Hey everyone! As you may already know, I drive a 2002 BMW M5 and have decided to move on. It's an unbelievable car but it's too expensive to maintain and not a great daily driver. I'm a graduate student and need something reliable but also luxurious and versatile.
I drove a '96 GMC suburban for 5 years and loved it. I feel extremely comfortable in big SUVs with truck engines and such. When my M5 was in an accident, I rented a Ford Expedition for 2 weeks and realized how much I missed that feeling.
So, I prefer GMC and the Escalade is the natural choice since it's the top of the line truck. I also think it's absolutely beautiful. However, when I voice the possibility of getting one to my friends, they basically all laugh and suggest that I shouldn't even consider it. They all much prefer a Denali. As they said, "there's a certain stigma attached to an Escalade and you don't want it." I won't go into details but I think you can probably guess what I'm talking about.
So, how has everyone here dealt with the stigma? I'm not going to put rims on my truck or lower it or anything. I just want a luxurious full size SUV. Is there a simple way to explain that to people? Honestly, the stigma is the only thing stopping me from buying an Escalade at this point.
When I first saw the Escalade in 99' or 00', not sure when it was, I said "I would never buy one of those" , I was on my 6th Suburban and thought the Escalade at the time was just a "nicer Suburban" (not trying to insult any owners out there) , I even started driving my company Grand Cherokee's more, didn't need a bigger truck than that at the time, I then saw an 02' Escalade that a customer let me drive, really liked it an ordered an 03' in Sept of 02'. Not sure about any stigma, mine is a work truck, and it attends many car shows, I just wanted a nice comfortable truck, with a lot of power and good in deep snow, I have all of the above, and that is why I have two 07's. Get what you want to drive, that is unless your friends are buying it for you. I had an M5, I think there is a lot more of a stigma about those drivers.
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When I first saw the Escalade in 99' or 00', not sure when it was, I said "I would never buy one of those" , I was on my 6th Suburban and thought the Escalade at the time was just a "nicer Suburban" (not trying to insult any owners out there) , I even started driving my company Grand Cherokee's more, didn't need a bigger truck than that at the time, I then saw an 02' Escalade that a customer let me drive, really liked it an ordered an 03' in Sept of 02'. Not sure about any stigma, mine is a work truck, and it attends many car shows, I just wanted a nice comfortable truck, with a lot of power and good in deep snow, I have all of the above, and that is why I have two 07's. Get what you want to drive, that is unless your friends are buying it for you. I had an M5, I think there is a lot more of a stigma about those drivers.
People in Nashville aren't smart enough to know what an M5 is. It never gets any looks or anything. Just another black sedan, lol.
Thanks for the input! Good to know that it works well for all of that!
IMHO you need new friends. I've never lived my life for other people, so I can't appreciate where you're coming from. If I want something (within reason) I get it. I've never changed who I am, what I wear, or how I act to suit the people I hang around.
And as a former grad student, I can't imagine why you need an Escalade. Personally, my Escalade was my "I made it" gift to myself after grad school. YMMV.
Incidentally what are you studying to become?
__________________ Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.
Hey everyone! As you may already know, I drive a 2002 BMW M5 and have decided to move on. It's an unbelievable car but it's too expensive to maintain and not a great daily driver. I'm a graduate student and need something reliable but also luxurious and versatile.
I drove a '96 GMC suburban for 5 years and loved it. I feel extremely comfortable in big SUVs with truck engines and such. When my M5 was in an accident, I rented a Ford Expedition for 2 weeks and realized how much I missed that feeling.
So, I prefer GMC and the Escalade is the natural choice since it's the top of the line truck. I also think it's absolutely beautiful. However, when I voice the possibility of getting one to my friends, they basically all laugh and suggest that I shouldn't even consider it. They all much prefer a Denali. As they said, "there's a certain stigma attached to an Escalade and you don't want it." I won't go into details but I think you can probably guess what I'm talking about.
So, how has everyone here dealt with the stigma? I'm not going to put rims on my truck or lower it or anything. I just want a luxurious full size SUV. Is there a simple way to explain that to people? Honestly, the stigma is the only thing stopping me from buying an Escalade at this point.
Thanks for any input you might have!
Are you looking to buy a new one? I own an 05 ESV and I love it. I know what you mean about being comfortable driving a big truck. There's no stigma about mine. It's just a stock black ESV with the premium chrome rims (small). Your friends are crazy. I never heard anyone say anything negative about buying an Escalade.
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IMHO you need new friends. I've never lived my life for other people, so I can't appreciate where you're coming from. If I want something (within reason) I get it. I've never changed who I am, what I wear, or how I act to suit the people I hang around.
And as a former grad student, I can't imagine why you need an Escalade. Personally, my Escalade was my "I made it" gift to myself after grad school. YMMV.
Incidentally what are you studying to become?
I'm getting my MBA. My M5 was my gift for myself after college. Long story. Earned all of my own money since I was 13 though.
I don't NEED an Escalade, but in terms of needs vs. wants, the Escalade is a big step down that ladder from the M5, lol! I'm looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 regular black Escalade. I just want a big, powerful, luxurious SUV daily driver. Escalade seems to fit perfectly.
you want an Escalade...anyone who can earn enough to buy an M5 should be confidant enough to not care what his friends say...they will all want a ride in the big Esky...you do have to be careful what you wear when you drive though...no gold colored hubcaps around your neck on a chain...I think you know what I mean......
I'm getting my MBA. My M5 was my gift for myself after college. Long story. Earned all of my own money since I was 13 though.
I don't NEED an Escalade, but in terms of needs vs. wants, the Escalade is a big step down that ladder from the M5, lol! I'm looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 regular black Escalade. I just want a big, powerful, luxurious SUV daily driver. Escalade seems to fit perfectly.
Sounds like you want exactly what I have.. I love my 05.. The exterior is my favorite for an Escalade, and the interior - while not exactly as luxurious as the new one, is more comfortable. I'll likely keep it until 2011 or 2012 when my payments are done (boy oh boy) and the new design is ready...
Sounds like you want exactly what I have.. I love my 05.. The exterior is my favorite for an Escalade, and the interior - while not exactly as luxurious as the new one, is more comfortable. I'll likely keep it until 2011 or 2012 when my payments are done (boy oh boy) and the new design is ready...
The Stigma of an Escalade? 
I had an M5, I think there is a lot more of a stigma about those drivers. 
