How I shop for a car

It is time, dear readers, to select a replacement for my X3 M40i, so I figured I’d show you how I how I shop for a car. Now it’s fair to say that since the purchase of that car, I have been behind a lot of metal. Though I still love the X3, I dislike doing a straight sequel. And with a new generation due out soon, I’d hate to get stuck with an old model right before it’s replaced. Come with me as I narrow down some finalists.

Oh, and one other thing. My wife must love it.

Uh-oh.

How I shop for a car

Obviously this isn’t a daily for me, otherwise I’d be in the Corvette store. No, this needs to be practical, stylish, and powerful. What that means is:

Practical

It has to be comfortable and roomy for my family, be able to do the weekly Target run, and not cause a crisis at the fuel pump. My wife inherently likes SUVs, and they’ve grown on me as well, so it would seem that the choice we make will automatically be practical.

It also means four-wheel drive and all-season tires (I’ll get back to that).

Stylish

I think the days of the base X3 30i are over, and what that means is at the very least something with M, AMG, F, or other alphabet soup to help it feel less mom and more MILF.

Nothing fully-baked though. I’m afriad the charms of an X3 M would be lost.

Powerful

Speaking of, I’ve all but ruled out the four-cylinder (with one exception). Everybody likes power, but here in New Jersey it’s essential because everyone drives like an idiot.

The B58 has served well in the X3 (it’s definitely underrated from the factory), and it’ll be a tough act to follow.

Without further ado, here’s are the finalists.

The Mercedes AMG GT four-door coupe

She still talks about this car. Though it’s a “coupe”, it’s a big Merc with plenty of room in the back seat. Reviewed nearly two years ago, she still mentions it now.

Up front, the seats are very comfortable, and the entire car has a way of wrapping around you. Mercedes makes a 43 version with a less powerful V-6 that pumps out 362 horsepower. That should be good enough, because the 53 is beyond the price range and the 63 is for lunatics. It’s also very quiet and luxurious.

The downside is that it’s needlessly big, and handling is typically Mercedes soft. There’s also the options. Despite starting at $98,000, the car is missing some key elements like oh..heated seats.

Mrs. Machines might love it, but that’s a lot of love.

The BMW X2 M35i

Here’s that “but” I mentioned about no four-cylinders.

I have not driven the X2 yet, but I have sat in one. I must say, gigantic improvement over the original. Looks much better too, and much roomier.

The price is also sort of nice – fully loaded for around $60k. I remain skeptical though – M can tart it up all it wants, but it’s still a front-wheel drive MINI with a buzzy engine. I fear it’ll be a let-down after life with the X3.

I’m hoping to review one, otherwise some poor dealer is gonna have to let me get behind the wheel. Buckle up.

The BMW X4 M40i

Hmm…

I liked the base X4, and the M40 handles just a bit better than my current X3.

We know what we’d be getting, and it’s not quite the same car, with its sloping roof and turtle shell looks. My wife likes it quite a bit.

Concerns? How about paying a premium for a car that’s pretty much outdated. I’m not sure even I can order one at this point, with production ending soon. That said, I don’t like newer BMW screens, and the X3’s (and X4) layout still works better. Plus we get to keep the motor from the heavens.

One other item: wheels. I hate (and I cannot emphasize that enough–think Mr. Smith talking to Neo about the Matrix) the base 19-inch wheels that come on the M40i. They look ridiculous, and for a brand known for its wheel designs, unacceptable. However, I might hate lugging winter wheels up and down the basement stairs even more, and that’s the only all-season option.

Lexus NX 350 F SPORT HANDLING

Another car I have not driven in its current generation.

We’ve always liked the NX look, but the previous generation was too small, especially in the rear seat. The latest generation seems to solve that problem.

Considering the brand, I’d have to option the 2025 NX 350 F Sport Handling trim, with its enhanced adjustable suspension and sport seats. I’d call this a long shot – no way it’ll handle or go like the others.

There are also some cars that didn’t make the cut…

The Porsche Macan

I love the Macan, but for the price of the four-cylinder, you can get a six in the Bimmer. More than that, the back seat is just too tight for my family. For that disappointing reason alone, it’s off the list.

The Jaguar F-PACE

I really loved the SVR, so it stands to reason that a lower trim with less power would be a fun choice. But Jaguar’s weird plan has me concerned they won’t even be around in three years, and let’s be kind by saying that they are not known for stellar build quality.

Pass.

The Audi SQ 5

I enjoyed this car, and found its softer ride to make up for an engine that’s slightly less refined than the B58. But my wife doesn’t like it, simple as that.

Pass.

The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 Coupe

My God, that name.

This could be a maybe, but Mercedes isn’t going to fool me into spending $80,000 for a car with a four-cylinder engine. I don’t care if it has 416 horsepower (more then the X4). Sorry, but if I get a veto, I think it would be this.

If you can think of something else I should look at, email me! The clock is now ticking, with the X3 going away in October.

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