X3 over an RR Evoque?

Im looking for a replacement for my Mercedes ML, i need a smaller suv, so far, looking at the RR Evoque vs an X3.

Looks wise, evoque wins but im having doubts about ownership experience and quality since i never had a Range rover before, always been a Benz/Bmw customer...any inputs as to why i should go for the X3?

I look at it this way: My 2011 X3 starts everytime. Will the Evoque?

Donno I've read treads about the x3 not starting after being parked for a few days...

Lol I guess that can be true but don't forget in forums like this you tend to hear complaints more than anything else.

I think that the Evoque is gorgeous. So lets talk about real comparisons. It really comes down to what you want in a vehicle. I love the airy cabin, great visibilty, the power of the 3 liter turbo, the feeling of overall quality, etc of the X3. The Evoque's cabin is beautifully appointed but the windows are tiny and it it is a bit tanklike looling out. The dealer network is limited (I live near the one Range Rover dealer on the North Shore of Nassau County in NY), the quality, while improving greatly is probably still suspect, and they just arent selling well so if you buy resale will be suspect. Obviously one person's opinion but I had time to answer a question.

How bad can it be...going from a nice ML350 to either an X3 or an Evoque.No one is suffering with that choice.

Buy a RRover and get a new best friend -- the service manager! Why limit yourself to just that car? Look at the Cayenne, XC60 (320 hp turbo inline 6), Q5, EX50, etc. Lots of choices out there now.

Originally Posted by UncleJ

Buy a RRover and get a new best friend -- the service manager! Why limit yourself to just that car? Look at the Cayenne, XC60 (320 hp turbo inline 6), Q5, EX50, etc. Lots of choices out there now.

Uncle J,

Do you ever give a positive recommendation for the new X3?

Thanks
Bruce

Originally Posted by BruceOmega

Uncle J,

Do you ever give a positive recommendation for the new X3?

Thanks
Bruce

He shouldn't need to.

There's plenty of competent SUVs out there that rival the X3 and are just as good.

My only gripe with his list is that a Evoque and Cayenne are grossly overpriced compared to the X3

i want a smaller suv than my current ML, so a Cayenne is out of the question

is a Range Rover really that unreliable? my Bmws and Benzes havent been reliable either, so are Range Rovers any worse?

I've never owned a MB, BMW or RR so I can't say from personal experience... I fully expect my X3 to be less reliable than my retiring Honda Accord which only required clean oil and brake pads in eight years (oh and a few light bulbs).

Originally Posted by bruno787

i want a smaller suv than my current ML, so a Cayenne is out of the question

is a Range Rover really that unreliable? my Bmws and Benzes havent been reliable either, so are Range Rovers any worse?

If possible, get out there and test drive as much as you can.

My decision came down to: BMW X3, Audi Q5, RR Evoque, and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

I settled on the X3 because I thought it had the best overall package for what I was looking for.

Yeah, the SRT8 is super fast, but it guzzles gas, and the X3 was the next quickest of the bunch and its 35i is surprisingly fuel efficient.

The Evoque is really unique, that's for sure, but it felt undersized for my needs and the whole reliability thing with a brand new RR sort of steered me away.

I really enjoyed test driving the Q5, but I preferred the look and drive of the X3 35i.

goonga, you forgot to mention the glk, the Volvo xc60 and Kia sportage turbo. Before I purchased the x3 I drove 'em all... for the cost of these cars it is only prudent to do the homework.

Bruce, I just like to tell folks that there are other options, it seems a shame to not at least check them out. FYI I am a long term BMW driver starting out with a '68 2002 so I am not a "hater", just pragmatic. We all know the new X3's strengths (and warts) so why gild the lily so to speak.

Originally Posted by UncleJ

Bruce, I just like to tell folks that there are other options, it seems a shame to not at least check them out. FYI I am a long term BMW driver starting out with a '68 2002 so I am not a "hater", just pragmatic. We all know the new X3's strengths (and warts) so why gild the lily so to speak.

I could not tell if you were recommending other vehicles in addition to the X3, or in lieu of the X3.

Thanks
Bruce

Check out the latest Consumer Reports, the X3 blows and I mean blows the Evoque away. They go on the say how the Evoque is not a very safe vehicle.

But not bad enough to disrate it like they have done in the past with the GX450 and Suzuki Sammy, along with others.

Still waiting on the M Class X3, Porsche Cajun, Audi's Q3 Vail to arrive. The Evoque is quite an eye turner, but after I went through with initial troubles on first gen 07 X3 I think the Evoque would cause an embolism.

The other thing I am waiting on is to hear if they will actually deliver a Dinan chip for the X3 N55 engine.

Originally Posted by Evlengr

Still waiting on the M Class X3

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=658227

You'll be waiting awhile.....

Maybe I'm the only one but I don't like the looks of the EVOQUE. It's a little too girly for me; I prefer the old school LR box design.

That said, I much prefer the X3's handling and overall feel. It's a real pleasure to drive. You just want to hop in and have fun. The EVOQUE felt like a different experience to me.

But either way, you're getting a great vehicle and both have cool logos.

Originally Posted by Fryguy29

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=658227

You'll be waiting awhile.....

Greattttt and the X6 M Class and that ugly touring thing will be produced instead. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

Meanwhile Audi will bring out an S version of the Q series and porsche the Cajun.

There's still hope if Dinan sorts out a chip for the N55 of the X3.

However the new Q3 looks really appetizing and since I am in no hurry this time.

Originally Posted by smk146

I look at it this way: My 2011 X3 starts everytime. Will the Evoque?

Hahaha too true. My step son had a RR for like two months, half in the shop. He took it back and got his money back

RR has some PR obstacles to overcome in the US...

Originally Posted by sirgrotius

Maybe I'm the only one but I don't like the looks of the EVOQUE. It's a little too girly for me; I prefer the old school LR box design.

That said, I much prefer the X3's handling and overall feel. It's a real pleasure to drive. You just want to hop in and have fun. The EVOQUE felt like a different experience to me.

But either way, you're getting a great vehicle and both have cool logos.

Girly??? It looks like more of a small version of a Hearse to me!!! Sorry, Evoque owners!

As you will see below, I own or have owned all three marques in question. Most above are 100% correct regarding the service experience with the RR. I am not certain they have gotten better.
One thing the X3 has over the ML diesel we had is no cost scheduled service. The ML was $500 every 10k miles. That got old really quickly. For comparos..my GC is about $82.00 every 10k.
If you want a turbocharged 4-cyl mini ute...why not wait for the new Hyundai Santa Fe to launch? From what I have seen so far, it might be hard to justify the extra $15k the turbocharged 4 cyl BMW commands...

Small SUV? Why not a MINI Countryman? Or wait till the end of this year and try an X1?

I'm still holding on to my 05 X3 and hedging my bets on a few smaller SUVs myself for gas mileage hopes. My 05 is 145,000 miles and still solidly reliable (though maintenance items are still a pain) Mechanically, I've only ever had a front drive shaft replaced at a cost of ~$550. Outside of that, maintenance items and minor annoyances (wiper fluid pump for rear windows went out) make up the bulk of the money sunk into it after the warranty was up.

Currently looking/waiting on the Countryman, X1, and possibly what Mazda will do with the CX-5 myself.

i was about to place my order for an evoque today when my bmw salesman called up that a white on red/brown X3 just arrived. now, im confused as the Evoque is $20k more, and delivered mid June whereas the X3 is cheaper and ready to roll. also, never owned a range rover before and quite concerned about reliability and resale, but it does look great!

Test drive the cars back to back. If you enjoy driving the X3 will be your choice.

Originally Posted by bruno787

i was about to place my order for an evoque today when my bmw salesman called up that a white on red/brown X3 just arrived. now, im confused as the Evoque is $20k more, and delivered mid June whereas the X3 is cheaper and ready to roll. also, never owned a range rover before and quite concerned about reliability and resale, but it does look great!