Next Daily Driver

[JohnB.GWU.]

Getting rid of the 03 Pathfinder, thinking about an BMW X5 3.0 or Infiniti FX35. Really dont want V8's in either because they cant hold a match to the S55 (about 550 crank hp), so any thoughts on the two? Price is pretty much the same within 5K so not a big deal in the decision/20" w/all seasons available on both/same option packages too. I've had one BMW before this possible one, and have had Nissans since 1988.

Obviously the H2 was an easy decision seeing how there is nothing else like it. Is the X5 sold out in terms of everyone having one, or is the FX going that way too? Any thoughts/owners opinions? Thanks.

[JohnB.GWU.]

Getting rid of the 03 Pathfinder, thinking about an BMW X5 3.0 or Infiniti FX35. Really dont want V8's in either because they cant hold a match to the S55 (about 550 crank hp), so any thoughts on the two? Price is pretty much the same within 5K so not a big deal in the decision/20" w/all seasons available on both/same option packages too. I've had one BMW before this possible one, and have had Nissans since 1988.

Obviously the H2 was an easy decision seeing how there is nothing else like it. Is the X5 sold out in terms of everyone having one, or is the FX going that way too? Any thoughts/owners opinions? Thanks.

[lexpro]

John,,,sounds like you are looking at two nice cars...having driven both i would go with the X5...Plus i hate the sound of the dual exhuast on the 3.5 liter nissans and infinitis.

[DennisAJC]

Come to think of it, FX are quite rare and unique/cool looking. X5s are beautiful but too many around. Either or, good choices.

Why not wait for the new Hummer?

[JohnB.GWU.]

No, the H2 isnt going anywhere. This is just a vehicle to replace the pathfinder daily driver. Dont worry, when the new h2 comes out (no way im buying the h3), it will be number 4.

[h2co-pilot]

The X5 is HOT! Very comfortable and quiet on the inside. Pretty darn quick too. The FX35 I've never been in, they look cool on the outside but pics of it's interior don't look as nice, no clue about performance comparision. Just giving a chick's opinion. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[lexpro]

Also, as a former Lexus employee i am also a big fan of the GX470....this truck is nice on and off road and the msrp has come down since inception by a few thousand....

[timgco]

X5 all day long! Great build quality and is a great SUV. The FX35 is nice too. But I think the X5 is better all around. Look into re sale value too. Either way, you can't go wrong.

[JohnB.GWU.]

yea X5 it is. I was leaning towards it, but being a nissan man, i had to at least consider the FX. after all, carlo ghosen did wonders for the company and it is pretty much an entirely different animal since his leadership. thanks guys!

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Posted by the copilot:
The X5 is HOT! Very comfortable and quiet on the inside. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Fahgettaboutit!

John, as others have said they're both nice. X5 works though.

I think Dennis was refering to the H3.

[tower]

BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!

[Klaus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tower:
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


While you still can! GM is considering killing off Buick and Pontiac.

[devilsfan]

We test drove both vehicles (well, the X5 and FX45), and preferred the FX. It had better handling - more sportscar-like, and the windshield pillars on the BMW blocked a LOT of the driver's view out the front/side. The FX also offered a lot more room behind the rear seat than the BMW - we could fit 2 50lb dogs back there no problem, which was a tight fit in the BMW. The FX also seemed a lot more advanced technology-wise than the BMW - keyless start and all of that. I would suggest test driving both and see how they compare, they're both good looking vehicles on the outside.

Stacy

[JohnB.GWU.]

Buy American??? I'm sorry, but I'm about the superior product, not brand loyalty. The 03 H2 back in late June of 02 (#3 in NJ to have one, Gold Coast Hummer) was the first American car I've had in the stable for about 15 years, and it was recalled SO many times. I've had new release Japanese cars and have had few if any recalls. So, not to be a unloyal American (even though japanese and even some german manufacturers have plants in the US), im going to have to go with BMW of Infiniti on this purchase, as there is nothing american that compares to either of these two vehicles. I love benz, but the merc ML class is just god awful, so its not even a consideration. I guess the test drives will tell the truth.

[Albie]

I've had an X5 for 3 years.... Its not too shabby, great chick car... I let the little lady drive and i ride B*tch.

[ssgharkness020147]

I knew you would chime in on this Klaus. I hav to say though I agree with the buy American idea. And no I dontcare if Nissan has maufacturing plants in the U.S, its STILL a foreign car.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Klaus:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tower:
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


While you still can! GM is considering killing off Buick and Pontiac. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[4churchill]

we have an fx35 it is awsome. be sure to get the technology package and the sport package. the tech package adds nav, rear camera, keyless start, and laser cruise.....this thing sounds like a g35 coupe too, nice sports car exhaust note.

[JohnB.GWU.]

Come on guys. Aside from a V10 gas excursion, I drive one of the biggest gas guzzling American SUVs out there. If thats not patriotic, then I dont know what is. I also make it a point to only go to Sunoco, BP Amoco and Texaco for my gas. My grandfather was a WWII vet and father an Air Force honorable discharge. So enough with the American bs. Foreign cars built in the US do contribute to the GDP, so I consider them American, just multinational corporation owned.

[Klaus]

John,

Ask your WWII Grandfather what he thinks about buying cars made by companies from the Axis powers.

The conversation would be very interesting.

Where did he fight?

[h2co-pilot]

The X5 is manufactured in Spartanburg.........South Carolina http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://www.bmwusa.com/About/Manufacturing.htm

[Klaus]

Yes, but BMW is never listed as a US company.

BMW's headquarters is in Munich, Germany:

http://www.aviewoncities.com/munich/bmwhq.htm

BMW makes nice vehicles, but let's not forget that it is a foreign make. Munich calls the shots and collects the checks.

GM's stock is just above junk status, and I would hate to see GM go the way of Bethlehem Steel. Every foreign car bought helps to put a nail in GM's coffin. Oldsmobile is gone, with talk of Buick and Pontiac being next.

Oh well, what the hell - Who cares...

[ckhagman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JohnB.GWU.: I also make it a point to only go to Sunoco, BP Amoco and Texaco for my gas. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Care to explain why? I am always curious why people only go to a certain station. I once had a friend in high school tell me that Coastal was the worst gas because he would see trucks from exxon, sunoco, etc dropping off product. When he told me that I almost fell out of the car laughing because he had no idea that all those trucks where pulling there product from Sunoco anyway.

Chris

[RI Hummer]

John
You will be happy with an X5; be sure to get the 3.0 sport premium package, xenon lights, sunroof, navigation and cold weather package as options. It has great pickup for a 3.0L 17mpg average and very comfortable. I just replaced my X5 with the H2 but my 5 series will be the daily driver. There was I time I had 4 BMW's at the same time but since Bangle has changed the styling I think the quality has gond down and price increased.
I'm waiting on a restyling for the X5 2006 or 2007 year as I was bored driving the X5 and wanted a change to the H2.

RI

[Escaladeskatinon24s]

While you guys are talkin about tradin trucks what do you think about tradin an Escalade for an H2? I also considered tradin it for a used H1 since there looks never change but I don't think I can handle an H1 almost everyday. Any thoughts?

[devilsfan]

I would definitely suggest a test drive to make sure it's what you want. The H2 is an awesome looking truck, but it drives and handles VERY differently from a slade. It's also sluggish - you won't be able to beat those X5s off the line anymore, unless you decide to supercharge an H2.

Don't get fooled by the price, either. The H2 may cost $50K, but it's NOT a luxury vehicle. A lot of things that come standard in the Escalade aren't even offered on the H2. To me, the interior of the H2 feels rugged and unfinished compared to a slade. I think the bling factor is about equal for both vehicles tho.

If you like the way the H2 looks and don't care about speed or handling, then go for it. Otherwise, I would wait to see what Cadillac does with the 07 slade.

Stacy

[MIZZOU H2]

All i can say is that ive owned 3 american cars and one benz over the last 6 years and had more problems with the CLK than i had with all fords and the h2 put together. i will say that the motors in a benz are about as good as they come but the electronics were absolute crap. i wont own another benz.

[tower]

Right on!
http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tower:
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
BUY AMERICAN!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>