Randy, Howard, and Alex kick off with recent Bring a Trailer events (including Wheels NYC at Brooklyn Navy Yard, plus LA and upcoming trips) before diving into Howard’s long-requested topic: affordable “21st-century performance.” They trade real BAT sale examples across a wide $10k–$20k range—C5/C6 Corvettes (including non-Z06), 370Zs, RS4s, 996/Boxster pricing, cheap turbo sedans like CTS-V and Audis, and even oddballs like Crossfire and Nissan Ultima SER. The debate turns to whether these cars are truly bottoming out or still sliding, plus the “fear factor” of service bills.
Several of our core BaT Podcast crew are away on business and/or pleasure this week, so we bring you a remastered version of episode 118 - we'll be back next week!
Alex, Randy, and Howard give a brief event recap and then talk about a Saab record holder; the "full mileage discount"; how much raw performance can be had for under (or well under) $40k; scary prospects from the likes of AMG and Aston Martin; the ideal four-Porsche driveway for value seekers; and what's in store for the first-year Bentayga.
Follow along! Links for the listings discussed in this episode:
"Did you already talk about the LA event?... A little too much excitement. But the event was that was one of the most favorite, most fun BAT events I've been at in a long time."
BAT is short for Bring a Trailer, a website and community for car enthusiasts. Their events are meetups where people show up for cool cars and the stories behind them.
“BAT” refers to Bring a Trailer, the enthusiast auction site and community that also organizes in-person events. These gatherings often feature cars that are similar to what the site sells—interesting, enthusiast-grade vehicles with strong backstories.
"then we'll be in good shape. Ready? That's I feel like that's a phrase you have either
[267.0s] uttered or thought about or hoping to be driving. So yeah, big BAT calendar coming up."
Bring a Trailer is a car auction website and community. People buy and sell enthusiast cars there, and the podcast talks about events for that community.
“Bring a Trailer” (often shortened to “BaT”) is a popular online auction site and community focused on enthusiast cars. The podcast segment references BaT’s event calendar and its audience of buyers and sellers.
"You
[298.7s] want to talk about Zandvoort? Yeah, we're doing Zandvoort again. We did it last year. It was our
[304.0s] first European event and we're going to be back there this year, which is super exciting at the
[309.1s] F1 circuit in Zandvoort, which some people in the BAT community have driven and talked about"
Zandvoort is a famous race track in the Netherlands. They’re excited to go back because it’s a real Formula 1 venue and it’s near the beach.
Zandvoort refers to the Dutch circuit in the Netherlands that hosts major racing events. The hosts highlight it as an F1 circuit and emphasize the track’s draw and atmosphere near the beach.
"which is super exciting at the
[309.1s] F1 circuit in Zandvoort, which some people in the BAT community have driven and talked about"
They mean it’s a Formula 1 track. That usually makes it a more intense, high-performance driving experience than a typical local track.
An “F1 circuit” means a track that has hosted Formula 1 races. Circuit layout and facilities are typically designed for high-speed, high-downforce driving, which changes the feel compared with many amateur or regional tracks.
"before they built the proper race course in 1957, which is Road America. But yeah, I'm pumped. We're sponsoring that and we've got our alumni gathering at the track, right?"
Road America is a well-known race track in Wisconsin. It’s the kind of place where the track layout—like the back straight and turns—matters a lot for how cars drive.
Road America is a famous road course in Wisconsin known for its long straights and high-speed corners. When a podcast mentions “proper race course” and “back straight,” they’re referring to the track layout and racing lines that make it a favorite for clubs and endurance events.
"It's like a Le Mans class 62 GT class winner at Le Mans. I can't remember the chassis number."
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world-famous endurance race in France. When the hosts compare a car to a “Le Mans class” winner, they’re talking about the car’s racing pedigree and the class rules it competed under.
"There's a turbo on it. It does. So it's it had a sport package."
A turbo is a device that helps the engine make more power by pushing extra air into it. That’s why turbo cars can feel faster than their size would suggest.
A turbocharger forces more air into the engine, allowing it to make more power from a smaller displacement. In performance-car discussions, “turbo” is often shorthand for how the car can deliver strong acceleration and how it responds to tuning.
"And obviously the dream is to find something with a ton of miles, but great service history. So you get the full mileage discount to pay for any of the service."
Service history refers to documented maintenance and repairs, usually via dealer records or receipts. In used-car buying, strong service history can reduce uncertainty about wear items and help justify paying less for higher mileage because the car’s upkeep is proven.
"09370Z 6-speed. Got them on my list. ... The other thing in the 370Z family, which I always liked, was a nice G37 coupe, 6-speed and finnish."
“6-speed” means the car has a manual transmission with six gears. Many enthusiasts like manuals because they feel more connected and fun to drive.
A “6-speed” refers to a manual transmission with six forward gears. In enthusiast circles, manual gearboxes are often preferred for driving feel, and auction listings frequently note the gearbox because it can materially affect demand and price.
"Maybe less with 160K on the clock. Here's one, Howard, for you."
“160K on the clock” is shorthand for a vehicle’s odometer reading—about 160,000 miles. Mileage like this often affects how buyers value wear items, maintenance history, and remaining lifespan.
"which is a Corvette LS2 and a six-speed and 400 horsepower or whatever."
LS2 is a powerful V8 engine from Chevrolet’s Corvette. If a Cadillac uses an LS2, it’s basically borrowing that proven Corvette engine for extra performance.
The LS2 is a GM V8 engine family used in the Chevrolet Corvette. When someone says the CTS-V has a “Corvette LS2,” they mean it uses that Corvette-derived V8, which is a big part of why the sedan can make strong power.
"What about a non-CTS-V 2006 one just didn't meet reserve at 30K."
A reserve is the “minimum price” the seller will take. If the bidding doesn’t hit that number, the car doesn’t get sold.
In auction terms, a reserve is the minimum price the seller is willing to accept. If bidding doesn’t reach the reserve, the car doesn’t sell even if bids are close.
"I mean, those cars are like 11.5 in the quarter, like 3.2 seconds of 16, something like 200 miles an hour,"
The “quarter mile” is a drag-racing test where cars go down a track for 1/4 mile. Faster quarter-mile times generally mean quicker acceleration.
The “quarter mile” is a common drag-racing distance (1/4 mile) used to compare acceleration performance. When someone quotes quarter-mile times, they’re usually talking about how quickly the car reaches high speed under load.
"Oh, that's before the V8 comes out. Is that right? Certainly in the 20s."
A “V8” is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. In this context, the speaker is contrasting DB7 versions before and after the V8 introduction, which typically affects performance and desirability.
"Vantages were pretty cheap for a while. I don't know if that's changed."
The Aston Martin Vantage is the sportier Aston Martin model. The speaker is saying it used to be relatively affordable, and they’re wondering if that has changed.
The Aston Martin Vantage is the brand’s smaller, sportier model line compared with the DB series. The speaker notes that Vantages were “pretty cheap for a while,” implying market pricing changes over time.
"Those are still cool. No mufflers. Those are a lot now."
“No mufflers” means the car’s exhaust is louder because the sound-dampening parts were removed. Some people like the loud, aggressive sound, but it can get annoying over time. They’re joking about whether it’s still a good idea.
“No mufflers” means the exhaust has been modified to remove muffling, which typically makes the car much louder and changes the sound character. Enthusiasts sometimes do this for a more aggressive tone, but it can also increase drone and make the car less pleasant for daily driving. The hosts are debating whether that kind of mod is still “cool.”
"Is it a sticker or an automatic? It's an auto. That's great."
An automatic transmission changes gears by itself. You don’t have to use a clutch or shift manually, which can make the car easier to drive day to day.
An automatic transmission shifts gears for you, typically using a torque converter and hydraulic/electronic control. In enthusiast discussions, “automatic vs manual” often comes down to feel, driving style, and how the car behaves under acceleration and braking.
"Oh, man, you can go with or without the scat pack. That might be a little later."
“Scat Pack” is a higher-performance version of the Dodge muscle car. It usually means you get a stronger engine and more performance-focused parts compared to the base trims.
The “Scat Pack” is a performance trim package associated with Dodge’s Challenger and Charger line, typically pairing a larger V8 with sportier suspension and interior/exterior cues. When someone says “with or without the Scat Pack,” they’re talking about choosing between different performance levels and option bundles.
"... a 37,000 mile non SRT, just normally aspirated one, but with a six speed, a coupe sold for $9,500."
Normally aspirated means the engine doesn’t use a turbo or supercharger to force extra air in. It’s the more “natural” way an engine breathes, and that can affect how the car feels and what people pay for it.
Normally aspirated means the engine makes power without a turbocharger or supercharger. That typically changes the driving feel and can influence how buyers value the car versus boosted versions.
"... a 37,000 mile non SRT, just normally aspirated one, but with a six speed, a coupe sold for $9,500. ... I mean, yes, there's also they came in a stick."
“Six speed” means the car has a manual transmission with six gears. Some buyers prefer it because shifting yourself can feel more fun and connected.
A “six speed” refers to a manual transmission with six forward gears. Manual gearboxes are often a selling point for enthusiasts because they can offer more engagement and control than automatics.
"V70Rs hold their value incredibly well. Guys come in with a 170,000 mile car and it's still 17.5 all day. But they're like always 17.5, right?"
“Hold their value” means the car doesn’t get cheap as fast as other cars. The speaker is saying these Volvos stay worth a lot even when they have lots of miles.
“Hold their value” refers to resale pricing staying strong over time, often driven by demand, scarcity, and reputation. In this context, it’s used to explain why certain Volvo R models remain expensive even at higher mileages.
"Oh, I bet the 44k mile car has the window sticker. If I went and looked at it, I bet they were about 35 grand would be my guess."
The window sticker is the original paper from when the car was new that shows its price and options. People look at it to judge what the car should have cost.
A window sticker (Monroney label) is the original factory pricing and equipment sheet for a new car. On Bring a Trailer, it’s often used to estimate what the car originally cost and whether a sale price seems high or low.
"[2007.9s] Remember those?
[2008.4s] All-wheel drive Mazda 6 with a pretty big turbocharged four cylinder.
[2013.4s] And I think they're manual only."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to more than just the front or rear wheels. That usually helps it grip better when you accelerate, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than one axle, improving traction—especially when accelerating hard or on slippery surfaces. Here, it’s part of what makes the Mazda Speed 6’s turbo power more usable.
"I would say your Ultima call, those are headed for the boneyard. And those are going straight down."
“Boneyard” is slang for a junkyard where cars are dismantled for parts or scrapped. When a speaker says a model is “headed for the boneyard,” they’re predicting poor long-term retention—often due to high maintenance costs, parts scarcity, or weak demand. It’s a valuation-and-survivability signal, not a literal location.
"S281 Celine Mustang. Is that good performance per dollar? Fuel economy does not score points. But everything else does."
“Performance per dollar” means how good the car is for the money. If prices go up faster than performance, the value drops.
“Performance per dollar” is a value metric comparing how much driving performance you get relative to the price you pay. The segment uses it to judge whether a car is still a bargain as prices rise.
"She took it into the dealer. She's like, isn't too car literate, but in a nice way. And they gave her an estimate and told her she needed brakes and rotors."
Brakes are what stop the car, and rotors are the metal discs the brake pads press against. Over time they wear out, so replacement is common on higher-mileage cars.
Brakes and rotors are wear-and-tear components: brake pads provide the friction, while rotors (the discs) are what the pads clamp onto to slow the car. Dealer estimates often bundle pad and rotor replacement together when either is worn or when rotor condition requires resurfacing/replacement.
"that's basically equivalent to your price of entry. 100%. That's a factor in some of the worst case scenario occurring there."
“Price of entry” just means what you pay to get the car in the first place. The point here is that if the first repair bill is huge, it can wipe out the savings you thought you were getting.
“Price of entry” is the purchase price (or initial cost) to get into a car or ownership experience. The speakers argue that the first major service/repair bill can be so large that it effectively matches or erases the advantage of that entry price.
"The one that was the same platform as a Jaguar S-Type. And a Ford Thunderbird."
Platform sharing is when different car models are built on the same basic “skeleton.” That can make them feel similar and can also mean some engineering and components are related.
Platform sharing means multiple car models use the same underlying architecture (chassis and major hard points). In this segment, the speakers use platform sharing to explain why a Lincoln LS could be mechanically related to a Jaguar S-Type.
"[2974.0s] Or a question for the audience,
[2975.2s] where does a first year Bentayga bottom?
[2979.3s] We have not seen it yet."
“Bottom” means the lowest price a car is likely to reach before it levels off. It’s a way of talking about when the market stops getting cheaper.
“Bottom” here means the lowest point in market pricing—when a car’s value stops dropping and stabilizes. In auction/used-car discussions, people watch for the “bottom” to decide when it becomes a better buy.
"They made the 12 cylinders and a bunch of other trim packages, but it was a lot."
A V12 is an engine with 12 cylinders. More cylinders usually means a smoother, more powerful setup, and it often comes with a higher cost.
A V12 engine is a large 12-cylinder configuration arranged in a “V” shape, typically associated with smooth power delivery and high performance. The speaker notes that the Bentayga lineup included V12 variants/trim packages, emphasizing how complex and expensive the model range was.
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