BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General BMW News and Cars Discussion 2018 X1 or X3 for seniors?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-12-2021, 09:57 PM   #1
drdavidge
Enlisted Member
14
Rep
47
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

2018 X1 or X3 for seniors?

My parents who are in their 70s had their previous car (an Accord) flooded/totaled in the storm last week. They are looking for a replacement and said they want a "luxury small SUV". They like my car (an X5) but obviously that's too big for them but they wanted to check out the X1 and X3. My mother is also quite short at 5' so something low to the ground and OK for a short driver is pretty important. The only problem is that my mother got a knee replaced last week and can't go to dealerships to go and try these cars out, nor can she really manage to sit in them right now. Dealerships around them won't let my father take the car home to her. But they need a car ASAP. Any thoughts on a CPO 2018 X1 vs X3 for seniors with at least one short driver? Which makes more sense? Things to be aware of? Thanks.
Appreciate 0
      09-12-2021, 10:03 PM   #2
Le Patron1
Private
56
Rep
57
Posts

Drives: BMW M3
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Scottsdale AZ

iTrader: (0)

Everytime I took My X3 To the dealership They have given me an X1 For a loaner and For me I would never personally own an X1
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2021, 12:34 AM   #3
DenverSteve
Lieutenant
DenverSteve's Avatar
965
Rep
537
Posts

Drives: 2021 BMW
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Denver / L.A.

iTrader: (0)

The X3 and X5 aren’t different enough to be of benefit to them. I would have them look at the X1or X2. Almost identical but the X1 is more traditional shaped while the X2 sportier.
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2021, 06:41 AM   #4
BMWCCA1
BMW Owner Since 1971
2236
Rep
1,393
Posts

Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 BMW 128i  [10.00]
Y'all do realize that neither the X1 or the X2 have Blind-spot detection? It's optional on 2018 X3, so be careful what you choose. A necessary feature for older drivers and pretty much expected these days, even if BMW choose not to include it.
Appreciate 2
      09-13-2021, 07:42 AM   #5
taek
Lieutenant
United_States
291
Rep
463
Posts

Drives: X5 45e
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

I'd be careful of going too small here, because the X5 is not a big car from my standards. It's about the same length as your parents' Accord, although wider & taller. The X1 is much smaller than an Accord. 21" shorter and 2" skinnier. It has less legroom and less shoulder room than the Accord.

If would go X3, unless they are looking for something specifically much smaller than an Accord.
Appreciate 1
      09-13-2021, 08:31 AM   #6
Mavus
Colonel
Mavus's Avatar
2015
Rep
2,659
Posts

Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: PA

iTrader: (9)

Quote:
Originally Posted by drdavidge View Post
My parents who are in their 70s had their previous car (an Accord) flooded/totaled in the storm last week. They are looking for a replacement and said they want a "luxury small SUV". They like my car (an X5) but obviously that's too big for them but they wanted to check out the X1 and X3. My mother is also quite short at 5' so something low to the ground and OK for a short driver is pretty important. The only problem is that my mother got a knee replaced last week and can't go to dealerships to go and try these cars out, nor can she really manage to sit in them right now. Dealerships around them won't let my father take the car home to her. But they need a car ASAP. Any thoughts on a CPO 2018 X1 vs X3 for seniors with at least one short driver? Which makes more sense? Things to be aware of? Thanks.
lexus
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2021, 11:13 AM   #7
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

I would also avoid the X1/X2 mini clones. The X3 is the first "real" BMW IMHO.

My daughter is 5' also. When she was getting a new car she was deciding between a VW Alltrack and a Mazda CX5. She ultimately chose the Alltrack as it was easier for her to get in and out of it.

I bet Genesis would be happy to bring a GV70 over for her to try out. A Genesis with all the safety features would be a better bet than the X1 and would probably meet all the user needs for less money.

You could also tell the BMW Sales Manager that you are about to call Genesis and have them bring a car over for your Mom to try out and are they really refusing to bring her an X3 to try? You might see them change their mind rather quickly. If they don't, I for one would not want to deal with that dealership anyway.
Appreciate 1
      09-14-2021, 05:48 AM   #8
ErnestHouse
First Lieutenant
United_States
29
Rep
379
Posts

Drives: 2014 535i GT
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

As far as CPO cars go, be cognizant of the Connected drive technology in the older cars given 3G going away in February. SOS goes away in February on the 3G cars.

As for size, I 100% agree on the X3 over the X1. My sister is a little over 5' and loves her X3. Another factor to consider is rear seat space fitting adults. You will probably find a better fit in another brand.
__________________
2014 535i GT M Sport Glacier, Mocha, ZDA, ZDB, ZDH, ZPP, 2VH, 416, 456, 4CK
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2021, 03:03 PM   #9
Jeff01234567
Second Lieutenant
Jeff01234567's Avatar
United_States
218
Rep
244
Posts

Drives: BMW M2 Comp, M-B A220
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: California

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
For seniors, I would bypass BMW altogether and get a Mercedes GLA. The safety features in a Mercedes are much more well-implemented than BMW. In particular, the blind-spot monitor makes an audible beep when another car is in your blind spot, as opposed to BMW which only vibrates the steering wheel. Mercedes' automatic high-beams are also truly automatic, whereas in BMW you have to turn on that function every time you start the vehicle. Lastly, a modern Mercedes interior is MUCH brighter than a BMW interior because of the ambient lighting, making it easier for someone with impaired vision to see things inside the vehicle. These are my unbiased thoughts after owning both BMW and Mercedes late model vehicles.

If reliability and ease of dealership experience is what is more important to them, a Lexus NX may be good. However the blind-spot monitor is not as useful as Mercedes since it does not make any audible sounds. Whatever you do, don't buy a BMW for a senior. I helped my late-50s mother shop for a car a few months ago, and when keeping a senior's needs and perspectives in mind BMW just absolutely does not work.
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2021, 04:42 PM   #10
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff01234567 View Post
For seniors, I would bypass BMW altogether and get a Mercedes GLA. The safety features in a Mercedes are much more well-implemented than BMW. In particular, the blind-spot monitor makes an audible beep when another car is in your blind spot, as opposed to BMW which only vibrates the steering wheel. Mercedes' automatic high-beams are also truly automatic, whereas in BMW you have to turn on that function every time you start the vehicle. Lastly, a modern Mercedes interior is MUCH brighter than a BMW interior because of the ambient lighting, making it easier for someone with impaired vision to see things inside the vehicle. These are my unbiased thoughts after owning both BMW and Mercedes late model vehicles.

If reliability and ease of dealership experience is what is more important to them, a Lexus NX may be good. However the blind-spot monitor is not as useful as Mercedes since it does not make any audible sounds. Whatever you do, don't buy a BMW for a senior. I helped my late-50s mother shop for a car a few months ago, and when keeping a senior's needs and perspectives in mind BMW just absolutely does not work.
I am 76 and the BMW works just fine for me. But I would suggest making sure that whatever vehicle you get, it has a suspension that you and any regular passengers find acceptable.

The Merc may be a little harsh. I would suggest checking out a top of the line CX-5 or a Genesis.
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2021, 05:32 PM   #11
DanG
Major General
DanG's Avatar
United_States
10444
Rep
6,878
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2018 BMW M2  [7.68]
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveinArizona View Post
I am 76 and the BMW works just fine for me. But I would suggest making sure that whatever vehicle you get, it has a suspension that you and any regular passengers find acceptable.

The Merc may be a little harsh. I would suggest checking out a top of the line CX-5 or a Genesis.
I agree. My wife has a Mazda CX-5 Signature. Top of the line safety features and much less expensive than an X3.
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2021, 10:53 PM   #12
drdavidge
Enlisted Member
14
Rep
47
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

They are looking at pre-owned and sweet spot is under 35k. They found another general used car place that let them take the cars home and Mom tried sitting in the Acura RDX and the X3 in the driveway. She liked the RDX itself better but the seat was uncomfortable (said seat was too long and angled downwards), but liked the X3 and found it more comfortable. They didn't have an X1 to try yet. Dad liked anything. I think they would take the RDX and be done with it if it were more comfortable since its cheaper and they both liked it. Too bad it won't work.

Genesis I don't know much about nor their long term reliability.

They don't like Mazda's so I can't convince them into the CX-5.

They say Mercedes is "not them". Ha.

Keep the suggestions and thoughts coming though! This is actually very helpful.
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2021, 10:57 PM   #13
drdavidge
Enlisted Member
14
Rep
47
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff01234567 View Post
when keeping a senior's needs and perspectives in mind BMW just absolutely does not work.
What specifically to keep in mind?
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2021, 07:30 AM   #14
BMWCCA1
BMW Owner Since 1971
2236
Rep
1,393
Posts

Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 BMW 128i  [10.00]
I am 68-year-old and sell cars to some who are my senior by as much as 20-years. If they need an audible alert for blind-spot—in addition to the visual warning triangle in the mirror, and the vibrating steering wheel—perhaps they shouldn't be driving at all.

By the time all cars have autonomous driving as standard, I'll still be driving and shifting my 6-speed 128i. Thank you very much for your opinion of seniors in their 50s! I own BMWs older than that.
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2021, 07:31 AM   #15
tracer bullet
Brigadier General
tracer bullet's Avatar
United_States
2290
Rep
3,463
Posts

Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Saint Paul, MN

iTrader: (1)

Couple obvious things - seat angles are usually adjustable, since they liked the RDX otherwise maybe go with them to check it out. Maybe they just didn't know or missed the tilting adjuster.

I'm a Mazda fan, I think you'll find many. You should still let them go try it out and keep yourself out of it if it's a great car for them haha
Appreciate 1
DanG10444.00
      09-15-2021, 09:13 AM   #16
DanG
Major General
DanG's Avatar
United_States
10444
Rep
6,878
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2018 BMW M2  [7.68]
Quote:
Originally Posted by tracer bullet View Post
Couple obvious things - seat angles are usually adjustable, since they liked the RDX otherwise maybe go with them to check it out. Maybe they just didn't know or missed the tilting adjuster.

I'm a Mazda fan, I think you'll find many. You should still let them go try it out and keep yourself out of it if it's a great car for them haha
I agree. The CX-5 is a Car and Drivers top 10.
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2021, 01:46 PM   #17
smrtypants44
Captain
smrtypants44's Avatar
United_States
518
Rep
894
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (2)

What about a qx50?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2021, 02:21 PM   #18
P1
Lieutenant General
P1's Avatar
11542
Rep
11,128
Posts

Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States

iTrader: (1)

Neither. I'd buy an Volvo XC60. Had one for a week and was very, very impressed.
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2021, 11:03 AM   #19
drdavidge
Enlisted Member
14
Rep
47
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by P1 View Post
Neither. I'd buy an Volvo XC60. Had one for a week and was very, very impressed.
Think the digital screen controls may be too difficult for people in their 70s?
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2021, 05:39 PM   #20
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by P1 View Post
Neither. I'd buy an Volvo XC60. Had one for a week and was very, very impressed.
I cross shopped the XC60 T8 when I got my BMW 530e. Despite all the extra HP, I found the BMW handled better and was actually faster than the Volvo.
-5
The Volvo is a good car but I think the OP can get a new CX-5 for his budget. The Grand Touring Reserve with 250 HP is at $35K. I would prefer that to a used Volvo.
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2021, 06:13 PM   #21
jkoral
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
1016
Rep
1,960
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: MA

iTrader: (7)

Recently looked at X1/X2 to replace CX-5 Signature (top trim), decided they were too small. Ended up with a 2022 X3 LCI Premium (which feels larger to me in many ways), but still gave up a bunch of features compared to the Mazda.

Under 35K and pre-owned is pretty tough if they want "luxury" (especially in this crazy market), but lots of 3 year old X1 and X2 lease returns. 3 year old X3 is tough to get under $40K unless you want high mileage. Which is why we went 2022 because I didn't want to spend almost the same money on a 2018 X3 with low miles.
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2021, 09:12 AM   #22
BeEmVe
Lieutenant
United_States
258
Rep
565
Posts

Drives: '14 X1 x28i M-Sport
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: on the road to perdition

iTrader: (1)

One thing to think about is how low to the ground the vehicle sits. Even for a short person getting in and out can become problematic with age.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:52 PM.




bmw
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST