BMW X3 or Lexus RX350 in the long run...???

[nowstime]

Hi~

I put a deposit ($500) for an RX350 and told the vehicle will be delivered mid-Jan 2007...sold out right now...

Not having the vehicle with me right now is making me have second thoughts.

Q. In the long run what vehicle do you think will have less problems, maintenance cost and better residuals? (planning to keep it for a good 5~7 years)

The X3 with prem. package/Xenon/18" rims is $45,100 (drive out) and RX350 with Navi/prem.plus package is $43,500 (drive out). The BMW is offered with a $1,000 discount and the RX350 came with a $3,600 discount.

RX350 will get a makeover in 2008 (2009 model) but since I'm planning to keep it for 5~7 years and need it by Jan. it's not affecting my purchase decision but the full maintenance program of the BMW is quite attractive.

Q: For 4 years, 50,000 miles how much would a Lexus or any luxury brand car cost for mainteance? (oil change for a Lexus is $100 every 5,000 miles).

I chose Lexus over BMW for their reilability and standardized options (more for the same money - value?) but the road hugging drive of the BMW was amazing...

Just wanted to get some advice from an impartial forum...the Lexus and BMW forums are so biased...

Happy Holidays~~~

[Manarius]

If it were me, I wouldn't get either of those two vehicles. If one little thing gets broken, look out for extremely high repair costs. There are far cheaper vehicles that will outlast either the BMW or the Lexus and they will be less costly to maintain.

But, if I HAD TO go with either, I'd go with the Lexus. The Japanese know how to make things last. The Germans stopped doing that a long time ago.

[ennma]

Hi nowstime,
not to offend you, but it seems you are pulling in decent bucks and a bit contradictory to yourself, wanting something that is obviously luxurious, and yet wishes to cut cost.
There are other alternatives obviously, but why not get the hybrid lexus, if you can afford it.

[dsigma6]

I'd stick with the Lexus (well, if I were you).

Do keep in mind that I will brake-check you if you're behind me with xenons!

[epbrown]

I might be considered a BMW enthusiast, but I'd go with the Lexus. I don't have the reliability concerns of other posters since I've never had a problem with either of mine (325i, Z4). I just think that the X3 is a 3-series station wagon with a lift kit, and not good value for money.