A little advice please

[pghz]

My wife's X3 lease is up. We are looking at a 525/528 xi. Which way would you go? We can get a certified 525xi with 28k miles and almost all options for @ $30k with .9/1.9/2.9 depending on financing length. The monthly payment isn't that big a deal to me if I'm getting a great interest rate. Or, as a returning BMW X3 customer I can lease a new 528 x drive with premium and cold weather for @ $500/mo (including tax) for 36 mo, plus @ $5k down. So the 36 months would cost about $23k over the 3 years. My understanding is the new one has about 15 more horsepower. I don't know of any other significant changes. We normally keep cars a long time. I bought my Z4 off lease, it's a 2003, we also have a 99 Lexus and a 94 Camry both of which we have had in the family for many years.
Also, we have never owned a 5 series. We really like the X3, but thought it might be nice to try something different this time. Any thoughts or experience with the current 5 series?

[scottpettit]

taxes, you may not be benefiting yourself.

If I read your post right, you paid over 20k over 3 years for a car that you don't own. Doesn't seem right to me but then i have never leased a car.

Scott

[pghz]

I came to the same conclusion and bought the 2007 for $30k. As long as it's worth more than $8k in 3 years, I'm ahead. The car is absolutely like new except for the 28k miles on the clock. It's really nice. A different driving experience than the Z4 or the X3. It is much smoother but still has taut ride and handling. It's loaded and all the features are a lot of fun. My Z4 is pretty basic. When we got the X3 I couldn't believe how well it handled for a SUV. I can't believe how well the 5 handles for a sedan. Although it has the smaller engine (215 hp, 15hp less than the current 528 that I was thinking of leasing) it still has plenty of power and the balanced driving experience like the Z. I can see why the 5 series continues to be the benchmark for all other sedans.

[blaZen]

One must admit, now that Scott and ZetaTre are posting more over here on "The Dark Side", this board has gotten much better. Thanks guys!

[scottpettit]

[blaZen]

Now, now Scott, we all know better than that. Well, now that you mentioned it, buying that Porsche......

[scottpettit]

cuz if I wanted oil on my garage floor, I'd just throw a can under the car. It is a lot less expensive than buying a Porsche.

Scott

[blaZen]

Thought you had the Z8, Z4 and some kind of Porsche????

[scottpettit]

I have a Z3, Z8 and my daughter has the Z4. The Vette just keeps dust from settling on the garage floor until June. Then, Zoom Zoom.

Scott

[blaZen]

Sound choices!