BMW X1 xDrive28i vs RAV4 XLE Premium

Ask the Hackrs
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I know these two vehicles are typically not in the same class for most folks, but for me it’s a close call so I want to hear what leasehackrs here think. I plan to finance the purchase. It would be my errand car since I’m working from home.

2023 RAV4 XLE Premium $36.5k (incl. $3k package)

Pros

  • best selling compact SUV so better resell value in 3-4 years?
  • super reliable car if I decide to keep it long term
  • low profile than driving a bimmer

Cons

  • Toyota doesn’t take orders from customers so I have to be flexible with color/specs/options
  • I’m on a waitlist but don’t know if I would be offered one this year

2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i $38.5k (expected 6% discount and $500 loyalty with $41,545 MSRP incl. $2k package)

Pro

  • I can order one with discount (brokers here are offering ~6%)
  • I can get the exact specs I want
  • new infotainment system, looks pretty slick
  • I’ve leased 4 BMWs and love the experience of getting a free loaner for service appts

Con

  • resell values could be lower in 3-4yrs compared to RAV4??
  • not as reliable as RAV4 if I decide to keep it long term

What I care

  • resale value
  • non-fabric seats (much easier to clean with a toddler)
  • tech/wireless Apple carplay
  • reliability in long term in case I decide to keep it
  • safety

What I don’t care

  • horse power
  • AWD/FWD
  • engine
  • tire size
  • leg/cargo room
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If you care about resale value/reliability it’s an easy answer. If you care about the badge and quasi status then it’s bmw. Did you look at venzas also? They have better tech imo also better mpg since it’s a hybrid. Will hold value similar to rav.

Text if you want a Toyota. I’ll have this this year at msrp coming from a Texas dealer. Can’t get at msrp in cali anytime soon.

Jim
215-359-6836

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Not sure what this means for the Toyota or the BMW.

If you plan to finance and care about resale value, there is no question that you come out ahead w/ the Toyota.

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The RAV4 every day of the week. Also concur with the advice to look at the Venza.

I was looking to get a Venza earlier in the year, but most dealers did not have any in stock, and the few that did were asking a 5k markup. I ended up buying a Lexus 350h at MSRP, and it has been great so far.

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OP, you didn’t specify for the Rav but you should get the Hybrid over ICE. It’s a no brainer for a RAV.

Agree on checking on the Venza. It’s a luxury RAV4 only offered in Hybrid form. They build these in Japan only.

I had a similar decision like you but ultimately went with a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Hybrid.

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Yes, I did consider a hybrid instead of gas given the price diff is only ~$2,500 but 1) I don’t expect to commute in near future so probably driving 3k mi a year so not a lot of gas saving and 2) I think it’s still expected to pay at least a few thousands $ over MSRP for any hybrid models.

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Did you consider a Highlander instead given they are similar in size?

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X1, but I’m just a tiny bit biased.

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I meant $3k package (updated in my post).

That;s what I thought but I looked it up on CarEdge and looks like their resale values are similar from Year 1 - Year 4. Are their estimates far off?

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Thanks! I looked at Venza and looks like a XLE + package is ~$40k and markup on MSRP is definitely going to damp the value. I’m not really into the brand of BMW. But given the past deals I cooked up on this forum, I was driving bimmers in the past to save money (my past leases were $220/mo $250/mo, $150/mo, $120/mos all with $0 - $2k drive-off). $38k on a X1 on the current market doesn’t look bad to me. Is the resale value of RAV4 much better than X1 for 3-4yrs old models?

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Care to elaborate a bit? The best part of X1 comparing to RAV4 is that you can order one you like. For Toyotas, you have to go back and forth with dealers on what they have which almost means compromise in this market.

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Having had RAV4 as rentals before I can say that if you hate driving, you’d be right at home in one.

Haven’t driven the new X1 yet but everything I’ve heard so far says it’s gonna be a winner.

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are these 2 cars really comparable though?

Your’re going to get bored in a rav 4 much quicker than the X1…

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If holding 3-4 years, leasing is better than financing due to tax.

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If I am a BMW person then I cant imagine driving a Toyota. Since they both close as far as msrp after the discount I will go with X1.

But I am biased towards bmw having X3, X5 and 335i.

Only Toyota I own was a 92 Celica and I love that car used for work commute put 100k in 5 years. No issues at all. Toyota definitely more reliable then BMW…

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Have I got a treat for you! :grin:

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Have a lead on 3 magnetic, ruby, silver
Msrp 35xxx
If you want the dealer PM me
It’s in Idaho tho…

I’m picking up my Tacoma from them this weekend longo has a crazy waiting list

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As a BMW person as well I couldn’t imagine choosing the Rav4. New X1 is actually one of BMW’s best new designs. We all know which will drive better. I am actually amazed they are in the same price range.

Driven many models of Toyota’s as rentals cars. Never have I turned one back in and said…“wow what a great car…I should go buy one”.

Although I would own a GR Supra…lol. Funny how Toyota’s most dynamic car to drive, is actually a BMW.

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You have vastly different requirements for a vehicle than I do, but I still can’t recommend the RAV4.

It’s one of two vehicles I won’t accept from a rental car company, unless there is no other option.

It’s really a dreadful car. Zero personality, low tech, loud/buzzy engine (possibly just not nearly enough sound insulation), depressingly cheap interior materials. Plus it’s ugly, and awful on longer drives.

I’ve had a couple of X1s as service loaners. No contest given the two choices.

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I can appreciate your honesty in the “don’t care about” list

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