Need Advice: Should I Purchase This 2002 X5?

[mortalll]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5058680823.html

Need help if I should purchase this 2002 X5 for $6k... Also attached is the carfax which had 3 owners. They hae all records and claim to have smooth operating sounds, no odd noises, including electrical, hvac, mechanical. They are about to do smog on 6/5/15.

"New AC and Serpentine belts, new idler pulley, new window regulator, new crank case valve, new dipstick, etc"

My scared this car might get ruined once I buy such as malfunctioning or high repair costs.

Can you guys tell me reasons to buy the car or either forget about the car? Thank you for your help!!!

BMW X5 vehicle history report.pdf

[Greydog]

Well presented car however mileage is high 167k for $6500 in the UK that would be around £4500. Downside the Nav package is non OEM wheels are 17". Personally I would keep looking there is very little difference in running cost between the 3.0i and a 4.4V8 (here in the UK) I purchased my 4.6is with 73k and full history from a BMW specialist for £4400 2 years ago (in the UK no one wants a V8 so they tend to be cheaper)

[Arsey]

I'm surprised at your comment saying that there would be very little difference in running costs. I would have thought you would be talking an extra £75 ish pcm at around 1000 miles per month. Add to that higher insurance and Tax, I would have thought it there would be a significant difference.

[Greydog]

We are looking at an E53 on California plates where running/operating costs are different? My reply was based on personal/family experience here in the UK which tells me there is not as much as you may think or have calculated.

First due to my age and record insurance is £358 a year, road tax due to cars age (anything before 55 plate) same cost £280 a year. Servicing based on one a year around £600. The 3.0i was a little dearer last service at the same BMW specialist.

My Daughter in Law ran a 3.0i one of the reasons we looked at X5's when looking for a cheap tow car for a horse trailer. In everyday driving the 3.0 averaged low 20's mpg (cant give exact figures as the car is sold) I wont count the 4.4 as that ran on LPG but my 4.6 over the last 2k has returned 19.1 mpg, Having run many V8's I budget for 15 so this for me is a good result, as this includes pulling a horse trailer and paddling around in mud during the shooting season plus although I am old I am not a member of the driving Miss daisy club. So even if it were £75 pm that is one trip to the pumps, for me in real everyday use that isn't enough difference to sway me towards the 3.0i.

Looking at the OP's add link the car is on standard 17" rims (supplied as a spare in the UK) not staggered, the Nav was a non OEM system and then there was the mileage 167k plus the fact he is in California where car choice is huge? Hence my advice to keep looking for a better specced car and don't dismiss the V8's

I see you run an E70 how close are your actual consumption figures to BMW's in everyday use, a mile away I guess, So for me even if it's a Diesel my guess would be mid to high 20's (I have a friend with a 4.0d) that still doesn't sway me from the V8, just personal taste. Wouldn't it be boring if we all were tha same.

However I have an old work colleague who has just brought one of the new Mitsubishi Hybrid 4x4s, very impressive vehicle if I go green (not that diesel is green by a long chalk) that will be the direction.

[Arsey]

I have a 2011 E70 3.0d. It has the 8 speed box which is meant to be more economical. I think the quoted combined mpg is about 38. I am getting a tiny bit under 34 on average. How expensive Diesel is here it would make a difference to me. I'm not towing anything so the 3.0lt certainly doesn't feel under powered but I have no comparison. If I go for another X5 for my next car I will certainly look into one with a bigger engine.

I believe petrol / gas is far cheaper in America so it probably doesn't make a huge difference over there.

[Greydog]

Hells teeth 8 speed gearbox!! 34 mpg!! how spoiled are you, while us poor old folk have to make do with only 5 speeds.

To be serious that is really good MPG and shows what progress has been made in a few short years, my friend with the E70 4.0d (same engine gearbox as you just some turbo/EM changes to give added HP) and he is lucky to get over 30 mpg. May have something to do with his lead boots though, plus his commute is in heavy traffic.

Me, retired for nearly 20 years so no commute and can choose route and travel times to suit me. The most queuing these days is in and out of Country Fairs and Horse Shows with the box on the back.

Enjoy your E70 thats why we have them