CTS-V wagon (4 years review)

Hi all!

I just crossed 4 years with my 6-speed 2014 CTS-V wagon. Usually I get the new-car itch after 2 years, but in this case, I still love the V! Mine's stock, and it's so civilized and yet so engaging.

I bought the car with the idea of using it for exciting mountain drives and maybe some autocross or track, but I never ended up putting the car on the circuit. In fact, I ended up getting a sports car a few years later that does the track work. (In this regard the E90 M3 has an edge, because it really feels track-ready out of the box.) But as a fast car to drive slow, the CTS-V doesn't disappoint. These Gen-2 V's are so full of analog feedback and feel!

I have so many more thoughts on this lovely machine, but I'll spare you. (If you want to read them, they are on my blog here.)

Best,
Mike

Such cool cars, always loved the wagon version too, very practical.

Always been a fan of these cars. A guy I used to work with has this one.

Wow, that bronze/brown is a cool paint color! I've not seen it before!

timothy2001 wrote

Always been a fan of these cars. A guy I used to work with has this one.

Yea, explain the details of that paint/wrap.

I've gone another year with the V wagon! It's still a forever car (though don't hold me to it!).

I am starting to get to the place where I want to refresh the suspension on the V. There are creaking noises that I suspect are suspension bushings, and the car feels more prone to following road imperfections than before.

I don't think I've ever had a ten year old car before; it has me wondering if there are some certain parts I should be stocking up on as GM stops making replacements.

414bhp wrote

I've gone another year with the V wagon! It's still a forever car (though don't hold me to it!).

I am starting to get to the place where I want to refresh the suspension on the V. There are creaking noises that I suspect are suspension bushings, and the car feels more prone to following road imperfections than before.

I don't think I've ever had a ten year old car before; it has me wondering if there are some certain parts I should be stocking up on as GM stops making replacements.

How many miles per year are you putting on it? I wonder if powerflex or other urethane bushing manufacturers have solutions for the V? I know for my Subaru surprising things like OE group N engine/transmission/strut mounts have gone NLA and I’m kicking myself for not having spares, having only aftermarket/urethane alternatives. Having run urethane bushings on other cars they’ve been great for tightening up an old car but definitely require periodic refreshing of the grease to keep them quiet.

Check wrecking yards for replacement high touch trim that needs swapping on your car. Things like stereo bezels or stuff that had been coated in soft touch paint. Also door handle mechanicals and window regulators.

spammysammich wrote

Check wrecking yards for replacement high touch trim that needs swapping on your car. Things like stereo bezels or stuff that had been coated in soft touch paint. Also door handle mechanicals and window regulators.

Thanks for the good advice! I should be stocking up for the long run!