Used approved Bmw x3 vs used approved qashqai

[tron05]

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

[tron05]

DanL said:

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...

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...

[tron05]

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?

[tron05]

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.

[tron05]

Thanks for the 225i option. Keeping that in the list. But not in the first set of choices.

Having considered all the advices... decided to let go of the german fixation. Thought of doing a budget cut to around 10-12k levels(save up for a German in future )

Should have:
1. SUV
2. Automatic
3. Comfortable ride(potholes and motorway)

Good to have:
3. Petrol or Diesel(with good DPF management)
4. Decent maintenance cost
5. Good reliability
6. Fun to drive

Still keeping Diesel open due to lack of petrol options. And considering my current running is 500 miles a month due to the current car that's motorway shy. Having a good comfy suv, might change that and expecting a increase to about 600-700 miles a month.

On checking, a 2013 CX-5 or 2011 Tiguan seems to be in range. Also have found a couple of Petrol Automatic Tiguans, but unsure why there are so less of them.. Are these good

Any advices welcome... Thanks!

[tron05]

Thanks @ZX

Don't really feel excited about Kuga. So still pondering and currently considering a Merc C200 petrol Automatic(2015/2015 facelift) model might be a good option for around 15k. As per the reviews, it seems to be a comfortable car. Not as sharp handling as BMW and Audi, but good enough...
My requirement of high seat position does not get covered, but if there is very limited stock of petrol auto, I better look at a compromise...

[tron05]

ilikejam said:

Was trying to think of something that hadn't already been mentioned. The newer Peugeot 3008 SUV springs to mind but doubt they've got down to £15k yet.

Mini Countryman? (17 plate, 6k miles)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Hyundai Tucson? (65 plate, 48k miles)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Infiniti QX50? (65 plate, 35k miles)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thanks for the recommendations.. My options changed significantly since i posted... I was considering diesel, but learnt from everyone here that for my usage (500 miles a month), i would end up with frequent dpf issues.. Hence exploring petrol automatics with comfortable higher seating...