X3 advice

///Avi · Feb 17, 2019

Hi Ladies and gents,

My wife has decided that she wants to trade in her Fiesta and get a SUV.

She wants to spend up to R250k and is interested in an X3.

Whats the best year, gearbox or motor to choose within that budget. Any features I should consider as necessary?

My thoughts are that she should look at a 2.0d. With the 8spd gearbox. Not sure which year models came out with that box or if it's even in the budget. Doesn't have to be kitted out with M sport, sunroof etc. Would probably like it to have Bluetooth (calls and music) and navigation, front and rear PDC, reverse camera and the smallest wheels available. (All wishes, not must haves)

I've done a bit of research on autotrader and there seems to be a fair bit available. I know very little about diesel models and less about X models. A few years back a friend mentioned issues with transfer cases, he had a 2010 model 2.0d. Not sure if it's even an issue with the later models.

Any advice would be appreciated.

MR_Y · Feb 18, 2019

Hi,

At the risk of getting my BMW badge revoked, I have to ask if you have considered any of these Japanese diesel SUVs (used cars, about 3-5 years old):

- Honda CRV 2.2D
- Mazda CX5 2.2DE

They may not be as punchy as the 2.0d X3, but you would get a lower mileage one with a few extra bells and whistles at your price point. The fit and finish of these cars is pretty solid and the perceived reliability is a plus. Also, I would expect insurance to be lower as well vs. the X3.

Just my 2c...

yush1 · Feb 18, 2019

Consider and X1 if you dont need 4wd.

SanM · Feb 18, 2019

There aren't any current shape X1's under R300k. Those vehicles are holding value huh

///Avi · Feb 18, 2019

MR_Y said:
Hi,

At the risk of getting my BMW badge revoked, I have to ask if you have considered any of these Japanese diesel SUVs (used cars, about 3-5 years old):

- Honda CRV 2.2D
- Mazda CX5 2.2DE

They may not be as punchy as the 2.0d X3, but you would get a lower mileage one with a few extra bells and whistles at your price point. The fit and finish of these cars is pretty solid and the perceived reliability is a plus. Also, I would expect insurance to be lower as well vs. the X3.

Just my 2c...

She has her heart set on a BMW SUV. The japanese vehicles are quite good no doubt but I don't think she'll be interested.

yush1 said:
Consider and X1 if you dont need 4wd.

I will actually have a look at them and see if the space difference is big. We want the largest vehicle that she would be comfortable with. I am not buying an SUV for myself anytime soon so her vehicle would eventually be the family vehicle.

Z4Guy said:
There aren't any current shape X1's under R300k. Those vehicles are holding value huh

Doesn't have to be the latest version of the vehicle, just something that is reliable for the most part and easy enough to maintain after the big ticket preventative maintenance items are done.

MR_Y · Feb 18, 2019

My significant other was also after a premium brand SUV. When I showed her how much we would save over 5years, I got the okay for a Cx5

Senna_87 · Feb 18, 2019

Great SUV, handles the dirt roads well too. Try to get the 18's with bigger profiles.

These x3's are really sensitive when it comes to tyres so ensure all the tyres are the same and genuine STAR rated, if they are RFT's (not the mercedes RFTs which are cheaper).

When test-driving, take it on the highway and this should give you an indication if the tyres are fine or not.

Mike-R · Feb 18, 2019

I love my 2013 2.0d. Absolutely no issues with it except for the brakes pads. They don't last very long!! And its pricey to maintain. Just a service and brakes front and rear could cost you 10k. Which I've just spent. So it hurts a little but it's worth it.

The steering rack is making a bit of a noise on the knuckles but I guess that what you get when you use the car for everything. Fishing, occasional offloading, and just general family trips.

Other then that. I have had zero issues with this car. Transfer case does whine a bit when reversing but it could also just be the gearbox. No really sure.

My opinion. Look for a 2013, 2014 model with under 100k miles on it and buy it..... you won't be sorry.

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RacerX · Feb 18, 2019

Previous shape X1 2.0d is a good option even the previous gem Tiguan r line 2.0 tdi and those will plus minus 250k and they are German, There was a lovely blue X1 for sale recently somewhere it would have been ideal to look at if you considering this shape

Willy · Feb 18, 2019

20d X drive 2011 onwards.

You should be able to get one with good mileage for that price if you shop around. I got mine for around that 3 years ago with maintenance plan still in tact.

Sitting on almost 200 000 km now and hasn't missed one beat. Best daily car I have ever had.

///Avi · Feb 18, 2019

Mike-R said:
I love my 2013 2.0d. Absolutely no issues with it except for the brakes pads. They don't last very long!! And its pricey to maintain. Just a service and brakes front and rear could cost you 10k. Which I've just spent. So it hurts a little but it's worth it.

The steering rack is making a bit of a noise on the knuckles but I guess that what you get when you use the car for everything. Fishing, occasional offloading, and just general family trips.

Other then that. I have had zero issues with this car. Transfer case does whine a bit when reversing but it could also just be the gearbox. No really sure.

My opinion. Look for a 2013, 2014 model with under 100k miles on it and buy it..... you won't be sorry.

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The budget may not allow for a later model X3, seems there are a few with below 100k km but they are 2011-2013 models.

I have chatted to Sash now and we may also start to look at the the X1s as well. Seems like that could also work, I was initially worried about it being too small of a vehicle.

MR_Y · Feb 18, 2019

RacerX said:
Previous shape X1 2.0d is a good option even the previous gem Tiguan r line 2.0 tdi and those will plus minus 250k and they are German, There was a lovely blue X1 for sale recently somewhere it would have been ideal to look at if you considering this shape

I would steer clear of the previous Tiguan.
The DSG box is not the most reliable (I was a VAG fan).
The petrol motors (the 1.4 turbo or supercharged ones) are heavy on oil.
The TDIs have incomplete DPF regeneration issues, especially if you don't do sufficient long distance driving.

Solo Man · Feb 23, 2019

I liked my 2005 2l diesel manual a lot. No problems at all. Replaced it recently with 2011 3l diesel X3 auto and am happy with it so far. Road noise seems to be a common problem as i was quite dismayed with the amount of noise on certain road finishes. Also, want to get the consumption down a bit. Did a 2k trip this last week and average was about 12,5l/100kms with wind from ahead and sticking to the speed limit. I had hoped for 14km/l or better. Will be getting it chipped at the soonest. Mileage is about 130k. Have removed the cat and gave it a service before i did the trip. Spoke to a friend who has a 2016 2l diesel X1 and he also mentioned/complained about the road noise on his car. Mine has standard Bridgestone Turanza tires on (non run-flat) and his has run-flats on. I thought the non run flats would be quieter? Must say that on most surfaces they are not too bad. Will be looking at putting some sound deadening in the car door posts and rear door panels. That seems to help quieten the car according to Google.

///Avi · Feb 23, 2019

Thanks for the input gents.

So we've driven 3 X3s as of today.

1 X3 30d. Mileage was 105k km. R260k. The box seemed sluggish. Almost felt like a 6 speed. 2012 model. Will give this one a miss.

The other 2 were 20d. These felt better to drive but the cars were not kept in great shape.

1 of these 20ds had some drive train errors and seemed to hold the accelerator pedal in at lower speeds. Definitely giving that one a miss.

Will keep driving them and see which one feels good to drive. Still have to find an X1 that we like as well. Most X1s don't come as well fitted as the X3s though.

Getting an idea of how these cars perform. The 30d was showing an average of 13.2l/100km. Probably mostly city driving, but I'm taking the 30d option off the table. The wife will be sitting in traffic and the car must still be relatively light on fuel.

Twinz · Feb 23, 2019

I enjoy both X1 & X3 but i had them from new. It all depends how they have been serviced and taken care of. Like all beemers take out some form of waranty for the first two years of ownership if you not buying new.

I had no major issues which i could not fixed myself. No gearbox or transfer case issues on both 2011 Xdrives.

r0ckf1re · Feb 23, 2019

Avi135 said:
Thanks for the input gents.

So we've driven 3 X3s as of today.

1 X3 30d. Mileage was 105k km. R260k. The box seemed sluggish. Almost felt like a 6 speed. 2012 model. Will give this one a miss.

The other 2 were 20d. These felt better to drive but the cars were not kept in great shape.

1 of these 20ds had some drive train errors and seemed to hold the accelerator pedal in at lower speeds. Definitely giving that one a miss.

Will keep driving them and see which one feels good to drive. Still have to find an X1 that we like as well. Most X1s don't come as well fitted as the X3s though.

Getting an idea of how these cars perform. The 30d was showing an average of 13.2l/100km. Probably mostly city driving, but I'm taking the 30d option off the table. The wife will be sitting in traffic and the car must still be relatively light on fuel.

Mine sits at around 9.8 most of the time and I’m in traffic a lot.

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///Avi · Feb 24, 2019

r0ckf1re said:
Mine sits at around 9.8 most of the time and I’m in traffic a lot.

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In traffic it's still quite good for such a heavy vehicle.

Hows the open road figures?

Mamboza · Feb 24, 2019

We had the x3 2.0d and once drove from Rustenburg to Port Elizabeth (about 1200km's) and was averaging 140km/h. I think we could have made it in one tank all the way. I filled up at Cradock with quarter tank left. When I got to PE i had 3 quarters left.

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r0ckf1re · Feb 24, 2019

Avi135 said:
r0ckf1re said:

Mine sits at around 9.8 most of the time and I’m in traffic a lot.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

In traffic it's still quite good for such a heavy vehicle.

Hows the open road figures?

Very good. Lowest I’ve gotten was 6.5 but I know my brother in-law claims 5,5, I’ve never got that.

Only difference is I have 20inch and he has 19. Not sure if that’s the reason or just our driving style.

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Mike-R · Feb 24, 2019

r0ckf1re said:
Avi135 said:

r0ckf1re said:

Mine sits at around 9.8 most of the time and I’m in traffic a lot.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

In traffic it's still quite good for such a heavy vehicle.

Hows the open road figures?

Click to expand...

Very good. Lowest I’ve gotten was 6.5 but I know my brother in-law claims 5,5, I’ve never got that.

Only difference is I have 20inch and he has 19. Not sure if that’s the reason or just our driving style.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've seen 5.1 once bud. Right after a service and a very straight road with 17" RFT's.

#lovemyX3

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