So I need a more practical car but.....

JeffchaPz · 11-12-2014, 10:10 PM

Hello my peoplez. So I had my Z4m for almost 3 years and every time I drive it feels like I just bought it and I can't get enough of it = I love the car. plus is my DD

However, now that I work from home the Z4M feels a bit impractical when you drive it for one mile just to pick up a gallon of milk and bread - So the brilliant idea of getting an x5 4.8 :-) kicked in... but would you pay $8000.oo for an 06 X5 with 180,000 miles on it?

I kind of want an SUV, but here in Texas Tahoes, old Escalates, or Expeditions with gazillion miles on them are being sold for $5-$7k.... so I though for that much $$$ I should be able to pick up an older and smaller "FUN to Driver X5" but I was wrong.

I'm keep smacking myself mentally every time I think of exchanging the Z4M for a SUV or more practical car... but I don't want to end up with a Honda accord or a BMW 3 series either.

What else is out there, that will be fun and easier to drive in traffic with space for two bicycles in the back?

Check out these X5s so you'll know what I mean... http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...5-4.8is-t30706

Thougths?

XMetal · 11-12-2014, 11:35 PM

Personally, I wouldn't touch an X5 with that high mileage. This is coming from someone who owns one of the more reliable M54 version (and still does). With that much mileage, you better set aside a trust fund for a transmission and possibly transfer case. Air suspensions are a known weak point for leaking as well. That are just a few major things to look out for. You can check out xoutpost.com if you still want to get into one.

JeffchaPz · 11-12-2014, 11:48 PM

thanks for the heads up.... I can't believe people would pay that much money for a car with that many miles on it..... it doesn't make sense.

WAMz4 · 11-12-2014, 11:48 PM

I'm not sure why its impractical for picking a gallon of milk once in a while. I cant think of a better use for it, I work at home as well, and my Z4 keeps low well maintained mileage. I take the scenic rout for milk runs and live it up on the weekends.

Now if your picking up 2x4's and plywood all the time, then by all means, get a more "Practical car".

JeffchaPz · 11-13-2014, 03:44 PM

The problem is not the gallon of milk. I just feel that driving the car for a mile @ 15, 35 back to 10 mph for few seconds is a waste.

I hear you about the weekends... we have a very expensive highway (due to tolls) where the speed limit is 80 MPH - that's the place that allows me to get 6 gear to pass 4.5k RPMS because no one drives there.... and it feels awesome.

Going back to the subject - I think is time to add something I can drive to home depot or to get milk :-) and not worry about people smacking their doors on my car. That's why I was thinking of an old X5.... and now you know the rest.

jeebus87 · 11-13-2014, 05:18 PM

So why not walk the 1 mile to pick up a few groceries?

Finnegan · 11-13-2014, 05:50 PM

Similar dilema here, and now live in the country as well. Bought an old beater pickup (2000 5.4L F150--don't make that mistake). But in terms of use, perfect for hanging with the locals and trips to Home Depot or to get fencing or wood or whatever. Since it's well beaten, I just don't worry about it. Plus, you can do everything with it you can't with the Z, and vice versa.

A smaller older pickup might do the trick for you. I'd consider a Tacoma or similar unless you have a reason to want a full-size truck. A 2004 Tacoma, in pretty basic form, will run you about 8K. Pretty reliable truck from what my truck friends tell me and what I've looked at in various long-term evaluations.

The Tacoma is my list when my F150 engine, transmission, or differential blows. (My bet is on the engine.)

Westersund · 11-13-2014, 06:24 PM

E39 M5!

KevinM · 11-13-2014, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westersund

E39 M5!

Agreed! (Although I will never be without a station wagon/SUV beater as well.)

David70 · 11-14-2014, 07:22 AM

If I wanted to spend about $8k on a practical "do everything vehicle" it wouldn't be on an almost 10 year old, 180k mile X5.

Huz-Z · 11-14-2014, 07:28 AM

How about a used Honda CRV? They are practical and reliable as used vehicles go. Dunno about the "fun" factor though.

elerner61 · 11-14-2014, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

How about a used Honda CRV? They are practical and reliable as used vehicles go. Dunno about the "fun" factor though.

But then you'd have to drive very slowly in the left lane with no regards for anyone else on the road!

Huz-Z · 11-14-2014, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elerner61

But then you'd have to drive very slowly in the left lane with no regards for anyone else on the road!

Really big old Buicks are good for that!!

funkle · 11-14-2014, 08:51 AM

I'd get a wagon. Either an e91 or an A4 Avant. And mod it some: New wheels suspension & an ECU flash. Not sure what 8K would get you though. You may be in pretoty high milage territory.

JeffchaPz · 11-14-2014, 09:30 AM

I've taken my bicycle.... nothing wrong with that, but putting groceries on a book back was weird. :-)

I'm actually doing what Fin... is saying, I guess a smaller pick up truck will probably do the trick, plus I won't have to park a mile away or worry if someone smacks his doors on a beater car.

Good feed back my friends.

Westersund · 11-14-2014, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinM

Agreed! (Although I will never be without a station wagon/SUV beater as well.)

At that point you get an E34 M5 Touring!

StickMon · 11-15-2014, 12:08 AM

My Son just got his learner's permit, so I'm in the market for a ride for him.
Considering a high mileage E90, so I started a thread on E90post to see what they recommend.

AmmarYasirA · 11-15-2014, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

My Son just got his learner's permit, so I'm in the market for a ride for him.
Considering a high mileage E90, so I started a thread on E90post to see what they recommend.

Completely off topic, but I must say that the bigger of a car he learns on, the better it will be for him. I personally think that my experience with big cars when I was a new driver helped out a lot. Gives you a better sense of size and space.

StickMon · 11-15-2014, 11:14 PM

Most of his learning is going to be in the Wife's Expedition.
We bought it a few months ago and he had a lot to say about picking it out, since he knew he'd be driving it soon.

Vanne · 11-15-2014, 11:20 PM

its not the high milage that worries, its the shitty gearbox that model/year X5 has, wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. (unless said box has been replaced)

XMetal · 11-16-2014, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanne

its not the high milage that worries, its the shitty gearbox that model/year X5 has, wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. (unless said box has been replaced)

Not unless OP picks up the I6 with the 5spd/6spd manual gearbox. That combo is pretty much bulletproof

mcoupe5/6 · 11-16-2014, 03:37 PM

4door E36 m3 gets my vote. Might be tough to find but gives 2 two extra doors, more storage, and it's still fun to drive.

11-12-2014, 10:10 PM	#1
JeffchaPz Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	So I need a more practical car but..... Hello my peoplez. So I had my Z4m for almost 3 years and every time I drive it feels like I just bought it and I can't get enough of it = I love the car. plus is my DD However, now that I work from home the Z4M feels a bit impractical when you drive it for one mile just to pick up a gallon of milk and bread - So the brilliant idea of getting an x5 4.8 :-) kicked in... but would you pay $8000.oo for an 06 X5 with 180,000 miles on it? I kind of want an SUV, but here in Texas Tahoes, old Escalates, or Expeditions with gazillion miles on them are being sold for $5-$7k.... so I though for that much $$$ I should be able to pick up an older and smaller "FUN to Driver X5" but I was wrong. I'm keep smacking myself mentally every time I think of exchanging the Z4M for a SUV or more practical car... but I don't want to end up with a Honda accord or a BMW 3 series either. What else is out there, that will be fun and easier to drive in traffic with space for two bicycles in the back? Check out these X5s so you'll know what I mean... http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...5-4.8is-t30706 Thougths?
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11-12-2014, 11:35 PM	#2
XMetal Colonel 1131 Rep 2,866 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	Personally, I wouldn't touch an X5 with that high mileage. This is coming from someone who owns one of the more reliable M54 version (and still does). With that much mileage, you better set aside a trust fund for a transmission and possibly transfer case. Air suspensions are a known weak point for leaking as well. That are just a few major things to look out for. You can check out xoutpost.com if you still want to get into one.
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11-12-2014, 11:48 PM	#3
JeffchaPz Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	thanks for the heads up.... I can't believe people would pay that much money for a car with that many miles on it..... it doesn't make sense.
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11-12-2014, 11:48 PM	#4
WAMz4 First Lieutenant 45 Rep 384 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si Roady Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Denver CO iTrader: (0)	I'm not sure why its impractical for picking a gallon of milk once in a while. I cant think of a better use for it, I work at home as well, and my Z4 keeps low well maintained mileage. I take the scenic rout for milk runs and live it up on the weekends. Now if your picking up 2x4's and plywood all the time, then by all means, get a more "Practical car". __________________ The Internet said it. I believe it. That settles it!
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11-13-2014, 03:44 PM	#5
JeffchaPz Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	The problem is not the gallon of milk. I just feel that driving the car for a mile @ 15, 35 back to 10 mph for few seconds is a waste. I hear you about the weekends... we have a very expensive highway (due to tolls) where the speed limit is 80 MPH - that's the place that allows me to get 6 gear to pass 4.5k RPMS because no one drives there.... and it feels awesome. Going back to the subject - I think is time to add something I can drive to home depot or to get milk :-) and not worry about people smacking their doors on my car. That's why I was thinking of an old X5.... and now you know the rest.
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11-13-2014, 05:18 PM	#6
jeebus87 Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 292 Posts Drives: '11 atacama yellow Z4 35i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (4)	So why not walk the 1 mile to pick up a few groceries?
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11-13-2014, 05:50 PM	#7
Finnegan Dog Listener 701 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	Similar dilema here, and now live in the country as well. Bought an old beater pickup (2000 5.4L F150--don't make that mistake). But in terms of use, perfect for hanging with the locals and trips to Home Depot or to get fencing or wood or whatever. Since it's well beaten, I just don't worry about it. Plus, you can do everything with it you can't with the Z, and vice versa. A smaller older pickup might do the trick for you. I'd consider a Tacoma or similar unless you have a reason to want a full-size truck. A 2004 Tacoma, in pretty basic form, will run you about 8K. Pretty reliable truck from what my truck friends tell me and what I've looked at in various long-term evaluations. The Tacoma is my list when my F150 engine, transmission, or differential blows. (My bet is on the engine.)
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11-13-2014, 06:24 PM	#8
Westersund Captain 496 Rep 874 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hallstahammar iTrader: (1)	E39 M5!
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11-14-2014, 07:22 AM	#10
David70 Colonel 1567 Rep 2,665 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Coupe - 13 Cadillac ATS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (1)	If I wanted to spend about $8k on a practical "do everything vehicle" it wouldn't be on an almost 10 year old, 180k mile X5. __________________ 2006 Z4M Coupe - Stromung exhaust, ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
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11-14-2014, 07:28 AM	#11
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	How about a used Honda CRV? They are practical and reliable as used vehicles go. Dunno about the "fun" factor though. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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11-14-2014, 08:51 AM	#14
funkle Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 223 Posts Drives: '06 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SF CA iTrader: (0)	I'd get a wagon. Either an e91 or an A4 Avant. And mod it some: New wheels suspension & an ECU flash. Not sure what 8K would get you though. You may be in pretoty high milage territory. Last edited by funkle; 11-14-2014 at 07:36 PM..
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11-14-2014, 09:30 AM	#15
JeffchaPz Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I've taken my bicycle.... nothing wrong with that, but putting groceries on a book back was weird. :-) I'm actually doing what Fin... is saying, I guess a smaller pick up truck will probably do the trick, plus I won't have to park a mile away or worry if someone smacks his doors on a beater car. Good feed back my friends.
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11-15-2014, 12:08 AM	#17
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	My Son just got his learner's permit, so I'm in the market for a ride for him. Considering a high mileage E90, so I started a thread on E90post to see what they recommend. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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11-15-2014, 11:14 PM	#19
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	Most of his learning is going to be in the Wife's Expedition. We bought it a few months ago and he had a lot to say about picking it out, since he knew he'd be driving it soon. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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11-15-2014, 11:20 PM	#20
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	its not the high milage that worries, its the shitty gearbox that model/year X5 has, wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. (unless said box has been replaced) __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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11-16-2014, 03:37 PM	#22
mcoupe5/6 Private First Class 8 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 08 M Coupe Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: houston iTrader: (0)	4door E36 m3 gets my vote. Might be tough to find but gives 2 two extra doors, more storage, and it's still fun to drive.
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