caddycruiser

A 5/100k powertrain warranty is good, as that's one area where--if there are problems--they're usually the most expensive repairs. Still not as good as a 5/60 bumper to bumper and 10/100 powertrain, but an improvement. It shouldn't cost much more or require more dealer labor time either, as long as GM doesn't have anymore powertrain snafus from here on out (i.e., no more bad 3.8L intakes, shot 3.1/3.4L head gaskets, etc.). They generally go 100k+ easily without any repairs, anyway. Doesn't help with all the trim and body accessory issues, which has put our Suburban's bumper to bumper coverage in use a few times, but that's usually just minor stuff anyway, that gets sorted out early on. Still GREAT news for my mother, who's out of warranty on everything usually after 2 years, and should help keep her in the company.

Agreed, and though it still isn't top notch in every level of quality (it has improved quite a bit, though), the packaging and interior space were SO good, that that alone boosted it just ahead of the Escalade. Killer drivetrain, and as said, quite nice to drive without any real complaints. The Caddy has nicer materials and a better visual inside and out, but that isn't always the top concern in this class. Just think if the Caddy had the seats/room setup of the QX or Navi...and extra features more like the STS/XLR...

Some valid points, but sometimes that's just the way things go. The MB GL is a TERRIFIC ute, and truthfully does have just about everything covered. Quality and refinement is there in spades, great space and adaptability, and all for a price that's actually very competetive. On a few different internet boards, a lot of buyers have actually been comparing the Escalade and the GL back to back, and both have their high points, but the MB has more of them. But still, this does NOT show much bad about the new GM's. It's one review, and not an overly descriptive one at that, but it still brings up some valid points.

Agreed. There are a few cheap touches, but the Durango has always been a terrific SUV, and the Aspen just takes that and dresses it up nicely. Compared to some competitors, the price is pretty in line as well.

Agreed. And coming from an actual owner of one, though the 3rd row in the longer models is actually fit for humans, it's still the ONLY one that is clunky and heavy and has to be unlatched and wrangled out the back. Still not a huge deal if you only do it occasionally (like us), but everyone else has done better for a LONG time...and they've never required you to get a larger model to have it. But beyond that, the Escalade is still an awesome truck, just not a very roomy or adaptable one, and still missing a few features (like a non-econo car tilt wheel adjustment). I'd still agree with the rankings, though the writing on the Caddy (and the Lincoln, as well) could definately have been more thorough and descriptive--just seemed kind of short and opiniated, but nothing really specific.

Not sure if any of you have touched on it yet, but a HUGE reason why the Escalade ended up so low (besides the comments already discussed above) is the inefficient layout and lack of space. Moreso, the fact that it's still the ONLY one that has an unlatch & remove 3rd row, on top of the fact that the 2nd row is a little cramped, the 3rd row is unfit for humans, and there's no cargo space with all the seats up--something that, although not a problem for every buyer, is a bit more than annoying for a nearly $70k truck. I think the rankings were actually pretty accurate, even if the QX56 being in the middle threw me a bit--they have apparently, improved the "unseen" quality (squeaks, rattles, loose stuff) greatly since intro, so it actually makes some sense. The Navi's issues are credible, and it does represent a serious WTF moment in a lot of regards, the Q7 is the most carlike and almost a bit too much so in some respects, and the MB, besides a few bland outside lines, is a TERRIFIC truck. The Escalade wasn't totally bashed, but when compared back to back with competitors for a few days in a row, that's just the way the cards fall sometimes...

And, not to further this discussion more, but there's also slimmer ones that fit into the top of the window channel without any tape, and usually don't stand out as much.

New cars are always a thrill, so can't wait to see it :AH-HA_wink:

Hah, funny...exactly the same thing Motorweek said passengers they drove around in the Aura kept saying ("Acura"), but in that case, it was more because of the car's overall look and feel that had them thinking that. VERY similar naming, though, so it's just an added treat that the Aura is "Acura good", according to most.

Very good point. That was a large coupe that rode on exactly the same G-body (minus a few updates) as the current Lucerne. But it's too limited of a market, and the Lucerne (even after only a year) is already too "old" of a car underneath to bother with such a model.

Funny this was just posted...a co-worker, who drives an '03 Altima that he loves, took an '07 Maxima out over the weekend and is still raving about it. Described it as a roomy and beautiful car, that the V6 had a ton of power, but that the best thing was the CVT that just made it quick and eerily smooth. I think the car still has some weirdness (i.e., some of the outside details like the taillights), and it is FWD, but overall, a very nice car...and the CVT seems to have only made it better.

I guess we really ARE the only 2 people with clean cars in the summer...

Oh, so funny that you ask about those bedamned strips. EVERYONE who owns, or has ever been around one of these cars, seems to be more than familiar with the "crinkly" look. Figured it out when we first got the '93, and the ones on my '95 are actually a little worse than that car, despite it being a garage queen and newer. I know one guy who bought both a '93 and '95 new, and he's actually said that they went bad on both of those cars not too long afterwards (i.e. still in warranty). They actually are still available, and you can order them to this day, but they apparently haven't changed one iota, and then go funny again after a little bit. Strange, for sure. But, knowing how commong and re-occuring of an issue this is, and how it's only really seen up close, I'm not even going to bother touching them for quite a while. ______________________ Started some new changes today. Deleted the bumperettes (a.k.a. push guards) front and rear, and filled the holes with chrome caps. Looks a lot cleaner and fresher, and I like it a lot. Also started on getting the side chrome panel gray strips repainted. All sanded, and a few divets have been filled it, so some more cleaning, lots of taping, and some spraying tomorrow, and the car will once again have perfect lower trim strips. Oh, and started my intake templating finally, so we'll see if I can get anywhere with that tomorrow as well... More pics to come as things continue to change and update :AH-HA_wink:

Thanks guys! :AH-HA_wink: Right now, a custom air intake is in the making. The stock LT1 air intake system on the B & D bodies is AWFUL, and one of the most plugged up around, so any kind of change usually makes a noticeable improvement. There's a lot of different brands and varieties, but I'm taking the best of a few and modeling my own...if I can ever get the time to finish it! Exhaust is on the list as well, as again, the stock system is nice for silent cruising, but so plugged up and restrictive, it actually is a big power killer. Flowmasters will NOT ever touch this car, as most "in the know" are familiar with how they make a raspy sound but are one of the most restrictive custom mufflers out there (kind of the opposite of what the name implies ), but something will change. Just not sure what, yet. Something new from the cats back, and eliminate the resonators. Headers too, as soon as that's also in the budget. I had wanted to do some tint, as well, but found out by the local shop it's technically illegal in DE to having ANYTHING on the front side windows, but fair game on the rears. Something is better than nothing, but just not sure if I'd want that "half done" look or not. This weekend, I hope, I'll get the side gray strips repainted (some of them are faded, a very common thing on these cars), my intake moved along, and look into my dead power driver's seat... But again, THANKS, and I appreciate it! Still so strange to me how so few people even knew or know these cars exist, especially with an LT1 Vette motor and running gear almost identical to an Impala SS underneath...but are a LOT nicer, larger, and flashier.

Still working, little by little, and dollar by dollar, to update and upgrade my near perfect '95 Caddy Fleetwood as time goes by. It wasn't even really in "the budget" (but then again, what is?!), but I had been going back and fourth for a few months on new wheel & tire options. There was NOTHING wrong with the OEM wheels and Michelins it had, but the look could stand to ratchet up a bit. Thought aftermarket, thought chrome stocks, and just kept coming back to the OEM Impala SS wheels. A very popular upgrade choice for a lot of B & D bodies, since they're 1) GM OEM, 2) perfect offset and fitment, and 3) look great. So, doing my usual net surfing, found an ad for some on my favorite Impala SS forum and jumped. Pretty much brand new, found a set being sold that were purchased new from GM, mounted on 275-50-17 Nitto tires, put on the seller's Caprice for about a month and 500 miles, then removed. Basically, he bought them and installed, but unexpectedly sold the car and the new buyer wanted the original wheels instead. Saved a few hundred dollars compared to having to buy both the wheels and tires separately, get them mounted, etc., and these were good to go immediately. Also picked up a set of '02+ Deville center caps, something that was found to fit these wheels perfectly by a couple of Caddy guys, and ended up with this: The look is MUCH improved, not just because of the sportier wheels, but because of the more filling width--and the 275 tires only make it better, especially compared to the stock 235 15's. Handling is better as well, and the ride is crisper (considerably more so, because I keep them at near max psi), and it's just an overall perfect look and feel that I LOVE. And definately has gotten me and the car the most looks, comments, and questions of anything. Had a whole show and tell at the GM dealer when I test drove a Lucerne, with some salesmen swarming the car, and also asking about what the wheels were. Second new thing, and lot smaller, are the "revised" tailllights. Know another guy with a black '96 Fleetwood VERY well, as we both have the same taste in these cars and mods for them. His being black, he had custom done a set of tinted taillights for his car. The first set was very nice, but still not dark enough for what he wanted, so I ended up buying them from him. They aren't black like his second set, but noticeably darker, and look AWESOME with the rest of my car's look and the color. Even my father, who never likes to change anything on a car, thought they looked great and wanted to know what they were and how I got them. When lit, they're actually redder than the stocks that give off an orangish light, and went dark, just have a very nice and stealthy smoked look to them. For comparison, here's one of the OEM ones: That's it for now, and the car actually needs a few little fixes now (A/C is dead again, and my driver's power seat just went haywire), but there's still some more "on the list" for the future.

Here's a few quickies, just to keep the thread going. My car pretty much looks like this everyday, but these were after the usual weekend wash and a quick wax top coat this past Sunday. More to come, as well as an update on the car in a new thread when I get time :AH-HA_wink: In the meantime, I will say that the wheels & tires are new, and the taillights have been replaced with custom tinted ones...

Well, as old as it is, at least it looks like they put some real effort and money into updating and improving the 4.3L. It's still one of my father's favorites, based on experiences with it in varying mileage and abuse states in many different vehicles on different jobs, so this probably isn't a bad thing at all. And, in truth, is more trusted by a lot of the people who buy vehicles with it and beat them to death than the 4.2L I-6 would be...and cheaper for GM to build, I would assume, given the core's age.

I printed out the spec sheet & pic from a GM ordering guide a few months ago, and it listed both a 2wd and 4wd model (the 2wd getting a higher top speed, as before). The Z56 suspension has always been a bit tightened up and strengthened over stock too, so that's a given. Besides that, anyone else notice what I do...the poor fitmet of the hood to front fascia. I'd say it's just a one off thing, but out of all the new ones I've seen on the road and at the dealer, about 30% of them are this way, or have something else misaligned. REALLY noticeable in a side by side dealer lot comparo, as my father was first to point out when he and my mother stopped to look at some. Not nearly as bad as the typical low hanging and/or crooked front bumpers on every '00-06 model ever made, but still not good...and I never did pinpoint whether it seemed to be more of a Arlington or Janesville plant issue mainly.

Strangely enough, I've YET to see one of those beasts, but it's only a matter of time in this retirement capital--or at least one of them--of the world. Someone just bought a new silver Avalon Touring (the one with the graphite wheels, silver trim, and stiff suspension) and put a black cloth top on it... ____________________________________________________ Back to the Lucerne. The salesman called Saturday, but I was out, and she didn't tell me what he said on the message other than "I have an idea...". I have to call him up tomorrow and see what he wanted, just for the heck of it, and tell him she's decided against the car. I STILL don't think she needs or should be driving around in such a big tank everyday, but I do see the usefulness of it (by far, the best and most comfortable long trip vehicle EVER, and the only vehicle I could ever fit all my college stuff in for one trip), but she doesn't want a car anymore either. "I can't see out of a car, especially to back up, and it isn't comfortable for me." But the 'Burban just averaged 13.9 MPG for the past week now too But it's a BEAUTIFUL car, and to the mention of the Lacrosse, that thing is a POS in comparison. Not to come off harsh, but that's the truth. The dealer had them all side by side, and the Lacrosse just has some gangly proportions compared to the Lucerne and is cramped as could be in comparison. And having compared a $28k Lucerne CXL V6 to a $32k Lacrosse CXS 3.6, there was no question in my mind. Even with the newer, up to date 3.6, I'd still pick the growlier 3.8L in the Lucerne because it gets significantly better gas mileage real world. Looking at and touching each car up close, as well as driving, the Lucerne always comes off as the more upscale, refined, and sophisticated car too. I'm still not totally giving up the thought...off to drive a new '07 Ford Freestyle tomorrow "I won't drive a Ford, period.", is what I've heard over and over, but even my GM-blooded father likes them a lot, and I just want to drive one myself.

Well, a few do, but for the most part, the reason the Z71 SUV models have always sold since the intro of the trim level in '01 is looks--I know several people who own them, and a few that have come from LS/LT's before, and it's always because the Z71 was the same price but looked a lot different and cooler to them. This time around, though, I think I like the LS/LT better...completley opposite of the older style.

Haha, yeah, I know! Seriously, stepping up to an Avalanche and then the Suburban, we've all gotten so used to the living room height seating and space, plus the awesome visibilty, that it is VERY hard to go back to a car as the primary vehicle despite all of the advantages. She REALLY liked the Buicks though, and probably would have gone for one anyway if she could have gotten even a halfway decent trade price. I'll say it's one of a few likely candidates, if she does go for a car, in a couple of years when my brother and I are gone, and it's just her, dad, and the dogs. And I must say, but only did it come off as an INCREDIBLE step up from the LeSabre and Park Avenue, but the Lucerne also has a different and higher grade aura about it when compared to a new Impala or even Lacrosse too. Some shared bits (Impala), but obviously two different grades of cars. And the 3.8L, as old as dirt, is not at all sluggish and the gas mileage is STILL the most incredible part, even if it does have a grittier growl to it than your typical cammer. In one of the new "quiet" Buicks, specifically, pretty much silent 85% of the time, and just a nice roar under acceleration.

I know, that's one factor, EXCEPT for the fact that they actually told me when I asked that not only do the new '07s sell almost instantly (very low stock because of that), but they actually have a strong demand for well kept later model GMT-800's whenever they hit the lot. Matter of fact, they have one '04 Tahoe LS on their lot right now that has 40k miles and a lot less options than our Suburban, but they're asking about $6k more for it than they offered as trade. But, it was the classifying of it as KBB's "Good" and not "Excellent" that got me. It had just rained, so it needed a quick wash, but was actually cleaner than some of their poorly prepped new vehicles. Oh well, I tried, and at least I got to look at, drive, and ride in a few VERY nice new Buicks, and I have a newfound respect for them :AH-HA_wink: That, and at least she came to the realization that she really doesn't want a car right now--the Lucerne is a beautiful and comfortable car, but she couldn't see backwards like she's gotten used to and the sitting lower thing was already getting to her on the short test drive. Better now than a few months and few payments down the road. Back to the misery of owning that loaded 2 year old tank again, I guess

Well, forget it. No new Lucerne, or anything for that matter, for a while. I looked at all of the ones they had with her, and she wanted to take the white/tan one out for a spin. Obviously, a great car, and drove beautifully but I could clearly see she wasn't getting "that look" as she did with both of the trucks. Still, was interested, and decided to at least get a trade-in price for her Suburban, and that's sort of what ended it officially. The salesman took it for a spin and came back, but the number they gave was PEANUTS, and he actually tried (have to give him that, it was a good attempt ) to explain how mileage was what changed the classification of our perfect, weekly detailed truck from "Excellent" to "Good" and dropped the value a couple grand in the process. Long story short, the Lucerne is awesome and she really did like it, but gas hog or not, the Suburban is too new, too comfortable, and too useful of a vehicle to give up for absolute peanuts and start all over again with a much smaller, less comfortable car. I still think the Buick would be a much better daily driver, but it could never match the usefulness of the truck (or its being half paid off). It would be a terrific vehicle for either myself or my father, but that's not in the cards. Oh well, I tried...

Agreed, and now you're actually making me rethink some options. Like I've said, the two cars in question are pretty bare (well, as bare as a leather, chrome, and faux wood lined CXL model gets ), but I didn't notice much missing. And the stereo, though it was clearly not a high end system, sounded great and the sound filled the car better than it does in the truck. She wanted more info last night and was actually asking me about stereo specifics and whether there was memory seats or not. She actually hates heated seats, but wanted the Bose in her Suburban (even though it doesn't impress much) and has missed the seat memory from her 300M (dad gets in and moves everything, and it'd be nice to just have 2 positions saved automatically). But we'll see...4 days now, and I'm still stringing the salesman along, trying to get her down there even for 10 minutes

Yep, you probably have, especially coming from Lancaster--it's CP Diver Chevy-Pontiac-Buick-GMC in Lewes, DE. They've always been nice to deal with, and the large full GM (except for Hummer/Saturn) place closest to us. So far, I'm not impressed at all with the price they gave me preliminarily yesterday ($600+ over invoice, for an '06....) but he did seem very open and willing to drop. These cars seem like a great deal even at MSRP, but this late in the year, I'd expect invoice or below automatically.