[simcat]

Hi all. I have an 06 330D SE with all the toys. I love it. Thought it would be my forever car but am thinking of getting a dog. So I am thinking that I need a car around the same age as I Would want to change with minimal outlay on my part but what would be the best to go for. A 5 series estate or X5?

Thanks

[davyk31]

An X5 of the same age will take a considerable bit of cash to change to, you might find a change to an X3 an easier step if you like them. An 06 X5 will be the E53 model, E70 was released in 2007 therefore you will be getting a pretty old style model. Great cars still, especially if you get one of the run out E53 models where they did the Lemans Blue Sport Edition, plenty of spec and good looks.

3 or 5 Touring also options I guess if you just need a boot for the dog.

Also depending on what type of dog you are getting and how athletic it is the height of the boot on an X5 can be a bit of a hurdle to get into.

[xenon]

My lab (now exactly one year old) loves sitting on the back seat of my 5 series saloon. I thought I was going to have to change too but I haven't.

I got one of those "hammock" type dog covers that hooks on to the rear headrests and the front headrests and even when he's dirty it doesn't cause to much trouble. Of course, an estate or 4x4 would be a lot easier but not strictly necessary...

[davyk31]

My Lab nearly 3 years old can't jump into the boot of my X5 and doesn't jump out either. I need to lift and shove once he has got the front legs up onto the bottom rear door when lowered. It is also quite a drop down when he is getting out and I need to help lift otherwise legs could get broken.

[simcat]

I was thinking of a getting a greyhound. I also have two children. So the two back seats are taken in my 330D already. I wasn't really sure of the best way to go regarding cars really. I am speaking to my dealer tomorrow anyway and they will give me a trade in price for my car. Maybe an 5 estate is the way to go. I've never driven a 5 series though I did have a VW passat estate a while ago. Not really sure what a 5 would be like to drive compared to my 3 series

[xenon]

Fair enough. I've been from several 3 series to my current 5 and although it's noticably bigger the driving experience isn't vastly different.

[3Confused3]

My missis got an x5 and we find it great for our 2 kids/shopping and dog do find she's thirsty though and she's the 3.0 d when I get my 320 d sorted that be the Daily drive

[RichardM]

The X5 isn't great to drive, I had one for a while. Depends what you enjoy. As others have said the X5 may also be too high for some dogs to jump into.

The boot of a 3 series touring is probably too small, especially as the rear is slanted. 5 series estate would be my vote!

[davyk31]

[QUOTE=RichardM;13314800]The X5 isn't great to drive

I would beg to differ. Depends a lot on which model of X5 you have been driving. My 35d M Sport with adaptive drive is an exceptional family car with more than a decent shove when it needs to pass a few slower movers. Also the kids have panoramic view so never get bored and with a massive boot you never need to worry about whether things will fit in.

[Maaarkk]

My great dane happily lies in the back of the e60, not tons of room for him but he can make it work, Lol! On a side note, also had him as the passenger of my smart roadster with the roof off!