[Alfisti]

Currently lease an X1 and needed more space so was eyeing off Lincoln MKC and Audi Q5's, used only.

X3 was really off the table as it is the mrs car and she did not like the shape. After frustrating weeks of looking for the right Q5 (options are a NIGHTMARE) we stumbled across this and she liked it.

Did not need the larger engine, well so i thought, but it drove a lot slower than I expected so maybe a good idea that we did. I dunno, she felt slower than the X1, all that weight has to go somewhere i guess.

In any case, you're stuck with me for at least three more years.

37,000KM (23,000 miles), CPO, 2013.

Optioned pretty well ...

- Technology Package - BMW Assist w/ext. Bluetooth- CIC contribution- Combox controller- BMW On-Board Navigation- BMW Assist with Bluetooth
- Premium Package - X-Line- Automatic Trunk- Comfort Access- Panorama Sunroof- Auto Dimming Exterior Mirrors- Auto Dimming Interior Mirror- Park Distance Control
- Executive Package - Rear View Camera With Top View- Universal Remote Control- Lumbar Support- Lights Package- SIRIUS Satellite Radio Tuner- HiFi Sound System Professional - BMW Apps - Smartphone Integration- BMW Apps
- Satin Aluminum Roof Rails - Wave Brown Wood Trim

[kevink1]

I like the color

Fewer miles than my 2015 already has on it. Mine has HUD, and is a diesel, but otherwise the options look similar.

[TREX3]

IMHO I think you made the right choice and looks like you got a great car based on the picture. I debated between Q5 or X3 when we were shopping 2 years ago and so far no regrets going with the X3.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by TREX3

IMHO I think you made the right choice and looks like you got a great car based on the picture. I debated between Q5 or X3 when we were shopping 2 years ago and so far no regrets going with the X3.

Thanks but to be 100% honest, I feel the Audi is the better car. We just could not find what we wanted.

The Audi looks sharper, handles just as well, the drive train is far, far smoother and the switchgear is far better quality than the low rent BMW stuff.

The BMW has the much nicer screen, iDrive craps all over MMI and IMHO seems to have that touch more space.

Just like the X1 though, very disappointed in the X3's coarse drivetrain, the gearbox may be efficient but it's as subtle as an axe.

[Pinewood]

I doubt if you or your good lady with regret the decision. The X3 has a habit of growing on you and you will in the coming weeks appreciate it's handling and practicality

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Pinewood

I doubt if you or your good lady with regret the decision. The X3 has a habit of growing on you and you will in the coming weeks appreciate it's handling and practicality

Oh we won't regret it, it's my ABSOLUTE favourite colour combo, bar none.

[plymjack]

we too looked at the Q5 but my wife hated the seating position and just fell for the X3... with the electric seats it makes our lives so much better as she is 5ft and Im 6ft.......
Just done 35000miles and loved every one of them.... and today we paid of the finance too so its all ours....yipee....

[Pinewood]

Coarse drivetrain? You must have the older 2.0d engine. The x30d euro6 diesel is silky smooth, quiet and leaves everything else this side of a proper sports car..... Standing. If you look at the 4 wheel capability of the X3 over a Q5, it's much much better.

Not bad for an SUV :-)

[Alfisti]

Nope 3 litre Turbo petrol, you know, a proper car motor not a tractor engine.

[nyalpine90]

Xdrive is superior to quattro

quattro sucks lol

[exon]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Nope 3 litre Turbo petrol, you know, a proper car motor not a tractor engine.

I have the 3.0L turbo petrol too. It is jerky & laggy at low speed.

But regardless, you should try the BMW "reset" trick. It helps.

[Pinewood]

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

Xdrive is superior to quattro

quattro sucks lol

THIS:

[Pinewood]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Nope 3 litre Turbo petrol, you know, a proper car motor not a tractor engine.

I bet my "tractor engine" can out tow and out accelerate your "proper engine" in any gear and give you a damn close run on the 0-60 to boot

[happy_chrissy]

Originally Posted by exon

I have the 3.0L turbo petrol too. It is jerky & laggy at low speed.

But regardless, you should try the BMW "reset" trick. It helps.

what is the reset trick and what does it do?

[Pinewood]

Turn the ignition on, but don't start the engine. Press your accelerator all the way down, and hold for 30 seconds.
This will reset the gearbox (automatics only) to "relearn" your driving habits

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Just like the X1 though, very disappointed in the X3's coarse drivetrain, the gearbox may be efficient but it's as subtle as an axe.

I unexpectedly bought an X3 too, despite finding the drivetrain in the Mercedes GLC to be as powerful but smoother and refined.

The Q5 was on the list but I never bothered driving it as the interior layout look more dated and less user-friendly than that of the X3.

Needless to say, congratulation and enjoy many happy miles. Mine car is also a Deep Sea Blue X3, however it's a 2016 model.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by exon

I have the 3.0L turbo petrol too. It is jerky & laggy at low speed.

But regardless, you should try the BMW "reset" trick. It helps.

It's still a thousand times better than the X1 we have, GOOD GOD is it harsh, just a shocking gear change and clakkkity engine.

My 8 year old Saab is a million times smoother and well behaved. Both the engine and the box.

I will re-set this car though, the X1 throttle lag drove me insane so do not want that on the X3.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Pinewood

Turn the ignition on, but don't start the engine. Press your accelerator all the way down, and hold for 30 seconds.
This will reset the gearbox (automatics only) to "relearn" your driving habits

Outstanding.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Crassus

I unexpectedly bought an X3 too, despite finding the drivetrain in the Mercedes GLC to be as powerful but smoother and refined.

The Q5 was on the list but I never bothered driving it as the interior layout look more dated and less user-friendly than that of the X3.

Needless to say, congratulation and enjoy many happy miles. Mine car is also a Deep Sea Blue X3, however it's a 2016 model.

Agreed re. the Q5 interior. it's weird as Audi uses better materials, especially the knobs and buttons, but inside does look very 2009. I think it is the small screen and fiddly HVAC. On user-friendly, MMi confounds me, I find everything arse-backwards, whereas the 10 minutes I spent with I-drive was very rewarding.

COngrats to you too chief, post some pics.

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Agreed re. the Q5 interior. it's weird as Audi uses better materials, especially the knobs and buttons, but inside does look very 2009. I think it is the small screen and fiddly HVAC. On user-friendly, MMi confounds me, I find everything arse-backwards, whereas the 10 minutes I spent with I-drive was very rewarding.

COngrats to you too chief, post some pics.

The difference between cabin of the Q5 and new A4/Q7 is too much to stomach. If I bought the Q5, I would feel remorse when a new one come out next year. Besides that I hate that the HVAC controls sit behind the gear selector - not very ergonomic. Basically, the exterior of the Q5 is very handsome in S-line trim but the interior is simply too dated.

Here's my car

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Crassus

The difference between cabin of the Q5 and new A4/Q7 is too much to stomach. If I bought the Q5, I would feel remorse when a new one come out next year. Besides that I hate that the HVAC controls sit behind the gear selector - not very ergonomic. Basically, the exterior of the Q5 is very handsome in S-line trim but the interior is simply too dated.

Here's my car

I was shopping used with the knowledge i would flip in three years or so. It's the mrs DD so her choice and white women will do nasty things for an Audi.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Agreed re. the Q5 interior. it's weird as Audi uses better materials, especially the knobs and buttons, but inside does look very 2009. I think it is the small screen and fiddly HVAC. On user-friendly, MMi confounds me, I find everything arse-backwards, whereas the 10 minutes I spent with I-drive was very rewarding.

COngrats to you too chief, post some pics.

We have a 2013 Q5 (currently shopping for a replacement) and agree that the interior is looking a little long in the tooth. The Q5 is in its 8th, going on 9th, model year and is in need of an update. Even though it's still selling well for them the new gen can't come soon enough IMO.