BMW X6 xDrive30d 5dr Step Auto (2008)

BMW X6 - Better than car snobs seem to think

It's a bit sad really, I don't think I'd have looked at the X6 if I'd seen the reviews before I bought it. The reviews I've now seen are pretty scathing, but I don't care about that. For me it's fine. The BMW X6 xDrive is a good strong 4x4 with plenty of pulling power (caravan not women!), it's got all the usual BMW quality inside, good stereo system, reliable satnav, comfy seats and nice quiet ride inside. There are a few things that are a bit silly like the wasted space in the back where a centre seat could go. That'll probably be this car's undoing if we have another kid! For now it's just fine though.

I sometimes drive it a bit more adventurously, if i'm alone and the road is clear, and even then it doesn't lose control, keeps to the road very well and handles corners nicely. I'm no racing driver but the X6 suits my tastes.

As for fuel, it is a bit costly to fill up, the big tank can easily take well over a hundred pounds of diesel at a time, but then I get five hundred or so miles out of that, so not bad really.

The boot is a very good size, and it has a false floor so you can stash things under there too. There's no spare tyre (I think these tyres are supposed to be ok if they get a puncture or something?!) so the space where it would go can be put to use for other things - always handy when you've got two kids around. Speaking of them, the separate stereo system in the back was a big winner, and always stops a fight. We don't have it on all the time, but when we need it, it's very helpful.

One word of warning: the insurance is something to check before buying. It's remarkably high for what seemed to us like a family car, but has quite a bit of power behind it.