Conundrum: Jeep Compass or used BMW X1

Thing is, I don't care one bit for the brand value like my family members, but is a used X1 really a better product over the Compass?

BHPian NarulaAJ recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I've been in constant confusion to select my next purchase which has lingered for over 1.5 yrs, partially due to the pandemic.

Requirements

• Budget 20-30L
• Reliability. I'm going to keep this car for like 10-12 years
• Comfortable for long distance (I have lumbar issues)
• High on the safety side
• Should not be bulky like the Fortuner / Endeavor
• Light steering
• Although I prefer a compact SUV, I can manage with a sedan as well.

After thorough research, and going over pros and cons of Harrier, Octavia, Kushaq, Tucson, Hector, Elantra and even Seltos, I settled on the petrol Jeep DCT, model S. 29L OTR.

Now my brother (even my better half) come up and say I've got it wrong, I should go for a used BMW X1, a 25k km driven 2018 model worth the same amount.

Thing is, I don't care one bit for the brand value like my family members, but is a used X1 really a better product over the Compass? I think features in the Compass trump over the 2018 X1 as well. Living in Chandigarh, I have both service centres nearby, but I really doubt the long term reliability of the BMW (I could be seriously wrong here; I now the VAG group cars fit into this category, but I'm putting BMW in the same group).

Here's what BHPian hridaygandhi had to say on the matter:

The X1 is definitely a whole segment above the Compass, and is better to drive as well. Modern BMWs are fairly reliable and cost of total ownership over the period of 10 years should come to the same thing (more or less) as the first owner has already taken the depreciation hit. Do get the extended warranty and maintenance package though, as the maintenance cost will be a little higher with the BMW.

However, the 2021 Compass is more feature-packed. The X1 is decently packed, take a test-drive and see if it feels better. Check this thread - How to buy a Used Car in India, and if it ticks the right boxes, go ahead. The X1 will not disappoint.

Have one since 3 years now, and the experience has been really good. You should be able to bargain a little and actually get it for less than the Compass.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Definitely the X1 between the two. The Compass is best in MT only. Both ATs (petrol & diesel) are extremely lackluster. The Petrol AT even more so because it is unimpressive as well as a gas guzzler. BMWs are very reliable and over the longer term, the X1 will surely be more reliable than the Compass. Neither will be a "Toyota" though.

Take a TD in the Citroen C5 Aircross - the drive quality will blow you away. It is damn well engineered. But the long-term after-sales & reliability are unknowns. Cars worth waiting for = next-gen Tucson which is coming next year & the Kodiaq 2.0 TSI. Take a spin in the VW T-Roc as well. You may like it. Shop properly. You keep your cars for long (like me), hence it is very important to buy something you really love.

But if you want something today, go for the pre-owned X1 and put it through our full used car buying checklist. Extend the warranty to 6 years and you're all set.

Check out BHPian comments for more insight and information.