Podcast Summary: The John Clay Wolfe Show (#9, Hour 3 – 01/30/16)
Date: February 11, 2026
Host: John Clay Wolfe
Main Guest: Brad (Buyer with GiveMeTheVIN.com)
Overview
This episode of The John Clay Wolfe Show captures an energetic and candid mix of live car appraisals, market talk, behind-the-scenes business stories, and lively banter about everything from sports to Mardi Gras to the quirks of online car sales. John and his team, including buyer Brad, deliver real-time car offers and discuss the realities of the used car business, all while sprinkling in humor, personal stories, and memorable industry insights.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Real-Time Car Bidding and Market Updates
- Live Car Appraisals: John takes multiple calls from listeners looking to sell their cars, offering real-time appraisals and negotiations.
- Notable deals include:
- Subaru WRX SPI (blue, gold rims) – detailed negotiations around market value, logistics, and car condition.
- Ford Escape, Mazda Speed, Suzuki XL7 – in-depth assessments of condition, mileage, and current market appetite.
- Notable deals include:
- Market Fluctuations: Persistent focus on how used car markets change, especially in the wake of issues like the Volkswagen diesel scandal.
Quote:
"I will give $16,000. I will not give $16,500. If you want to bring it to our office in Fort Worth, then I will give you $16,200. That's it. That's all I can do. I mean, I'm all over this thing like a cheap suit." (John, 04:02)
2. Volkswagen and Brand Reputation
- VW Diesel Scandal’s Impact: Discussion on how used diesel Volkswagens and Audis have tanked, with Brad noting he'd only buy the budget-friendly ones now, reflecting industrywide hesitance (06:12).
- Brand Loyalty Drops: Brad observes most VW owners understand the hit, with some even seeking written appraisals for pending lawsuits.
Quote:
"Regrettably, some people do understand the devaluation and the brand loyalty is just not there right now. Most people are getting it." (Brad, 07:45)
3. Behind the Scenes of 'GiveMeTheVIN'
- Business Model Transparency: John and Brad explain how the business works—including beating CarMax offers, the process for sellers, and common seller misconceptions.
- Types of Cars Sought: They clarify they don’t mainly deal in junk cars, but in mid- to high-value vehicles. Average buy price is about $20,000 (10:59).
- Photos & VINs Needed: Heavy emphasis on submitting accurate VEINs and photos for accurate bids, and how technology (e.g., scanning VINs, geofencing ads) is shaping the business.
Quote:
"We really don't buy junk cars. We buy the nice cars. We will buy junk cars if we know where to go with them...Our average cost of car is about $20,000." (John, 10:59)
4. Car Value Myths and Online Pricing
- Misuse of Kelly Blue Book: Brad rails against customers quoting unrealistic KBB values, especially on high-mileage vehicles, and explains how dealer/finance markets truly work (14:00).
- Export Market Anecdotes: John gives a mini-lesson on which high-mileage vehicles sell well overseas (especially Lexus and Suburban/Tahoe) and why export demand drives up prices for certain models/colors (15:06).
5. Memorable Vehicle Transactions
- Weirdest Buys: Stories about buying an RV from a “stoner” who just moved to Colorado, a limo, and other unique vehicles.
- Craziest Modifications: Brad reminds listeners that modified cars (lift kits, custom paint) really require photos for accurate bids (33:16).
6. Sports & Pop Culture – Johnny Manziel Update
- Johnny Manziel News: Breaking story about Johnny Manziel's latest off-the-field antics, his Fort Worth connections, and speculation on his motives and future in football.
- Mardi Gras Talk: Hilarious personal accounts of Mardi Gras, the culture of southern states, and drinking laws (26:52–28:30).
Quote:
"He kept scrambling, but he was questioned. There will be a full report released today, and I'm sure it'll be in the Fort Worth Star Telegram to start with." (John, 43:22)
7. Transparency and Trust in Online Car Buying
- Skepticism Erodes Over Time: Brad notes that customers are coming around to believing in online, sight-unseen sales after years of skepticism.
- Dealing with Dealers vs. Public: Tips for both individuals and dealers in working with GiveMeTheVIN, including issues with payoffs and title transfers.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We want to buy every car we can, but just because we're not in person and we're on the air, please don't confuse that with, we don't buy a Bentley...” (John, 10:41)
- “If you ask yourself the question, would I pay six grand for a 200,000 mile car?... There's no way you're going to spend that kind of money on that car.” (Brad, 14:54)
- “The cop turns to him and says, where are you from? Texas. So then he says, okay, line two or three, and that's it. Apparently out of state pays a different tax rate.” (Brad, 25:34)
- “If you really want to sell your car, I mean, come on, put some effort into it. We want to buy it. We sincerely do. But you gotta give me something to work off of.” (Brad, 34:34)
Important Timestamps
- 00:46–04:20: Subaru WRX SPI appraisal, negotiation breakdown
- 06:12–08:48: Volkswagen’s market crash and buyer behaviors
- 10:41–15:06: Clarifying the car types they buy, export markets, and KBB myths
- 17:01–18:10: RV stories and the pitfalls/technology of VIN decoding
- 26:52–28:30: Mardi Gras personal stories; regional culture and law discussion
- 43:17–46:47: Johnny Manziel’s altercation; sports rumor speculation
- 47:06–51:32: Dealer vs. public sales, payoffs, and title logistics
Tone & Style
Conversational, irreverent, and witty—John and his crew candidly dissect the realities of the car business while engaging callers in real-world transactions. The banter is fast-paced but never forced, lending the episode both expertise and entertainment value.
Final Notes
This episode is a quintessential slice of The John Clay Wolfe Show: a blend of on-the-fly deals, market wisdom, talk radio honesty, and Southern flavor. Whether you’re fascinated by cars, love hearing about the idiosyncrasies of selling online, or just enjoy a dose of “rock & roll radio” with a touch of sports gossip, this hour delivers laughs, learning, and a look behind the curtain of America’s used car game.
Want to sell your car or just get a quote?
Visit GiveMeTheVIN.com – "If we don't beat CarMax, we'll send you $100."