[bluecrabby]

what non-BMW car/SUV was the runner-up before you decided on the 2023 X1?

the X1 is on the top of my list right now(pending a test drive next week)... followed by these small sub-$50k SUVs: Mercedes GLB250, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5.... The new Lexus RX was actually on that list, but after I saw a demonstrator RX recently, I wouldn't even accept it at 50% off MSRP... (which surprised me, as I've owned two RX SUVs previously)

yes, that's a very odd list... or maybe not? just wondering if there are other SUVs that I'm missing and need to give a second look?

thanks for any suggestions!

[tex2670]

Mini Countryman or Volvo XC40 was probably the way I'd have gone if I didn't get the X1.

[Kromans1]

I had a Buick Envision ordered before I heard about the X1. It was actually an article in the GM Authority newsletter that said the new X1 will be a direct competitor of the Envision. We were never truly happy with the color combinations and had settled on the blue with white interior. After doing a lot of research, and especially after GM made buying a three-year subscription to OnStar mandatory, increasing our Envision order by $1,500, did we cancel it and order the X1. (San Remo green with mocha seats.)

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by tex2670

Mini Countryman or Volvo XC40 was probably the way I'd have gone if I didn't get the X1.

Mini Countryman? I though I said "non-BMW" but I'll let that one slide because I love the Countryman and every other Mini model!

I'm 6'1" and 257 pounds and fit perfectly fine in the Mini Countryman... but I really don't enjoy getting asked "do you fit in that thing?" whenever I drove my friend's Countryman.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by bluecrabby

Mini Countryman? I though I said "non-BMW" but I'll let that one slide because I love the Countryman and every other Mini model!

I'm 6'1" and 257 pounds and fit perfectly fine in the Mini Countryman... but I really don't enjoy getting asked "do you fit in that thing?" whenever I drove my friend's Countryman.

Well I didn't see any Roundel on it....

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by tex2670

Well I didn't see any Roundel on it....

oh... guess not.... Lenscrafters is across the street, so.... (just kidding)

[McTricky]

We just finished test driving the MB GLB. We both hated it and the car is not that comfortable and there's just too much going on with redundancy of controls. Not user friendly IMO. There could be serious build quality issues due to it being built in the COMPAS plant in Mexico and the engine plant in Tennessee associated with the fallout between Nissan and MB.

We're seriously consider the XC60. It's in a different class altogether.

[FlashMonkey929]

VW Taos, mainly because the MSRP was attractive and it had a decent host of features and was $35K fully loaded.......until the dealer tacked on a $9K markup. Also considered a RAV4, but the power delivery never impressed me, and the Japanese manufacturers paint is always on the thin side. Then there's the 6+ month wait time.

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

VW Taos, mainly because the MSRP was attractive and it had a decent host of features and was $35K fully loaded.......until the dealer tacked on a $9K markup. Also considered a RAV4, but the power delivery never impressed me, and the Japanese manufacturers paint is always on the thin side. Then there's the 6+ month wait time.

wow... a VW dealer charging $9000 markup. I thought it was bad that my local Toyota dealer wanted a $15000 markup on the new 2023 Sequoia.(not that I was interested to being with)

my nearest MB dealer actually offers $1250 off MSRP on most models, provided that you go through the Costco auto buying program and deal with the specified contact at the dealership.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by bluecrabby

wow... a VW dealer charging $9000 markup. I thought it was bad that my local Toyota dealer wanted a $15000 markup on the new 2023 Sequoia.(not that I was interested to being with)

my nearest MB dealer actually offers $1250 off MSRP on most models, provided that you go through the Costco auto buying program and deal with the specified contact at the dealership.

Yeah, it's pretty ridiculous here in Hawaii since most dealerships sort of have a monopoly on the brand or there is only one other dealer. I was actually looking at getting the new VW GTI since it's one of the few affordable quick cars that offer a manual gearbox, but they wouldn't even let me order one (not to mention the $9K markup). Sigh....it would've been my last hurrah at a modern car with manual transmission that still would've let me carry enough cargo to be my work car.

I still have hopes I'll eventually find a motor for my '89 GTI though lol.

[saws]

Originally Posted by bluecrabby

wow... a VW dealer charging $9000 markup. I thought it was bad that my local Toyota dealer wanted a $15000 markup on the new 2023 Sequoia.(not that I was interested to being with)

my nearest MB dealer actually offers $1250 off MSRP on most models, provided that you go through the Costco auto buying program and deal with the specified contact at the dealership.

I only see Volvo and Chevy participating in Costco program (with incentive). There is no indication of pre-negotiated discounts with participating dealers of other car manufacturers. How do you get this info, does BMW participate?

[igott]

Originally Posted by saws

I only see Volvo and Chevy participating in Costco program (with incentive). There is no indication of pre-negotiated discounts with participating dealers of other car manufacturers. How do you get this info, does BMW participate?

It's local dealers that opt in to participate. Around us, most dealers have backed off with their partnership due to limited inventory and massive discounts not making sense.

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by saws

I only see Volvo and Chevy participating in Costco program (with incentive). There is no indication of pre-negotiated discounts with participating dealers of other car manufacturers. How do you get this info, does BMW participate?

it's not the $1250-off in the ads on that Costco page, which, as you indicated, applies to Volvo and Chevy.


I selected the BMX X1 from the drop down menu.... on the next page, entered my info... the BMW dealer called me the next morning. He said their special pricing for Costco members was around $1000 off MSRP, even for cars/SUVs that have to be ordered. He said that if I was willing to go with the several previous-gen 2022 X1 remaining on their lot, he could even do up to $2000 off MSRP.(no, thanks!)

https://www.costcoauto.com/new_cars/

[McTricky]

My Volvo dealer is participating in the $1250 Costco program. There's also an additional $2000 off in incentives making the XC60 harder to pass up on.

[saws]

Originally Posted by McTricky

My Volvo dealer is participating in the $1250 Costco program. There's also an additional $2000 off in incentives making the XC60 harder to pass up on.

One thing to note (if that matters to you) is that the XC60 will be completely redesigned next year for the 2024 model year. So you can expect better discounts as that date comes closer.

[McTricky]

Did not realize that. That is good for incentives, but maybe good or bad for changes.

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by saws

One thing to note (if that matters to you) is that the XC60 will be completely redesigned next year for the 2024 model year. So you can expect better discounts as that date comes closer.

the XC60 sure is long overdue for a major redesign....

that means it will get more expensive, probably start at $50k. Volvo's Chinese owner should really look into manufacturing some Volvos in China to make the prices competitive.

speaking as a former Volvo fanboy, am I the only one who can't buy a Volvo because a similarly-equipped/engined BMW or Mercedes cost less?

[McTricky]

The XC60 preciously was made in China before the Trump tariffs. They moved production back to Sweden to account for it. The current design has only been in place since 2018 so it would only be a refresh. Engines most likely would remain in current form.

[McTricky]

Comparable models are X3 and CLC so I think pricing is in line with the XC60