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They're both good cars, should both be reliable. The main thing to take into consideration is how they were treated by their previous owner.
Bingo.. That's a very important factor to consider.
Where you are buying these used car from is also important. If the used X5 is from BMW, why are they not making it CPO (especially with the low mileage for 2010).
Something else to keep in mind, the MDX will likely have more things standard or optional than the X5 at the same price point. Our MDX is the "Sport" model with the magnetic adjustable suspension, as well as the Technology package, which has rear DVD system, navigation, etc. It has every option. For the BMW, you generally have to click all the option boxes to get some stuff, and it's more rare to find a German car that has ALL the options checked.
Also, I don't think the OP has come back and said... the BMW is only going to win the performance game IF it's the V8 model. The V6 MDX from that year has a 300hp 3.7 liter. The BMW has either a non turbo 3.0 with 272hp, or a 3.0 single turbo, with 300hp. The turbo engine provides only slightly better acceleration than the MDX, but is a lot more thirsty. Handling wise, it also just edges the MDX, it's not a blowout by any means.
And lets be honest here, for an SUV I don't think driving dynamics are that important. If I'm buying an SUV I'm looking for comfort features and soft ride. I don't care that it can turn on a dime.
No one is going to be racing these vehicles or even off roading. They're grocery getters.
The X5 to get is the V8 one. Assuming conditions were equal, personally I'd pick the MDX. I like the conventional tailgate better than the X5's split folding thing. I own a Q7 and checked out both of these in the process.
Have an 08 X5 with adaptive drive (electronic damping). The '10 likely won't have it since that's about when they took it out of the sport package and made it a $3500 standalone option. Very few actually took it then, and it's one of the biggest reasons it makes the X5 drive like it's on rails. Look for the sport button near the shifter - that will tell you it has AD. The stiff chassis/suspension does help, but only goes so far. However the MDX you are considering is also 2 years older. It's a tough call. I actually have a 3rd party warranty with the reputable Warranty Direct and have taken advantage twice so far. I paid $3k for 4 additional years (good deal) and have used the warranty twice (both times with no issues - first at a dealer and then at an indy). I've managed to use up $2k of the $3k warranty payment in 2 years. It's not a back-breaker even if out of warranty. But of course no 2 cars are the same. Use bimmershops.com to find a good indy. If you've always wanted a BMW, drive that one first and see if it even meets your needs. The MDX is a higher-luxury Honda (dull). Not for me for sure. The one thing it does have going for it is the SH-AWD which is better than xDrive (until BMW employed dynamic performance control which weren't in the '10 non-M X5s).
Oh and the V8 isn't really necessary with the 35i inline-6 "twin-turbo". Same engine as the 335/535. It goes nearly as fast as the 48i (diff of 0.3s) with much better fuel efficiency.
The BMW was sold before I could get back to the dealer for the test drive. The Acura was beautiful but, I have a hard time spending 25K on an '08.
Will keep looking.
I don't know what your mileage ceiling is on a used car, but if your budget is $25k, you can get a 2011 X5. The main reason is I didn't realize the 2010s only had the 30i and not the 35i. You'll want that turbo for the same price - even if the mileage is a bit higher.
You're on LI like me - there's a ton of X5s for sale at that price. I don't know what your other requirements are.
And lets be honest here, for an SUV I don't think driving dynamics are that important. If I'm buying an SUV I'm looking for comfort features and soft ride. I don't care that it can turn on a dime.
No one is going to be racing these vehicles or even off roading. They're grocery getters.
I have many video's of my X-5 going down the drag strip. Running 12's in a grocery getter is awesome!
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