[DLH]

So I'm ready do my part for the good ole USA GM and pull the trigger on an 09 ESV based on the Total Confidence Program. The truck I wanted will not be delivered until next week. However, I wake up this morning to learn no more Total Confidence package on Caddy, Hummer and Saab. Does that mean those lines are doing so well they do not need the incentives or are they going away? :banghead: Frankly, I cannot believe that they are selling so many Hummers and Saabs that they can do away with incentives. Well guess what Cadillac you just lost my business!! If I cannot find what I want in a Denali XL then it's off to Land Rover and Toyota I go. May even consider a Mercedes GL550. I can get a new 08 550 for less than your 09 lade anyway.

Thanks GM for putting one in the loss column. Nice timing to this 9 year loyal customer !!! Oh and btw my 07 coming off lade lease that I was going to buy for my wife. Well it is on its way back to you as well. Will let you all know how the the Mercedes, Toyota and Land Rover experience goes. Has to be better than this.

 

[italianospeed]

I dont blame you. Its been very sad times for GM. I bought my 09 thinking the same thing. I test drove all the suvs and I really wanted to feel the GL550, range rover super, toyota/lexus were superior vehicles, but the caddy always made me feel like I was in a bigger, badder more powerful truck.

 

[hcvone]

It was no secret it was ending on 4-30-2009, anyone that wanted a new truck had plenty of time. I have some of those other brands of manufacturers you talk about getting, and they are really no better, and I am not just saying that.

 

[sirtiger]

9 payments, up to $500 per month in case you lose a job? That would equate to a potential upwards of $4500. Not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things. If there was serious danger of losing one's job, maybe buying a car shouldn't be in one's consideration imo.

Maybe after a last 8 months, GM has their inventory levels in a more manageable level. Dunno, its counterintuitive for them to stop promotion after such a difficult period.

As for the GL550, my friend just bought one, its cost a tad more than a 09 platinum Escalade; definately way more than std. escalade.

 

[hcvone]

I just called a friend that works for GM and he was telling me about something that Caddy may have going on themselves, will post after I find out, strange it's Caddy with the Hummer and Saab because those two brands are being sold.

 

[DLH]

I just called a friend that works for GM and he was telling me about something that Caddy may have going on themselves, will post after I find out, strange it's Caddy with the Hummer and Saab because those two brands are being sold.

Thanks H---That was my immediate thought. Why exclude the program from these 3? Does that mean Caddy is being sold as well or that they are selling enough to not worry about it? I always maintained that Caddy and Chevrolet would survive but only if they continue with the incentives for us to buy. I am pre-approved for the GL 550 at .09 financing and can get an 08 brand new for 65k---It's almost a no-brainer. My only concern was towing but the specs on the 550 almost equal that of the lade. And it has all these bells and whistles we have been begging for on the lade. I am really disappointed in GM. And yes we were all told the promo expired yesterday. I was reminded of that last night when the commercial came on during the 11PM news. I thought to myself who is buying cars at this hour and why spend money on a promotion that ended that day? More wasted funds? I assumed that they would extend it. And they did but with odd exclusions.

 

[DLH]

9 payments, up to $500 per month in case you lose a job? That would equate to a potential upwards of $4500. Not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things. If there was serious danger of losing one's job, maybe buying a car shouldn't be in one's consideration imo.

Maybe after a last 8 months, GM has their inventory levels in a more manageable level. Dunno, its counterintuitive for them to stop promotion after such a difficult period.

As for the GL550, my friend just bought one, its cost a tad more than a 09 platinum Escalade; definately way more than std. escalade.

It's really not the removal one item (job loss coverage), although there were 2 removals of the program from the Caddy, Saab and Hummer lines. For me it is the principal behind the decision and the questions that arise from the exclusion of these 3 brands.

 

[mdadgar]

I am pre-approved for the GL 550 at .09 financing and can get an 08 brand new for 65k---It's almost a no-brainer. My only concern was towing but the specs on the 550 almost equal that of the lade. And it has all these bells and whistles we have been begging for on the lade.

The diesel is spectacularly good, too.

I'd be all over the GL320 BluTec but I am just not comfortable towing close to 8000 lbs with something that short. Plus, it does not have a pass-through second row, which is a PITA with two kids in booster seats and infant seats.

Otherwise, as much as I love my Escalade, I'd replace it in a heartbeat. MBZ just builds higher quality vehicles, IMHO (and yeah, I have direct experience).

- Mark

 

[DLH]

The diesel is spectacularly good, too.

I'd be all over the GL320 BluTec but I am just not comfortable towing close to 8000 lbs with something that short. Plus, it does not have a pass-through second row, which is a PITA with two kids in booster seats and infant seats.

Otherwise, as much as I love my Escalade, I'd replace it in a heartbeat. MBZ just builds higher quality vehicles, IMHO (and yeah, I have direct experience).

- Mark

Agreed---I have a 1989 560SEL in mint condition and with only 86k miles. Runs like a top and kicks butt from 50mph on up. Once she hits 80 she is just getting started. I really do like the lade I just wished they were as innovative as even some of these little Japanese car makers. And to now take away the incentives---well time to move on. Sorry America---I tried!

 

[Ronin]

If you're seriously towing (and everyone's definition of "serious" is different, but I'd consider near capacity, i.e. 8K pounds to be serious) the rating doesn't mean squat when the stability is in the toilet because of a short wheelbase/narrow track. Anyone who tows a lot knows exactly what I'm talking about. Outside of a diesel dually, the ESV and EL model Navigators/Expeditions are your best bet for an tow vehicle when it comes to a SUV, since there's no longer any production diesel SUVs (the Excursion was the last, built in '05...just sold my '04 and long story short, loved it, and a complete tow MONSTER).

Believe me, GM/Caddy can leave a lot to be desired. Bluetooth, iPod control, USB loaded HDDs for music, adaptive cruise control, etc., are just a few examples of the attention to detail that the Japanese and German manufacturers have down. Some stuff just needs to be standard, especially on a high end model like the Caddy...

Personally, LOVE M-Bs, had an '05 S 55 AMG that was insane. If I wasn't so spoiled by the Jeep SRT that I had I'd have a G 55 AMG...so sweet. The GL550 is definitely a nice ride, but it's not good at everything, and if towing is a consideration then the ESV's a better choice.

 

[DLH]

If you're seriously towing (and everyone's definition of "serious" is different, but I'd consider near capacity, i.e. 8K pounds to be serious) the rating doesn't mean squat when the stability is in the toilet because of a short wheelbase/narrow track.

Thanks Ronin---How about a low profile 12X7 Wells Cargo cycle trailer? At most 6k lbs. Think CW is 2k. With this same trailer I actually felt the Lade struggled to tow a bit. Especially on long highway trips using cruise control. Lots of back and forth between 4&6. Just a little sluggish. Trailer has a nose cone wind breaker. If I didn't not need to tow I would probably just go truckless until this mess is over.

Maybe I just get a big honking beater for towing. But up to 8 hours in the cab---ugh. I keep coming back to that nice SUV, whose maker wants me to buy a quality product that gets up and GOES! Oh yah and bells and whistles do count at this price. Maybe a beater with bells and whistles. Maybe O will give us all a caddy! Maybe a GM Exec will read this and say okay include all models. Maybe.......

 

[Ronin]

...that's why I got rid of my diesel. My family/"crew" wasn't exactly ecstatic about 3K mile road trips in a leaf sprung, loud and stinky oil burner. It could pull a redwood out of the ground (600+ RWHP/900 torque) but the ride got numbing. The monsterous fuel tank (44 gallon) and ridiculous cruise range @ 12-15 MPG combined with my equally monterous bladder always had me pushing the limits of my passenger, which can really take the wind out of the sails of a family road trip/vacation.

With that being said, the Caddy's 3.42 gearing really leaves a lot to be desired, 3.73 or 4.10 would make it so much better. Doesn't sound like changing them out is really an option so you're left with finding the unattainable "perfect" cruising speed to keep it in the right gear and in the powerband to maximize your mileage and have power in reserve when you need it to pass, etc. Problem is that goes right out the window as soon as you hit even the smallest curve/hill/incline/decline/etc. Then there's nothing like having your cruise set on a pancake flat long stretch of straight road (think Texas) with no traffic and some azz clown pulls right into your lane for no apparent reason. Now you have to start all over again. That's when the diesel was real handy, and the faces on the people who were choking on my black smoke as a rolled by them like they were standing still were priceless. No doubt I'll miss that...

I towed my 7x14 2 bike enclosed v-nose with my '03 Navigator. Pulled it like a dream, but the mileage was in the toilet 'cause the engine and tranny were brawling with each other about what gear to be in. Problem with the 'Gator is although the gearing is "right" (3.73) it's way underpowered compared to the Escalade. That's what I was alluding to in my previous post, man is it ever impossible to have it all...

You had me all over the M-B website last night ya bastitch! :histeric: Man do I miss my AMG...but I'm thinking after my CTS-V test drive that I'll do my best to (re) stimulate the economy and buy another GM...but don't tell the wife that right yet...:shhh:

 

[DLH]

...that's why I got rid of my diesel. My family/"crew" wasn't exactly ecstatic about 3K mile road trips in a leaf sprung, loud and stinky oil burner. It could pull a redwood out of the ground (600+ RWHP/900 torque) but the ride got numbing. The monsterous fuel tank (44 gallon) and ridiculous cruise range @ 12-15 MPG combined with my equally monterous bladder always had me pushing the limits of my passenger, which can really take the wind out of the sails of a family road trip/vacation.

With that being said, the Caddy's 3.42 gearing really leaves a lot to be desired, 3.73 or 4.10 would make it so much better. Doesn't sound like changing them out is really an option so you're left with finding the unattainable "perfect" cruising speed to keep it in the right gear and in the powerband to maximize your mileage and have power in reserve when you need it to pass, etc. Problem is that goes right out the window as soon as you hit even the smallest curve/hill/incline/decline/etc. Then there's nothing like having your cruise set on a pancake flat long stretch of straight road (think Texas) with no traffic and some azz clown pulls right into your lane for no apparent reason. Now you have to start all over again. That's when the diesel was real handy, and the faces on the people who were choking on my black smoke as a rolled by them like they were standing still were priceless. No doubt I'll miss that...

I towed my 7x14 2 bike enclosed v-nose with my '03 Navigator. Pulled it like a dream, but the mileage was in the toilet 'cause the engine and tranny were brawling with each other about what gear to be in. Problem with the 'Gator is although the gearing is "right" (3.73) it's way underpowered compared to the Escalade. That's what I was alluding to in my previous post, man is it ever impossible to have it all...

You had me all over the M-B website last night ya bastitch! :histeric: Man do I miss my AMG...but I'm thinking after my CTS-V test drive that I'll do my best to (re) stimulate the economy and buy another GM...but don't tell the wife that right yet...:shhh:

Everything you said here is dead on brother. So just in case any of you car execs are listening to us:

Ford-Not sure what you sale
Chrysler-Well----really sad. Actually,...Cops seem to like your cars
Land Rover-Need a Bigger truck and your brakes repairs should costs less
Mercedes- Need a Bigger truck that does not look like a mini-van. For now you are my first choice however. How about 2 for 1 for Ronin and I?
Audi- You look like a big station wagon or tennis shoe. Think Truck
Porsche- Same as Audi. Can you tow?
BMW-Need a Bigger truck but even with that you are not in the running. Sad part is you make your suv (car) in my town.
Chevrolet-Hard to go from an Escalade to a Tahoe
Toyota-If I only wanted a nice truck to tow with then DONE. However, you also need a bigger SUV.
Nissan-Not sure what you make either.
GM-I am kinda digging the black Denali 1500 Silverado. However, with my luck you will drop that line.

and again to GM (Escalade and Denali---actually to all)-remain loyal and include all the bells and whistles

 

[Ronin]

Believe me, I looked REAL hard at the Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser and Lexus LX. Very capable, extremely well put together and fully featured. If the power isn't enough for you (and the 5.7 iForce is pretty stout for starters; 383 HP, 403 lb/ft torque) you can slap on a TRD, fully factory warrantied supercharger for less than $7K installed. Then you'd be sporting 504 HP and 550 lb/ft torque...http://www.trdusa.com/featuredpart.cfm?part=Superchargera.

The problem is, without waving the flag too hard and getting into an argument about what brand is made where with what percentage of US made parts, etc. I just couldn't bring myself to do it with the way the economy is right now and the problems the Big 3 are having. That could backfire and prove myself a world class idiot if GM goes tits up but I'll roll those dice...I was never that smart anyway...

 

[DLH]

Yah not trying to start a which is better or worse war either. I simply wish these auto companies would stay there game until we come out the other side. Don't tell me I have til such and such a date to make a decision and then pull the rug halfway out from under me. I am with you on Toyota and hence leaning towards the Denali Siverado. Plus I do not envision too bad a ride on those long 8 hour pulls from VA to SC. No towing involved. Frankly, I only tow my trailer to the beach, bbq cook competitions and the occasional bike fest. Plus the inside of the Silverado looks just like the Escalade and of course the same motor. Lastly, all those nice incentives they removed from Caddy still apply to GM trucks. Maybe I will go take a look at the Yukon XL Denali today. Heck with the extra savings maybe I can stimulate my wife with some bells and whistles. But there is still that possibility of the 550. Stimulated Wife or 550?...Hmmmmmm

Thanks for all the info Ronin---David

GO Washington CAPITALS!!!

 

[Ronin]

Yah not trying to start a which is better or worse war either. I simply wish these auto companies would stay there game until we come out the other side. Don't tell me I have til such and such a date to make a decision and then pull the rug halfway out from under me. I am with you on Toyota and hence leaning towards the Denali Siverado. Plus I do not envision too bad a ride on those long 8 hour pulls from VA to SC. No towing involved. Frankly, I only tow my trailer to the beach, bbq cook competitions and the occasional bike fest. Plus the inside of the Silverado looks just like the Escalade and of course the same motor. Lastly, all those nice incentives they removed from Caddy still apply to GM trucks. Maybe I will go take a look at the Yukon XL Denali today. Heck with the extra savings maybe I can stimulate my wife with some bells and whistles. But there is still that possibility of the 550. Stimulated Wife or 550?...Hmmmmmm

Thanks for all the info Ronin---David

GO Washington CAPITALS!!!

David,

I'm ALL about a stimulated wife...as long as I'm the one doing it... The Yukon Denali XL sounds like an excellent option, if Caddy wants to pull the rug out on ya, they can't be pissed about losing the sale to GMC, it's all in the GM family anyway. It's effectively the same exact truck, with different badging, and if you can save some money and get what you want while you're at it, that's no brainer. The GL 550 has a whole different kind of "class"; which everyone defines differently but is a immediately palpable the second you close the bank vault like door and slide into the seat... Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

Matty

 

[DLH]

Shoot---Maybe I'll just buy my 07 coming off lease. At $41K and 35k miles the price is a little high BUT she's FULLY loaded with all the post manufactured upgrades mentioned in these threads...road noise stoppage, heated washer recall etc are done. And it's only been my butt in the drivers seat, which is the only seat even used. Most important, not one single thing wrong with it. Lot to be said for buying that which you know is proven. Especially, having followed all the problems folks like HV and others had with engines and trannys. Only frustration I have is drivers side mirror has a slight movement at highway speeds. Dealer said they knew about it but no fix. Other than that she's new. Maybe the answer is sitting right in my garage next to the old but solid 560SEL.....Put some platinum cosmetics including wheels on her and who knows the difference? .......shuhhhh

 

[TSS]

Regarding the buyout: Up until last Friday, my dealer said their hands were tied about negotiating the buyout at the end of my lease. Some of the top dogs at the dealer have been clients and are friends of mine. They always treat me really well and bend wherever they can. So, I was pretty confident they were not BSing. GM/GMAC gave them no discretion or ability to make a reduced buyout work.

Now, they apparently have some leverage. You still have to have the vehicle put into somebody elses name (ie. spouse/business), but they can now negotiate "market value". YEAH!!!!!! Before it was a game of sending it to auction, tracking it, trying to buy it back, etc, which could have left me without the truck for up to 4-6 weeks and who knows where it would be during that time. Imagine if they decide to wash it before auction and bring it through a non-touchless carwash???????? And, no guarantee it would even be local, so arranging for auction purchase could be inconvenient.

The buyout process can start up to 6 months before lease ends - and avoid the last six lease payments too, obviously.

 

[Ronin]

^ That's some good info and great news right there TSS...

 

[DLH]

Regarding the buyout:

Now, they apparently have some leverage. You still have to have the vehicle put into somebody elses name (ie. spouse/business), but they can now negotiate "market value".

Yup same here! Who is they? Meaning does GMAC or the dealer negotiate the buyout?

David