First Gen BMW X1
 

As the old CR-V putters along with random crap going bad on a more regular basis, it's starting to seem like it will need to be retired very soon. The interior door handle has broken twice, the window motors are bad, the front suspension has long been done, the radio works when it wants, and I've replaced the front rotors twice in less than two years. Since it's really the wife's car, she is getting less patient and I hate driving it.

It's looking more and more like the first generation BMW X1 will be our next car/SUV/CUV/whatever. It is still RWD-based or actually RWD... Has anyone driven or have experience with these vehicles?

From all the reviews I've read, it seems like it will get her the heated seats, working radio, and "sitting up high" that she wants without being something that I totally hate to drive. I think we'd lean toward the base RWD version to save money, but it looks like the RWD has electric steering whereas the 4-cylinder AWD version still has the "classic BMW" steering. Though, it also looks nearly impossible to find one without the stupid panorama sunroof. I might have a tough time accepting that the X1 is faster (by a good margin) than my FR-S. :mad2:

The Mazda CX-5 is a very close second consideration since it equally fits the bill, but the newest X1 is out of our price range (and FWD-based).

So many people seem to hate them. But I've never driven one.

I also can't understand why you would get the RWD version. She will be so angry with you when it snows and it doesn't drive well, and putting snow tires on it will eat up the savings.

I did that BMW drive event when it first came out. It has been a few years, but I seem to recall it being my favorite of the lineup (probably because it didn't have electric steering).

Also, no way would I buy a RWD version. It's an SUV, and it snows here.

We plan to test drive both versions, but we'll see what's out there when the time comes to buy. It seems like they only came in black, white, and silver.

If what you want is a competent crossover-style vehicle, I would ditch the RWD idea as well and look at the CX-5 and Escape in addition to the X1. (Really, since you're already thinking about the Mazda, it looks like RWD isn't an absolute requirement.) I drove the current CR-V and absolutely hated it, although it appears to be made well. :dunno:

Done.

http://www.smarttoyota.com/search/used-bmw/tp-mk8/
http://a2.dealerimages.dealereproces...8i-ID304827305

You can get a new cx-5 for that price. You might say the x1 is a luxury car but they have a ton of hard crappie plastic. We test drove one along with a golf wagon and the golf was a lot nicer interior wise.

Thanks bren, that is exactly what I'd like to end up with and not a bad price... hmm.

She won't consider an Escape because her friend's caught on fire, and I don't do VWs. I'm not against FWD or FWD-based options, but I don't want the new FWD-based X1. The CX-5 is the best overall in this class, but it's $30k new once you add the heated seats and roof rack.

As opposed to $24k for a craptastic used X1?

I wanted to look at the cx5 back when we were shopping, but then I saw the 9 second 0-60 time. :lol: no thanks.