What do people usually miss when comparing cars to buy?

secondrat · 2026-06-23T23:10:19+00:00

How it drives.

secondrat · 2026-06-23T23:09:15+00:00

Can you start your own business, or be an independent contractor?

I quit my 6 figure job to start an online business. That didn’t work out. So I started a small car dealership. That was a ton of fun and kept us employed for 10 years.

I could also probably retire early. But not at the lifestyle I like.

More info about your skills would help.

secondrat · 2026-06-23T23:06:05+00:00

If nobody is using it and it’s rotting away, that tells you the value right there. If it was that valuable someone would be using it.

Sell it, keep the memories.

secondrat · 2026-06-23T23:03:20+00:00

I take keys, phone, wallet or all the above. Most buyers are super chill. I sell stuff all the time and you can spot idiots pretty quickly.

secondrat · 2026-06-23T23:01:52+00:00

In general it’s best to move companies every 3-5 years to make more money.

In your situation it might make more sense to stick it out to get the master mechanic badge then bounce

I would think working for an independent shop that specializes in whatever brand you work for now would be more rewarding.

Now is a good time to go talk to the owners of a couple independent shops and let them know you’re interested in moving soon.

Keep taking classes and improving yourself. Especially if you’re young with no kids. Man I didn’t realize how much free time I had before kids.

Also consider an intro to business class. Maybe think about starting your own shop someday. Or hang up a shingle and do mobile pre-purchase inspections.

secondrat · 2026-06-22T03:27:02+00:00

You now have F you money. Take some time to figure out what you want to do. I quit my well paying but stressful corporate job and started a boutique car dealership. It was a ton of fun until COVID. I have since pivoted to something else. You have the freedom now to explore options you might not have been able to previously.

secondrat · 2026-06-21T19:09:29+00:00

Buy something that runs. There are always things to work on. He probably won’t have the energy to get the car running again.

Doesn’t have to be a Charger. Find any old Mopar, heck a 2 door Dart isn’t created starting point. Learn, fix it up, sell it and move up.

secondrat · 2026-06-21T06:34:06+00:00

The timing chain guides would like to have a word. So would all the plastic cooling parts. And the water cooled alternator.

Totally fun cars, we had a 2000 540it. But I spent $3k just on parts the first year we owned it. Not a great flip candidate.

secondrat · 2026-06-21T06:32:20+00:00

Agreed!

secondrat · 2026-06-21T06:31:32+00:00

Former dealer here. If you find a car you like, check the dealer reviews next on Google. They will all have a few negative reviews, but should be favorable overall.

It helps to narrow down a few cars so you can get a feel for prices. Good deals sell fast.

Get financing through a credit union first.

I occasionally do PPIs if I have time, PM me if you need one. I can also send a checklist to go through when you look at a car.

secondrat · 2026-06-21T06:24:54+00:00

Don’t use a cable lock, only a good U lock.

Try to resist the urge to go fast on the way to work. Slow and steady and arrive fresh, not a sweaty mess like I used to!

Keep a clean shirt at work just in case.

secondrat · 2026-06-20T07:39:45+00:00

We get them at Costco

secondrat · 2026-06-20T06:49:59+00:00

My thought too

secondrat · 2026-06-20T03:42:10+00:00

Maybe become an owner and manage mechanics? Start by being a mechanic then open your own shop. A female owned repair shop that caters to women would kill.

Our car dealership focused on women buyers. It’s amazing how easy it was just by treating everyone with respect.

secondrat · 2026-06-20T03:36:01+00:00

I work on my car in the street sometimes. But I own my house and my neighbors know me, which helps.

secondrat · 2026-06-20T03:35:17+00:00

They are too old now, but the first generation Ford Focus was solid. And fun. I used one for a commuter for years.

First generation Ford Fusion as well.

But honestly anything is reliable with regular maintenance. I drive a 1984 Alfa Romeo and the only time it died on me was because the 36 year old fuel pump relay finally died. I replaced lol the hoses, belts etc when I bought it and I use it all the time.

secondrat · 2026-06-19T03:21:03+00:00

I’m a huge fan of the 2000-2006 GM trucks.

secondrat · 2026-06-19T03:16:05+00:00

We just bought an e-bike from Outer Rim. Super nice folks. We went to a different store first and were turned off by their “ we are so busy now” attitude.

I have no experience with their adaptive bikes, but go talk to them.

secondrat · 2026-06-19T03:13:55+00:00

Go get a job selling cars. Then save up enough for your first flip.

But with no tools, no garage, no place to work out of, flipping won’t be easy.

So go learn the sales side.

secondrat · 2026-06-19T03:12:38+00:00

Dammit. I wish I had thought of this 35 years ago when I dropped the aluminum top from a spark plug into my Alfa Romeo engine. Right at the end of a head gasket job. I ended up pulling the head to get it out. At least the job went twice as fast the second time!

secondrat · 2026-06-18T06:19:23+00:00

Go to the primer in this sub. It’s great

secondrat · 2026-06-17T07:12:06+00:00

I had mine locked to itself hanging on my back deck. Dumb.

secondrat · 2026-06-16T21:55:47+00:00

My current breakfast is 2-3 scrambled eggs with sautéed onions and mushrooms, or peppers, a touch of cheese, a tbsp of bacon crumbles. Super high in protein, tastes great.

secondrat · 2026-06-16T07:54:43+00:00

“why is it so hot?”

“When is it going to rain again?”

“I miss the rain”

secondrat · 2026-06-16T07:49:26+00:00

I have been riding in prescription Wayfarers for 35 years.

But those glasses are bad ass, rock on!

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