The dealer is wrong about the 8 speed. There was no ability to order an 8 speed powertrain with the 6 speed "features". The 15 model run was well over a year and I'd guess Cadillac rushed the new Escalade out to earn some $$$ before the 8 speed was ready for installation. Most of us would tell you they should've waited until 16/17 when they really had the 8 speed transmission bugs and programming issues worked out.

Spend 30 mins and read through the forums on the 8 v 6 speed discussions and the issues with the 15/16s compared to the issues for the 19/20s.

There is little benefit in getting the 8 speed for fuel economy purposes. Get a Prius if that's what you're worried about fuel economy or using premium gas. Personally, I'm thrilled to be averaging 19.1 MPG over 122K of miles on my 4WD ESV.

The charging pad doesn't work for many phones and I gladly plug in to use my Apple CarPlay (I upgraded my CUE to get CarPlay on my 15i)

Good luck on your search!

 

The dealer is wrong about the 8 speed. There was no ability to order an 8 speed powertrain with the 6 speed "features". The 15 model run was well over a year and I'd guess Cadillac rushed the new Escalade out to earn some $$$ before the 8 speed was ready for installation. Most of us would tell you they should've waited until 16/17 when they really had the 8 speed transmission bugs and programming issues worked out.

Spend 30 mins and read through the forums on the 8 v 6 speed discussions and the issues with the 15/16s compared to the issues for the 19/20s.

There is little benefit in getting the 8 speed for fuel economy purposes. Get a Prius if that's what you're worried about fuel economy or using premium gas. Personally, I'm thrilled to be averaging 19.1 MPG over 122K of miles on my 4WD ESV.

The charging pad doesn't work for many phones and I gladly plug in to use my Apple CarPlay (I upgraded my CUE to get CarPlay on my 15i)

Good luck on your search!

Perfect, exactly what I was looking for. And no I am not particularly involved with fuel mileage just I assumed it would be a bit better than my 08.. and so what exactly does the Interim i mean after the 2015 I’ve tried to search and can’t seem to understand. Does that just mean the updated 2015? Also that was the other thing was the apple car play. I did want that, but I guess it’s not a big deal.

So from what you’re saying maybe the 6 speed in general is better than the non updated early 8 speeds?
And also that this is potentially a good vehicle to purchase? And a good buy at that?
Thank you so much for the reply I really appreciate it.

 

BUMP! Nobody has any insight?

 

2015: 6 speed
2015i: 8 speed plus some other updates (larger mirrors, charge pad, updated Cadillac logos, updated 4WD system, and I think the 360 camera system). A google search will specify anything else I've missed.

I purchased a CUE upgrade from a GM parts seller in NY back in 17/18 that was then installed by a local car audio dealer. All in, it was about 1K and it was well worth the investment. It brings the stock CarPlay format to the older CUE systems. I'm sure there are other options out there now.

No idea on price. That rig appears as if it may be a Premium- one step below the Platinum. It does have the upgraded Kona leather which is nice. The Kona package includes a higher quality leather and more of it.

Again- if you're serious about getting the 4G Escalade, you need to spend some time on these forums, read, and come to your own conclusions regarding the 6 v 8 speed transmissions. There are several opinions on it. The one near unanimous thought- get the 10 speed on the 18s or newer. But that's a big price jump and it sounds like you're on a tight budget.

 

I just upgraded from a 2008 to a 2018 luxury w/ black interior and the gas mileage is 30-40% better with the 2008. The 6 speed will be the same as your 2008 in gas mileage. According to the federal mpg website that if you average 15k miles per year you will save 5k a year in gas from a 2008 to a 2018. I would get the 2015i with the 8 speed at the very minimum. I also understand that the 2015 will not have the 4g OnStar module only the 3g which will not work in a few months. I just got a 2018 white luxury w/ 49k miles and the extended 100k warranty form Cadillac for 53k.

 

According to the federal mpg website that if you average 15k miles per year you will save 5k a year in gas from a 2008 to a 2018.

Save $5,000 a year on gas 2008 model vs 2018???
Please this is unreal and unheard. Lets say 15,000 miles, 300 miles per tank, $99.99 per tank of premium here in Florida (not even) = 50 tanks of gas per $99.99 per tank = $4,999 spent in gas driving whole year, how can you save $5,000 when you total gas bill is $4999 ? you going to say you live in NY how gas is expensive there, premium gas there average is $4.05

 

The 2015 with the older Cadillac Logos looks dated as well. You will spend close to 3k or more just to change the logos and CarPlay. No surround camera and you are buying the first year of the Escalade which we know the 2007 has issues. The charging pad is awesome in the 2018 works with every phone my family has. Android & iPhones XR and up. The 2018 has the camera rear mirror. I get 27mpg on the highway with the 10 speed & 17mpg in the city vs 9mpg / 16mpg on the 2008 with perfect tuneup and compete new engine. This is in Los Angeles.

 

You average 27 MPG on the highway? Is the engine running?

 

Damn.. I figured you guys would say spring for the 8 speed. Man I really like it. I’m so torn because I have done research and have seen opinions that the only good 8 speeds are 17+ and the 19’s have the best ones. Also seeing that the 6 speed is way less costly in repairs. But if I can save 30-40% in fuel! That’s insane! That’s amazing. I doubt the 6 speed will do that though… I don’t care for the charging pad and surround view and all the upgrades tbh. I really just care about the transmission. And really I don’t mind the 6 speed I guess? But I know 2 more gears obviously means greater fuel economy.. just wish I knew by how much.. and as the other gentleman said. Buying the very first year escalade there could be problems.. as for the emblems I kinda don’t mind the older ones. In all honesty I’d probably end up vinyl wrapping everything black. Ahh what to do.. if I could find another 2015i short version premium with Kona brown I’m in but there SO hard to come by especially in Canada..

and as for the price 53k USD is roughly 66k CAD!! that’s 16 grand over my budget haha. But would get me an Escalade with the same mileage as you etc.

 

Please do the math on the fuel savings in your own situation. Nobody gets 27 MPG in the 4G Escalades on the highway. That kind of number is only possible in a diesel (5G only) or if it's being pushed from behind by a tow truck!

I drive 30,000 miles a year and don't spend 5K/year on gas...and that's assuming 19 MPG. Thus it's illogical that somebody is saving 5K/year in gas costs driving 15k miles/year. Perhaps he meant $500/year.

I'd suggest you find any 8 speed Escalade- whether SWB or ESV and drive it. You'll get a feel for the transmission (the lower gears are the issue) and can make a direct comparison to the 6 speed you're looking at.

 

Yeah I’m going to wait until I can find an 8 speed. Thanks so much guys.

 

FYI - the 8AT is no joy...its a little clunky and known for its common shudder issue. A torque converter flush will fix it, so dont be scared if you happen to test drive a car and you feel like the trans is about to fall out of the car (use it to your advantage for negotiating).

my advise is get the 15i with the 8AT...as mentioned above there are a few enhancements which make the car better than a regular 15

 

that is exactly what I’m going to do thank you.

 

This is the savings between a 2018 & 2008. I have both a 2008 since new and a recently purchased 2018. Maybe you can buy a 2018 with higher miles for less. I think the cluster in the 2017 and up has better resolution.

 

Sweet thanks for the info man. I don’t think an 18 will be close to my budget but I found a sick all blacked out one 17 with under 100k -kilometres for like 61 or 69k I think. But its sick all blacked out and Kona leather.

 

The only difference between the luxury and premium is the active cruise control, front cornering lights, tightening seat belt, lighted door handles “that can be added”, electronic parking brake and auto braking in reverse. The standard is missing so much. As far as the interior only the platinum has the upgraded leather accents. No difference between the standard, luxury & premium on the interior. Also the 2018 has the rear camera mirror w/ washer, foot activated rear door. In 2019 they added the Cadillac logo light for the footlight.

 

I agree with SpyShops NY, if you can wait for a 17 or 18 model, then hang tight. Repeating most of what's been said in here, the 17 is as far back on the model years you want to go on this version of the Escalade.

The 8AT can be a bit clunky, but from my year with ours, that's mostly in the morning or when the vehicle has sat for awhile. It smoothens out and behaves the way it's intended after those first few miles getting things heated and fluids back in place. The 10AT is the best bet, but you have to be willing to get an 18+ to upgrade to that. The wireless charger has an older module in the pre-18 models, but you can upgrade it in 15 mins, this was the first thing I changed to bring it up to the same design in the18+ models. There's a thread somewhere here with a vendor that sells the upgrade with instructions for roughly $100. Easily worth the money and I haven't had any issues with my Note 20 Ultra or the kids iPhone wireless charging on the pad.

The 17 models are the first to introduce the rearview mirror camera which is an amazing feature to have if you get the ESV and have rear passengers. Gone are the days of me having to have the kids move out my line of sight, me having to make sure I have proper mirror visibility when loading cargo in the back, or some jackass high beams hitting the mirror and blinding me while it adjust. I could be wrong, but I think the 17's added the HDMI in the back for the rear entertainment.

My only complaints have been the lack of wireless android auto (didn't come till the redesign 2021), no light for the hatch foot/kick sensor, and the placement of the memory seat buttons. These are all minor issues and I only complain about them because they improved them on the 18+ models lol.

 

I agree with SpyShops NY, if you can wait for a 17 or 18 model, then hang tight. Repeating most of what's been said in here, the 17 is as far back on the model years you want to go on this version of the Escalade.

The 8AT can be a bit clunky, but from my year with ours, that's mostly in the morning or when the vehicle has sat for awhile. It smoothens out and behaves the way it's intended after those first few miles getting things heated and fluids back in place. The 10AT is the best bet, but you have to be willing to get an 18+ to upgrade to that. The wireless charger has an older module in the pre-18 models, but you can upgrade it in 15 mins, this was the first thing I changed to bring it up to the same design in the18+ models. There's a thread somewhere here with a vendor that sells the upgrade with instructions for roughly $100. Easily worth the money and I haven't had any issues with my Note 20 Ultra or the kids iPhone wireless charging on the pad.

The 17 models are the first to introduce the rearview mirror camera which is an amazing feature to have if you get the ESV and have rear passengers. Gone are the days of me having to have the kids move out my line of sight, me having to make sure I have proper mirror visibility when loading cargo in the back, or some jackass high beams hitting the mirror and blinding me while it adjust. I could be wrong, but I think the 17's added the HDMI in the back for the rear entertainment.

My only complaints have been the lack of wireless android auto (didn't come till the redesign 2021), no light for the hatch foot/kick sensor, and the placement of the memory seat buttons. These are all minor issues and I only complain about them because they improved them on the 18+ models lol.

You’re the man!

 

Wow thank you Gentlemen!!! I have found a 17! That I’m going to get this Saturday. They’re giving me 10k CAD for my 08.. (me being a mechanic and showing full service plus a new tranny last year they obliged.”

but this 17 is sick!!! It’s the all murdered out edition. With Kona Interior and comes with 24” Lexani Wraith rims. (Yes I know it’s winter…I’m selling those) I actually have 26”!!! Dub Baller rims. I had on my 08 that i’ll put on my 17.. so if I can get a couple grand for those Lexani’s with tires I’ll be happy. They are $2260 USD rims alone!!
Price is $18,000 higher than budget lmao. But whatever. For the extra 90 a month. For 2 years newer with updated suspension, fixes etc and the blacked out edition. With Kona Interior. I’m in..
here’s the link!
Tell me what you think!
trust me. I do not like the rims. I want factory 22’s with Blizzaks. For winter. And my 26’s for summer.


Saw this 2017 Cadillac Escalade on AutoTrader's iPhone app

New & Used Cars for sale in Canada | AutoTrader.ca

Looking to buy a car in Canada? Visit AutoTrader.ca, Canada's largest selection for new & used cars, trucks and suvs.

www.autotrader.ca

 

Wow thank you Gentlemen!!! I have found a 17! That I’m going to get this Saturday. They’re giving me 10k CAD for my 08.. (me being a mechanic and showing full service plus a new tranny last year they obliged.”

Congrats!

 

Never buy a car with rims that are not factory or spec size. This tells you allot about the previous owner. You want to buy a car from a older person that didn’t mess with the truck. Check the presets it tells you allot. 26” rims riding in Canada must have put allot of wear on the frame and body. I would try to sell your truck outright not let the dealer profit on that. My biggest regret was giving away my previous truck to a dealer who lowballed me. Also find out that if it was blackened from factory Sport or the customer did it. You don’t want to have to deal with pealing parts. Sorry to throw a wrench in every car you found so far but I am going by what I would do and I am sure others agree.

 

Ah I’m not worried about the rims, fwiw I’ve had the 26s on mine for 2 years with no issues. And it came from factory like that. It’s the blackout edition. I’m pumped. It’s going to be a sweet ride!

 

I have a 09 since new and it has 138000 miles. It's mostly winter car but if it runs fine don't overspend with this vehicle market. I plan on buying a 18 or newer one as soon as this madness ends

 

Definitely wait. I had an early '15 Yukon Denali XL. I will never be a GM first model guinea pig again! I had so many issue with that truck.

 

the Kona is gorgeous, im super happy with mine.

 

Agreed, I was planning to get black and a week later they got one in with Kona. Fell in love and had to have it.

 

Well. Due to the comment about over pricing. And thinking about it logically. After all my bills I’m left with $1972 that’s including mortgage etc basically every living necessity MINUS gas and food. So with a payment of 1036 plus gas and food i’d probably be around 1700…
Do I really want to live life car poor? And have only $200 left? I love my 08 when I bought it I had wanted a new body style 08-13 so bad and saved and got it. Paid off then threw some 6’s on it muffler delete and fell in love.. so how about save the $1972.00 that can add up quick!
i have only a credit line with about 4k owing and no other debt period but my house.
my cadillac is paid and my f250 harley davidson edition. So I think i’ll just wait. And wait for a better deal for cheaper..

THANK YOU TO THE GENTLEMAN WHO SAID I WAS OVER PAYING! and to my common sense. Took a big boy move to do that..

but talking to a good real estate mogul I look up too. And these are his exact words

“B!tches want to get fuck3d in nice houses..not nice cars!”
Ahh word to the wise. So looks like im keeping my 08.. for now!

 

Bitches! What kind of class is that? A gentleman who drives a Escalade has respect for woman and refers to them as Mrs. I would smack you some sense if you was in front of me. I have a wife and a 4 year old and I would run someone over with my Escalade if someone was to refer to them as bitches. I don’t need a Escalade to impress a woman. I can be myself and drive my 2018 Camry Hybrid XLE which is my favorite car. BTW your two trucks is 3x bigger than your house which is laughable. Have respect!

 

Lmao oh no i hit a nerve!!! Haha it was just a joke man chill!!! And ya my trucks pretty big lol

 

Hey man no worries it was just a joke! I’m a stand up guy trust me. It was just a reference and we all know what he meant. He’s right! But it was just a joke.

 

What I would do in your shoes is call the GTA Cadillac dealers and ask to be called when have a 2020 or 2019 Escalade finishing a 2 or 3 year lease respectively. I'm assuming your in southern ontario based on the Kijiji link.

A client returning a leased vehicle rather than being bought out is going to provide you :

- Low mileage : Not ONLY because of model year but also COVID - this is why when I bought my truck it only had 19k KM. Think about all the people that use to commute to Toronto that now work from home.

- Only 1 previous owner

- No aftermarket nonsense (typically)

- Still manufacturers warranty available with the option to purchase extended warranty from GM due to under the mileage threshold

- Previous owner is incentivized to keep vehicle in best possible condition knowing they are returning it

 

What I would do in your shoes is call the GTA Cadillac dealers and ask to be called when have a 2020 or 2019 Escalade finishing a 2 or 3 year lease respectively. I'm assuming your in southern ontario based on the Kijiji link.

A client returning a leased vehicle rather than being bought out is going to provide you :

- Low mileage : Not ONLY because of model year but also COVID - this is why when I bought my truck it only had 19k KM. Think about all the people that use to commute to Toronto that now work from home.

- Only 1 previous owner

- No aftermarket nonsense (typically)

- Still manufacturers warranty available with the option to purchase extended warranty from GM due to under the mileage threshold

- Previous owner is incentivized to keep vehicle in best possible condition knowing they are returning it

it looks like he has a certain amount he wants to spend. I suggested a 2018 but it may be over his budget. He is more on the ballpark for a 2017. It would be nice to find him a 2018 for the price point he is looking for so he could get the 10 speed and get the same options like the 2019-2020 minus the sport or rear foot Cadillac logo.

 

I see that you are holding off on buying right now but the thought the '17 offered a blacked out / sport edition had me confused. I didn't think that option was offered until '19. Might be suspect of that dealer.

Site Maintenance

 

Exactly!! They did that in the last model only for 2012-2014 which offered the sport edition.

 

Yeah SgT Cdn and Spy Shops are thinking what Im thinking I’ll wait it out for a 2018+ with low mileage. Thank you all for contributing I really do appreciate it.