Alternative to BMW X3

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Thu 26 Jun 2014 20:55
Alternative to BMW X3 - Lady Golfer

Its time to trade in my 2007 X3. We are both golfers so boot size is important. Should I stick with what I am used to or consider something more economical?

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Thu 26 Jun 2014 22:16
Alternative to BMW X3 - Alby Back
The new Qashqai appears to have a big boot, would be cheaper to buy than a new X3, would be frugal enough especially in 1.6 diesel form and would provide a similar view of the road. Not a bad car by all accounts, not a BMW of course but certainly not an onerous option.

Depends what floats your boat really. If boot size is the top of the list then maybe an estate car would suit? 3 series Touring might be nice. Handle well apparently, if that's important to you.
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Thu 26 Jun 2014 22:21
Alternative to BMW X3 - RobJP

I suppose it depends by 'economical' really. And that depends on the engine/gearbox that you've currently got, and what you actually need in a vehicle, and your budget, and a load of other factors too.

If you really want to stick with BMW, then not all of the current X3s have 4 wheel drive (the old one actually wasn't too bad in snow, if it had sensible wheels and tyres, rather than silly bling Msport ones), and the current generation X3 is rather expensive, in my opinion. You can get 3 series and the X1 (and, I think the 1 series) with 4 wheel drive sometimes

If the budget is tight, then something like a Hyundai iX35 might be worth test driving, see what you think of it. I did drive a few different cars before going for my most recent, and for the 'feel', the fact that the cabin felt like it is not going to be creaking and groaning in 3 or 4 years, and actual driving enjoyment, I ended up staying with BMW (the 'new' F31 3 series 325d estate). But I like rear wheel drive.

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Thu 26 Jun 2014 22:35
Alternative to BMW X3 - daveyK_UK

Save yourself a shed load of money and buy a ssangyong

www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/

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Thu 26 Jun 2014 22:35
Alternative to BMW X3 - Alby Back
Arguably, it probably wouldn't be the best of days for a round of golf if you need a 4x4 to get there !

Only kidding of course, but is the vehicle type / height important to you? Lots more choice if it isn't.

I like the sound of Rob's 325d estate. Bet that lopes along well enough !

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Thu 26 Jun 2014 23:31
Alternative to BMW X3 - RobJP
I like the sound of Rob's 325d estate. Bet that lopes along well enough !

It's not exactly slow, put it that way.

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Fri 27 Jun 2014 17:45
Alternative to BMW X3 - Ed V

A mate of mine went for a private car after a long time on company ones, and went for the IS small Lexus. When I asked why, he just said "it takes my clubs sideways".

Apparently all the Toyota Group cars have cubby holes left and right in the boot to provide for clubs. Jags I'm told now do the same, as golfers are a significant market in the upmarket ranges.

Still, if it's 2 trolleys and 2 bags,that would need more space perhaps. I'd still prefer an estate to any type of SUV.

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Fri 27 Jun 2014 19:29
Alternative to BMW X3 - Alby Back
I'm kind of with you there Ed. I don't like sitting up the air while driving but conversely, my wife does like a sitty uppy car. ( she has a Qashqai )

I feel like I'm driving while sitting on a wobbly bar stool when I use it but she likes the extended visibility, so fair enough, we all have our preferences.

I think it's because she's only 5'2" and it's one of her few opportunities to be tall ! ;-)

I find the lower load bay of estates easier to load and only mildly ( if at all ) dynamically compromised when pressing on.
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Sat 28 Jun 2014 01:43
Alternative to BMW X3 - Nickdm

We traded in our 2006 X3 last year for a 2011 new generation model. Big disappointment. And now it has failed its MOT with a steering rack defect that is known to BMW, but they are refusing to do anything about it. Plenty more info about X3 steering racks if you Google it.

Our replacement car shortlist is Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, & VW Tiguan.

HTH.

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Sat 28 Jun 2014 18:24
Alternative to BMW X3 - 72 dudes

We traded in our 2006 X3 last year for a 2011 new generation model. Big disappointment. And now it has failed its MOT with a steering rack defect that is known to BMW, but they are refusing to do anything about it. Plenty more info about X3 steering racks if you Google it.

Our replacement car shortlist is Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, & VW Tiguan.

HTH.

You should add the new model Qashqai to your list. Just won a group test consisting of a BMW, an Audi and something else I can't remember. Not only a better all rounder but build quality and finish up there with the Germans too

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Sat 28 Jun 2014 18:36
Alternative to BMW X3 - SteveLee

The KIA Sportage has a decent boot - and is better value than the CashCow.

PS and unlike the X3 it doesn't try to rearrange your spine into something resembling a modern art installation over every bump.

Edited by SteveLee on 28/06/2014 at 18:38

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Sun 29 Jun 2014 15:28
Alternative to BMW X3 - quizman

You should buy a Porsche Macan or an Audi Q5.

Don't lsten to these buy a Kia posts, they don't understand how things are at Golf clubs. You don't want to get blackballed do you?

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Sun 29 Jun 2014 16:37
Alternative to BMW X3 - Happy Blue!

I wouldn't join a club that would have me as a member.....

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Mon 30 Jun 2014 11:31
Alternative to BMW X3 - oldtoffee

I'm with Happy Blue!/Groucho

I bought a VW Tiguan diesel after checking out the Sportage, ix35, Outlander, new Qashqai. I thought it was easily the smoothest, quietest and most comfortable, good cruiser and the DSG auto the smoothest and quickest although the CVT in the Qashqai wasn't available. Mine is a company car so any worries (price, dealers, repairs, DSG out of warranty) I would have had if buying personally didn't apply, I just liked it the best. The real clincher was the wife liked its looks better and I sort of agree with her, far less angles and sharp lines that seem de rigeur in models from the Far East. I tried to buy a Yeti but the local dealer was diabolical and the wife didn't overly rate the looks so dead horse flogging.

For some reason a lot of people equate VW with quality and image and from my experience this type of person can most easily be spotted in golf clubs so for them I can recommend a Tiguan, the thinking golfer's Q3.
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Mon 30 Jun 2014 13:36
Alternative to BMW X3 - Snakey

Give up golf, buy a toyota IQ, save a fortune! ;-)

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Tue 1 Jul 2014 18:25
Alternative to BMW X3 - Bobbin Threadbare

Toyota Celica has a golf club cubby in the boot!

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Sat 5 Jul 2014 22:35
Alternative to BMW X3 - xtrailman

Test drive a Mazda CX-5. My sport has a 3 way rear seat, the fishing rod holdall fits through the "ski" hatch. Its a great drivers car, but so is the new X3. The new Crv has a huge boot, and the new Rav4 is very spacious.

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Sun 6 Jul 2014 08:00
Alternative to BMW X3 - gordonbennet

Another mystery case of the vanishing OP.

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Sun 6 Jul 2014 12:23
Alternative to BMW X3 - oldtoffee

>>>Another mystery case of the vanishing OP.

Probably not overly impressed with a few of us not being the golfing type. I can imagine the conversation on the first tee - "Really I visited this so called motoring advice site and all they did was ridicule me, wouldn't surprise me if skittles and and a few pints of flat beer was their idea of a good night"

Edited by oldtoffee on 06/07/2014 at 12:24

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Mon 7 Jul 2014 23:37
Alternative to BMW X3 - Avant

Looks to me like a pretty helpful set of replies on the whole.

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Tue 8 Jul 2014 17:25
Alternative to BMW X3 - Dabooka

>>>Another mystery case of the vanishing OP.

Probably not overly impressed with a few of us not being the golfing type. I can imagine the conversation on the first tee - "Really I visited this so called motoring advice site and all they did was ridicule me, wouldn't surprise me if skittles and and a few pints of flat beer was their idea of a good night"

They'd be right, skittles and flat beer is a great night!

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Tue 8 Jul 2014 17:46
Alternative to BMW X3 - 72 dudes

What does one do again?

Chuck the skittles into the pints of flat beer, singing poor quality songs?

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