BMW X3 2.0i SE 5dr (2005)

BMW X3 - Practical and stylish

I think I'd recommend getting a BMW X3 on a lease deal. I got mine new that way and had it for two years. I paid a fair bit each month but probably less overall than I'd be paying to own it, and fewer general maintenance hassles.

Not that I had too many hassles. There were a couple of little electrical faults but those were fixed without any trouble (perhaps another benefit of leasing as opposed to buying). Apart from that it was fine.

And it's so massive as well. Inside the BMW X3 is like driving a cave around. It isn't too worrying though because of the nice parking sensors and nice high up position.

We had a Jeep before the BMW X3 and I'd say the BMW X3 was by far the more comfortable one to be in. The suspension is nice and smooth and it's SO much quieter. A real pleasure.

I suppose the lease options vary between dealers although we didn't really look into it all that much. Thinking back we maybe should have done a bit more research, but then on the other hand if you see a good deal then nab it.

There were a few other goodies that we liked about the BMW X3, like the auto windscreen wipers, even if there were a wee bit sensitive sometimes, and the cruise control which is a brilliant luxury to have.

The size is probably the biggest selling point though. The only problem with the overall size is that it's pretty high up off the ground. My dear old mum always struggled a bit to get up into it. Plus that reduces the overall height of the car, so fitting bulky furniture like sofas in isn't as easy as it might be. Ideally it would have been a bit lower down, but then I suppose you'd sacrifice the fantastic driving position. Horses for courses I suppose.