Description

This 2003 Cadillac Escalade was purchased in early 2022 for use in the TFLtruck “Go Big” video series. It is being sold with a clean Colorado title.

The typical off-road enthusiast might not think of an Escalade when listing off the go-to list of overland vehicles, but we sure do! You can pick up this capable overland vehicle for a small fraction of the price of the many other options out there (cough, cough, 100-series Land Cruiser). The 2003 Escalade is built on the GMT800 platform, shared with many GM vehicles such as the Suburban, Yukon, and Silverado. When it debuted in 2002, the Escalade was the most powerful SUV on the market, producing 345 horsepower from its 6.0L V8 engine. The Escalade didn’t get a low-range transfer case, so it lives in high all the time, but we’ve found it has plenty of torque to get you where you need to.

Our mechanic Toby gave the vehicle a complete inspection as part of the video series. The 6.0L V8 runs strong and is healthy, and no warning lights are illuminating. The brake master cylinder is leaking a small amount of fluid, so it will need a new hydro-boost unit at some point, but our mechanic says it can wait a bit. There are a few wet spots underneath where leaks could be addressed. Check out this video for a full rundown at Toby’s shop: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-OeZMQmA9o)

The interior is entirely over the top, as to be expected in a vehicle made for the Lil Wayne era. Inside, you’ll find fun bits like walnut-trimmed surfaces, an analog clock, and modern features, like heated and memory seats, rear climate control (GREAT tech for an ’03), and it all works as it should! There is a bit of a smell from a previous owner smoking in the vehicle.  The ride is so smooth and it’s a very comfortable place to spend time (it even has air suspension!).