Used BMW X5 2000 - 2007 review

The BMW X5 is a high-image cruiser bought for its looks rather than its off-road ability. Despite its bulk, it is easy and satisfying to drive, and most have automatic gearboxes that change smoothly.

Inside, it's classic BMW: the dashboard is lifted from a 5 Series, albeit with a few modifications, and while some of the buttons are small, everything is easy to find.

Up front, comfort is spot-on: the driver's seat has electric height adjustment and the wheel adjusts for reach and height, so everyone should find be able to find a spot that suits. The view out is clear, too, although most models have reversing sensors, which are very handy.

Practicality, too, is excellent. There's space in the back for three adults and, although the boot isn't the biggest, it is a good shape. Plus, the tailgate is split so that just the glass can be opened, and the lower part drops to give a flat loading platform.

The X5 earned a full five stars from Euro NCAP for occupant safety in a crash, but only one star for pedestrian protection.

A BMW X5 will chew through your cash. Fuel bills on any petrol model will be enormous and only the diesel offers sensible economy.

Spares cost a packet, too. Remember that, for a specialist car like this, meticulous servicing and specifying the correct brand of replacement tyres and so on are vital if you're to sell it for its maximum.

All of this means you're locked into costly BMW dealer servicing and labour rates, although most franchises offer discounts for vehicles once they reach four years old.

Insurance is hefty, so only those over 30 with an accident-free driving history will find premiums are at sensible levels; we'd pay extra to protect that no-claims discount.

Go for the 3.0 diesel. It's smooth and has just the right low-rev punch that a car like this needs. It tips 30mpg across a mix of trips, which is 10mpg better than any of the petrols. What's more, it's the slowest depreciator of the lot.

Trim-wise, you can choose between SE or Sport. Both offer all you'd want including alloy wheels, climate control and a CD player, but we prefer the SE's lower price and softer ride.

If diesel isn't for you, there's a 3.0 petrol or a pair of V8s of 4.4 and 4.8 litres. The bigger-engined models have lavish specification including auto transmission and leather seats, but they guzzle fuel - the 4.8 manages just 13mpg on urban trips.

BMW dealers have the most choice, but the highest prices, whereas off-roader specialists stock older cars and charge a bit less, although there's no such thing as a cheap X5. Wherever you buy, condition, trim, and history must be faultless to justify the prices.

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