Virginia Man Flew Across the Country for the Final 2026 Cadillac CT5‑V, Drives 1,400 Miles, Then Swaps His Range Rover for an Escalade

By Armen Hareyan, Torque News, Oct 26, 2026 – A Virginia resident, Jeremy May, flew to Texas to secure the last 2026 Cadillac CT5‑V in the country for his wife. After a 1,400‑mile drive back to Yorktown, he fell in love with Cadillac and traded his 2019 Range Rover 5.0 Supercharged for a 2025 Escalade the following weekend. The story illustrates how a single act of love can lead to a brand switch and highlights the importance of early maintenance on a new performance vehicle.

Why the 1,400‑mile trip? Jeremy explained that his wife wanted a Deep Space Metallic CT5‑V that was only available in Texas. The flight was the quickest way to obtain the car. He posted his experience on the Cadillac Escalade 5th Generation Facebook group, sharing photos and the full narrative.

The long drive proved the CT5‑V’s merits. Over the 1,400 miles, Jeremy tested seat comfort, cabin quietness at highway speeds, and overall driving ease—factors that a short test drive cannot reveal. The experience convinced him to buy a CT5‑V for himself.

Switching from a Range Rover to an Escalade. Jeremy did not criticize the Range Rover; his focus was on what Cadillac offered. He advises prospective Escalade buyers to research the vehicle’s ownership costs, as a 2024 Escalade owner reported a sudden power loss at 70 mph after 32,000 miles, linked to a federal investigation of GM vehicles. Another owner was quoted $4,000 for an extended warranty on a 2025 Escalade but was unaware of its necessity. He recommends getting written warranty quotes and comparing them before signing.

Early oil and rear‑differential fluid change. After the 1,400‑mile trip, Jeremy performed the recommended maintenance. Cadillac’s owner’s manual specifies a 1,500‑mile break‑in period, advises checking engine oil at every refueling, and requires rear‑axle lubricant replacement before competitive driving. Jeremy performed an early oil and rear‑differential fluid change, a step beyond the manual’s minimum, to protect the new performance car.

What to do in the first 1,500 miles. The manual’s break‑in guidelines include speed, RPM, and driving limits. Owners should check oil levels at each fill‑up, change rear‑differential fluid before any track day, keep receipts, and confirm whether early service is covered by the dealer. Proper budgeting for maintenance from day one is essential, as a 2015 Escalade owner incurred thousands of dollars in the first 20 days.

The lesson. Jeremy’s journey began with a simple act of love: buying a specific car for his wife. The experience opened his eyes to a brand he had never considered. He acted quickly, serviced the vehicle immediately, and switched to an Escalade the next weekend. His story reminds readers that some cars are worth chasing before they disappear and that early maintenance can preserve performance and value.

About the author. Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor‑in‑Chief of Torque News, a long‑running automotive news site. He has covered the industry for over 15 years and focuses on electric vehicles, real‑world ownership stories, and transparent analysis.