Denali vs Escalade life cycle cost

[O2bwln]

Hi folks,

We're looking to purchase a new '18 and were looking at the Escalade Premium Luxury and a fully loaded Denali. Wife prefers the Escalade I like the Denali (not a huge fan of the interior cockpit, but it's not a deal breaker). We're looking to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years and wanted to hear opinions about the life cycle cost once the warranty expires, we'll probably purchase an extended warranty after the existing one expires.

This will be a daily driver averaging about 17k miles a year. I understand that the Caddy is more expensive and I could certainly save money by purchasing the Denali but wanted to hear experiences of owners who have had both. My biggest concern is the amount of electronics in each vehicle and the chances of having issues as the vehicle gets older.

Thanks,
O2bwn

 

[PivotalRex]

not sure why you haven't gotten any responses on this. Seeing as how I'm looking into purchasing the Denali as well but don't own one right now,I don't have a true cost for you. But hopefully I can point you in the right direction: if you go to edmunds.com and input the cars it will give you a 5 yr true cost to own.

 

[yates ™]

I am guessing with the vehicles being around 2-3 years old many do not know the answer as the previous generations are/could be different. I am not sure the exact differences between a Denali and an Escalade but I would think it is more looks than actual differences in the electronics. It will come down to which one you like better and how much you want to spend.

 

[cardude2000]

Hi folks,

We're looking to purchase a new '18 and were looking at the Escalade Premium Luxury and a fully loaded Denali. Wife prefers the Escalade I like the Denali (not a huge fan of the interior cockpit, but it's not a deal breaker). We're looking to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years and wanted to hear opinions about the life cycle cost once the warranty expires, we'll probably purchase an extended warranty after the existing one expires.

This will be a daily driver averaging about 17k miles a year. I understand that the Caddy is more expensive and I could certainly save money by purchasing the Denali but wanted to hear experiences of owners who have had both. My biggest concern is the amount of electronics in each vehicle and the chances of having issues as the vehicle gets older.

Thanks,
O2bwn

The mechanical aspects of the vehicles are the most expensive to fix and are identical.

The escalade has a bunch of bolt ons that drive up the cost but I can't imagine they'd be MORE prone to failures than the Denali.

 

[08HoeCD]

Related:
I was just reading about how extended warranties are generally not recommended when purchasing a new vehicle. Most who buy them end up not needing/using them; thus, the dollars invested in the warranty are wasted.

Many people believe it's better in the long run to 'pay yourself' an amount equal to the value of the warranty, putting into savings the warranty lump sum or a portion monthly. This way, you never gave up the money, and it's there (in savings) if and when you actually do need it.

On the other hand, if a warranty offers actual protection greater than its cash value, then the argument to purchase one becomes more convincing. Example: the warranty cost is $1,500 yet it covers transmission replacement with only a small deductible ($100). But I can't see how warranty underwriters can tolerate that level of exposure----they are not in business to save you money at their expense; they are in business to make money.

 

[cardude2000]

I can't see how warranty underwriters can tolerate that level of exposure----they are not in business to save you money at their expense; they are in business to make money.

Because 'odds'.

Odds are greater than not that you will not need a new transmission, engine etc. beyond that lots of warranties are not transferable and although everyone thinks "I'll own this vehicle forever!" When they buy, insurers know they'll likely trade/sell within a couple of years while the expensive stuff is still under warranty.

Then of course there are the loopholes. Have a truck with 90k miles and you change your own oil? That could get sticky if your engine blows.

 

[adventurenali92]

The escalade has a different suspension setup, which I'm assuming will be more electronics to control the selectable suspension modes. Eventually down the road that could get pricy to replace I'd imagine. I've heard the CUE system in the Cadillacs is tricky and has failed a few times that I remember reading, but not positive since I don't have one.

 

[cardude2000]

The escalade has a different suspension setup, which I'm assuming will be more electronics to control the selectable suspension modes. Eventually down the road that could get pricy to replace I'd imagine. I've heard the CUE system in the Cadillacs is tricky and has failed a few times that I remember reading, but not positive since I don't have one.

I think it's magnetic ride but just allows you to set stiffness. That's something magnetic does on Denali but isn't user selectable meaning it's just an interface nob.

 

[adventurenali92]

@cardude2000 , I knew that already. I was just pointing out that it would make sense that the selectable settings on the mag ride would have more computer controlled components, and possibly be more pricy to replace should something go wrong.

 

[cardude2000]

@cardude2000 , I knew that already. I was just pointing out that it would make sense that the selectable settings on the mag ride would have more computer controlled components, and possibly be more pricy to replace should something go wrong.

Potentially yeah, It has a knob.

If these were 1980's jaguars I'd be super concerned about electronics but I think we're all splitting hairs here trying to find material differences between virtually identical trucks.

 

[JayceeP]

An Escalade Premium is like what, almost $100k with taxes and fees. If you are in that kind of price point, I'm surprised you'd even care.

If you're concerned, just get one 1-2 years old and buy extra warranty if previous owner use worries you. You'll probably save $20k or more and have a lower cost of ownership. Unless you're a business owner, or wealthy enough to not care, I can't imagine spending that much on a new car and be willing to eat that much depreciation without the benefits of tax deductions.

I make good money, but it just doesn't make sense for me because I earn salary. Hence the reason why a 1-2 year old Yukon SLT (maybe Denali but unlikely) is on my radar.

 

[yates ™]

Depending on how you buy the hit isn't bad. I was offered around $5k less then what I paid for me truck being almost two years old and over 30k miles. I have seen used trucks sell for the same or more than in paid for mine new.

 

[O2bwln]

Thanks for all the feedback, very informative and helps tremendously. I posted the same question on the escalade forum and received similar feedback.

A few posts on the escalade forum mentioned the dealership experience relating to maintenance/servicing/misc. visits; the experience at the cadillac dealership vs gmc dealerships was more concierge level, something that I didn't consider when having to spend the type of $$ for a loaded denali vs escalade, certanly not a game changer but something that i hadn't thought about earlier.

I'm awaiting the '18 model and will follow how the 10 spd transmission is received prior to purchasing. Thanks again for all the constructive feedback, much appreciated.

 

[Mwbutcher]

Thanks for all the feedback, very informative and helps tremendously. I posted the same question on the escalade forum and received similar feedback.

A few posts on the escalade forum mentioned the dealership experience relating to maintenance/servicing/misc. visits; the experience at the cadillac dealership vs gmc dealerships was more concierge level, something that I didn't consider when having to spend the type of $$ for a loaded denali vs escalade, certanly not a game changer but something that i hadn't thought about earlier.

I'm awaiting the '18 model and will follow how the 10 spd transmission is received prior to purchasing. Thanks again for all the constructive feedback, much appreciated.

Where I live, the GMC and Cadillac dealer are the same. It's not a small dealer either and they also sell Buick. It's in Midland MI. I doubt you'll find a different level of service from a Cadillac dealer versus a GMC dealer? Now dealer to dealer regardless of brand yes there is huge differences. If it's a good dealership you'll get good service whether you buy a Buick or Cadillac. If it's a poor one, it doesn't matter if it's a Lexus or BMW - poor service will still be poor service so go with a vehicle that trips your trigger and the one that fits your lifestyle. I personally think Cadillacs are a little gaudy but that's just me, your mileage may vary and everyone's tastes are different so buy what's best for you.

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[Danny3737]

You're choosing between 2 great vehicles, so it's hard to go wrong either way. I personally like the Denali's looks over the Escalade, but that's just me.

I've only bought an extended warranty once and that was on a 2 year old certified Honda Odyssey. It was a good thing I did, because the transmission failed twice before it hit 100K.

 

[yates ™]

Where I live, the GMC and Cadillac dealer are the same. It's not a small dealer either and they also sell Buick. It's in Midland MI. I doubt you'll find a different level of service from a Cadillac dealer versus a GMC dealer? Now dealer to dealer regardless of brand yes there is huge differences. If it's a good dealership you'll get good service whether you buy a Buick or Cadillac. If it's a poor one, it doesn't matter if it's a Lexus or BMW - poor service will still be poor service so go with a vehicle that trips your trigger and the one that fits your lifestyle. I personally think Cadillacs are a little gaudy but that's just me, your mileage may vary and everyone's tastes are different so buy what's best for you.

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Dealer here has Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Ram, Dodge, and Jeep. Same level of service for any of them as far as I know.

 

[2016YUKONSLT]

Dealer service varies... I bought my SLT at one dealer(South St. Louis area) and have had great service. The check-in person is out there when you pull up, getting you in the system fast, offering you coffee/water while you wait, etc,... They also wash your vehicle. It is about 40 miles from me so won't take it back to here unless I have to due to location.

I have been taking it to the local GMC dealer (Laura Buick). I pull in, a young guy is there waiting, gets mileage, takes me inside to the check-in person for work. They are extremely friendly. They will ****** you the to waiting room, show you were the drinks/food is located. Now, the wifi isn't the greatest in their waiting room and it is kind of small... But Laura Buick has no issue giving you a car(I have had a buick encore, terrain and Sierras) to drive for free if you need one to go do errands. The other place, wants you to either drop it off and then get a car from enterprise which is a huge hassle and time waster.

We bought my wife a 2 year old Acura TL in 2010 at St. Louis Acura. To this day, they treat us like royalty when we go there. Car is washed/vacuumed, They will offer a car if over an hour wait. She gets to dream about owning a new Acura when we take it in..

 

[cardude2000]

the only thing that matters to me about the dealer is proximity to my home. I just walk around the lot while they do oil changes or grab a loaner if its going to be longer.

 

[gdfein]

We have both, 2016 Escalade ESV Platinum, and a 2016 Denali Yukon swb. We like them both. The Denali is mine and I drive 22k/yr for work and it's usually just me in the truck. The Escalade is more luxurious and smoother ride for sure. My homemaker wife drives the kids/dogs to/from school and it is our family ride on weekends.

In my opinion the 10yr cost to own, the Yukon will win by mile, as its $30k cheaper to start, and as any wear item or repair on Escalade is needed it will probably be 20% more expensive on the caddy.


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