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X3 vs Touareg

  • 09-01-2008 6:43pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 587 ✭✭✭


    I currently have a 04 530D and am thinking of changing to an SUV (the family is getting bigger!!). I am looking at an 05/06 X3 2.0D or 2.5lt Touareg. Does anyone have any views/recommendations on 1 or the other. Any drivers here with experiences of either?


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Why not try and find a 530d Touring instead?

    A X3 would be a lot smaller, actually the bigger X5 has less space than a 5 series Touring.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    E92 wrote: »
    Why not try and find a 530d Touring instead?
    I agree. Unless crossing fields is a requirement, an estate car would be better than an SUV. Nicer to drive, more economical, classier, and safer too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    Touring would be my choice too.

    If you're set on the SUV idea and you've done research enough to decide it's between these only, Touareg is a more complete package IMO.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,379 ✭✭✭Jimbo


    Toureg is a pretty good car. Alot bigger than the X3, better looking too. Toureg suffers from a bit of body roll in the corners though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,470 ✭✭✭DonJose


    The X3 was ripped apart on Top Gear, I'd go with the 5 Series Touring, if you need a good 7 seater look at the Mercedes E Class estate.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nX-bxVLrGg


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,259 ✭✭✭Rowley Birkin QC


    X3 looks to much like an in between job, not really a proper off roader and not really a car. I always have a little laugh to myself when I see one on the road.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    If your heart is set on an SUV then Touareg - test drove one and very impressive - much bigger than an X3.

    However I agree that a 530d Touring is probably a better option


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,944 ✭✭✭Jay P


    You dont need an SUV, get an MPV instead, they are much more economical, and better for our precious fossil fuels. And the X3 is rubbish for the record. And if you do get an SUV, get something Japanese, some of those are fairly cool.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,361 ✭✭✭f22


    I agree with the estate choice.

    If you insist in an SUV avoid the X3 like the plague, over priced ugliness and you'll look like a girl driving one.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Jay P wrote: »
    You dont need an SUV, get an MPV instead, they are much more economical, and better for our precious fossil fuels. And the X3 is rubbish for the record. And if you do get an SUV, get something Japanese, some of those are fairly cool.


    If you need a car with lots of space, you need a big estate like a 5 series touring or Volvo V70 or whatever. The OP drives a 3.0 litre car, all the MPVs are 2.0 so he's going to find an MPV extremely slow indeed. And if you look at the statistics, you'll find that big MPVs are little better than 4X4s too. I just don't see what a 4X4 or MPV for that matter does that a large estate car doesn't bar going off road(and as 90% of SUV buyers never go off road, this is a silly point for arguing in favour of an SUV really) and having 7 seats(and this is irrelevant to the OP too, because neither 4X4 the OP is considering can seat 7).


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    E92 wrote: »
    If you need a car with lots of space, you need a big estate like a 5 series touring or Volvo V70 or whatever. The OP drives a 3.0 litre car, all the MPVs are 2.0 so he's going to find an MPV extremely slow indeed. And if you look at the statistics, you'll find that big MPVs are little better than 4X4s too. I just don't see what a 4X4 or MPV for that matter does that a large estate car doesn't bar going off road(and as 90% of SUV buyers never go off road, this is a silly point for arguing in favour of an SUV really) and having 7 seats(and this is irrelevant to the OP too, because neither 4X4 the OP is considering can seat 7).

    Aha. So you admit the BMW X3 is rubbish:D:D:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    cantdecide wrote: »
    Aha. So you admit the BMW X3 is rubbish:D:D:D

    I've never been in one, so I have no comment to make about it;)!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    E92 wrote: »
    I've never been in one, so I have no comment to make about it;)!

    :D just yanking your chain but we do know what you really mean....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    cantdecide wrote: »
    :D just yanking your chain but we do know what you really mean....

    I only said what I said to see what you'd say;)! But the X3 has been severly criticised, and it does look extremely ugly, unlike the X5, which is what a BMW SAV should look like. It is meant to be the worst BMW since the Z3, which isn't meant to be great either.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,533 ✭✭✭Zonda999


    It is indeed the worst car BMW make by a significant margin, the main problem being that it has no proper class to fit into.It costs nearly as much as a base disco or touareg and it isnt as flash as any of them.Also the fact that the 2.0 diesel engine is still the engine from the old 3 series(150bhp) shows it is out of date.I cant see it being directly replaced.Possibly indirectly replaced by the supposed bmw people carrier of some sort.Responding to the thread, i quite like the touareg but avoid the 2.5 TDI engine.Its also used in the transporter van so that gives you an idea of how fast and refined it is.The premium for the 3.0TDI is money well spent


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    E92 wrote: »
    I only said what I said to see what you'd say;)! But the X3 has been severly criticised, and it does look extremely ugly, unlike the X5, which is what a BMW SAV should look like. It is meant to be the worst BMW since the Z3, which isn't meant to be great either.

    My opinion on them is If Carlsberg made Rav4s...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    Zonda999 wrote: »
    It is indeed the worst car BMW make by a significant margin, the main problem being that it has no proper class to fit into.It costs nearly as much as a base disco or touareg and it isnt as flash as any of them.Also the fact that the 2.0 diesel engine is still the engine from the old 3 series(150bhp) shows it is out of date.I cant see it being directly replaced.Possibly indirectly replaced by the supposed bmw people carrier of some sort.Responding to the thread, i quite like the touareg but avoid the 2.5 TDI engine.Its also used in the transporter van so that gives you an idea of how fast and refined it is.The premium for the 3.0TDI is money well spent


    I thought the biggest problem apart from the looks was the ride in an X3, as well as the fact that the X3 had an interior that wouldn't pass in an American market car.

    The X3 will be replaced, it is going to go head on with the Disco, while the X5 will go after the Range Rover, and the X6 is meant to be competing with the Porsche Cayenne, and the X1 is going to be a rival for the Toyota RAV4/Land Rover Freelander etc(and it looks even uglier than the current X3 btw).

    As for the BMW MPV, there are photos of a BMW "Progressive Activity Sedan" on the internet, this is the BMW MPV, but it kind of looks like the X6. I wish BMW would stop trying to find niches that don't exist, and tried instead to make things like iDrive more user friendly and reliable.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,533 ✭✭✭Zonda999


    Even if it replaced by a better model it willl always be in the shadow of the X5 - The original "Chelsea tractor" for the WAG's.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,575 ✭✭✭junkyard


    The X3 is a heap of junk alright, I can vouch for that, the 530d touring is a super car but go for the automatic, I can vouch for that too. As regards space, my X5 has a lot more room in it than the 530d touring has. As regards driving, the X5 and the 5 series are very similar to drive and performance and handling from the X5 is amazing for a 4x4. Towrag is heavy on tyres though, anyone I know who had one always commented on it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 727 ✭✭✭Oilrig


    Where did you get the X3 vs Touareg?

    Try X5 vs Touareg...

    X3 is a Golf sized thing, 3 series on stilts, 3 series = Bavarian version of the Ford Escort...

    Cheers,

    PS Touareg... or whatever its called.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 587 ✭✭✭richieg


    My car currently has over 70k on it and I want to get something with lower mileage. There are little or no 3.0d X5s with lowish mileage. That is the reason I chose the X3 instead.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,787 ✭✭✭prospect


    X3 is rubbish, I have been in one and know an owner who hates it (even though he is a bmw fan, although not a petrol head).

    Most honest BMW faithfuls will distance themselves from the X3.

    Touareg is a lot bigger, but not particularly nice to drive either. If your heart is set on an SUV I would look at an XC90 or Landcruiser.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,575 ✭✭✭junkyard


    prospect wrote: »

    If your heart is set on an SUV I would look at an XC90 or Landcruiser.

    Both are tractors compared to the X5 though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 54 ✭✭budweiserfrogie


    I can see why you would need a bigger car due to a growing family. But does a growing family not need more seats than what you already have. The X3 has less seating room, the X5 has about the same and the toureg has also about the same as your 530. All your choices are 5 seaters so i don't see your choice making any practical sence to your situation. Your main gain with your proposed moved would be a much larger fuel bill!! Listen to your own argument and start looking for a 7 seater. I'm sure many estate cars have 7 seats as an option in the extras list for example an Audi A6 Avant?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,470 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    richieg wrote: »
    My car currently has over 70k on it and I want to get something with lower mileage. There are little or no 3.0d X5s with lowish mileage. That is the reason I chose the X3 instead.

    but theres prob less space in that than there is in your 5 series

    are you sure you dont just like the x3 and are ashamed to admit it ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,787 ✭✭✭prospect


    junkyard wrote: »
    Both are tractors compared to the X5 though.

    I'll give you that. The new X5 is a very refined machine, however, "tractors" is a slight exaggeration.

    Always fancied a LC Amazon myself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,787 ✭✭✭prospect


    I can see why you would need a bigger car due to a growing family. But does a growing family not need more seats than what you already have. The X3 has less seating room, the X5 has about the same and the toureg has also about the same as your 530. All your choices are 5 seaters so i don't see your choice making any practical sence to your situation. Your main gain with your proposed moved would be a much larger fuel bill!! Listen to your own argument and start looking for a 7 seater. I'm sure many estate cars have 7 seats as an option in the extras list for example an Audi A6 Avant?

    Not always the case.

    Two young kids in child seats will use the entire back row of a car. You can fit two child seats in most cars. However, you will not fit 2 x xBuggies or 1 x xDouble Buggy and the myriad of other paraphenalia in the boot of alot of cars, this is where a lot of the trouble starts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 587 ✭✭✭richieg


    That is where I am coming from in terms of space. I don't think I need 7 seats as it is the 2 of us and 2 kids. Its more for carrying around the amount of stuff they need. My wife is looking at a corolla verso herself but I would prefer to have 2 car options rather than rely on bringing the 1 whereever we go


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    richieg wrote: »
    My car currently has over 70k on it and I want to get something with lower mileage. There are little or no 3.0d X5s with lowish mileage. That is the reason I chose the X3 instead.


    70k miles or 70k km? Either way its not a lot. There should be loads of life left in a car with only 70,000 miles up on it. Ok its high enough for a 4 year old car, but its hardly intergalactic mileage we're talking about either.

    A reliable car will do 250,000 miles easily if it's always serviced on time and well cared for.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    E92 wrote: »
    Why not try and find a 530d Touring instead?

    was going to say the same.....can't see the point of the X3 at all.

    If you really want a SUV, then the LR Disco would be my choice, otherwise an MPV is probably more practical if its just a family run about you need.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 587 ✭✭✭richieg


    Mine has 70k miles on it. I am a little concerned about stories of turbos blowing early on these things from 60k miles or suspension going. When I bought it I did not expect to rack up mileage this quick.
    Something else I was thinking about was the new volvo estates; V70 or XC 70. What do people think about these, any experiences? What would they be like for resale?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,696 ✭✭✭mountain


    hi,

    I was driving a volvo V50 for a few years, then switched in oct to a new freelander 2, didnt fancy the X3 and the tourag was more expensive.
    Plenty of room, looks great, drives very well, and after 15000km, its been very reliable. Also the models are well specced up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,231 ✭✭✭MuffinsDa


    mountain wrote: »
    looks great

    I know looks are subjective, but .... COME ON! X3 looks great?!?!?! Even the new Tata looks better than that yoke! :-)

    As for the OPs question: unless you're looking for an excuse to join the delightful group that are urban SUV drivers, you won't need anything like that if space and safety (due to growing family) are your concerns. A Volvo V70 would be your best choice! or as others said you may consider a touring BMW or Mercedes if you can afford it, and another brilliant choice would be a Estate Saab 9-5. V70's load spaces (to glass line = 575 liters, to roof = 815 liters) is far better than X3's 480 liters... Even diminutive V50 has 417 liters which considering the size of the car is not bad compared to the monstrosity that is X3 :)

    (all volumes are standard, with seats up, up to glass line by the way).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,788 ✭✭✭MrPudding


    Audi Q7 anyone?

    MrP


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,575 ✭✭✭junkyard


    I have a Q7 too but I prefer the X5, loads of room in the Audi though. As regards the Volvo XC90, has anyone driven one? They're horrible things and as far as I'm concerned the engine might as well be out of a Massey Ferguson with performance to match.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,787 ✭✭✭prospect


    junkyard wrote: »
    I have a Q7 too but I prefer the X5, loads of room in the Audi though. As regards the Volvo XC90, has anyone driven one? They're horrible things and as far as I'm concerned the engine might as well be out of a Massey Ferguson with performance to match.

    I drove one, petrol-automatic, a real Chealsea Tractor, but I found it nice. Given it was on urban roads, but I wouldn't have been critical of the ride at all.

    I have not been in a Q7, but by-god it is so ugly I wouldn't even entertain one, (even if I could afford one!).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,470 ✭✭✭DonJose


    fletch wrote: »

    That one really sticks to the road (2nd photo) ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,788 ✭✭✭MrPudding


    junkyard wrote: »
    I have a Q7 too but I prefer the X5, loads of room in the Audi though. As regards the Volvo XC90, has anyone driven one? They're horrible things and as far as I'm concerned the engine might as well be out of a Massey Ferguson with performance to match.
    The fact that the Q7 has 7 seats makes it quite an attractive proposition to me. I actually quite like how it looks as well.

    MrP


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,696 ✭✭✭mountain


    MuffinsDa wrote: »
    I know looks are subjective, but .... COME ON! X3 looks great?!?!?! Even the new Tata looks better than that yoke! :-)

    you are right muffin, looks are subjective, and i agree about the X3,
    however i was talking about the freelander 2, that i mentioned in the line above that one,

    maybe i will make it easier,
    the freelander 2 looks great,
    hows that? :-)

    mountain


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 phil_w


    I hate flash 4x4's. If you need a 4x4 because your a farmer or something well get a LR Defender or similar. If you want a flash car, fine, buy a flash car but a 4x4?? i just dont get it.

    I agree with the majority of people suggesting an tourer/estate. I Drive a 01 V70 2.4 T5. I just got it a couple of month ago and i love it. Its big enough boot wise to be a removal van and as for performance well it would give a lot of hot hatches a run for their money.

    One of the Germans i.e. Audi or BMW would be really nice too but so much more expensive that for me at least it doesnt really add up.

    Cheers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭BlackWizard


    OMG!! Zombie thread!! KILL KILL


This discussion has been closed.
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