The John Clay Wolfe Show #12 (Hour 3) – February 6, 2016

Main Theme/Overview

In this lively hour of The John Clay Wolfe Show, John and his team take rapid-fire calls from listeners looking to sell their cars, providing real-time appraisals and dealership-level buying advice. The hour covers everything from Jeeps and pickup trucks to hot rods and classic Mercedes, with discussions full of humor, candid market insights, and a little rock & roll spirit. There’s also the occasional detour into SUV envy, “flipped” loans, and Super Bowl picks.

Car Appraisals & Insider Dealer Talk

1. Jeep Wrangler Market Correction

• [00:35–04:41]
  Caller: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 (lifted, hardtop, 90k mi)
  • John notes the Wrangler market is finally “adjusting” after years of premium pricing, offering $15,000:

    “These things have just always oversold...They've always been a premium. You can't steal a jeep...They're just adjusting finally.” (01:33, John)

  • Rust is discussed as a real factor for Gulf Coast cars:

    “Look it over for rust...We've had to turn down a couple of cars...when we've gotten to Galveston over rust.” (03:29, John)

  • Advice for transaction: Submit info at GiveMeTheVIN.com.

2. GMC Sierra and SUV Leasing Headaches

• [04:41–07:36] Caller: 2015 Sierra Crew Cab, 7k mi, quicksilver/good options but 2WD
  • John estimates $30,000 but will "rebid" after seeing the VIN & photos.
  • Brief detour: John's attempt to lease a high-end Range Rover, finds it’s still $2,000/month used, with 50% depreciation over two years.

    “You cannot buy a Range Rover, not lose your shirt. Two grand a month. Really? The lease residual was 50% over two years...” (06:19, John)

  • Team discusses car choice and the pitfalls of high depreciation.

    “So I'm sticking with Ford trucks for now.” (06:53, John)

3. F250 Lariat Diesel and the Value of ‘Nice Options’

• [07:36–09:21] Caller: 2010 Ford F250 Lariat, 4" lift, 111k mi, diesel, well-optioned
  • John immediately values leather, navigation, and sunroof as hard-to-find, valuable options:

    “Nav and roof are the two hard options. Those are the money options.” (08:25, John)

  • Appraises at $24,000 based on comparable purchases.

4. Hot Rod Civics and the Project Car Dilemma

• [09:21–10:52]
  Caller: 1997 Civic with Si conversion, turbo-ready
  • John is skeptical about getting $5,000–6,000 for such a build:

    “Am I going to give $5,000 for it? No...Will I give 3 or 35? Possibly.” (10:52, John)

  • Encourages detailed submission for proper appraisal.
  • Hilarious quip about the “VTEC kick in” sound:

    “You know what it sounds like? Gay.” (11:16, John) (sharp John Clay Wolfe humor)

5. Lux SUVs and Standing Out on the Road

• [11:22–12:39]
  • The team riff on why John wants a Rover, comparing it to Land Cruisers, Infinitis:

    “You want something that not everybody has. I mean, I'm a car guy, you know…I'm supposed to have something a little bit special.” (11:59, John)

6. H2 Hummers, Dakota Projects, and Advice on Cut Losses

• [13:14–15:36] Caller: 2007 Hummer H2, 117k mi (stock)
  • Offer: $16,000–$17,000. Caller: 2000 Dodge Dakota R/T, engine knock, bad transmission sensors
  • Project car warning:

    “Just sell it to the first guy that offers you anything and be done with it. I'm giving you good advice...” (14:52, John)

  • Suggests $500 as scrap/project value.

7. Camaro and the Trap of Negative Equity

• [17:03–18:58] Caller: 2010 Camaro SS, 55k mi, red/chrome, nice car
  • John estimates “mid-teens” (14–15k), owner is “upside down” wanting $20–25k.

    “To get that flipped...he had to roll negative equity in from something else. Is that accurate or not?” (18:04, John)

  • Dealers still “take you out bigger than Dallas if they have the chance."

    “Old car dealing’s changed...but they will take you out bigger than Dallas if they have a chance. It's just as bad as it ever was.” (18:21, John)

8. Titans, Grand Cherokees, Silverados – Wrapping Up Rapid Bids

• [19:15–22:43]
  • 2010 Titan, leather, 4WD, clean, 100k: $13,000 offered, caller upside down.

    “It's just the miles. That's that.” (20:01, John)

  • 2014 Grand Cherokee Limited, 9k mi, V8, group 2: $25–26k offer, caller owes $29k.

    “You’re a little flip, but you're not bad. Hell, everybody's flipped these days.” (22:12, John)

  • Chevy Silverado, crew, LT, leather, 42k: $22,000.
    • Will go higher if warranted after appraising photos.

9. Classic Mercedes and Closing

• [23:51–24:53] Caller: 1985 Mercedes, inherited, low miles
  • Value: $1,000–$3,000, condition-dependent.
• Super Bowl Picks
  • Light closing banter on bets for Panthers vs. Broncos, Peyton Manning’s last game.

    “It is Peyton's last Super Bowl. Last game. Mm. That may be in your favor, dude.” (25:23, John)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jeep Market Corrections:

  “I've been losing money on everyone I get ahold of because I've been big ball.” (02:03, John)

• On Range Rover Leases:

  “You cannot buy a Range Rover, not lose your shirt.” (06:19, John)

• On Project Cars:

  “Projects...man, you get ahold of something like that...just sell it to the first guy that offers you anything...” (14:52, John)

• On Negative Equity and Dealerships:

  “Old car dealing’s changed...but it's just as bad as it ever was.” (18:21, John)

• On Car Guy Status:

  “I'm a car guy, you know, I mean, that's my business. I'm supposed to have something a little bit special.” (11:59, John)

• Humor & Style:

  “Whenever the VTEC hits...you know what it sounds like? Gay.” (11:16, John)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:32] – Start, Wrangler appraisal
• [04:41] – Sierra appraisal
• [06:00] – Range Rover lease talk
• [07:36] – F250 Lariat appraisal
• [09:21] – Honda Civic Hot Rod project
• [11:22] – SUVs, car guy talk
• [13:14] – Hummer H2, Dodge Dakota
• [17:03] – Camaro and negative equity
• [19:15] – Titan, Grand Cherokee rapid bids
• [23:51] – Classic Mercedes, wrap-up calls
• [24:56] – Super Bowl picks, closing banter

Summary

This episode is a great window into the realities (and comedy) of buying and selling used vehicles in today's market. John’s fast, frank, and at times sarcastically hilarious advice brings much-needed honesty to car talk radio. No shiny dealership illusions here—just down-to-earth appraisals, candid market trends, and colorful stories, all with the background buzz of football season and rock & roll edge. Whether you’re looking to sell, avoid being “flipped,” or just love auto banter, this hour delivers both laughs and lessons.