USED BMW X3 4x4 (04 - 06)

My car

Smooth executive feel drive. Plenty of head room and room for the unending quantity of children's bric a brac that one carries around. Frugal on the fuel and nippy on the pull. New, modern, stylish design.

My car

I have had my X3 2.0d since the end of January 2005 and after 6000km I am extremely happy with it.

It is fun to drive, extremely surefooted in the wintery conditions we have had for the last two weeks and also very frugal (7.1 l/100 km average - giving a touring range of about 900km). Standard 17-inch wheels seemed to be the best choice for comfort.

Fit and finish is ok (but not up to the standards of my previous BMWs). The look and feel of the materials used could be better. The optional sunroof and leather do wonders to lift the look of the cabin, however.

All in all the best car I have ever had.

My car

Outstanding handling although the criticisms about an over-firm ride are valid. Build-quality issues? Not on the car I bought, although I have had several BMWs over the last 10 years and think generally the build quality is not as good as it was.

The 6 cycl petrol may be thirstier than I am but it's a superb engine - I also have a 320d Touring, which, as much as I love it, now feels like a tractor by comparison. The level of discount I was able to get on this car versus the 2.0d diesel was staggering and should offset the higher running costs - I'm not sure where BMW gets its official mpg from but the car is not hitting their numbers and tops out at about 28mpg on motorways.

My car

Generally very pleased. I don't think there are any quality issues. Yes it is heavy on the juice, but you don't buy a car like this for fuel consumption alone.

It is not much smaller than an X5, so therefore I saved about ten grand for the same spec car but also got a £6,500 discount. I like the car that much I hope to trade in for a 3.0 diesel when this goes on sale.

We also have a Mercedes E-class 320 CDi estate (54 plate) so I have general idea of quality and see no fault with the so called quality issues this car is supposed to have.

Also the BMW dealer I found to be able to meet my high standards of customer care.

Finally yes the drive is a little harsh, but you get used to it, and the overall driving experience compensates for this (you very seldom get your cake and eat it).