Radwood Recap - What To Look Out For When Buying & Selling A Car Sight Unseen
About this episode
Radwood's recent event sparked a lively discussion about the charm of ordinary cars from the 80s and 90s, with hosts Victor, Dylan, and Ed sharing their favorite finds. They dive into tips for buying and selling cars sight unseen, emphasizing the importance of low mileage and stock condition. The conversation also explores the nuances of auction platforms like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids, including the pitfalls of modified cars and the significance of vehicle history. Insights on market trends for classic vehicles, particularly JDM and OBS trucks, round out this informative episode.
Mainstay Dylan @mostlystreetparked and Ed from @Twinbrothersauto join the show to discuss what it’s like buying and selling cars at auctions. What was the coolest car we saw at Radwood SoCal 2025? We discuss how nostalgia plays a factor in vehicle values. Why you should never modify your car if you intend on selling it. Ed shares his experience having his cars reviewed by Doug Demuro before they go live on Cars & Bids. Why did I make a mistake selling the Volkswagen Vanagon?
Nissan Maxima
"Yeah. That Maxima was like, I think a mid 90s Maxima that everyone ..."
The Nissan Maxima is a big car that’s comfortable to drive and has a lot of nice features. People like it because it’s reliable and good for everyday use.
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan known for its combination of performance, comfort, and technology. It has been a staple in Nissan's lineup since the 1980s and is often praised for its reliability and driving experience.
Radwood
"But then it reminded me like, you know what? This is, this is a car that's perfect for Radwood. You know, it's, you know, clearly not a car that like people aspire to own one day. Radwood kind of celebrates the ordinary cars like you just said."
Radwood is a car event that showcases cars from the 1980s and 1990s. It highlights regular cars that people might have owned or seen when they were younger, making it a fun trip down memory lane.
Radwood is a car show and event that celebrates the automotive culture of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on cars that were popular during that era. It emphasizes the appreciation of ordinary and everyday vehicles rather than just high-end or exotic cars.
Chevy Lumina
"And I think it was parked next to a Chevy Lumina. It was also parked, you know, just cars that like you didn't even look twice at growing up."
The Chevy Lumina is a family car that was popular in the 1990s. It was known for being roomy and comfortable, making it a common choice for families.
The Chevrolet Lumina is a mid-size car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1990 to 2001. It was designed as a family car and was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Ford Capri
"...away that caught my attention is it was a Mercury Capri RS, which was basically the Fox body generation ..."
The Ford Capri is an old sporty car that people remember fondly. It’s known for its stylish look and fun driving experience.
The Ford Capri is a classic coupe that was produced in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its sporty design and performance. It has a nostalgic appeal among car enthusiasts and is often discussed for its role in automotive history.
Mercury Capri RS Turbo
"There was one that really comes to mind right away that caught my attention is it was a Mercury Capri RS, which was basically the Fox body generation of the Mercury Capri. This one was the RS Turbo."
The Mercury Capri RS Turbo is a small, sporty car from the 1990s that had a turbo engine and was fun to drive.
The Mercury Capri RS Turbo is a sporty compact car from the 1990s, part of the Fox Body generation, known for its turbocharged engine and manual transmission.
Fox Body
"which was basically the Fox body generation of the Mercury Capri."
The Fox Body is a type of car design used by Ford for models like the Mustang in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for being light and fast.
The Fox Body refers to a platform used by Ford for several models, including the Mustang and Mercury Capri, from 1979 to 1993, known for its lightweight design and performance potential.
turbo
"I think it's like a 1.4 1.8 liter turbo from the 90s."
A turbo is a part that helps a car's engine get more air, which makes it more powerful and faster.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and increasing power output.
five speed manual
"This one was the RS Turbo. So it's a five speed manual."
A five-speed manual means the driver has to change gears by hand, and there are five different gears to choose from.
A five-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manually shift gears through five different ratios, providing better control over the vehicle's power and speed.
Mazda Miata
"I couldn't figure out that it was a Capri, you know, because the Mercury Capri ended up becoming like the Miata car, right?"
The Mazda Miata is a small, two-seat sports car that is known for being fun to drive. It's popular among people who enjoy driving and is often seen as an affordable option.
The Mazda Miata, also known as the MX-5, is a lightweight two-seater roadster that has gained a reputation for its fun driving experience and affordability. It has been in production since 1989 and is beloved by car enthusiasts.
Mercury XR4 Ti
"I know Mercury had the XR4 Ti."
The Mercury XR4 Ti is a sporty car made by the Mercury brand in the 1980s. It had a turbo engine and was designed to be fun to drive.
The Mercury XR4 Ti was a sporty hatchback produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its turbocharged engine and European styling. It was based on the Ford Sierra and aimed at the performance market.
front wheel drive
"That's front wheel drive. Yeah."
Front wheel drive means that the car's engine powers the front wheels. This setup can help the car handle better in bad weather and gives more room inside the car.
Front wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This layout often provides better traction in slippery conditions and allows for more interior space.
Ford Mustang
"It looked like a Mustang competitor, right?"
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for a long time. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design. It has been in production since 1964 and has gone through several generations, each with its own unique characteristics.
Mercury Colony Park
"There was like a Mercury Colony Park there that was cool. So that was one that stood out to me."
The Mercury Colony Park is a large station wagon that was made by the Mercury brand, which is part of Ford. It was popular for being roomy and comfortable, especially for families.
The Mercury Colony Park was a full-size station wagon produced by Mercury, a division of Ford, from the 1950s to the early 1990s. It was known for its spacious interior and classic styling, making it a popular choice for families during its production years.
Mitsubishi Starion
"my buddy brought his Mitsubishi Starion and they asked him to park it at the Hagerty booth, which was cool."
The Mitsubishi Starion is a sporty car from the 1980s that many car fans love. It's known for being fast and having a unique look.
The Mitsubishi Starion is a turbocharged sports coupe produced in the 1980s, known for its distinctive styling and performance capabilities. It was popular among enthusiasts for its rear-wheel drive layout and tuning potential.
showroom condition
"A lot of the cars that stood out to me there at Radwood were like those old forgettable cars that were just kept in showroom condition."
When someone says a car is in 'showroom condition', it means the car looks brand new and is very well taken care of, just like it would look if you saw it in a car dealership.
Showroom condition refers to a vehicle that is in pristine condition, as if it were just displayed in a dealership. This term is often used to describe classic or vintage cars that have been meticulously maintained.
Eagle Talon
"...t I really like couldn't stop looking at was the Talon TSI. Oh yeah, the black one."
The Eagle Talon is a sporty little car from the 90s that’s known for being fast and fun to drive. It’s similar to another car called the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
The Eagle Talon is a compact sports car that was produced in the 1990s, known for its turbocharged engines and performance capabilities. It shares a platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and has a dedicated fan base among car enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Gsx
"As soon as you walked in on the right hand side and inside there was an Eclipse GSX."
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is a sporty car that has a turbo engine and all-wheel drive, making it fun to drive and popular among car fans.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is a high-performance version of the Eclipse, featuring all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. It is part of the DSM (Diamond-Star Motors) collaboration between Mitsubishi and Chrysler.
GSX
"So when you look at that GSX and, you know, you look at the guy opened the hood..."
The GSX is a performance car made by Buick in the early 70s. It’s famous for being fast and having a unique look.
The Buick GSX is a high-performance version of the Buick Gran Sport, produced in the early 1970s. It is known for its powerful V8 engine and distinctive styling, making it a classic muscle car.
timing chain
"you can see what is it? The timing chain, the cover for the, that drives the belt."
The timing chain is a part of the engine that helps keep everything working together. It makes sure the engine parts move at the right times.
A timing chain is a critical component in an engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. It ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
Mitsubishi Galant
"...when they see the hood of an eclipse or a talent, that's why that bump is there. You know?"
The Mitsubishi Galant is a larger car that was made for families. It had a lot of space inside and was available in different styles, like sedans and wagons, which made it good for road trips.
The Mitsubishi Galant is a mid-size car that was produced by Mitsubishi and was known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It often came in sedan and wagon variants, making it a popular choice for families.
Alfa Romeo Milano
"You know, Hiram, the guy you introduced me to that owns the Milano."
The Alfa Romeo Milano is a type of car made by Alfa Romeo in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a sporty feel.
The Alfa Romeo Milano, also known as the 75 in some markets, is a compact executive car produced by Alfa Romeo from 1985 to 1992. It is known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and sporty handling.
Lamborghini Diablos
"...like Diablo's and, you know, I don't think there was any Diablo's there, but there was a Kuntas and there was a, an EB 110 Bugatti,..."
The Lamborghini Diablo is a famous sports car made in the 1990s. It has a powerful engine and a unique look, making it very popular among car enthusiasts.
The Lamborghini Diablo is a supercar produced by Lamborghini from 1990 to 2001. It was known for its powerful V12 engine and striking design, becoming an icon of the 1990s supercar era.
Lamborghini Countach
"...there was a Kuntas and there was a, an EB 110 Bugatti,..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a classic sports car known for its unique shape and doors that open upwards. It was very popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar produced from the 1970s to the early 1990s. It is known for its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors, and it played a significant role in establishing Lamborghini's reputation for high-performance vehicles.
Bugatti EB110
"...and there was a, an EB 110 Bugatti, which I couldn't..."
The Bugatti EB110 is a fast sports car made in the early 1990s. It has a very powerful engine and was known for its advanced features.
The Bugatti EB110 is a supercar produced in the early 1990s, known for its quad-turbocharged V12 engine and advanced technology for its time. It was one of the first models produced after the Bugatti brand was revived in the late 1980s.
Deloreans
".... It was mainly like, you know, cars that fit in Deloreans and things like that. Sure."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique car that has doors that open up like wings. It’s famous because it was in a popular movie, which makes it really special to many people.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car known for its distinctive gullwing doors and stainless steel body. It gained iconic status after appearing in the 'Back to the Future' movies, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
modified cars
"You don't like modified cars because most times they don't bring more money. They actually bring less."
Modified cars are cars that have been changed from how they were originally made. People often change things like the engine or wheels to make them look or drive differently.
Modified cars are vehicles that have been altered from their original factory specifications. This can include changes to the engine, suspension, wheels, and other components to enhance performance or aesthetics.
BMW E39
"... sell. Well, it didn't sell on cars and business E39 and five and he had like a CSL style trunk and c..."
The BMW 5 Series is a fancy car that’s comfortable and fun to drive. The E39 model is especially liked because it has a good mix of luxury and performance.
The BMW 5 Series is a line of executive cars known for their blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. The E39 generation, produced from 1995 to 2003, is particularly revered for its driving dynamics and build quality.
Audi 5000
"... a very clean M five and he's like, well, I spent 5000 on audio. I'm like, you're not going to get that..."
The Audi 5000 is a luxury car from the 80s and 90s that was known for being comfortable and having cool features. It’s remembered for its unique design and technology.
The Audi 5000 is a luxury sedan produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its advanced engineering and comfort. It has a unique place in automotive history, often discussed for its innovative features during its time.
Nissan 300 ZX
"And you ruin the car. It's like my 300 ZX, the Z 32, it was cobalt green, really rare color..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a fast sports car that looks really nice and is fun to drive. It’s part of a family of cars known for being sporty and exciting.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was part of the Z-car lineup, known for its performance and sleek design. The Z32 generation, produced from 1989 to 1996, is particularly praised for its engineering and driving experience.
Toyota Corolla
"I bought a 1994 Toyota Corolla. I didn't even run off my buddy for 400 bucks."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it is dependable and gets good gas mileage. The 1994 version is one of the older models that many still remember fondly.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1994 model is part of the E100 generation, which was popular for its practicality and affordability.
BMW M5
"... like if you had an E39 wagon, he did a S62 swap, M5 swap, an E39 wagon, that's going to bring all th..."
The BMW M5 is a fast and fancy car that's built for people who love driving. The E39 model is special because it combines comfort with a lot of power, which makes it exciting to drive.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. The E39 generation, produced from 1998 to 2003, is particularly celebrated for its balance of luxury and performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
BMW M3
"...d the E46 wagon with the, Doug did a video on it, M3 swapped E46 wagon, but the body work and everyth..."
The BMW M3 is a sporty version of the 3 Series that’s designed for people who enjoy driving fast. The E46 model is popular because it’s fun to drive and looks great.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series, renowned for its sporty characteristics and driving dynamics. The E46 generation, produced from 2000 to 2006, is especially revered for its engaging driving experience and has become a classic among car enthusiasts.
supercharger
"Yeah, it was a solid brand, but people get scared of supercharger because it's forced induction. They think it's going to, you know, the motors ruined all of a sudden..."
A supercharger is a part that helps an engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It's like giving the engine a boost to make it go faster.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. It's a form of forced induction that can significantly increase engine performance.
Porsche 911
"Like a 996, 911. It's the easiest, cheapest, 911 you can buy. Easiest even drive."
The Porsche 911 (996) is a version of the famous 911 sports car made between 1999 and 2004. It's often considered the most affordable and easiest to drive among the 911 models.
The Porsche 911 (996) is the fifth generation of the iconic 911 sports car, produced from 1999 to 2004. It is known for its distinctive design and performance, making it one of the more accessible models in the 911 lineup.
Honda CRX
"...ot for 400 bucks? Wasn't it? I think there was a CRX side Radwood. Probably. Yeah, most likely."
The Honda CRX is a small car that’s great on gas and fun to drive. Many people like it because it’s affordable and easy to handle.
The Honda CRX is a compact car that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for its lightweight design and fuel efficiency. It is often celebrated among enthusiasts for its sporty handling and affordability.
Honda Civic
"I had bought an 84 Civic hatch. Doug did a video on it."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. The 1984 version is one of the earlier models and is known for being simple and easy to drive.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been popular for decades, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1984 model is part of the first generation of Civics, which were characterized by their lightweight design and practical features.
interference engine
"...issue with a lot of whatever car, right? Like for example, a car with an interference engine is going to require time and belt change."
An interference engine is one where the parts can hit each other if something goes wrong, like if the timing belt breaks. This can lead to serious damage to the engine.
An interference engine is a type of engine design where the pistons and valves occupy the same space in the cylinder. If the timing belt fails, the pistons can collide with the valves, causing significant engine damage.
Jeep Wagoneer
"...at's his name, Walter White owned. Like the S.J. Wagoneer that his wife drove. Those started going up in v..."
The Jeep Wagoneer is a big SUV that people loved in the 60s to 90s. It’s known for being tough and has a classic look that many find appealing.
The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size SUV that was produced from the 1960s to the early 1990s, known for its ruggedness and classic styling. It has become a sought-after classic vehicle, often discussed for its nostalgic value and off-road capabilities.
Toyota Tacomas
"...is and for one third gen for others and first gen Tacomas too are everywhere here. But my point is with th..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a tough little truck that’s great for carrying things and going off-road. Many people like it because it lasts a long time and can handle rough terrain.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has a strong reputation for reliability and is popular among both casual drivers and off-road enthusiasts.
Chrysler Voyager
"...e something I know for a fact, it's not like that voyager we got. That's not going to sell a marketplace t..."
The Chrysler Voyager is a family minivan that has a lot of room for kids and stuff. It’s popular because it’s practical and comfortable for family trips.
The Chrysler Voyager is a minivan that has been a popular choice for families since its introduction in the 1980s. Known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features, it is often discussed in the context of practical family vehicles.
Jeep Wrangler
"...e like, oh, it makes sense. I sold the Y.J. Jeep Wrangler on bring a trailer and I had to go down to the t..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a cool, tough car that’s made for driving on rough roads and trails. People love it because it can go almost anywhere and has a fun, open design.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. It has a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility and ability to tackle challenging terrains.
Cadillac Escalade
"... worth much anyways. OK. Or like recently did an Escalade. 2000 Escalade for his agenda that I thought wou..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a fancy SUV that has a lot of space and nice features inside. People like it because it’s comfortable and looks really stylish.
The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and high-end features. It represents a blend of comfort and performance, making it a popular choice among those seeking a premium driving experience.
Gmc Ck
"Like 95 to 99 is what the people because usually people want last model year cars. And I think like F 250, F 350 turbo diesel, GMC, CK 1500, stuff like that. The old body style with the 7.3 liter."
The GMC C.K. is a big truck that was made in the late 80s to late 90s. People like these trucks because they are strong and last a long time.
The GMC C.K. series refers to a line of full-size pickup trucks and vans produced by GMC from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. Known for their durability and performance, these vehicles are often sought after in the used truck market.
Chevrolet C10S
"...w. Yeah. Or like, you know, if you look at older C10s or C20s, those are worth a ton of money."
The Chevrolet C10 is an old pickup truck that many people love because it looks cool and works well. Collectors pay a lot of money for these trucks because they are special.
The Chevrolet C10 is a classic pickup truck that was produced from the 1960s to the early 1990s. It is highly sought after by collectors for its vintage style and reliability, often commanding high prices in the classic car market.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...ws everything about General Motors and he owns a Silverado. He owned his first car was a Dodge Ram 50,"
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or family use. It’s known for being strong and comfortable to drive.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance and versatility. It’s a popular choice for both work and personal use, often praised for its towing capacity and comfort.
Dodge Ram
"...e owns a Silverado. He owned his first car was a Dodge Ram 50, which apparently won an award at Radwood, ri..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that’s built to carry heavy stuff and do tough jobs. It’s popular because it’s strong and comfortable to drive.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup truck recognized for its robust build and powerful engine options. It has a strong following among truck enthusiasts and is often praised for its performance and comfort.
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