X3 vs GLK350

[Insomniator]

Wife wants a new car, 8 year old corolla is just not cutting it anymore. Thinking a small SUV.

Can get ~2013 models of these with less then 30k miles for less then 30 grand. Still have factory warranties at that point, and she doesn't drive all that much (plus I work from home), so we won't be killing the car.

I could also push her towards a Mazda CX-5 for 20k (much more practical pricing) but we'll see if I can convince her...

Any owners here?

Also, I'm sure the CR-V or Rav 4 are the best choices... but they are just... too hideous. Plus, used pricing isn't all that much different on them since they retain value so well. Obviously reliability and repairs are better with them... but I'll take my chances. I've dealt with my piece of crap Mini, used to it by now.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'd get the Merc. The X3 is just an abomination.

 

[Spicedaddy]

I was shopping in that category last year, ended up with a Q5. Didn't try the X3 as I didn't like how it looked. The GLK I liked, but it was smaller than the Audi and the interior wasn't as nice. The thing that bothered me the most with the GLK was the brakes. Compared to the 3.0 Q5, it just wouldn't stop.

Between those two, I'd still go for the GLK since you're buying used and reliability is probably better than BMW. Maybe look at a Lexus RX?

And yeah, you get a lot more for your money with non-luxury brands. I liked the Forester a lot.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Porsche Cayanne is your best bet, though 30K will get you brand spanking new nicely equipped forester, or base model outback (or 2 year old fully equipped outback with v6)

 

[gus6464]

In this segment you can't really get any better than the Lexus RX. It's basically bombproof with very nice interiors and can be found for good prices used since they sell a boatload of them.

 

[evident]

In this segment you can't really get any better than the Lexus RX. It's basically bombproof with very nice interiors and can be found for good prices used since they sell a boatload of them.

our 07 RX just hit 100k and is bullet proof, except for the 2 oil line recalls... newer years shouldn't have the issue. x3 is probably more fun to drive, but i recall it being smaller in size compared to the RX. I also remember the GLK's being complete crap at a few auto shows ago... has it been updated since?

 

[BurnItDwn]

our 07 RX just hit 100k and is bullet proof, except for the 2 oil line recalls... newer years shouldn't have the issue. x3 is probably more fun to drive, but i recall it being smaller in size compared to the RX. I also remember the GLK's being complete crap at a few auto shows ago... has it been updated since?

Friend at the office has an 02 RX, he had it since it was new. Hes around 200K miles, had to get the transmission rebuilt because it had been slipping, but otherwise, he says that was the only major repair work its had.

They are nice and solid for sure. Probably would last quite a bit longer than the Porsche, but, the Porsche would handle a wee bit better ...