the new x3 on the other hand - i'd gone with that but still out of my price point.

The one thing I did have to have was drivers package for the HUD. So use to digital speedometers that without it was a dealer breaker for me.

So I ended up with a similar configuration just also with the drivers assist pkg. I ended up paying 37k for mine, and it was an '15 with also about 30k miles on it.

[Wavy]

What is a luxury car without the features? I'd go for the X3.

[menelaos]

For two kids w/strollers and stuff, an X5 would do, but you many a roof rack for extras i.e. for a trip.

[SCA]

Just based on the “two kids” I would go with the X5. Traveling with one child, spouse and yourself with all the necessities is going to be tight in the X3. I have a friend whom owned a X3. Him and his wife had this exact issue and when baby number two arrived they sold the X3 and purchased a Tahoe. According to his wife the X5 was not big enough either. She is hoping the X7 will rectify that and provide ample enough space for the four of them as well as their belongings when traveling.

[fromkrypton]

I got two car seats and my X5 suffers. My wife's 100 pounds and is the only one that can sit between them. I have the biggest carrier box on top to carry strollers and other stuff. Bigger the better

[fromkrypton]

Packed

[yewlock]

X5. You will have no idea how many stuff that you need to carry when you go on short trip with 2 little one.

[LocksmithNick]

Originally Posted by msand12

Thanks everyone. It's definitely a tough decision.

Problem is - since we are new to this whole "planning for kids" thing, we have no idea what to expect in terms of amount of stuff we'll be hauling around (when we eventually have 2). We'll be taking trips to beach (3-3.5 hours away) and maybe a longer road trip a couple times a year. We are looking at both since we don't know the space requirements.

I agree the convenience features/warranty makes the X3 the more tempting choice. But for the more basic things - ride comfort/space/quality/safety - the X5 wins.

I'm typically great with decision making but this one is giving me some trouble!

We had to upgrade to the X5 from an X3 after having a baby. Put it to you this way...the baby was born April 25th and went home in the X3. I traded it in on May 23rd. The X3 just wasn’t big enough for the baby carrier, stroller, shopping bags, etc..

[msand12]

Thanks everyone for your input. I am going with the X5 - more space trumps more gadgets for the purpose. Plus my wife doesn't care about blind spot, lane tracking, etc.

Working with the dealer on price now... offered to drop CPO and sell it for $35K, but thinking I can get them to keep it :-)

Will report back! (if anyone cares, that is ha!)

[menelaos]

Suggest you look for a deal with better equipment.
You may need to travel a bit to get it, but I'd look on ebay, autotrader.
Heck, even some folks on this forum may have better deals!

[LocksmithNick]

Originally Posted by menelaos

Suggest you look for a deal with better equipment.
You may need to travel a bit to get it, but I'd look on ebay, autotrader.
Heck, even some folks on this forum may have better deals!

I agree. I’d shop around for an X5 that was exactly what I wanted rather than settling for a “deal”.

[OhioState5]

X5 and it’s not close. I have one kid and need the room.

[msand12]

Yeah I've been shopping around for a couple months. There are a couple perfect ones out there, near by, but unfortunately we (read: my wife) don't want to spend the extra $5K to get it... so I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place.

She liked the ML350 as well - and it's a fine car - I just can't stand the COMAND system. There are very good fully loaded options within 2 hour drives at a price point lower than the X5. Trying to prevent her from going to to dark side.... she'll be driving it most though, after all

[Wavy]

Happy wife, happy life

[Jaymax85]

X3 is small, the x5 has so much usable space.. i has the same Choice and chose the x5, glad I did

[LocksmithNick]

Originally Posted by msand12

Yeah I've been shopping around for a couple months. There are a couple perfect ones out there, near by, but unfortunately we (read: my wife) don't want to spend the extra $5K to get it... so I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place.

She liked the ML350 as well - and it's a fine car - I just can't stand the COMAND system. There are very good fully loaded options within 2 hour drives at a price point lower than the X5. Trying to prevent her from going to to dark side.... she'll be driving it most though, after all

Driving the Benz is night and day to the X5. The Benz just simply can't compete. If it's only $5,000 between settling and "perfect", spend the $5000. You'll hardly notice it on the monthly payment and you'll love the car so much, you won't mind making the payment anyways.

[cooticooti16]

Not sure how tall you are, but make sure you fit comfortably with a rear facing child seat. If you already have one, sit in the drivers seat with the infant seat behind you.

We have 3 kids and this child seat test is a must for me every time I go car shopping.

Between the two you listed, I would consider the X3, as I prefer smaller vehicles with all the options. But the X5 seems like it will suit your upcoming lifestyle better.