New Tahoe vs Used Escalade

[05Gride]

Hey folks,

New to the forum and wanted to ask for some opinions from you all.

I'm basically looking to buy either a brand new 2011 Tahoe 4WD LT (prob with towing and luxury package, or a 2009 Escalade (38K mi, AWD, 22" rims, Luxury package, nav, LOADED). Both are roughly the same price.

Pros and cons? The only real major one I can think of is that the 'Lade is going to require premium gas, and that kind of sucks.

Welcome your thoughts!

~Keith

 

[yates ™]

I am not positive on the LT options but I assume no leather, sunroof, etc.?

 

[Modded]

I would say the new 2011 Tahoe. It will have less long term problems and does not require the premium gas.
Plus since the Escalade has more miles and is an 09 you will lose more money in the end if you decide to sell it because by then it would be going on it third owner (at least). Plus it may have some random issues.
Now if they were both used at the same price, the Escalade would be a way better decision.

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 PM ----------

And Yates, most LT's have leather and a good amount of them have a sunroof.

 

[Goodinblack]

I would say the new 2011 Tahoe.

+1

New is new. I would get the Tahoe.

 

[05Gride]

I am not positive on the LT options but I assume no leather, sunroof, etc.?

LT Tahoe would be leather, luxury package (which is heated seats, folding mirrors, autodimming rear view, etc)

Interesting point Modded, I didn't think about the fact that I'd be selling as the second owner. In general don't 'Lades carry their value better than Tahoes though? I haven't done the analysis on KBB, so that's why I'm asking.

It's just hard to pass up a fully loaded Escalade (even has the TVs in headrests already) vs the Tahoe that I'd be getting without navi or anything and end up putting it in myself aftermarket. Love the opinions though, keep em coming!

 

[JochenWoern]

I would say the new 2011 Tahoe. It will have less long term problems and does not require the premium gas.
Plus since the Escalade has more miles and is an 09 you will lose more money in the end if you decide to sell it because by then it would be going on it third owner (at least). Plus it may have some random issues.
Now if they were both used at the same price, the Escalade would be a way better decision.

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 PM ----------

And Yates, most LT's have leather and a good amount of them have a sunroof.

+1 ON BUYING THE TAHOE.

Also keep in mind that you will have a full factory warranty for the Tahoe, which you will most likely NOT get on the ESKY.

 

[05Gride]

+1 ON BUYING THE TAHOE.

Also keep in mind that you will have a full factory warranty for the Tahoe, which you will most likely NOT get on the ESKY.

Another great point. It's "Certified Pre Owned" by the dealership. Can anyone tell me what that typically means, given that I'm sure it's still within the original warranty period?

 

[yates ™]

I figured they had cloth.

 

[LuSe4]

Another great point. It's "Certified Pre Owned" by the dealership. Can anyone tell me what that typically means, given that I'm sure it's still within the original warranty period?

They are supposed to have gone over everything. They then give it a 12 month or 12,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.

If the Escalade is in terrific shape and it drives perfect, I would do that.

 

[THE YETI]

I would not think resale value isn't going to matter on the Escalade if you are the second owner unless you sell private party. And even if so, I don't think it would be that much.

I'd rock the Escalade, personally.

 

[07Burb]

Wow tough question on that one. If it was me, though, I'd choose the '09. You'll take an immediate hit on depreciation when you drive that '11 off the lot which will make it worth less than the '09 Esky immediately even, though, they have the same price tag. The Esky will also have significantly more creature comforts to it and more pleasurable to drive.

 

[yukondoit]

Hmm, same price but two different vehicles. New versus used.. The debate continues..
Personally, I would rock the Escalade. I mean come on, its a Caddy..

 

[biggusblockus]

It all boils down to what you want. If you want flash, AWD, the comforts of the Esky and don't mind spending 20% more on fuel (depending on how you drive and figuring in the extra cost of premium fuel) then in Lade may be the better choice. The cost of ownership with the Caddy will be higher (maintanence, fuel, insurance, etc.)

If you want a more basic SUV that is still a good platform to do your own upgrades, a 3 year warranty and the intoxicating new car smell, then the Hoe is the obvious choice.

It's going to boil down to what you want to drive, your wallet, and your lifestyle. To me, the new Tahoe is the better and safer choice.

 

[jbb01]

Why get a cheeseburger when you can get a steak? Unless you like cheeseburgers

 

[07Burb]

Great! Now I'm hungry!!!

 

[skippy737]

id got for the ESKY-- the .20 cents epr gallon more is a joke-- the power is always nice to have and all those options?
certified pre owned ESKY is awesome piece of mind- get the extended warranty---
its a no brainer-- i agree new is new-- but optioned out is optioned out and a bigger engine is so nice -- the sound is like an aphrodisiac to a chic

 

[Gzes]

Get the esky. All i have to say

 

[taylorjm]

Why does the escalade require premium fuel.

 

[05Gride]

Why does the escalade require premium fuel.

The trucks computers and engine are tuned for the higher octane fuel.

But that brings up a different question. What happens if you put the 87 in that thing? I've read that supposedly the computer recognizes there is lower octane fuel in the car and adjusts the fuel map, power output, top RPM, etc to prevent severe engine knock and damage. Can anyone comment on that?

 

[Fast55]

Escalade has the 6.2 and needs premium for the whole 403 HP. It won't hurt it to run lower octane, but it won't run like it should. Wife put a tank of 87 in my 6.2 Tahoe once. It didn't knock, but it didn't run like it normally does. Fortunately that was before the tuning. I don't think a tuned 6.2 would care for cheap gas. Since the Caddy is an '09, it will have bluetooth with all those other options that cannot be added to the Tahoe. Couple that with 6.2 vs 5.3 and the answer is obvious.