SUV dilemma... BMW X5 or Volvo XC90?

[don_lee103]

Our family are looking for a new vehicle to replace our old van and we had come a long way to go from Van -> Wagon -> SUV.

I know that any brand new vehicle depreciates like crazy these days so we are in the market for a used SUVs that are in good condition with a manual transmission. (One less thing to worry about)

After eyeing on the auto market for a while, I came across 2 of many vehicles:

1. 2001 BMW X5 with manual transmission. It has high mileage on it (200k) but this thing is manual = -1 thing to cause a huge bill in my pocket.
Black on black. Has sunroof leather.

2. 2004 Volvo XC90 with auto tranny. Approx 50,000kms, looks good cosmetic wise. It looks like it has every option available except navigation

Now taken everything in to consideration, X5 is about 5k (or more) cheaper than Volvo. I know that I'll be running in to a risk of replacing the engine but I personally love to drive manual.

Which one would you take? Does anyone have any experience with these cars? I would take Volvo in a heartbeat if it was manual but you can't have the best of everything.. Does anyone know how reliable XC90 or X5 are?

Thanks for your help in advance!
Don

[camber]

XC90 is a better family car then the X5 and is probably a better all roud vehicle.

Buying a used manual for relibility sake is a bit iffy. Most damage of manual occurs from the driver and if you don't know the history of the car or driving style then you'll be taking a gamble. Also, automatics have come a long way in terms of reliabilty but there are some bad ones out there. However, a quick internet search will usually expose the models with bad transmissions.

[panda1314]

i used to work at a volvo dealership as an auto detailer, one of the vehicles that come into the shop for service quite often IS the xc90. Have you test drove the XC90 and the X5? If you like driving manual I would assume you enjoy driving as well. The XC90's power steering heavily boosted and very top heavy. It is however very very spacious (but at the sametime a pain in the butt to park in tight spaces). Best thing to do is goto a used car dealership and test drive both of them see which one you like more and go from there. I don't know if I would buy a used bimmer with over 200k on it though especially its only $5000 less than a 50k volvo.

[l69norm]

.... 2001 BMW X5 with manual transmission. ..

Better test drive first as this SUV does not ride very well - very choppy and abrupt.

[First.Dog]

As a previous owner of an 01 X5 manual, I can tell you the manual is bullet proof whereas the autos are starting to fail (and they cost $6k+ to replace).

The manuals have the infamous BMW CDV (google it) so it's hard to abuse them. Remove this when you get it for a better clutch response. :)

Does the X5 have the sport package? I preferred this but the ride was a bit harsher than the base model. The standard tranny also gets slightly better gas mileage than an auto. About 13.5l/100 combined if you take it easy.

Final selling points, the X5 will outperform the Volvo through the corners and will probably hold its value better.

[camber]

IDK, X5 is still a high CG SUV... Trying to sell SUV on handling capabilty is a bit perverse in my eyes.

FWIW, both the X5 and XC90 don't have the greatest resale values. Also, IIRC the XC90 has a much higher safety rating then the X5.

I'd be interested to hear what common issues the XC90 has but I doubt the X5 is anymore reliable then the XC90.

[fizzerd]

Our family are looking for a new vehicle to replace our old van and we had come a long way to go from Van -> Wagon -> SUV.

I know that any brand new vehicle depreciates like crazy these days so we are in the market for a used SUVs that are in good condition with a manual transmission. (One less thing to worry about)

After eyeing on the auto market for a while, I came across 2 of many vehicles:

1. 2001 BMW X5 with manual transmission. It has high mileage on it (200k) but this thing is manual = -1 thing to cause a huge bill in my pocket.
Black on black. Has sunroof leather.

2. 2004 Volvo XC90 with auto tranny. Approx 50,000kms, looks good cosmetic wise. It looks like it has every option available except navigation

Now taken everything in to consideration, X5 is about 5k (or more) cheaper than Volvo. I know that I'll be running in to a risk of replacing the engine but I personally love to drive manual.

Which one would you take? Does anyone have any experience with these cars? I would take Volvo in a heartbeat if it was manual but you can't have the best of everything.. Does anyone know how reliable XC90 or X5 are?

Thanks for your help in advance!
Don

I think I would go for the Volvo due to the extra safety..Not a big fan of the older generation X5 anyway.

[panda1314]

from consumer auto report used car review:
XC90
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2003-to-2008-volvo-xc90.htm

Air conditioner: Too much airflow from the floor vent onto the driver's foot is corrected by installing a piece of foam to create a restriction. (2003-04)

Battery: The battery may go dead overnight if the "infotainment" system won't allow the central control module go to sleep mode. (2006)

Climate control: The climate control may go from full hot to full cold and back because the damper motor module is trying to recalibrate itself requiring flashing of the climate control module. (2005-06)

Exhaust system: A squealing or rubbing noise on AWD models that occurs after going through a puddle is caused by the exhaust pipe temporarily warping and touching the driveshaft. (2003-06)

Hood/trunk: The upper tailgate may not open because the release cable comes loose from its retaining clip. (2003-04)

Power seat: The power seats may rock to and fro. New gas shocks/struts are available to correct it. (2003-04)

Vehicle noise: Noise from the rear end on rough roads is due to the springs rubbing on the spring seat. (2003-04)

Wipers: The wiper arms' splines can be damaged if the wipers are turned on while the blades are frozen to the windshield and improved arms were released and installed under a campaign. (2003-06)

and for the X5
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2000-to-2006-bmw-x5.htm

Alarm system: Some hoods do not contact the alarm switch enough, causing false alarms. The company was replacing the switches on an as-needed basis. (2001)

Audio system: Alternator whine on certain radios after a cell phone is installed requires a filtering condenser; a weak battery causes a delay in the audio and display on vehicles that also have the navigation system; and lack of power to the antenna amp causes no AM reception and poor FM reception. (2000)

Dashboard lights: The CHECK OIL light may come on when the engine is turned off despite the dipstick reading full requiring the control module to be reprogrammed. (2000)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may not read full despite a full tank on models built prior to Aug. 2000, requiring replacement of the sending unit. (2000-01)

Steering problems: Steering-wheel vibrations on early production models with automatic transmission and 3.0L engine can be corrected with a countermeasure vibration damper. (2001)

Transmission leak: The manual transmission may leak from the drain plug requiring installation of a countermeasure plug. (2000)

Vehicle noise: Early production models made a clicking noise when the windows were opened and closed while those built after May 2000 do not because a plastic coated regulator was used. It can be retrofitted into earlier models. (2000)

Windows: Water leaking into the A-pillar corrodes a connector for the power locks, windows, and mirrors rendering them inoperative, requiring replacement connectors and sealing the leak. (2000)

[camber]

I haven't owned a X5 but my friend owned a 2000 540i and I remember that BMW V8s of that vintage, were know to chomp through expensive catalytic converters. If you went the OEM route expect to pay big bucks for multiple cats, aftermarket isn't as bad. Hoever, still well over a thousand bucks to fix with aftermarket parts.

[don_lee103]

I haven't owned a X5 but my friend owned a 2000 540i and I remember that BMW V8s of that vintage, were know to chomp through expensive catalytic converters. If you went the OEM route expect to pay big bucks for multiple cats, aftermarket isn't as bad. Hoever, still well over a thousand bucks to fix with aftermarket parts.

First of all, thanks for your prompt responses!

To clarify things, I do not believe that this is a sport model. It's 3.0i V6 and it sounded like X5 needed some work.

One thing that I am worried about most is the cost of replacement parts. As I own a VW, I know that parts for european cars are extremely overpriced. (Which is exactly why I am trying to avoid auto tranny)

I always thought X5 & XC90 was somewhat reliable but I guess not? (At least that it sounds like from many users here)

Anyhow, keep me posted!

[camber]

To honest from that consumer guides report, I don't see any show stopper realibility issues.

In my experience BMW parts are more expensive then Volvo parts. However, I'm comparing this against the repair costs of my girlfriend's Volvo 850 to past generations of 3 & 5 series.

[Regin8r]

My inlaws had the 2004 XC90 T6 and it was problematic. The tranny had a problem and it kept staying in limp mode. Eventually they replace the entire tranny.

The electronics on the thing went wonky in year 4 of ownership. The foot lamps would stay on even though the overhead lights would go off. It wasn't consistent. When we brought it in, it would work normally for a few days. Sometimes the footlamps would stay on all night and kill the battery.

On the pros, it was very stylish (interior nicely laid out). Lots of room inside, with 7 passenger seating (X5 for that year only had 5).

HID's were great in cottage country at night. Returned when lease was over for 08 Lexus RX350. It's been a year and no problems yet. The XC90 was a lot heavier on gas, but the Lexus is much smaller.

[SPACEMANRICK]

How much are you looking at spending for your vehicle? I have had 3 BMW's and they are great vehicles, but 200,000 km is a lot of kms on a BMW and maintenance will not be cheap.

There are tons of discounts and incentives on new vehicles from all manufacturer's now, and depending on how much you are spending, maybe that is something to look at.

I love to drive manual transmissions also but as you know they are getting more and more scarce these days especially in the kinds of vehicles you are looking at......

[don_lee103]

How much are you looking at spending for your vehicle? I have had 3 BMW's and they are great vehicles, but 200,000 km is a lot of kms on a BMW and maintenance will not be cheap.

There are tons of discounts and incentives on new vehicles from all manufacturer's now, and depending on how much you are spending, maybe that is something to look at.

I love to drive manual transmissions also but as you know they are getting more and more scarce these days especially in the kinds of vehicles you are looking at......

Thanks for your reply.

The only reason why I'd consider X5 with 200k on it is because it has a manual transmission. I know that these cars are hard to obtain so I am taking a bit of risk.