Description
MORE PHOTOS ADDED.
I have a cold start video with a quick walkaround that can be shared on request.
Sensible offers will be considered, and may consider swap for a Jeep Wrangler.
2007 Cadillac Escalade, ULEZ exempt, cheap tax.
6. 2 L92 V8 (~400hp), with 6l80e 6-speed automatic transmission.
Permanent AWD.
Currently on roughly 97, 000 miles, but in daily use.
This Escalade is the shorter model, which is the same length as a Chevrolet Tahoe. The longer ESV model is the same length as a Chevrolet Suburban.
This year of 6. 2 does not have AFM/ DoD (GM names for cylinder deactivation). This system is known to cause problems and is one of the most common reliability issues with this platform of vehicle. Late 2007-2009 6. 2 Escalades did not have this system and therefore avoid one of the most major and costly failure points. I specifically purchased this year of vehicle for this reason.
It is MOT'd until November 2026, with only one advisory for anti-roll bar bushings. I have these replacements ready.
This Escalade spent the first few years of its life in Kentucky, USA, before moving to Japan in 2011. I purchased from a Japanese car dealer in the UK in 2022, at roughly 62, 000 miles.
I'm the first private owner in the UK, but the number of owners in other countries is unknown.
Please note - the vehicle is a 2007, but was registered as a 2011 by DVLA based on the date of first registration in Japan. Vehicle is currently on private plate, but will revert to standard registration before sale.
It came with no service history, but has been incredibly reliable in my ownership and has been well maintained (all work done myself - this is a very easy vehicle to work on).
The exterior is in very good condition for its age, with a few defects. The front bumper has stone chips, and there's a small peeled spot on both the bonnet and the rear-left door (on the trim around the window). Please see photos for more details.
I had the paint professionally corrected when I bought the car, plus ceramic coated.
The wheels are 18" original Cadillac wheels, professionally "diamond cut" and powder coated in 2022. Tyres are all matching Continentals in great condition with lots of tread.
The interior is in excellent condition. The black leather has worn well, with minor marks/ creasing from use. The carpets are very clean throughout, and the original carpet floor mats are in excellent condition.
I also have rubber mats throughout which are also in excellent condition. I have left the original carpet mats in for photographs, but all will be included.
The headliner is pristine, without a single mark.
The chassis and underside in general is in very good condition, with original labels still visible on the frame and the original spare wheel/ tire in good condition.
Specification is excellent from the factory:
- 3 rows of seating - 2x captain's chairs in second row, 3x seats in third row.
- Bose sound system
- Reversing camera
- DVD player in front, with second screen in ceiling for rear passengers
- Remote control for DVD/ audio system
- 3-zone climate control, 100% working with cold AC
- Driver's memory seat
- Memory adjustable pedals
- Heated/ cooled front seats
- Heated second row captain's seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Sunroof
- Auto wipers
- Auto headlights, including high-beam assist
- Power folding mirrors
- Power tailgate
- Cruise control
- US-style 2" receiver r tow hitch. Includes an adaptor to allow factory towing electrics to work with UK trailer.
- 3x keys, 2x remotes
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
I have done very few modifications. The only changes from factory are:
- Changed from the optional 22" to standard 18" wheels. The 18s ride much better, are much less susceptible to damage, and as they're not chrome, can be refinished.
- Upgraded radio head unit. I upgraded to the factory unit from a 2013 Escalade, which is slightly more modern and adds guidelines for the reversing camera.
- Added Bluetooth audio. This is an invisible module that connects to the factory radio, and is controlled through the steering wheel controls. Works as if installed from the factory.
- Added ProClip phone holder to dashboard. This required no holes to be made, so could be 100% removed without damage.
It has not needed many repairs in my time with it. Some work I have done includes:
- Replaced AC lines to rear of vehicle, plus replaced many AC o-rings in 2025. AC now fully works and has not needed a charge since.
- Replaced plastic coolant fittings in 2024.
- New brake pads and discs all round, plus new rear calipers in 2022.
- New engine mount in 2022.
- New front differential mounts in 2023.
- Passenger airbag replaced - the passenger airbag was subject to a Takata recall, and this is one of very few Escalades in the country to have had the recall performed.
This was done by an official Cadillac-authorised repair centre - I had to wait over a year for the parts and drove 5 hours each direction to get the work done.
. More details on these vehicles:
I bought this vehicle as I consider the Cadillac Escalade to be iconic, and the 3rd generation is the best of the bunch.
It looks much more modern than the 2nd generation, but without any of the huge reliability pitfalls that come with the newer models. Black on black is the classic colour-scheme, and it looks incredibly sharp.
The 2007-2009 6. 2 V8 is a well-kept secret, with almost the same power as a 2026 Escalade (2026 has 420 hp, this has around 403), but none of the huge reliability issues that the later models have.
It accelerates inappropriately fast for something of its size, whilst sounding like a power boat with the standard exhaust.
The ride quality is fantastic, and it's such a quiet, smooth, relaxed place to spend time on a long journey.
Most of these Escalades in the UK have been poorly maintained and poorly modified, and a factory-specification one is hard to find.
Many have badly-installed LPG systems, huge chrome wheels ruining ride quality, plus other bad modifications to the audio system etc.
Most also have either been "blacked-out" in some way, or had a bunch of aftermarket chrome added. This has neither.
This one is about as original as they come, with a handful of quality-of-life improvements.
This Escalade is the shorter model, which is not nearly as long as the ESV. This makes it much easier to park, as it’s barely longer and wider than a new Range Rover. In fact, the LWB Range Rover is longer than this.
It’s not a small vehicle, but it is not as large as you’d think, and does not feel cumbersome to drive.
