After researching this market more (especially when factoring in Lexus lease rates) I am heavily leaning towards an Escalade as my next full size SUV mainly due to price. The Escalade can be out the door for $60,000 (with the 22" wheels of course), it has good lease rates and is a nice car.

Do any of you have one?

 

i have also decided to get an escalade after many months of research. i dont want to wait till 08 to get the new lexus. Also, its an oppurtunity to save some money. I tried to find an ESV 07, but i think im going to wait for 08.
you should be warned however of some windnoise problems in the 07's. do a google search... youll see what i mean.

 

I heard the same thing about the wind noise. I imagine it is much worse than what my fellow LS owners are complaining about.

You are smart to wait as I am sure they will have a few tweaks to the car. Besides a wind noise fix, have you been able to identify the differences between the '07 / '08 Escalade?

Also, are you leasing or buying? I love the idea of a fresh car every two years so leasing is great for me. Also, in two years the LX hype will be starting to die down so I can reevaluate my options again.

 

With respect to the Escalade, GM has released a TSB which has fixed the problem in 2007 models.
Also, they released a TSB for a "Battery Run down" via a software update to the computer.
A fix has been released for the "Belt Tensioner" issue.

Currently the biggest problem with the Escalades, is the new 6 speed Tranmission. Several oweners are reporting problems with transmission failure with as little as 12,000 miles. (A software update fixes hard shift problem), but other issues remain.

Remember, it is a completely new engine, tranmission, and drive (Chasis), so wait for a 2008 if you can.

 

just talked to my dealer today, and was offered invoice pricing for a lease 2008 escalade esv for ordering.

from what i have read on the escalade web page, the TSB for the wind noise has not corrected the problem.

Difference in 08 vs 07 are minimal, except for the packages. You can no longer get the info or climate package seperate. they are all rolled up into a whopper of a new package option called the v8ultra luxury edition option.

edmunds does a nice job with the new 08 options.

 

Lexus told me, the LS 570 should be out in Sept. as an 08 model. I wonder what fuel mileage will be on the LX 570?

Craig

 

I am sure that MPG will be slightly better than the version of today but don't look for huge improvements.

By the way, I read that the LX is using a 6 speed transmission. I am surprised that it isn't using the 8 speed from the LS.

 

Yeah, I am also surprised with Lexus not going with the 8 speed out of our LS 460's. They're using the same engine and transmission from the new Toyota Tundra for the LX 570.

Craig

 

The Lexus LS460 Tranmission is 8 speed is designed for luxury and fuel economy. That transmission will never be able to tow 6,000 pounds.

The 6 speed in the Lx will be a heavy duty tranny designed for towning and hauling.

I can't wait to actually see the LX570. (I noticed that the rear is still a two piece, but I am so hoping that it is a power two piece, or even better a power one piece.)

 

Does anyone know how much larger the LX 570 will be over the current GX 470?

Craig

 

sealed a 08 escalade esv at invoice for 61500...definitely some savings over the LX570 im sure (i am going to miss my LX 470!)

 

Very impressive! I love how aggressive the American car market is. They will do whatever they need to do to get your business including selling the '08 for invoice. This is a big reason I am heading that way.

 

Visit my forum (in my signature) for more information on the Cadillac Escalade.. At any cost, the LX570 won't be around until either late December or early 08. It IS a long time to wait. However, you should also try to wait for the 08 Escalade.. Every first model has it's issues. Look at the LS460. What can ya do?

Honestly. For the price, the Escalade is really an excellent deal. Automobiles are just getting ridiculous with cost.. The Escalade is very classy looking, extremely roomy and very powerful. Also full of luxurious appointments, soft leather and features.. There's really not a whole lot more you can ask for...