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Kodiaq or X3 - Drewish
Hi - this is my first post and I’m seeking some guidance as not sure which way to go. This is Avery random comparison, but I’m trying to choose between a 3 year old, petrol Kodiaq with 23k miles and a diesel X3 with 43k miles. Not much in it in terms of spec, especially for what I need. Not much in it in terms of price either, X3 maybe £1k cheaper overall by the time you weigh up all the add ons.

Just not sure which is best - the kodiaq is more practical, bigger boot and 7 seats. The X3 maybe has the edge in terms of comfort.

Anyone got a view? I can see the pros and cons of both, Kind of wondering if anyone has ever tried to decide between these two cars before!!!
Kodiaq or X3 - DavidGlos
What’s your anticipated mileage each year? Mainly pottering about locally or longer runs? If you’re mainly doing shorter journeys, the diesel BMW is unsuitable
Kodiaq or X3 - Drewish
A bit of both - I’d say mainly shorter, running the kids round. I drive to Birmingham (30mile round trip) also some longer trips for work and visiting family, I’d say one or two long trips a month.
Kodiaq or X3 - sandy56

I have used diesel for years for mixed use with no DPF problems. I am now retired and only do about 5k a year. I do use super diesel most of the time and give it an "Italian tune-up" when possible. My X3 3L diesel auto I have had for a year and has hardly been used but runs very well, and no error messages. Go for the X3. Make sure it has a full service history. The 3L has a much better history than the 2L, and doesnt use a lot more fuel.

Kodiaq or X3 - SLO76
I would leave the Renault, they’ve an awful reputation for costly failures and the BMW wouldn’t feature on a used car search with me unless you’re willing to stump up more for a 6cyl version and you’ve a good BMW specialist nearby. Neither are reliable over the long term. I do however rate the Mazda CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv, Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV at this money, all three will still be running years after the Renault and BMW are baked bean cans. The Mazda is particularly good.
Kodiaq or X3 - skidpan
I would leave the Renault

What Renault? The OP is asking about a Skoda Kodiaq or BMW X3. The Renault is the Kadjar which has not been mentioned.

Kodiaq or X3 - SLO76
I would leave the Renault

What Renault? The OP is asking about a Skoda Kodiaq or BMW X3. The Renault is the Kadjar which has not been mentioned.

I really need to start wearing my glasses, thanks skidpan.
Kodiaq or X3 - Rerepo

Just buy a Toyota or Honda and get on with enjoying the rest of your life rather than worrying about car repairs and obscure faults. In 40 years of driving I've had everything from a Hillman Imp to a BMW 7 series. Toyota, Honda and Suzuki were by far the least hassle.

Kodiaq or X3 - SLO76

Just buy a Toyota or Honda and get on with enjoying the rest of your life rather than worrying about car repairs and obscure faults. In 40 years of driving I've had everything from a Hillman Imp to a BMW 7 series. Toyota, Honda and Suzuki were by far the least hassle.

Agree. In all the years I spent buying and selling cars I’ve never had a major failure from a petrol engined Japanese car and by Japanese I mean Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Mazda. Nissan were great before Renault got their hands on them and Mitsubishi will sadly go the same way. Subaru in the UK are hampered by the maximum profit per unit ethos of their importer and thus aren’t a wise used buy thanks to the shocking cost of dealer parts for much of which there’s no aftermarket alternatives. I still remember having to scrap a perfectly good 60,000 odd something mile Lagacy 1.6 DL for the cost of a new exhaust and catalyst. Good as some of their cars were (I’m no fan of the current range) there’s too much risk of a major expense writing it off before its time.

Edited by SLO76 on 15/05/2021 at 11:31

Kodiaq or X3 - barney100

As Renault popped up erroneously as Skoda thought I'd say I've noticed many many French cars...usual suspects...Citroen, Renault, Peugeot with many years on them recently. Early Lagunas, Berlingos, Clios and numerous Pugs. what's going on? French cars get hammered on this forum but some people are getting bargain motoring out of them. Many examples of 20 year vintage going strong costing little to run.

Kodiaq or X3 - SLO76

As Renault popped up erroneously as Skoda thought I'd say I've noticed many many French cars...usual suspects...Citroen, Renault, Peugeot with many years on them recently. Early Lagunas, Berlingos, Clios and numerous Pugs. what's going on? French cars get hammered on this forum but some people are getting bargain motoring out of them. Many examples of 20 year vintage going strong costing little to run.

The French are a bit hit and miss regarding reliability but in the 90’s and into the early 00’s they built some very robust cars. The first Laguna was one of the hardiest if not the best Renault ever made, especially with the earlier under stressed 8v motors, the Peugeot 406 was very well regarded and capable of 250k plus in diesel form, ditto the 306 though it wasn’t as well put together. The Mk I Berlingo was very long lived too but later French cars became over complex and ever less reliable. They used to ride very well too but in seeking approval from our speed and handling obsessed motoring press they’ve even lost that. I was and remain a fan of French cars from the 80’s and 90’s but few of today’s offerings excite me.
Kodiaq or X3 - Miniman777

What year is the X3 - is it the G01 series and which engine? 2.0 can be a bit noisy. Do you need 7 seats?

I looked at a Skoda, but felt the BMW was definitely premium. Not a fan of the troublesome DSG gearboxes on VW group cars (not sure how reliable this one is), the X3 (if auto) has a silly smooth torque converter box which is a pleasure to drive, but a downside may be BMW servicing costs are higher.

I never use my X3 on a run less than 20 miles, prefer the wife's petrol mini.