Overview

Designing a compact 4x4 car that’s good on the road, comfortable and yet also possesses some off road ability is no easy feat. But BMW has come close with the X3 – the smaller brother to the muscular X5. It uses BMWs xDrive four wheel drive system which ensures excellent traction both off-road and on it, while decent body control and good steering feel mean the X3 corners very well for an off roader.

However the downside of the stiff suspension is that the BMW rides firmly and isn’t particularly settled over rough roads. It carries a high list price too, especially when compared to equally capable off roaders. On the plus side it’s very practical with a large boot and spacious cabin.

Parkers top buying tips

As with all used purchases, do remember to get a car history check. It might just save you from an unpleasant surprise later down the line. Also, don’t forget you can use our valuation tool to get an idea of how much you should be paying for a car. You can also check our reviews section for more information about the cars you are interested in.