Put me off buying an Escalade...
Discussion
Stu R said:
A safe bet that you'll be best placed to ignore 99% of the advice you receive on PH about this type of motor.
I've driven a few, been carted around in a lot more, and like them. I wouldn't have one over here, because too many idiots will jump to the conclusion you're a drug dealer, footballer etc. I couldn't care less about such things ordinarily (least of all on websites which are a sea of MX5s, resale grey hatchbacks or diesel rep-mobiles), but I don't like the thought of customers reaching the same conclusion. I also prefer the Suburbans and Tahoes (same car, different frock) as they're a bit more subtle styling wise - worth considering if you're troubled by the image of an Escy.
They're big (especially the EXT ones), brash and garish, but they're very comfortable, the vortec is a cracking engine too IMO. Thirsty, but not SRT10 thirsty, and they're bloody great for doing miles in. If it's well specced it's worth considering. Personally I've always preferred Suburbans / Tahoes, but the Escalades are decent.
The older ones did have a bit of a low rent interior vibe, despite being clad in wood and leather there was a definite lack of finesse in the details, the newer ones are spot on. They're hardly slow for their size either - ISTR 0-60 in the mid to high 7's for the 6.0 Vortec.
If you like it, get it, they're good motors. Make a lovely noise too.
Indeed. I think there's a world of difference between the older one that the OP is considering, and the newer one which came out in 2008(?). We hired one in California on our honeymoon last year and it was fantastic. Fast (yes it's heavy but has 400bhp), no it can't corner, averaged 20mpg over 1800 miles, but supremely comfortable to ride in. Heated and chilled seats, touch-screen entertainment system that sounded rather good.I've driven a few, been carted around in a lot more, and like them. I wouldn't have one over here, because too many idiots will jump to the conclusion you're a drug dealer, footballer etc. I couldn't care less about such things ordinarily (least of all on websites which are a sea of MX5s, resale grey hatchbacks or diesel rep-mobiles), but I don't like the thought of customers reaching the same conclusion. I also prefer the Suburbans and Tahoes (same car, different frock) as they're a bit more subtle styling wise - worth considering if you're troubled by the image of an Escy.
They're big (especially the EXT ones), brash and garish, but they're very comfortable, the vortec is a cracking engine too IMO. Thirsty, but not SRT10 thirsty, and they're bloody great for doing miles in. If it's well specced it's worth considering. Personally I've always preferred Suburbans / Tahoes, but the Escalades are decent.
The older ones did have a bit of a low rent interior vibe, despite being clad in wood and leather there was a definite lack of finesse in the details, the newer ones are spot on. They're hardly slow for their size either - ISTR 0-60 in the mid to high 7's for the 6.0 Vortec.
If you like it, get it, they're good motors. Make a lovely noise too.
I wouldn't have the old-shape though as it is very dated now, and to be honest I think the new shape would be hard work and impractical in the UK. But, if I was in the market for a bit of bling I would definitely consider one.
got picked up in an Escalade from the airport once (40 min drive to the hotel)
It was freakin awesome.. the best airport transfer i;ve ever had!
would love one just for pimpin to the shops
.. you'll need two spaces to park tho no doubt, so i look forward to seeing pics of it in the bad parking thread! 
It was freakin awesome.. the best airport transfer i;ve ever had!
would love one just for pimpin to the shops
.. you'll need two spaces to park tho no doubt, so i look forward to seeing pics of it in the bad parking thread! 
Had a 2011 model as an upgraded hire car in the US recently. Hateful, nasty, cheap interior, poor performance, bouncy ride and terrible handling - and that is me being nice!
To be honest, they are cheap, fully loaded and seem to last well. But there is a reason why they are on hire car fleets these days! But I have said it many times before, American cars work in America. They were designed to fit a need there. So if you are in the US then great, why not. Anywhere else? Forget it.
To be honest, they are cheap, fully loaded and seem to last well. But there is a reason why they are on hire car fleets these days! But I have said it many times before, American cars work in America. They were designed to fit a need there. So if you are in the US then great, why not. Anywhere else? Forget it.
Indeed, buying a car to use in the UK on the strength of it working satisfactorily on US highways (or in Germany for that matter) is a bit of a folly IMO. Knowing the roads in most parts of the UK quite well, I'd say an Escalade would be as big a mismatch with them as you can get. If you really need to be sat that high up, some sort of RR is where it's at, in all other cases I'd go for any big Merc/BMW/Lexus on non-sport suspension with the smallest available wheels in preference.
swerni said:
twazzock said:
Even on LPG I can't imagine you averaging much over 20mpg, which'd be fine on a fun, rapid car but f
king hell it's a slow, clumsy yank tank with big wheels. Can't understand the appeal at all.
says the man in a £427 Peugeot.king hell it's a slow, clumsy yank tank with big wheels. Can't understand the appeal at all.I would be it would be a fair bit faster than your pocket rocket
I'm assuming you never give opinions on anything that is more expensive than the version you own then?
Christ...
Anyway OP, don't see the appeal personally. Too big, too heavy, too thirsty, too low-rent and too 'gangsta rap' for my liking. Absolutely no redeeming features at all from what I can tell.
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