I have no problem with people calling me names or people telling me they hate me. It doesn't bother me because I know those things they call me aren't true or the person is just worked up and is letting off some steam. Now, if someone tells me they are disappointed in me, I feel horrible. Them being disappointed shows that they where expecting good things from me and that I let them down. They figure I am capable of so much more than what I did. This is kind of how I feel about the 2009 BMW X3. The two main disappointments with the X3 were interior quality and cost.
First lets go over the good points.
Personally, I think the X3 is a good looking SUV. While, others might say it reminds them of a plate of sick. There is decent cargo room and passenger room. Although not as good as some other rival's.
Perhaps the only exciting feature of this SUV is it's handling. For starters the X3 has near 50/50 weight distribution. The suspension is on the harder side, for some it might be too hard. There is also a very good all-wheel-drive system. All three of these things combined make for one very good handling vehicle. The X3 is a blast to drive. It stays planted at high speeds and goes through corners as if it was on rails. The only down side is that the X3 is a horrible off roader. For the record buying a BMW for off-roading is like wiping before you poop, it just does not make any sense. (gross huh?) The X3 will get you through the snow all right, you might want to invest in snow tires though. To go along with this great handling you get an inline 6 cylinder engine. While it's not the most powerful engine in the world it is still fun.
Now onto the bad side of this BMW. The interior is not greatest, it seems to be below BMW standards. The fit and finish OK, just the quality of the materials used is worse than other BMWs.
The worst thing about the X3 is the price. The base price for an X3 is close to 39K and you don't get anything. No leather, tinted windows, heated seats, metallic paint, NAV, or even an alarm system. Lets just say the thing is barren. I am very surprised BMW lets you have fog lights standard. Let me correct myself, you do get something for all that money. What you get is an SUV that handles like a sports cars. This is the SUV for driving enthusiasts. Unless money is no object, the only reason I can see someone purchasing an X3 is for the driving experience.
If you want a good, comfortable, mid-sized luxury SUV go with a Lexus RX 350/400h. Don't forget with the Lexus you get a nearly fully loaded SUV for a little less than the X3's base price.
The bottom line is if you want an exciting and fun to drive SUV go with the X3. If you need a little more cush' for your tush or want a better value for your money, go with the Lexus RX 350.
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