[LEDZEP]

Gee Mako, seems like you're researching yourself into a perfect frenzy! Good luck with the decision. However you decide, you'll be driving a sweet machine.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Gee Mako, seems like you're researching yourself into a perfect frenzy! Good luck with the decision. However you decide, you'll be driving a sweet machine.

oh I have been, I think I am trying to find the perfect SUV (for a car I will only be driving once a week, since it will be my wife's DD).

Seems like we are 1-2 years away from a few new engines in the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, new porsche Cajun... my big problem now is do I wait and take my chances with the LR2 out of warranty or do I just buy the X3 35i and then punch myself when the 35D and 28i (new engine) come out for 2012 April production (since its been posted that the 2012 model year for the X3 ends in May 2012!!!)

If I wait and 6-12 months from now there are no new engines I will be pissed I didn't pull the trigger now, BUT if I buy now and any of the following come out I will be upset as well: looking at 4 possibilities, SQ5 with 330 HP supercharged engine from S4, X3 35D which is probably my preffered engine, X3 28i which I think I would take over the 35i since I can get all the same options and save $4500 while getting better MPG and losing less than 1 second 0-60, and of course the X3M which would be $10K above budget but I might buy it anyway if it did come out fall 2012.

And If I am going to buy now, I have to look at all options which is why I am thinking of going for the X5 for only a few grand more (okay $5K more)

[Le Chef]

You could be dead tomorrow. Take the plunge!

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

You could be dead tomorrow. Take the plunge!

That's exactly what I did. I shouldn't have spend anywhere near what I did, but figured now is probably the best opportunity I'll have to get this. Then I switched my order from a 28 to 35i, then added DHP and Premium Audio. Then felt sick to my stomach.

[Beyu]

If you have the willpower I'd say just wait a couple of months Mako and see if any of the new engines come out. Although your Land Rover is almost out of warranty I doubt they build such bad cars that it'll break down shortly after it expires.

Plus if you're deadset on an X3 build quality can only get better from now after producing it for a couple of months and production to delivery times should be lower since there's now more X3s on the road.

[xDrive35i]

And now you can also get a $3500 Eco credit in addition to the $1730 navigation discount when you get an X5 xDrive35d. That's almost $5500 off. So if you load up an X3 xDrive35i, you can get an almost optioned out X5. Must be a way for BMW to rid its dealers of 2011 35d's in order to bring in the new 35d engine for 2012 or 2013.

[GenX3]

Originally Posted by Mako

yes but the X5 includes so much more, you really have to load up the X3 35i to around $54K to compare it with a X5 premium, then take into account that you get $1730 back on the X5 before negotiating the price. And most BMW dealers will discount the X5 more than the X3.

So for people looking to get a $45K 35i, sure there is no comparison, but for people thinking about a loaded $54K 35i, you can build an X5 with the same options for around $4K-$5K more after dealer discounts, keep in mind thats with similar options, you can go all out on the X5 and pay $10K more...

My loaded 35i 2012 ($55.5k) has cold (I&II), premium sound, convenience (rolled into premium pack), tech, and M Sport... Take the x5 premium and add cold, tech, convenience, sound and it's at $66.3K... I'm just not seeing the same numbers.

Truth is, I hate seeing options I like, and not being able to get them... The x3 is fully, and I mean totally full, of options and the kitchen sink. If I get the x5 at my budget, I have to get the fully standard, and, well, where's the fun in that?