Lexus RX300 or BMW X5??

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K

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
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My Dad is looking at buying an SUV so we went shopping today, and pretty much narrowed it down to the RX300 and BMW X5. So what do you guys think? The RX300 seems to have a smooth and quiet ride compared to the BMW and the price point is significantly lower ($52,000CDN) whereas the BMW has the quality feel to it as well as extra luxuries, but the cost is higher ($65,000CDN). So is the cash worth it? Is the Lexus any good, cuz I don't know much about it?
 
C

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
0
<sigh>

Well...at least go for the Lexus...I'm sure it gets better mileage and it does have a 4wd option. Does the X5?
 
K

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
81
of course it is AWD. AFAIK that's not an option with either the Lexus or BMW. We looked at the M class but it's getting pretty dated even with the 2002 upgrade. Also, the rougher ride b/c of the frame as opposed to the uniframe design of the X5 and lexus. I really didn't see much I liked on the M class...
 
NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91
If you're talking about the X5 3.0i, then most definitely the RX300. The X5 is VERY expensive, and it has hardly ANY cargo room. In fact, it has less cargo room than the 5-Series wagon by about 10 cu ft. Also look at gas mileage:

RX300, 18/22
X5 3.0i, 15/21

And cargo volume, rear seats up/max (in cu ft)

RX300, 39.8/75
X5 3.0i, 16.1/54.4

The X5 is a poor value
 
Don Vito Corleone

Don Vito Corleone

Elite
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
91
In all fairness to the M-class, it is a much more off-roadable vehicle than the RX300 or X5. If that is not a concern, the RX300 is definitely a better value than the X5, though the X5 is almost certainly the superior driver's vehicle.
 
K

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
81
thanks for that response NFS4, I appreciate some facts or experience. I don't think the mileage is significant enough to be a factor as this will generally be used for highway driving as opposed to the city, so 22 against 21 isn't huge. I would be interested in anyone who has actually owned one of these how they stand up over a few years, i.e. whether they get lots of creaks and rattles, broken instruments etc...
 
NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91


<< In all fairness to the M-class, it is a much more off-roadable vehicle than the RX300 or M5. If that is not a concern, the RX300 is definitely a better value than the M5, though the M5 is almost certainly the superior driver's vehicle. >>


M5?? Why are you comparing a 400HP 4-door sedan to SUV's?
 
D

dionx

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
3,500
1
81
my gf has the 2001 RX AWD.. when i first started to drive it, felt like a van but thats prolly coz i drive cars 80% of the time. can't go wrong with lexus although some ppl dont like the egg shape of the RX. if you get the spoiler, it doesnt look so bad.
 
Don Vito Corleone

Don Vito Corleone

Elite
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
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<<

<< In all fairness to the M-class, it is a much more off-roadable vehicle than the RX300 or M5. If that is not a concern, the RX300 is definitely a better value than the M5, though the M5 is almost certainly the superior driver's vehicle. >>


M5?? Why are you comparing a 400HP 4-door sedan to SUV's? >>



D'oh! Obviously this was a typo - I don't really need to have someone jump down my throat over it.
 
NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91


<< thanks for that response NFS4, I appreciate some facts or experience. I don't think the mileage is significant enough to be a factor as this will generally be used for highway driving as opposed to the city, so 22 against 21 isn't huge. I would be interested in anyone who has actually owned one of these how they stand up over a few years, i.e. whether they get lots of creaks and rattles, broken instruments etc... >>


I will say this, we just bought a '02 Toyota Highlander Limited (same thing as the RX300, only it's Toyota's version. Same engine, suspension, chassis, etc.). It's smooth as butta, has been getting between 22 - 24MPG on the highway, and is extremely fast. The transmission is also quick and efficient. And it had enough cargo room to swallow all of our gear up to Baltimore (suitcases, boxes, coolers, bags, presents, sodas, food, etc) for Christmas with the rear seats up. Try that in an X5:)
 
H

Haircut

Platinum Member
Apr 23, 2000
2,248
0
0
It depends on what you want.

Go for Lexus if you want more options, cheaper car, not too bothered about image.

Go for BMW if you want better image, nicer handling, expensive feel.

I would personally go for the bimmer as I just have a thing against Japanese cars, but with the Lexus you would get more for your money.


BTW NFS4, where did you get your gas mileage figures from? I have just compared the two on a site (UK site, I don't know whether the specs are different) and it says that the BMW gets better mileage and is quicker.
 
M

mAdD INDIAN

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
7,804
1
0
The X5 is not worth its $69K CDN pricetag. I don't like the RX300 either because it looks like a mini-van. Personally I'd go for the QX4 because its cheaper and it probably is more competant offroad than the RX300 and looks better aswell.

BUt is there really a need for a luxury SUV? Just go for the Pathfinder/Highlander/etc.. SUVs in that class.

Luxury SUV = oxymoron
 
NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91


<< The X5 is not worth its $69K CDN pricetag. I don't like the RX300 either because it looks like a mini-van. Personally I'd go for the QX4 because its cheaper and it probably is more competant offroad than the RX300 and looks better aswell.

BUt is there really a need for a luxury SUV? Just go for the Pathfinder/Highlander/etc.. SUVs in that class.

Luxury SUV = oxymoron >>


1) Looks are subjective
2) The QX4 is based on a platform that is old as dirt (dates back to the '96 Pathfinder which came out in '95).
3) Find me someone that takes a luxury SUV off-road ;)
4) The QX4 can't compete with the Lexus or BMW for on-road ride quality and comfort.
5) Infiniti has nothing on Lexus when it comes to resale value/customer service/quality
 
G

goodoptics

Platinum Member
Aug 18, 2000
2,652
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<< 5) Infiniti has nothing on Lexus when it comes to resale value/customer service/quality >>

Agreed.
 
K

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
81
Ok, in regard to resale how will the X5 do? The salesman said that the RX300 went for about $35000 for a '99, that's $15000 in 3-4 yrs, not too bad. The X5 is too new to know, but don't the BMW's hold their value well?
 
P

PowerMac4Ever

Banned
Dec 9, 2000
5,246
0
0
What are you talking about? Excellent customer service is one of the things Infiniti is known for. I'll agree with the poor resale value of Infinitis though. I don't know much about Infiniti's quality rep, but my dad drives a '93 J30 and hasn't had too many problems.

Anyway, if I were your dad Kenazo, I'd go with the Highlander. (After the 4Runner that is ;))
 
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