Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

Should I buy 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee or 2001 BMW X5

2K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  lstowell 
#1 ·
Hey guys was wondering what you guys think would be a smart buy between a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee or 2001 BMW X5, both I have found around 6k$ mark. Just say on an even field miles, paint quality etc what do you guys think about the x5? Im looking to probably go to school at some point but I work from online so was just looking for something with more space then a coupe or sedan and also nice looking etc, Im coming from an 3000gt and a Rv lol but looking to upgrade soon. Anyway any help is appreciated -regards
 
#3 ·
Hey thanks LaredoX I was leaning towards the the Wk as well for possible camping reliability as well, I am about to go check out a few tomorrow and hopefully find one under 6k. I will possibly post some I found locally to see what you guys think, also was wondering what is the preferred color option on these wks? I was looking for a silver one but I'm about to check out a white one tomorrow and also found a black version locally in Sf. The x5s have all looked good in person but to me look a little funky on the road next to the other cars lol, like the stance is too high or something -regards
 
#4 ·
WK all the way. I'm biased.

I will say this, I've always had dreams of owning a BMW- but after my mechanic told me his mothers needed a battery for her BMW and it was to the tune of $2300 for the battery, install, new cables, etc. keep in mind this was a 2010. So those Germans whips are f'in expensive
 
#5 ·
You'll wish you had that Grand Cherokee when you see the first repair bill for that X5.

...and those repairs will happen. BMWs are not perfect. But they are really fun.

The X5 is a much tighter feeling vehicle though. Interior is WAY more comfortable all around. It's all of a matter of opinion, and none of us can tell you to go one way or the other.

I just refuse to get the thing fixed.
 
#6 ·
WK all the way! Mostly because you are looking into something that old. Older vehicles require more maintenance.

I think Germany make a nice machine, but they think differently then we do here. Therefore their vehicles are built differently. German vehicles are very tightly wound and take an expert level of knowledge to work on them, or a large wallet.

The loan on my 2005 Audi was about $400/month, so I paid the bank approx. $4800 for the year. The year after the warranty went up, I had spent twice that on maintaining the vehicle (brakes, ignition coils, fuel pumps, transmission, etc). When I realized the cost of ownership outside of the vehicle warranty.... I sold it and bought another Jeep!

Good luck with your purchase.
 
#7 ·
I think if you're asking for an unbiased opinion you've come to the wrong place. ;)

I'd go with Marlon's comments: The repairs are higher in the Beemer, but the interior might be better. Take both for a test drive and see how you feel at the end. If you're not super enthusiastic keep looking. Vehicle purchases shouldn't be a pure number crunch; has to have a little soul.
 
#8 ·
A lot of it depends on condition. A cherry 2001 X5 would be better than a clapped out 2005 GC any day...

You mentioned SF, where if you are in the Bay area, there is a lot of BMW expertise in the independent shops or even places like Dinan.

Dunno how much the downturn has affected the supply of good used X5s out there any more, but there were way more X5s than GCs on the road when I left a few years back, so hopefully decent deals are around.

There aren't that many places anywhere near the bay area that would need a GC capability over an X5. I'd probably pick the X5 myself unless I were to want to hang around out in the deserts well east of there--possibly a bit better suited to the bay area.

But as folks have noted, those german elves do not work for peanuts and the selection of online genuine or aftermarket parts and prices weighs heavily toward the GC.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top