If you’re in the market for a small SUV but have a maximum budget of around $25,000, you’re out of luck at a dealership unless you’re looking at the used car lot. The good news is that several BMW model years feature budget options. Let’s take a look at the top five model years ranked by a reputable automotive resource.
The most used BMW X3 model years
released a list of 82 of the “Most Used Compact Luxury SUVs Under $25,000 for 2023.” We spotted the BMW X3 and found that nine model years made the list, with all but one in the top half. Starting with the lowest ranked 2011 X3 at no. 42 and going up the list, we find the 2014 model at no. 34, 2010 at no. 24 and 2017 at no. 20. Further up, let’s take a closer look at the top five X3 model years ranked.
Priced at $8,298 in 2023, the all-wheel drive (AWD) luxury compact SUV features a 260-hp inline-six engine that gets 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway when equipped with the optional manual transmission. Fuel economy increases slightly with the automatic to 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
BMW X3 from 2013
The 2013 BMW X3 was paired with the 2011 Acura RDX at No. 4 on the list. Among the strengths of the 2013 X3 are its “very good safety levels, enjoyable ride and handling, and robust engine performance.” Average used prices in 2023 range from $13,960 to $15,358, depending on model, condition and location.
Two turbocharged engine options include the xDrive28i’s 240-horsepower I4 and the xDrive35is’ 300-horsepower I6. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The I4 powerplant gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and the I6 drops to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
BMW X3 from 2012
There is a six-way tie at No. 8 in the list between the 2012, 2015, and 2016 BMW X3 model years, the 2009 and 2012 Acura RDX models, and the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. The 2012 X3 features two options of engine, sporty handling and a comfortable ride, with used prices ranging from $12,622 to $13,960.
The base-model 2012 X3 iDrive28i includes a 258-hp naturally aspirated I6, and the X3 xDrive35i uses a 306-hp turbocharged I6, each mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Reviewers found the base engine horsepower adequate for everyday driving. However, some felt it was sluggish from a standstill and the power delivery harsh at higher rpm, leading the majority to prefer the “effortless acceleration” of the turbocharged powerplant. The base X3 gets an EPA estimate of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while the turbo gets a better highway estimate of 1 mpg.
BMW X3 from 2015
The 2015 BMW X3 received an exterior styling update and a turbodiesel engine option. Reviewers still found the X3’s handling, fuel economy, and interior space pleasing, but used prices continue to rise. For 2023, average prices for a used 2015 X3.
The 2015 X3 offers a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD, along with a selection of engines. The base X3 sDrive28i features RWD and a 240-hp turbo I4 that gets an estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The best fuel economy comes with the AWD xDrive28d’s 180-hp I4 turbodiesel at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The most powerful option is the 300-hp I6 turbo AWD-equipped xDrive35i, but it gets the worst fuel economy at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
BMW X3 from 2016
The 2016 BMW X3 offers the same features as the 2015 model, as confirmed by US News, which notes “no major changes” for 2016. The only real change for the 2016 model is that used prices are increased, so 2023 prices range between $22,620 and $27,534.
Is it worth buying a used BMW X3?
If a luxury compact SUV suits your needs and you like the look and feel of driving a BMW, a used BMW X3 is an excellent choice. The used BMW X3 range listed here offers a range of powerful engines, thrifty fuel economy and lively handling in a package with .
