You don't really notice how big a X5 is until you see one up close. Seeing one on the road doesn't do it justice. It wasn't until we sized it up against its smaller brother, the X3, did we realize how large its presence actually is. The one we purchased, particularly the 4.8i trim just looks mean (in a good way). It stands out with the larger exhausts in the back (compared to the 3.0si), and the metallic brushed kidney grilles on the front. Because it was modified for 2007, the back taillights are more refined and not as bulky as they looked for the first generation vehicle. The exterior is fresh, the lines are good and it immediately comes off as a solid SUV, or as BMW calls it, SAV. You don't really notice how big a X5 is until you see one up close. Seeing one on the road doesn't do it justice. It wasn't until we sized it up against its smaller brother, the X3, did we realize how large its presence actually is.
The one we purchased, particularly the 4.8i trim just looks mean (in a good way). It stands out with the larger exhausts in the back (compared to the 3.0si), and the metallic brushed kidney grilles on the front. Because it was modified for 2007, the back taillights are more refined and not as bulky as they looked for the first generation vehicle. The exterior is fresh, the lines are good and it immediately comes off as a solid SUV, or as BMW calls it, SAV. Inside, the materials are everything you'd expect from BMW with the wood grain trim, leather seating, steering wheel, etc. The buttons are arranged simplistically and are not overwhelming as you sometimes find in other vehicles. 750. Thankfully these are supposed to last 100,000 miles so it should not have to be done again. Great vehicle, just be aware that you are getting what you pay for and be mindful of keeping it well maintained!
Myk Belmonte delves more of this car in this story. The Japanese are big fans of vans and MPVs of all sizes and price range. From the smallish Toyota Wish and Honda Stream to the luxurious Nissan El Grand, the Japanese have you covered. They value space and simplicity over else, since their streets aren't that wide to begin with. Nissan's El Grand caught Toyota and Honda by surprise, in which they had pit in the Alphard and Elyson respectively. With Nissan having its second generation model launched in 2002, the other two introduced theirs during the same year period. Toyota's Alphard featured an electronic toll collection option for units with a navigation system, a hybrid version, and a telematics operation system called the G-BOOK. The first generation model lasted until 2008, with the second generation Alphard coming to the scene in April 2008 which gained a Vellfire model, a sportier model.
Good luck on finding a second generation model that costs below a million bucks. This Toyota can cost you for as low as P2,200,000 to P2,600,000 for later ones. High resale values are a charm of this van, which owners aren't letting them go of it. Most of the units sold are the 3.5 V6 models, with the 2.4 4-cylinder being a rare one (but we don't recommend buying it, more on this later). Just like any van, check for worn-out parts like brakes (for such a large vehicle) and the rollers of the sliding doors. With this being a luxury oriented car, power amenities such as the sliding doors and power seats would have a tendency to break so look carefully if they give up before signing the bill. A prudent choice would be scouting at Toyota Pre-Owned's selection for full protection. Tall and elegant, these two words are to describe the Alphard's design.
