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Used approved Bmw x3 vs used approved qashqai

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tron05

Original Poster

11 posts

72 months

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Thursday 19th April 2018

Hi guys,

I am contemplating upgrading to either a 7 year old bmw approved used X3 vs 3 year old nissan approved used Qashqai..

My requirement in order of priority are :
1. Spacious and comfortable interiors
2. Automatic
3. Minimum maintenance expenses
4. Decent power
5. Tech

With a budget of 15k, i can look at 2014/2015 top of the line Tekna models of Qashqai with less than 30k miles

However, i am more slightly inclined towards X3. With my budget of 15k, can only look at 2011 /2012 X3 with less than 70k miles.

As i would like the cost of ownership to be low, unable to decide between these. Specifically as i learnt that repairs on bmws are going to be very expensive. How good does this hold true? Does it help in reducing the risk of i go for a approved used car?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Edited by tron05 on Thursday 19th April 07:30

DanL

6,211 posts

265 months

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Thursday 19th April 2018

BMW approves used will come with one year’s warranty as standard, extendable to two years at the point of purchase (which you should do - it tends to be cheaper than buying it later, and the level of cover you get with an approved used purchase is higher than the BMW warranty you can buy later).

The warranty is very good - however, if you need to actually pay for something, it will be expensive. I’ll be amazed if servicing the X3 isn’t significantly more expensive than the Nissan too. I don’t have an X3, but when I get my BMW serviced it’s usually £2-300 for the basic oil and filter change...

tron05

Original Poster

11 posts

72 months

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Thursday 19th April 2018

DanL said:

Thanks @DanL

This is useful info- specifically about the Used warranty. Will keep that in mind.
Still unwilling to give up on bmw yet... 200-300 for oil and filter change is really expensive. How about getting servicing done by independent garages. Are they as good as the main dealer's servicing? Would the service history be retained? I did a search in the forums here and found a thread that recommends a garage in my city and also mentions that the service details can be uploaded to bmw's central server(https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=72&t=1710658 )

Also did a check on whocanfixmycar for quick quotes on full service + MOT, first 2 quotes were for 170 with garages having 4.9+ ratings(would take that with a pinch of salt).
Are these independent reliable and economical way to own a X3?

Case with Nissan, doesn't make sense to go to independent garage as Nissan offers service at similar prices...

Ranger 6

7,051 posts

249 months

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Thursday 19th April 2018

I'm on my third X3 (current is a 2012 on 76k) but have never even sat in a Quashquai so can't comment on those.

The X3 would suit your choices as it's certainly got more grunt than the Nissan and for your budget a 30d is possible. A lovely smooth engine if you can stretch. The space is perfect for us as a family of 4, enough to fit all the 'stuff' in when we go away.

The 8 speed auto is superb and well suited to the vehicle. The tech however isn't stunning (remember a lot has changed in the last 5 years) unless you find one with enhanced Bluetooth (although I believe that can be coded afterwards?). Connected Drive gets you an app which you can send destinations to the vehicle which I use a lot. There's also RTTI traffic info which can be a big help on long journeys.

As advised, yes an approved used car is a good thing to get - and definitely extend the warranty.

Servicing is conditional and the car will tell you when it needs one. Mine has been approx 18k miles between visits to the dealer and again as mentioned it's not cheap £300+ for an oil service is normal.

I've had one fault on mine - the EGR cooler - which was covered by the warranty. The other wear items have been the usual brakes, tyres wiper blades etc. However a rear suspension bush needed doing on one side so I had them both done at my local indie (TWG) and all's been good since then.

ZX10R NIN

27,594 posts

125 months

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Thursday 19th April 2018

covmutley

3,028 posts

190 months

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Friday 20th April 2018

How about going for something in between those? Your budget should get you a 4/5 year old xc60 with low miles. Ours is a brilliant family car.

D5 engine has quite a bit of character for a diesel.

Ranger 6

7,051 posts

249 months

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Friday 20th April 2018

ZX10R NIN said:

Now would I buy the above over an X3 not sure as it would depend on the spec but if you're concerned about running costs then take a look at the above.

X3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Good suggestions - also have a look for a 3.0, much much more refined and decent economy with it:

35d - 315bhp - variable dampers - nav etc etc
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Pro-Nav, Elec mem seats etc
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Toed64

299 posts

120 months

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Friday 20th April 2018

I'd avoid the 4 cylinder diesel BMW - a 2009 model is still within the manufacturing period of the chocolate timing chains. There have been several revisions of the timing chain on the N47 engine, the latest was in 2013/14.

The 6 cylinder BMWs (3 litre) are rather lovely...but I'd drive a Volvo and an X3 back to back before making a decision.

Edited by Toed64 on Saturday 21st April 00:51

Sargeant Orange

2,707 posts

147 months

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Friday 20th April 2018

If tech is important then I think you need to discount the x3, we took a look at a similar age one recently and it feels very outdated

rustyuk

4,578 posts

211 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

We have a Tenka Qashqai and whilst it does have lots of tech the quality of the interior is very poor. The seats are uncomfortable, the glass roof doesn't open and it bleeps at everything!

However, on the plus side it's impossible to make it return less than 55mpg

tron05

Original Poster

11 posts

72 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

Thanks guys for all the responses.
@ZX10R NIN - thanks for the options list
@Ranger 6, @Toed64- thanks for the 3 litre recommendations

I am swinging between options every hour.. I have my heart set on getting a bmw suv, don't like the odd looks of x1, so x3 is the only option. But when i think about the expenses associated, i look around for alternatives like Qashqai(like its look and tech). Did not like the looks of sportage. Volvo xc60- find it ok looker, cx-5 - ruled out by OH (blandness), but i like it.

Basically qashqai was on my list due to the number of used cars available and 2014 been a refresh year for the model. However now started discounting it as more tech brings more opportunities for issues as already stated by @rustyuk.

I am still stuck to the x3, however thinking about ownership costs. My usage would be low. I do 11 miles daily(to and fro) to work. Once a month drive of 100+ miles which is mainly due to my current car thats not very confidence inspiring on the motorway. With a good car, this might go up.

1. I am aware of the dpf issues, hope my usage would not put me off from a diesel bmw as petrol suv options are very less. Any opinions on this.
2. How much approx would it cost to maintain a 2012 x3(2 ltr or 3 ltr) on a yearly basis?

Terzo123

4,311 posts

208 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

A qashqai really is white goods motoring.

Does what you need but achingly boring. Sucks the life out of any journey.

I had the older model as a lease a few years back, well the wife did after running a Tiguan for 3 years. Loads of toys but i absolutely hated it, and eventually so did the wife. It was just s

t.

The new one looks good, but I just couldn't.

duff

983 posts

199 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

OP looking for advice on £15k SUVs and concerned about running costs of an X3 or Quashqai. Within a few posts there are suggestions for a £25k 6.3 ML AMG or a Cayenne GTS (I know the AMG engine is pretty solid but even so...)

ETA - if running costs are an issue have you thought about leasing? A Tiguan SE Nav can be had for about £270pm. Full warranty and no tyres, mot etc to worry about. Maybe one oil service in 2 years. Equivalent Skoda/Seat possibly cheaper.

Edited by duff on Saturday 21st April 14:14

lord trumpton

7,389 posts

126 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

Another thing to think about it depreciation - the newer, more heavily depreciating Nissan is a few years younger on the depreciation curve and will lose more money more quickly.

Aside from that, I'd favour the BMW as it will have a better drive to offer. Looks better too imo

Belle427

8,949 posts

233 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

The boot space in a Qashqai is piss poor too, we got shot of hours for that very reason.
No bigger than your average hatchback.

ZX10R NIN

27,594 posts

125 months

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Saturday 21st April 2018

tron05

Original Poster

11 posts

72 months

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Sunday 22nd April 2018

Thanks guys.

Ruled out qashqai completely now...

@duff - thinking long term.. Would not want to pay 300x48=14.4k for lease in 4 yrs for 24k probable miles i add to the car... Buying used @15k that would have a resale value to salvage reducing total investment(key being i get a good used tat would not need expensive repairs)

Strange there are no automatic x3 in petrol. And liked Q5( thanks for the link @ZX104 NIN) , but they seem to hold their value really well.. Very few available and for a 2012 model with
40k petrol auto demand around 21k.

Always wished to own 1of the 3 German brands.. Bmw/audi/merc.. Hence the resistance to go with Kuga.. And trying to get a decently new 1 with not too outdated looks compared to current models.

ZX10R NIN

27,594 posts

125 months

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Sunday 22nd April 2018

The difference between the newer Kuga is the grill/lights as it received a mild facelift so don't let that stop you going for a 2014/15 model, you'll have to hunt around to get a Titanium X Sport as they're rare & tend to get snapped up very quickly.

You can get a facelift model but you need to drop down spec wise:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

You're budget is 15k you can (as I've shown) get the German brands but you'll have to get an older model which isn't a bad thing especially with your usage, you have to get real (I don't mean any offence by this) I'm afraid & work within the confines of your budget.

If you by a diesel your use of the car will see you with blocked DPF/EGR valves etc & the cost of these items will outweigh any fuel saving.

So then you need to workout what's more important, newness or a German SUV, newer means lower running costs & newer tech, going German means a nicer car but higher fuel & servicing costs but they also counter with slower depreciation compared to the mainstream options.

If you're really that bothered about the age of vehicles buy a private plate.

Or another option is to go for a German saloon you can get well spec'd car for your money.

528i (these are only a 2.0T which means low running costs so are well worth a look)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

528i 3.0 N/A

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E500 Sport: This would be my pick they're rare & sought after, with your low annual mileage it's a no brainer IMO.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E250cgi Sport Estate: This is the other option if you really need the extra space.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E350cgi Avantgarde Estate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E200 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

535i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A6 Saloon

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Haggle as this one has the older N/A engine

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or you go for a Mondeo Titanium with all the options on it:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 22 April 13:39

Shiv_P

2,746 posts

105 months

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Sunday 22nd April 2018

BMW didn't make any or very few x3 petrol hence you can't find auto variants
If I were you I'd take ZX advice and get a petrol kuga or even look at rav4 etc. You won't get as much badge but frankly who gives a flying f

k and you get a lot better kitted out and modern car

Big GT

1,808 posts

92 months

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Sunday 22nd April 2018

OP - BMW are great cars but mainly in saloon / coupe format with a 6cylinder engine upfront. For anything SUV / 4x4 and 4pot you are much better looking elsewhere as suggested above.

If economy and reliably are primary concern then I would be tempted by 2-3 year lease on a Skoda Kodiac / Tiguan around £250 / £300 month

If private purchase is a preference then VW touareg

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