Cars: Thinking about getting rid of my BMW

Hey everyone -- thinking about getting rid of my generic 5 series (2016) and getting a Subaru Outback... seems crazy but there's no maintenance and they seem fairly durable. Wasn't a huge fan of the 5 series and have a 911 already as a weekender. What are y'all's thoughts?

46 Comments
 

Do it! Not many cars are as reliable as an outback, from what I hear. If you have a 911 I'm sure you're doing fine. No need to base a choice off of luxury at the cost of utility. You also have nothing to prove to anyone else, so its totally up to you. I say go for it.

Dayman?
 

If you don't mind swapping a 5-series for a Subaru, then go for it! It's obviously going to be much cheaper to own and maintain than a BMW. I used to own a subaru impreza, and their 4-wheel drive system is incredibly good for the money. So if it snows or rains a lot where you live, that's another plus.

You could also look into the subaru crosstrek, which is smaller and maybe a bit sportier than the outback. You can also try to find a certified pre-owned audi allroad for about the same price as an outback (although it may end up being costly to maintain once the warranty expires).

 
Most Helpful

I actually know a whole lot about cars, and worked as a test driver for a major German high performance automobile manufacturer for two years. Honestly if you have a 911, then nothing else will really top it that's cheaper. Main question here is how much do you like your BMW. Even if it's generic, the thing is, BMWs are solidly built. For example, driving around curves/highway exits at a high rate of speed seems much more natural to do so in a BMW. Also the interior quality, such as the materials are of a higher quality. As good as Subaru's AWD system is, BMW's xDrive is by far the best in the business. There are several videos that showcase the difference. I've seen from a post above that you're looking at the same payment. Here's what you have to decide, are the maintenance savings worth the compromises in the Outback? If they are, then go for it. Also from my days at BMW, we used to offer customers the ability to extend both the warranty and maintenance plan for up to 7 years/125k miles for a worthwhile price. Perhaps explore that option with your dealer. Just know whatever price he offers you has a significant room for negotiation.

Also my brother had a high speed crash on a country in 2014 5 series, which is basically the same car as yours (both are F10 LCI chassis). He was lucky enough to walk away from the scene with 0 injuries whatsoever, although the car was totaled. Even though the Subaru is safe (4 star crash rating) the BMW has a 5 star crash rating. Not sure how important that is to you, but definitely worth considering.

Personally, I would not give up the extra luxuries afforded to me in the 5 series for a Subaru Outback for the same money. I'd look into buying the warranty and maintenance extensions.

thots & prayers
 

I've driven a couple of 335is' while at BMW. those cars are ultra rare for sure. 500 HP is nuts. I have an F80 M3 and the thing is like 450 stock and power is plenty. Although I wonder what this could top out at.

911s are sick. I'll definitely get one when I can afford one. Wishlist -488 Pista -812Superfast -F12TDF -GT2RS -720S If I actually break out of poverty--> -LaFerrari -Senna/P1

thots & prayers
 
"2and20" I've driven a couple of 335is' while at BMW. those cars are ultra rare for sure. 500 HP is nuts. I have an F80 M3 and the thing is like 450 stock and power is plenty. Although I wonder what this could top out at.

911s are sick. I'll definitely get one when I can afford one. Wishlist -488 Pista -812Superfast -F12TDF -GT2RS -720S If I actually break out of poverty--> -LaFerrari -Senna/P1

I'd throw in a 458 Speciale, maybe instead of the 488 Pista, and definitely a GTR R35. I am a huge Ferrari fan and, during high school, I saw often both LaFerrari and LaFerrari Aperta on the way home, as I suppose they were test-driving them. The real problem with all the cars that you are listed are both the delivery times and the fact that even clients hardly get the 812 Superfast (which is not a limited edition).

Glad to see that there are other people interested in cars and I really envy your experience as a test-driver.

I already planned to drop the first bonus on a drift course in Japan, with the Orange Team, I'm so hyped!

 
"adrenalinejunkie" fuck subarus . what type of 5 series ? if its not a 550i or m5 get rid of it.

no M5 owner says they have a generic 5 series...

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

I mean, that's a pretty drastic difference, so it depends on what's important to you. If it's just the maintenance, warranty, and monthly payment, then there are plenty of options including the Subaru.

Why not go for the best of both worlds and get something like a Lexus IS/ES 350. Still get something with some luxury and good looks, but way cheaper maintenance than a BMW/Audi. Price point is slightly higher than the Subaru, but honestly not that bad. Also offer an AWD version if you need it.

 
"2and20" I'm not even into pickup trucks yet the 6x6 is on my wishlist. Absolute baller.

It is pretty sick. It has portal axles on it as well to raise ground clearance. Pretty righteous.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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