BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sun 18 Mar 2018 22:50
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - Lynda Holman
We have a budget of £18k and have the chance to buy a 7 yr old 45k mileage BMW X3 3.0 MSport diesel auto but have also seen a 15000 mileage Honda CRV DTEC diesel manual EX 2015 plate.

We have had an 2006 Honda CRV for the last 8 years which we’ve been pleased with

Both high spec cars but wonder if any advice on better buy? The BMW seems to hold value better but is obviously an older car. We intend to keep the car for at 5-10 years.

Edited by Lynda Holman on 18/03/2018 at 22:51

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Sun 18 Mar 2018 23:08
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - Big John

Whilst the BMW is a nice car it's a few years old and will turn into a money pit in a few years, after 10 years it'll be 17 years old!

The Honda CRV is still a nice car albeit rather less sporty etc.... but is much newer and has one of the best diesel engines on the market (reliability, real life economy etc...). If you've been pleased with your CRV I'd stick with what you know.

It's a bit like comparing apples and potatoes though...

One important question re diesel - how many miles a year will you be doing?

Edited by Big John on 18/03/2018 at 23:10

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Mon 19 Mar 2018 08:47
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - Lynda Holman
We’ll be doing about 10-12000 miles a year so thought diesel would be a better buy?
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Mon 19 Mar 2018 00:03
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - Avant

I agree - definitely go for a Honda for the reasons given by Big John - but are you sure you need a diesel?

Unlike some manufacturers, such as Volvo, Honda have made a reasonable attempt to sell petrols as well as diesels and there will be plenty around. Look at Cars for Sale on this site as well as Autotrader..

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Mon 19 Mar 2018 07:04
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - nellyjak

That's an easy choice for me...Go Honda.!...long term reliability rules.!

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Mon 19 Mar 2018 09:21
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - gordonbennet

There is little to compare between the two, the BMW has something like half as much again power and pace of the Honda and an auto box to boot.

Yes the Honda is likely to provide cheaper and more reliable transport over the next say 5 years, but the BMW will provide effortless and pleasurable driving in spades, either your head or your heart has to decide this one.

The one thing that would rule the BMW would be long (maker's recommended) oil service intervals, i would want to know for sure that engine had seen fresh oil every year, and if you do decide to buy it, i suggest getting a good garage to change the gearbox oil and diff oils asap as well as the coolant (unless these have obviously been done), give it as good a chance as possible for a long service life.

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Mon 19 Mar 2018 09:59
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - madf

I too would go for the X3 BUT

Tests drive it first over potholes and speedhumps. The Sport suspension = big wheels and this can give a very uncomfortable ride... And make sure you drive at least 20 miles in it...

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Mon 19 Mar 2018 11:55
BMW X3 - BMW X3 3.0 MSport 2011 vs 2015 Honda CRV Dtec EX - SLO76
I get the appeal of the X3 and the 6cyl models are certainly more reliable than the troublesome 4cyl cars but only buy if it has a full main dealer service history and you’re willing and able to continue shelling out to maintain this or have a genuine BMW specialist nearby. Not just some dodgy backstreet garage who’s decided to call himself a specialist.

The Honda will be much better on fuel and cheaper to maintain plus the diesels hold their money particularly well, especially the 1.6’s. But it’s a bit dull to drive and won’t be anywhere near as quick. All depends on your priorities and ability to pay for appropriate servicing.

I’d probably take the Honda but I’d certainly be very tempted by the big BMW’s luxury if it had the correct service record.
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