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looking for tips

Joined
Mar 17, 2025
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Arizona
my wife wants an Audi Q5 but I like the BMW X3 for its chain cam and gas mileage. i need advice on specs and tech issues to watch for. she wants an automatic with satnav front or rear sensors and black leather we have a dog and 3 year old. my budgets up to 14k but i prefer less looking at 2009 2011 2.0 TDI SE 75 110k miles not facelift. is the facelift better?? S Line with xenons sounds nice but means 100k miles. checking AutoTrader and PistonHeads any other options? im okay with private or dealer sales might sell her old car privately. is it good for long drives? can a 100k mile Q5 handle more? BMW 4 cylinder hits 200k can the Audi? Cambelt at 5 years 60k miles? service every 2 years 40k miles? a 120k mile car with 3 services sounds off. shell drive 8k miles/year keep it 5-6 plus years. any tips??
 
Both the Q5 and X3 can work, but each has its quirks. The Q5 2.0 TDI had early oil consumption issues, so check service history. also the timing belt needs changing every 5 years/60K miles, and a car with only 3 services at 120K miles is a red flag.
The X3's timing chain is a plus, but early N47 diesels had chain stretch issues. It's sportier, but the ride can be firm. The Q5 on the other hand is more refined for long drives.
Both can hit 200K miles if well-maintained. Let us know what you pick will you
 
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