7 seat SUV - Kluger or X5?

[200bhp]

For some time now I've been eyeing a Kluger as a replacement for our Mazda 6 with the most likely model being the AWD Grande which comes with all the toys and there are plenty around in our 30-35k price bracket. However this evening I've been looking st BMW X5 which seem to be available at that price with either diesel or V8 petrol.

If I was back in the UK I'd have no hesitation over the BMW but there's something here that is making me nervous about the big German being so far from home.

The V8 is particularly appealing as I know they can sound fantastic and all of my fuel is paid for by work so that's not a problem.

I don't NEED 7 seats but it would be handy for when family visit twice a year, there's currently just 3 of us but another likely in 2017

Thoughts please.......

[200bhp]

Example X5

https://carsales.mobi/cars/details/BMW-X5-2007/OAG...

Note fuel consumption shown as 35/100km on the trip computer!!

[Jader1973]

I think the BMW is guaranteed to attract "premium brand tax" on pretty much everything.

If you are prepared for that what about an XC90? Also available in V8 and has the added bonus of looking pretty much the same for 10 years. Get a good 2007 car, bung a "private" plate on it and nobody will know how old it is. Eg near me a 2011 V8 for $32k or a 2008 V8 with similar kms for $19k.

[PomBstard]

My experience with the CX9 has been wholly positive as an owner. Just get AWD not FWD. Easy to drive, painless to own. Way better than an XC90 to drive, and I looked hard at an XC90 V8 and 3.2.

Or get something smaller and rent a 7seater for those 2 weeks you need it.

[200bhp]

My current Mazda 6 has put me off a cx9 - the 6 has been plagued by electrical niggles, is painfully slow and a dull drive. The dashboard has also melted on the passenger side and the drivers door grab handle feels likes it's going to do the same fairly soon.

V8 isn't essential but if I'm going to have a big car for reasonable money I may as well have a fun one.

Looked at a Kluger Grande in Bunnings car park earlier, still quite fancy one

[Ten Four]

200bhp said:

My current Mazda 6 has put me off a cx9 - the 6 has been plagued by electrical niggles, is painfully slow and a dull drive. The dashboard has also melted on the passenger side and the drivers door grab handle feels likes it's going to do the same fairly soon.

V8 isn't essential but if I'm going to have a big car for reasonable money I may as well have a fun one.

Looked at a Kluger Grande in Bunnings car park earlier, still quite fancy one

I work at Mazda - the dashes do "melt" but they're usually covered under warranty as its a very common problem with the heat. This can also extend to cars outside new car warranty.
The only electrical issues we normally get are usually battery / iStop related...
New CX9s are flying out the door at the moment... The older ones are fairly solid - just google transfer case issues.