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In the market for 2021+ Escalade. Is buying used a bad move?

11K views 18 replies 14 participants last post by  shan  
#1 ·
So just had a 3rd kid and in the market for a big SUV. Wife is leaning towards the latest escalade. I've seen some talk on forums of various quality issues (lifters, etc) during the covid production era and it scares me a little bit. Is it a bad move to buy a 2021/2022 that is used but still under warranty? Looks like it can save me ~$15K but a headache car isn't worth it in the long run. Any opinions?
 
#3 ·
I was able to find a 2021 Escalade Platinum with 5000 miles on the odometer. Picked it up about two months ago. Happy so far. There have bee some issues, but there usually are with newer cars. I bought a 8 year, 100000 mile Extended GM Warranty for it. I was able to get it for about $17k off sticker.

Also keep in mind the forums probably don't present a fair look at the overall quality of vehicles. More people are likely to come online and ask questions or post when they have issues than when everything is working great. :)

If you see one you want, I would not hesitate. The new Escalades are great.
 
#7 · (Edited)
congratulations! we have a similar situation and I also took escalade when the third child was born.

and on the merits of the question, well, I'll say this: here in Russia now such a car costs about $200,000 plus or minus, and this is without an official warranty. if possible, take a new car, it will really please you.
 
#8 ·
Appreciate all the replies. I’ve been a lifelong Lexus guy just because the frugal part of me loves having no breakdowns to worry about. They don’t make a good big SUV though (LX is not an option since no trunk space). So this will be the first time I venture into American car territory. Tried to talk myself into going X7 but again, trunk space is horrible with 3rd row. Escalade or Yukon Denali seem to be the only choices to debate (not a fan of Lincoln’s looks). Time to do some test driving :)
 
#9 ·
I was the same and had the same considerations. The x7 and the LX are not even close in terms of space. I can't believe they're listed as comparisons in many cases. I was hesitant at first to leave brands I was familiar with, but have no regrets. I'm probably going to stick with Cadillac from here on out.
 
#10 ·
LX and x7 have disappeared from me. I was choosing between Hyundai Staria 2022, VW Multivan T7 and Escalade, but Escalade won. Only it really has enough space for 3 children and for a mother-in-law. But don't forget that you will also have to purchase either an ESV or a roof rack. Have a nice day!
 
#11 ·
I've seen some talk on forums of various quality issues (lifters, etc) during the covid production era and it scares me a little bit. Is it a bad move to buy a 2021/2022 that is used but still under warranty?...Any opinions?
When looking for an Escalade, a good option to consider is a Certified Pre-Owned one. The Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Warranty adds another year plus unlimited miles to the factory comprehensive warranty. So if you pick up a 2022 you could possibly have a better warranty than the car comes with from factory! Just some food for thought. As for the lifters, Cadillac did have a recall issued on those 21 Escalades to remedy the issue.
 
#14 ·
If you have kids, and travel and are active with family and friends I am 100% in agreement that there is no other vehicle anywhere that will give you that comfort. If you can afford the Escalade you get all the bells and whistles . We had 2 Yukon XL Denalis and ended with the Escalade. Unfortunately the Escalade had issues and I got rid of it.
 
#15 ·
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pre owned Escalade, buy from a Caddy dealer to get the CPO warranty as mentioned above......unless you get a screamin deal from a non Caddy dealer. You can always buy a Caddy service contract afterwards, but watch the pricing. I would stay away from non Caddy warranty/service contract. Also, I understand that recalls come up, but the 6.2 V8 in these SUVs has been around for many years, pretty bullet proof.
 
#16 ·
Interestingly, if someone were to buy my Escalade, they would be in 10000x better shape than if they had bought it new.

I have probably had 20 things fixed on it since I bought it. As a matter of fact, it's in the shop right now (surprise, surprise).

It really depends on who the previous owner was, of course.

All I know is that my 2021 Platinum Sport Onyx is in 100x better condition since the day I bought it.

I was chatting with the mechanic, and he said a big part of the problem is the OEM suppliers. It's not that the crew in Arlington is so sloppy (well, that's part of it), it's that they are getting crappy parts. Interesting.

Just thought I'd share!
 
#18 ·
I’m looking used also now as I can’t wait 9-12 months to order and don’t want to pay a markup. Am an owner currently of a TRX that I’m selling so am used to this situation. Question - for those that have a ‘22 without super cruise due to chip shortage, is it true Cadillac has an upgrade to allow the functionality for those cars? I’ve found a ‘22 Premium Luxury that the owner did a chrome delete on and put on the monochromatic emblems for a good price but it doesn’t have super cruise. Wondering if I can “live” without it. 🤔😜
 
#19 ·
As far as I am aware, you cannot add SuperCruise to a car without it. It must be included at delivery. Multiple changes to support, including steering wheel stalk, wheel, etc.

I really like SuperCruise but whether or not you can live without it comes down to the driving you do. Can’t use it off the interstate and only where it is mapped, it kicks off in most construction, high traffic and other undetermined times. If you do a lot of driving cross country or cross state where you are on lightly trafficked highway, it is great. I am sure it will get better in those other situations over time, but no guarantee we will get the updates. I really, really wanted it but it would not be the decider for me now…I like the massage seats more than SuperCruise. :)

just my experience and opinion.

Good luck in your hunt!