X5 vs RX300, BMW fans please help out

[J Clark]

Heres the deal, i'm buying my RX300 in about 2 months. Also, my mom needs a new car so my dad is going to get his company to pay for it. He's trying to decide between the RX300 and the X5 3.0. He's big on reliability (he drives a 97 ES300) and he's developing a small loyalty to Lexus. Can anyone give me info on the X5 that i cant find on say, edmunds.com?

like driving stories, comparisons if you've driven both, how they are in the snow (car and driver didnt like the x5 in the snow), etc.

Thanks. I'm trying to convert him to a bmw fan while making the best decision. Any input is appreciated. thanks!

[onebadm5]

don't mention the x5's tendency to "spontaneously combust"

[J Clark]

i thought those problems were only on the early models and were fixed now. anything big that hasnt been fixed?

[nickmpower]

The handling is very very good on teh x5 for any automoblie. I think they handle better than a lot of cars. The center of gravity is very low because the steering colum goes through the oil pan. We have not had any problems with ours but we only have like 4,000 miles. Don't go for the lexus go for the x5

[M5TwinTurbo]

MY mom has a 2003 X5 3.0 and that thing is not only fast, but its amazing in the snow and has a great stereo in it. Definitely go for the X5. my mom had a rx300 before she got the X5 and there is no comparison, the rx300 is absolute s***. lexus should get that truck and shove it up their As*es. Good luck in makin a decision!

[Kevin]

My mom has the X5 3.0 and I must say it is very nice and handles like no other SUV. No problems at all except for a broken transfer case, but that was deemed to be human error on the installation and something that rarely occurs. The spontaneous combustion problem is no longer. As for being bad in the snow, thats up to the tires and depends on which tire u get with the car.

[PrinceE30]

the rx300 is absolute s***. lexus should get that truck and shove it up their As*es. Good luck in makin a decision!

Well there's an objective comparison.

Personally, the X5 is a great "truck" because you get in it and you feel like you're sitting in a 5 series, not an SUV like you with Lexus, Nissan, Range Rover, Ford, Chevy, etc. Since your dad is already a driver of a luxary sedan, the upgrade to an SUV might be a difficult one because he's used to the handling of the smaller sedan.

I love the X5. So many amazing features that are just really unique and useful not found in a lot of other SUVs. Descent control, GPS, etc.

-Prince

[J Clark]

thanks for all the input guys. keep it coming.

[nasdakboy]

i think if your dad test drives both in the same day, X5 last , he'll have no doubt in his mind that the X5 is amazing.

[Agaru_Vala]

Have him watch the DTM vid of Dado with his moms X5 in the snow.

[J Clark]

My dads doesnt care to much about raw performance (he's looking into an IS300 for that), so i doubt the snow video would work. believe me, i have it though.

He's planning to test drive both this weekend. He's also concerned with long drive confort. Thanks again

[nwhysee]

Wait, youre buying an rx300 too? That probably tells your dad the rx might be better if you yourself are getting one. Ofcourse i dont know all the specifics, but X5

[J Clark]

I'm getting an rx because my dads friend is selling his and giving me a great deal. My dad knows people with both RX's and X5's.

personally, i like the x5 better. he knows i do.

[Prfctyon]

Go for the X5 for sure!!

Keep us posted about your dads decision...

[r6e36]

The RX300 is a girly SUV that is soft looking. Looks great when a lady is driving it. But looks funny when a guy is driving a RX. It's kind of like seeing a guy drive a new VW bug.
The X5 in the other hand is more masculine and handles 10 times better than a RX. The best way to make a decision is to test drive both and he should definately feel the diference and make up his mind.