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.

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

Main Theme/Overview

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

wavePod

#12 The John Clay Wolfe Show 02/06/16 Hour 3

Summary

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

Car Appraisals & Insider Dealer Talk

1. Jeep Wrangler Market Correction

2. GMC Sierra and SUV Leasing Headaches

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

4. Hot Rod Civics and the Project Car Dilemma

5. Lux SUVs and Standing Out on the Road

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

7. Camaro and the Trap of Negative Equity

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

9. Classic Mercedes and Closing

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Summary

Transcript

Summary

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

Car Appraisals & Insider Dealer Talk

1. Jeep Wrangler Market Correction

2. GMC Sierra and SUV Leasing Headaches

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

4. Hot Rod Civics and the Project Car Dilemma

5. Lux SUVs and Standing Out on the Road

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

7. Camaro and the Trap of Negative Equity

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

9. Classic Mercedes and Closing

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Summary