UPDATE... Got a new truck! :)

[amo_mea_filiis.]

http://www.reinersautosales.com/2015-Cadillac-Escalade/Used-SUV/WestBabylon-NY/9877383/Details.aspx

 

http://www.reinersautosales.com/2005-GMC-YukonDenali/Used-SUV/WestBabylon-NY/10553927/Details.aspx

 

Neither of these trucks falls under practical in any way, but I need bigger. I've been eyeing GMC Yukons. But when I called about this one, he mentioned the Escalade. I have to admit that an Escalade does sound nice.

 

They're both in my price range.

 

I'm selling my Explorer for a few hundred to put aside. The original plan was finding something as under $5,000 as possible and that "extra" plus Explorer money would be used to hook it up (hearing loss. I am putting hard hitting speakers in whatever I get!). Brake lines are problems on these trucks, so my friend was going to replace right off the bat.

 

Between the 2, the Escalade should have a better sound system to begin with. But the second row is not a bench, limiting space.

 

The Yukon is missing its third row, which defeats the purpose of something this size. The guy said they're working on getting it. With almost my entire budget going to the truck, I may not be able to get that row for some time. I could, from Explorer money, but then that cuts into the fun budget.

 

They have similar maintenance costs. The Escalade likely has a more expensive suspension system, and is more electrical than Yukon.

 

I'm not big on luxury. I like trucks and all their rugged glory, which is not an Escalade. But it's an Escalade. Lol

 

These trucks look jumpable and I really need to do it fast!

Edited February 18, 2018 by amo_mea_filiis.

[Annie G]

I can't see how much the Escalade is, but it's ten years newer and has way fewer miles on it. So it should last longer. But it seems like they would be wildly different in price.  So that part makes it difficult to compare. 

 

Escalade also gets a little better mileage which is a plus. But a ten year newer vehicle will cost more to insure. 

They're both really pretty though!

Edited February 7, 2018 by Annie G

[ashfern]

The difference in the mileage is the deciding factor for me.

[Katy]

They're basically the same vehicle.  The Extra-Long Yukon has a third row, and has for a long time, that dealer just doesn't have one in stock.  Look around.  The Denali package extra long Yukon has basically the same features as the escalade but it's less flashy/ostentatious.  I've had mine for a long time and love it.

 

 

ETA:  I obviously mean generally in terms of models, not the specific cars you linked.

Edited February 7, 2018 by Katy

[Katy]

Okay, that is an extra-long Yukon, someone just stole the third row seat.

[Rachel]

I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but I wouldn’t finalize the sale without that back seat, until they have the back seat. I’d go drive them both and see which is more comfortable.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Both trucks are within a year. Escalade is 04 with 132k miles. Yukon is 05 with 161k miles.

[almondbutterandjelly]

The Escalade in the link is 2015 and the mileage is 48k.  Do you have a link for the right Escalade?

[Rachel]

Both trucks are within a year. Escalade is 04 with 132k miles. Yukon is 05 with 161k miles.

I would go for the Escalade then because of the lower miles.

[carriede]

Have you run a car fax on either of them? Ask the dealer for his copy.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

So far the Escalade is winning on few platforms. The only hold out might be my car guy. If he says either is fine, probably Escalade. If he says no, I'm going Yukon. He'll be the one doing all the work! Lol. If he says Yukon, I may try to convince him to go Escalade. 

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Captain's second row does limit me, but I still get 2 more people than my Explorer. Could always tie a car seat between the second row seats.  :lol:

[amo_mea_filiis.]

I’m mostly set.

 

Friend is going to check out the Escalade.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

I linked the wrong Escalade! Lol

 

http://www.reinersautosales.com/2004-Cadillac-Escalade/Used-SUV/WestBabylon-NY/9152161/Details.aspx

[Tap]

I haven't heard good things about Yukons.  Lots of repair costs for my friends who have had them.  Have you looked at Edmunds to compare the cars average service history and overall cost? That can be pretty eye opening for figuring out lemon years on various cars.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Does the Escalade take premium fuel? Newer ones do, but I'm not sure about that particular engine. If gas prices go up, that could be important. Personally, judging off photos alone the Escalade looks cleaner to me. They're both GM models so your brand related pitfalls between the two would be largely the same except the Cadillac might have a few more electronics to give out than the Yukon.

I forgot about gas. :(

 

Yes, more electronic issues because there are more. But my car friend is very well stocked. His computer can tell if codes were deleted, and he’ll be checking that when he looks at it. :)

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Yukons have more rust. But otherwise the only thing that stood out was a brake line busting.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Crappers. I will likely need premium gas. :(

 

Sneaker power for most things? Lol

[Ravin]

Neither of these is a truck. They are SUVs. 

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Neither of these is a truck. They are SUVs.

Yes, yes they are. Truck sounds cooler. :)

[alisoncooks]

Well, I know nothing and would go with a minivan. ;)

 

But the Escalade looks snazzier. :p

[amo_mea_filiis.]

And it’s gone. 😭😭😭😭😭

[Annie G]

I'm sorry- it sounded like a good vehicle for you.  Hope you find something you like just as much. 

[amo_mea_filiis.]

In my moment of disappointment, I looked at a few *gasp* practical vehicles. I found a Toyota Sequoia with under 100k miles! It’s black, 3 rows, but doesn’t have that rugged look I love (the Escalade doesn’t either, but more than this).

 

However, it’s an 01.

 

So I’m still looking at Yukons and Suburbans, but now I’m just searching “Black suv†instead of a specific make and model.

 

Unless I come across something WOW, I am really wanting black.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Well, I know nothing and would go with a minivan. ;)

 

But the Escalade looks snazzier. :p

I have looked at mini vans, but AWD would be a necessity for our area. That limits what I can look at, almost exclusively to the Sienna, which retains value too much for my price point.

[mom2att]

I drive a Lincoln Navigator and love it. You can usually find pretty good deals if you go with one around 10 years old. We usually buy ours (we're on our second) at around year 9 or 10 with around 100K on them and drive them for another 100K.

 

The downfall--they do use premium gas and they get lousy gas mileage. But they are reliable, plus roomy and comfortable for a family. They are a great vehicle for long car trips (other than the gas mileage). If you go with a 2007 or newer, that was the year they changed to regular gas.

 

Our first one was a 7-seater with the captain's chairs in the second row. Our current one seats 8 with the 2nd row bench. I like them both.

[MedicMom]

They no longer make them, but we found a 2008 Chevy Aspen for a good price. It’s been a perfect car for me; we put studded tires on it and it’s been awesome in the snow. The third row is easy to get to, the only downfall is limited storage.

[Rachel]

How many people are you needing to accommodate? What about a truck with the full sized back seat (crew cab)?

[Janie Grace]

Neither of these is a truck. They are SUVs. 

 

I have a Yukon XL and mechanics always call it a "truck." Something about the chassis.

 

It has rust issues and we have had to replace the brake lines. It's a gas guzzler. I wouldn't get one again. But I also wouldn't get an Escalade because I would feel weird driving a Cadillac! 

[amo_mea_filiis.]

How many people are you needing to accommodate? What about a truck with the full sized back seat (crew cab)?

I need that 3rd row. Even better if I was willing to accommodate my 2 kids plus all 6 extra, but that’s nuts. Getting 2-3 more seats will fix most of the snags we’ve run into.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Navigator is nice, but it’s Ford. My Explorer has turned me off to Fords for a while.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Have you gotten to drive a Sequoia yet? I had a 2010 Sequoia and personally I think they aren’t fun to drive. Toyota to me feels dead as far as steering and it’s just not enjoyable to drive. Something always feels cheap and disconnected. My Tahoe and Surburban both drove and handled a lot better than then Sequoia- and the turn radius on GM vehicles is superior. I know Toyota has a lot of fans so perhaps it’s just me, but since you like GM platforms with Yukon and Caddies, definitely drive before you jump on a Sequoia. I tried to convince myself I liked it but I unloaded it after 12 months.

I drove a couple Honda CRVs and thy were ok. A Nissan Xterra was TERRIBLE!

 

I have a bunch of GMs lined up to look at, and I’ll see about trying a Sequoia. I’m sure GM will win me though.

[Rachel]

I need that 3rd row. Even better if I was willing to accommodate my 2 kids plus all 6 extra, but that’s nuts. Getting 2-3 more seats will fix most of the snags we’ve run into.

In that case I’d keep looking at Yukons and Tahoes. Edited February 9, 2018 by Rach

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Never added that the reason I’m not looking at mid sized SUVs with a third row is the loss of trunk space.

 

In my ford I keep; jogging stroller, 2 backless booster seats, a beast of a graco seat, a Cosco seat, a surprisingly big infant base, and I don’t want to empty my truck weekly for grocery shopping. Also keep emergency truck stuff, emergency kit, and now will have a sub back there (only a bazooka so not very big).

 

I don’t have a basement or attic for the extra kid supplies, and a couple times I’ve gone shopping with my 2 kids, and come home with 4 kids! Lol.

[Pink and Green Mom]

I drive a Lincoln Navigator and love it. You can usually find pretty good deals if you go with one around 10 years old. We usually buy ours (we're on our second) at around year 9 or 10 with around 100K on them and drive them for another 100K.

 

The downfall--they do use premium gas and they get lousy gas mileage. But they are reliable, plus roomy and comfortable for a family. They are a great vehicle for long car trips (other than the gas mileage). If you go with a 2007 or newer, that was the year they changed to regular gas.

 

Our first one was a 7-seater with the captain's chairs in the second row. Our current one seats 8 with the 2nd row bench. I like them both.

 

I have a 2013 Lincoln Navigator that I love.  The third row has so much leg room grown ups can sit back there.  Very smooth ride.  Lots of room.  Everyone who has ridden in it cannot believe how nicely it rides.

 

ETA:  I drove a Ford Explorer for 5+ years before the Navigator.  Compared to the Navigator, the Explorer was terrible.  They really feel and drive like two different cars.

Edited February 9, 2018 by Pink and Green Mom

[amo_mea_filiis.]

I just picked up a black 2002 Chevy Suburban. It was $3,100 UNDER budget!!!

 

Got the interior detailed (even the detailer said it was gross!), new brakes, oil change.

 

Still on the table for tomorrow is figuring out the front differential clunking (thankfully it can be put in RWD), and the sound. It’s already wired for sound!!! So we’re just putting in an amp, sub, one new speaker (trunk speaker is blown), and seeing how it sounds.

 

Needs tires, alignment, and I don’t like the shift from 1st to 2nd, so I’ll stop at the transmission guy. I’m hoping the tires can get me through a couple of weeks so I can come back to NY and go through my friend.

 

I either have to find a new drivers seat, or make a nice cushion. It’s not ripped, but it’s quite dead.

 

Otherwise, I LOVE MY BEAST! It’s great to drive, handles better than my Ford, and is just so nice!

 

Their care of it seems odd. It has almost no rust. I found 2 starter spots. The undercarriage is squeaky clean as far as rust. The motor is amazing and it’s quiet. Yet the interior was sticky and almost *shudder* moist. Mechanically, it’s not bad that I’m seeing or feeling aside from the front diff. Read diff has a leak, but should just be the seal. The brakes were TERRIBLE to have come from a mechanic who otherwise obviously cared for a lot. New water pump, starter, and a few other things.