Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3

[AlohaNow]

I’m looking to replace the ol’ Santa Fe at some point this year. We’re looking around at used XC60s and X3s. I believe both had a redesign in 2018 so we’ll probably find something coming off lease, though I’d go older on an X3. (DH wants the Thor's hammer headlights on a Volvo. ) AWD is a must, as this will be our only ‘higher off the ground’ vehicle that can get us through snow, as our neighborhood streets never get plowed. My adult-sized teens aren't really a consideration because once I blink, they'll both be out of the house! Also, we will keep this car far after it is paid off. Pros/cons? Cost of ownership? What has your experience been with either of these vehicles? Thanks for any input you can provide!

 

[RamblingMad]

I'd avoid both.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Never buy a German car, ever.

You’re welcome.

 

[Timandalicia]

I’ve had the xc90. Then I had the Jaguar fpace, now the Range Rover volar. You would think I liked the corporation that owns all three of those companies, but I only really liked the fpace. Not crazy about the service. Test drove the BMW X5. I would go with the Beemer personally. I think it’ll handle better and personally I think just a little bit less crossovery. Made that word up.

 

[Timandalicia]

Never buy a German car, ever.

You’re welcome.

Well good thing they aren’t looking at any German cars.

 

[afan]

Well good thing they aren’t looking at any German cars.

Since when is a BMW not a German car?

 

[Timandalicia]

Since when is a BMW not a German car?

I was making a joke because they make them in South Carolina. Kind of obscure but I was in a way chiming in with you.
It’s because I actually had a 1971 bmw 2002 and when they started making beemers here there was kinda a thing. I loved that car and it ran great.
But in seriousness I disagree about German cars. Like I said, had that beemer.
I also currently own the Mercedes GLS 2021. Had the 2019 and traded it in. Both incredible cars. Far better than my Volvo.

 

[YachtClubWoman]

I have a 2016 XC60 that I bought off lease. I love the car and will probably stick with Volvo’s going forward. The only minor odd thing is the position of the cup holders - they are slightly back and the reach for the cup is awkward at times.

 

[afan]

I was making a joke because they make them in South Carolina. Kind of obscure but I was in a way chiming in with you.
It’s because I actually had a 1971 bmw 2002 and when they started making beemers here there was kinda a thing. I loved that car and it ran great.
But in seriousness I disagree about German cars. Like I said, had that beemer.
I also currently own the Mercedes GLS 2021. Had the 2019 and traded it in. Both incredible cars. Far better than my Volvo.

But they aren't all made there and it's still german designed. My ford was made in mexico many moons ago, doesn't make it a mexican car.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I have a 2018 BMW X3 XDrive 30i. I LOVE MY CAR! My hubs is a bimmer fanatic and got me into my first bimmer and I don't think I will ever go back to another brand. Before this, I've only had Hondas and Acuras. My car was the first year of the new redesign so I can only speak of that. It is super fun to drive and gives a really good ride. You would never realize you were driving a SAV instead of a car...that's how nimble it is! Its pretty good on gas and maintenance so far has been decent. I think with bimmers, as they get older...you will probably run into some issues. My hubs' last 3 series started to crap out around 8 years. Currently the hubs has a 3 series and a M2 in the garage...you see the brand loyalty here lol.

 

[Timandalicia]

But they aren't all made there and it's still german designed. My ford was made in mexico many moons ago, doesn't make it a mexican car.

So us classic beemer owners back then were bothered that they built a plant here. Never mind. Just a bad joke.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

So us classic beemer owners back then were bothered that they built a plant here. Never mind. Just a bad joke.

It's like when you wait for your new BMW and see if its being built in Germany or South Africa.

 

[Timandalicia]

It's like when you wait for your new BMW and see if its being built in Germany or South Africa.

My brother has a 2001 z3m eu which has 60 more hp than the us version. Go figure.

 

[easyas123]

I have had three Volvos, 2 wagons & one convertible. I regret not getting a 4th one and instead going with something different! They were all great cars, and my next one will be a Volvo.

 

[crisi]

I had a Volvo and really didn't like it - mostly because it was a black sedan that kept getting lost in the parking lot . But my biggest real issue was with our local dealer and their sales and service departments.

 

[MickeyP]

Forget the X3, get the X5.

 

[AlohaNow]

Thanks to everyone who commented! Ever notice how when you are looking to buy a certain vehicle you suddenly start to notice tons of them out on the road? In our "road research" we notice way more X3s than Volvos of any type. So I think we know which direction we are leaning! I still have to research the exact differences between the X3 and the X5. DH just had a lengthy discussion about this with his dry cleaner, who has both in her family!

 

[TreslovesWDW]

Coming from someone who works at a repair shop pass on both

 

[MICKIMINI]

When our son was born through high school we had Volvos (4) and a BMW. They are such a repair nightmare! Twenty years ago we used to joke that each repair was 2K and it usually was.

DH drives a 2020 Outback which we got for him late last year and he traded a 2017 for it. I drive a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid which I traded a 2012 Ford Fusion for. I can't think of a single repair that we've needed. We change the oil and rotate tires regularly and are low mileage drivers. We traded in cars with original tires and brakes and both had decent trade in value

Subaru Outback still has 0% for 60 months. Just my two cents!

 

[TreslovesWDW]

Funny you say that. I had a customer that had to bring his BMW in 3 times and each repair was roughly $2000 and we are not a dealership