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2021 Outback Touring XT or used BMW X5

11K views 33 replies 18 participants last post by  Cicliste  
#1 ·
Looking to replace my 2004 Acura TL with an SUV and am looking strongly at either a used 2018 BMW X5 with 35k miles or a 2021 Outback XT touring. Main detractor for the BMW is maintenance costs (I buy for the long term)...any thoughts/suggestions to help in my decision would be appreciated!
 
#2 ·
I imagine people will steer you towards the Outback given what this forum is, but realistically if what you want is a trophy-wife of a car, something that will say "he's arrived" then get the BMW. You'll definitely feel more upscale in it, and driving it, when it's working. It might be demanding at times but that's the price you pay.

On the other hand the Outback is a girl-next-door that might not be flashy but it's a faithful companion through thick and thin. Cheerful capable and never complaining - it doesn't attract attention or demand it.

A Touring XT is nice and all, but it won't give you that smug BMW feel every time you walk up to it.

You buy an Outback for what it can do for you, and you buy a BMW for what it says about you.
 
#3 ·
The GM of my former employer, a Subaru dealership, has been buying nothing but BMW X5s from their sister BMW store fir years now. He absolutely loves the X5 even though he is a big Outback fan too, but he has got the money to easily pay for a new X5 every few years so why not?
 
#5 ·
Wow, BMW?
Long term?
you will be better off leasing new one.
Beside maintenance costs, costs of frequent repairs likely will dent your wallet over time. Speaking of Subaru XT...; it's a new design, from what I understand. Generally, its not advisable to purchase any newest design, however, Subaru is generally less prone to failure than BMW (statistically speaking). Well documented failures are: head gaskets on 2.5 in 2000's, CVTs, oil consumptions in 2010'9 (they say a1qt is normal every1000/2000miles....; WTF?)
test drives both; btw. pick up sport seats option for Subaru-- u will not regret it!
 
#10 ·
The X5 is by far the nicer vehicle. Yes maintenance is a bit more expensive, as are most repairs. You can deal with the repair issue by purchasing the BMW Extended warranty.
 
#11 ·
You are going to go broke repairing that BMW. Hope the mileage is very low. Everything under hood is plastic and will get brittle and break. $1000 to replace the PCV system because it is plastic and needs the intake removed. Wife has a 2001 325ci convertible with only 80,000 miles. Not many problems due to low mileage and early production year. We definitely keep it away from dealer and use only independent mechanics. DYI oil changes and repairs I want to tackle.
 
#12 ·
Bring More Wallet
Before my OB, I thought I wanted an E39 540 sedan. I had driven a few examples and they checked the box for me at that time. I never pulled the trigger on it but do have a BMW moto of similar vintage.
I too am a long term vehicle owner and my experience with the moto has confirmed I should never be a BMW car owner. It is a masterful piece of engineering, but it seems like the assembly techs are on year-round Oktoberfest.

All that said; if you can afford it, get it but you should adjust ypur mindset on long term ownership. The vehicle will tell you when you should unload it.
 
#22 · (Edited)
I purchased a pre-certified X3 with M upgrade, rather than an Outback in 2018. As soon as my 3 yr CPO expires, I will trade in my X3 for a new Outback Toruing XT. I travel on remote roads in the mountainous western USA and interior British Columbia. The lack of a real spare tire is a deal breaker. If I lived in a suburban setting near a BMW Dealer, run-flat tires would not be as much of an issue. In addition, the low ground clearance is a minor annoyance parking in snow >12”. Subaru also provides way better AWD traction compared to BMW. I really enjoy driving my X3, but for my lifestyle, the Outback is a better choice. FYI, my local BMW dealer and service shop is outstanding.

Edit: my BMW CPO expires in June 2021 - suggestions purchase a 2021 or order a 2022 model. I live near Seattle, WA
 
#23 ·
Even living somewhat near a dealer, I can tell you that not having a spare is a major, major hassle. I would NEVER again buy a car which didn't have at least a donut spare. I used to own a 2013 X5 and at 2 in the morning on the highway, a tire blew. I guess the car was supposed to have run-flats, but for some reason mine did not. I had to call AAA and get towed 50 miles to a dealer, then stay in a Motel 6 next door overnight, finally getting back on the road mid-AM the next day. What a huge, huge pain that could have been obviated by simply having a spare onboard.

An Outback doesn't have the flash of an X5 but all in all it's just a better mousetrap. Way better gas mileage, uses regular gas, and I was able to find one with a stickshift. The one thing I miss is that my X5 had a really burly factory tow hitch -- the ones I've seen for the Outback are by contrast pretty wimpy!
 
#24 ·
I've had my share of high performance European cars (Audis, Volvos, Saabs and VWs). All of them were fun to drive, but maintenance costs were significantly higher than on my several Japanese and Korean vehicles.

A fellow who maintains my wife German-made sewing machine summed it up well. The European machines are elegant but require more frequent scheduled maintenance and replacement parts cost more than do the equivalent Japanese-made machines. I think the analogy with cars is pretty good. JMO