I am looking to buy a 07-09 Escalade. I'm ok with RWD and non-platinum. However, I don't want to make the mistake of buying a model/year with major issues or that had major changes/upgrades the next year. Therefore, I need advise with the following issues;

What year has the least recalls/problems?
What major features are only available on particular model years?
What are the recommended "gotta haves"?
What grade of gas is recommended by GM regular / premium?
If regular, why use premium?
Actual gas mileage observations?
What should I expect to pay for a particular year?
Extended warranty costs?

I know this is a small laundry list but I feel that you guys are owners and can answer some, most, or all of these questions from a real-world perspective.
Thanks in advance for you responses

(near)Future owner ..

What year has the least recalls/problems?
What major features are only available on particular model years?
What are the recommended "gotta haves"?
What grade of gas is recommended by GM regular / premium?
If regular, why use premium?
Actual gas mileage observations?
What should I expect to pay for a particular year?
Extended warranty costs?

(near)Future owner ..

2009 recalls - none.
Gotta Have: Rear view camera.
6.2 liter engine requires premium gasoline (91 octane).
Have new 2009 Escalade ESV. Current mpg is 11.8 combined city/highway.

If you can afford it, don even think twice about getting an '09... has all the upgrades we 07-08 owners wish for. I.E Bluetooth! If you're looking to get an 07, beware of the wind noise and battery issues( this may go out to all models). Gas is tricky, some owners get more some less. If it states premium, use premium. Gotta have is bluetooth. Not sure about pricing but Superior Cadilac is actually selling them for a good price now. Good Luck.

07s have the heated widshield wiper fluid. 09s don't. Don't know about 2008. I personally love this feature , but since you don't care about AWD, you are probably someplace warm enough anyway! ;)

Also, the 6.2 does not require premium gas. Though I use it anyway.

...Also, the 6.2 does not require premium gas. Though I use it anyway.

From 2009 Escalade Owner's Manual, pg. 6-5:
"If vehicle has 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code 2), use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service."

Why spend $65,000 to $80,000 on a vehicle then try and save money on cheap gas?

The point is that 91+ is not required. 87 will not damage the engine. I have used 87 when premium was not available, with zero issues. I agree, use premium. I disagree that as stated above, "it is required". It is recommended, which is different. That's all. :)

2009 recalls - none.
Gotta Have: Rear view camera.
6.2 liter engine requires premium gasoline (91 octane).
Have new 2009 Escalade ESV. Current mpg is 11.8 combined city/highway.

Restating:

6.2 liter engine: Premium gasoline (91 octane) recommended.

it is the hybrid's 6.0 L V8 that can have regular, not premium. I just had a TSB done on my hybrid which was issued to all escalade, it is the transmission reprogram. So far, no issues on my new hybrid having driven it to new orleans, dallas and just this weekend-toronto ontario and niagara.