Hello, asking this question on behalf of my family. We own a 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD, automatic (not sure how many gears), with about 160,000 miles on it. Recently, my mother who owns the car shifted it from reverse to drive, and what followed can only be described as some sort of clunking. It went into gear just fine, BUT IT DOESN'T SOUND JUST FINE! I would hate to make it someone else's problem, so what can I do? Should I encourage them to get it serviced? Or should I find a dealership to buy it so we can cut any near future losses?
Knowing that Chevy built transmissions tend to go out right about now, I am worried we might be facing a large bill very soon. Thanks for any and all sound advice.
Endless money pit coming in 3…2…1…
Yes. Time to find an alternative.
Addendum: So yes, it sounds like you are right to be concerned for the transmission, and it is very likely going out. I appreciate your concern not to "make it someone else's problem". It could be worth taking to a good independent transmission shop; I may be wrong, but I don't think those were unusual transmissions, and most competent shops should know them well. Pay for an assessment and see what they say.
It is not uncommon for GM full size truck (including truck-based SUVs) to need transmission rebuilds/replacements, and often it is actually worth doing if the rest of the truck is solid. The difference with an Escalade is all the fancy electricals, which are going to start nickle and diming you to death. That's why I am worried it is about to become a money pit, and it's probably time to get rid of it.
Haha, very valid points, basically confirms what I am already thinking. I will start calling around to see what shops specialize in Chevy transmissions for that assessment. Thank you for your input. Any advice on selling? Should I list on FB marketplace or just start calling lot dealers to see what they will give my folks for their old set of wheels?
FB seems to attract some shady characters. If you sell to a dealer get multiple offers because they’ll be all over the place. If the transmission checks out but you want to get rid of it anyway, try autotrader and cars .com. And whatever you do, avoid carvana
You got it, thanks for your advice thus far.