c2_peter

+1 for the Lexus. Best of luck in your search

Meenrod

I'm going to come at it from a different angle. If your heart says the BMW... Then why ignore it? Life is too short to not do the things you really want to.

All of us here are car guys and gals. We're passionate about the cars we drive. It's more than just the rational facts for us, it's emotional. The needs, desires and feelings.

Lexus? Nah. Made up fake brand from marketing people to sell higher priced Toyota's to Americans. No heritage. No history. No famed Motorsport links. Name selected from a focus group. Is that luxury? Desirable? Really?

There is some great advice above which makes a lot of sense. But I suspect you don't really want a Lexus.

By-Tor

BMW's are terrible these days.

The engine bays are full of plastic.

I would definitely go for the Lexus.

MorroBay993

I have a 2018 X5-35d and just yesterday had the 78k regular service done… for $1500. I’ve loved the diesel low end torque but I’ve had issues, including the fuel pump disintegrating on a major road. That shut down the vehicle so tight it couldn’t even be shifted into neutral and required a specialized tow after I blocked traffic for two hours. My previous 2013 X5-50 was great until it needed a $6k engine service at 80k.

I drove a Land Cruiser rental around the Ring Road in Iceland a couple years ago. It had a beastly feel compared to the X5 but I loved it. Have had a couple Lexus over the past 20 years and loved them. No issues, respectful service costs.

os993

What about something different! VW Atlas has been really nice, until someone side swiped me and totaled it. I loved that car. Roomy, captains chairs etc. plus. $30k should get you a nice one.

dantonio

We were recently faced with a similar decision when choosing a car for my girlfriend. We went with a Lexus NX over any of the other crossover options, such as BMW, Porsche, or Audi. The Lexus is decidedly "low performance," and nowhere near as nice as the other cars, but I'm confident it will be inexpensive to own over the long term. I dislike the way it drives - boosty little turbo-4, the steering is artificially light. But the expected reliability was the main selling point.

My daily driver is a 5th gen 4runner, which I absolutely love. It's got the chunky appeal of a classic truck inside and out. I love the heavy, linear, hydraulic-assisted steering. All the controls are extremely simple. The interior is clunky and made of cheap plastic, which the dog can climb all over without me flinching. The running gear and drive train are tough as nails, and its dirt cheap to own and operate. It's truly a utility vehicle. I appreciate it because, like the 993, it's good at what it was designed to do. I think you would have a similar experience with any body-on-frame Toyota/Lexus SUV.

My main complaint about BMW/Porsche/Audi/etc SUVs is that they are confused as to their role in life. They weren't purpose built to be trucks. They are basically just big jacked up sports cars.

71-3.0-911

Hard pass on VW products. I've had a number of them that I really wanted to love and keep forever but ended up being bought back by VW. Fun to drive. Agonizing to maintain. Because I hate myself, I bought a Volvo wagon to replace the VW. Surprisingly, the Volvo has been rock solid and has been completely without issue. Time will tell. It's the wife's car and couldn't be happier with it. We also thought about a Lexus for her but I loathe boring cars and unibody SUVs.

TheFatArmadillo

We’ve had numerous BMWs for DDs over the past few years. While we haven’t experienced them out of warranty, we also haven’t had a lot of issues. We drove a Lexus for my wife when she got her last X5. She didn’t love it - actually it came in last place out of the 4 - BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus.

Watson

I'd go for the Lexus, no brainer at all.
Higher gas mileage is the price to pay for better reliability. But at least you have your peace of mind and this is worth a lot (to me).
Could you tow the 993 or S2000 with the X3?

Britzky9

Totally out of left field, but the best bang for your buck in the $30k range is the 2018-2019 Subaru Outback 3.6r naturally aspirated 6 cylinder. You could get one with less than 20k miles on the clock. I've got a 2017 as my daily...daughter just turned 16 and wants it, and I am shopping for another one.

Bullet proof, great on the highway, hold resale and costs are minimal...and I don't care if it gets dinged or dirty...it's supposed to look that way!

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...tedEntity=d380

71-3.0-911

Subarus.... owned 2 of them now. A forester and an outback. Both burned oil. Both sucked, big time. You cant swing a hippy dreadlock around here without hitting 17 of them. That CVT will hurt your soul.

Onami

Just make sure that you check if that model of Lexus is easily stolen. We have an RX350 and we can't even leave it on the driveway without them trying to steal it. Great SUV, but we will never buy another because of that.

M. Schneider

This just in from a NON SUV or Truck owner; ..Chance a look at Mazda USA's all neu in-line 6cyl turbo powered model CX-90 SUV. .. ( $40K to $60K ) .. It's Way upscale for Mazda, no?
Spreadsheet the metrics,, those Mazda boys are on a roll. .. https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-90-phev .. Between a used Lexus or BMW SUV? .. Lexus all the way. . Bring nit-picking, duck-biting money for its V8 thirst. .

Another recently developed In-line six cyl is the 3.0l in our wagon, it's mighty impressive. .. impressive MPG numbers to boot.

Best of luck in your search!

Sagres74

From a size perspective, you have two very different beasts. A big question to consider is how many people will be riding... 5 vs 7. I recently went looking to replace my 2017 Q7 and looked at the same and more...MDX, QX60, XC90, GLE... all with the 3rd row. When considering size, the Lexus RX350 is more comparable to the X3; if you're looking for 3rd row, the GX works but loses all trunk space to accommodate the rear passengers.

jwong1977

Thanks all for the suggestions, the Lexus GX 460 I was considering sold today. Lasted on the lot all of 2 days. Will take into consideration the suggestions in here. But like I said, I cannot use the 993 forever as my second family car. The BMW in question dropped its price a little since I last looked.

I only need space for 5 at most. The third row in the GX is a non factor, its really all about carefree ownership and reliability.