[Marrduk24]

Hey guys

Comparing two very different cars but trying to figure out how to think of the cost of ownership.

2017 X5 is CPO, 37k miles one it, is pretty loaded (Cold Weather Package, Driving Assistance Plus, Executive Package, Lighting Package). It is available for $44k.

X5 m 50i in barebone trim is $85k (carbon black, black leather, carbon trim).

So here is the 3 year cost of ownership math

Lease: total of $36000, $12k per year
Used: Including tax buy of $48k, assuming in 3 years I can at least sell for $20k, total cost of ownership is $28k

Feels like I am missing something. That would say cost of ownership for a new one is only $8k more or $220 per month.

[TurtleBoy]

As an aside, you're not really comparing cost of ownership since you are leasing, more like cost of use although that really doesn't matter since you are looking at overall cost.

In the case of the lease, BMW is likely subsidizing the depreciation with an inflated residual and in the case of the 2017 the large upfront depreciation hit has already been taken. These would probably account for what appears to be a smaller difference between the two than one would think.

You also are comparing two different trim/option levels which would lessen the difference. If you optioned up the M50i to the same level the difference would be greater.