UPDATED- Oppoinions: Trade offers

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
12/27/2016 at 00:30 • Filed to: Oppoinions

I’ve been trying to sell or trade the Roadmaster for a few months now. I’ve had one cash offer, which was below my “Screw it, I’ll just keep it” threshold. I’ve had a few offers for straight trades, but all for utter garbage. I now have two offers that would each require me to put an extra $500 out on top of the Roadmaster.

First:

‘02 Wrangler, 4-cylinder, 5-speed, 191k miles.

Pros: Checks another item off the vehiclular bucket list, manual trans, 4x4 would be fun, I think this would be a easy to flip for some more cash when I’m done with it.

Cons: it has 30k more miles that the Roadmaster. It needs an exhaust manifold gasket. I looked into doing this myself. I think I can do it, but it will not be easy. Windshield is cracked, it’s a Mopar and all that entails, it’s gotta be slow as dog shit. Oh, and the rear seatbelts are MIA, so I have to track down and buy a set of those if the kiddos are going to come along with.

Second:

‘01 Cadillac DTS, V8/auto, 115k miles

Pros: I had a 2000 DeVille that I inherited from my grandma, and I loved it. 50k less miles than the Roadmaster, no rust, needs nothing.

Cons: Been there, done that. Parts are expensive if it breaks. Prices on these are all the hell over the place, so it’s really hard to tell what it should be worth and what I could get out of it when I’m ready to move on. It’s got a damn carriage top. I HATE carriage tops.

What do you all think? As much as I love the Roadmaster, the little voice in the back of my head says it’s time for it to go.

Update:

The Caddy was like 8 minutes from my house, so I went and looked at it. The right side axle is clicking like crazy, so that’s officially out.

Despite the fact that a 4-cylinder Wrangler is impossibly slow, I am still considering that trade. I think I could fix that and flip in in the spring for a decent profit. I can also use it to teach my wife how to drive a stick (she wants to learn). I’m waiting to hear back from that guy. He actually wants $800 on top of the Roadmaster, which ain’t happening. If he’ll go to $500 and the frame isn’t rusty, I’ll probably go for it.

If I haven’t made a deal by the end of the week, I’m going to renew the plates on the Toadmaster and try selling it again next fall.

DISCUSSION (57)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 00:57

I’d rather have a Roadmaster, than a 4 banger Wrangler. The Cadi is a hard pass.

shop-teacher > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
12/27/2016 at 00:58

The Roadmaster has rust issues slowly creeping in, I can’t keep it around much longer.

DrScientist > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:02

ex girlfriend had a 4 cylinder wrangler. beyond slow. merging onto a highway was scary.

Wagon Guy drives a Boostang > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:13

I agree that the Caddy is a pass. You’ve done that, and who knows if it would be worth more or less trying to sell it in a year than the Roadmaster.

I think the Jeep, while slow and needing a few things would be an easy sell later on, and if it’s a car on your bucket list, I’d be tempted to say why not.

Wacko > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:18

If you want a jeep you do not want a 4 cylinder.

Unless you are using it to go hunting or something Slow.

I had 2 TJs one 2.5 and one 4.0. The 4.0 is just so much better.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:19

Clean TJ’s, especially stock, usually can fetch a pretty good dollar, although the four-banger will hurt that. But parts are cheap and the aftermarket is HUGE. It’ll hopefully be an easier sell than the Roadmaster.

RallyWrench > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:26

A 4cyl Wrangler is the definition of dickless. Depressingly slow, as you mentioned. That alone would kill it for me. Not to mention the lack of weatherproofing in the face of actual weather.

The Caddy also gets a pass, because fake Landau roofs are a no-go on anything newer than 1988, and because sideways FWD V8s are bullshit. Volvo, GM, and Ben Rolland can fight me on that, but forget working on those.

The Roadmaster may be at the end of its tenure with you, but I wouldn’t rush into one of these.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:26

If you want to live life slow and dangerous go for the jeep. If you want to look like Ben Rolland get the AARP cruiser.

hellriaser > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:28

Not a big fan of either but the wrangler is a much better short term flip, way wider appeal

gmctavish needs more space > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:51

If you’re worried about the safety of your kids because of the Roadmasters rust, the Wrangler is probably less safe even without rust.

The roof on the DeVille just kills it, that’s heinous

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 01:53

you dont want a 4 banger wrangler.

slow.

also its really really slow.

also not the best in terms of reliability in my experience.

also its slower than a turtle thats 120 years old

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 02:16

I say snag the wrangler have fun through the winter and then sell it to a 16 year old that doesn’t realize how slow it is lol. Just remember your coats. Heat is going to suck as much as the acceleration.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 06:00

You could probably turn the Jeep into a profit if you fixed the issues. I’d go Jeep.

XJDano > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 07:17

4cyl wranglers are great starters for V8 swaps. I usually only hear complaints about them, as I’ve never driven one. I did drive a I6 lifted wrangler and it was bumpy on a straight highway. Confirming that an XJ was a better choice. Seek out a manual trans XJ 4.0, unless wrangler is bucket list car.

Unless you are going to put the metro on the Jeep frame.

Jobjoris > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 07:40

Only one choice here.

Kinja'd!!!

I’m sure your’s not so shiny but really: both the others would be NO improvement. Can’t be that hard to find a decent 6-cylinder Wrangler though ;-)

shop-teacher > XJDano
12/27/2016 at 07:43

Hahaha!

shop-teacher > Jobjoris
12/27/2016 at 07:45

Finding a 6-cup Wrangler is easy. Finding someone who wants the Roadmaster is proving to be a real challenge. I’m worried about the rust at the base of the driver’s side B-pillar making it unsafe to put my girls in it.

shop-teacher > gmctavish needs more space
12/27/2016 at 07:46

Fair point there.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/27/2016 at 07:47

That’s what I’m thinking. The Roadmaster is proving very tough to sell, but people love these stupid Wranglers.

Jobjoris > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 07:48

Oof, that rust is a problem if it has such an impact on it’s construction. Not sure if the Wrangler is such a safe replacement either ;-)

shop-teacher > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
12/27/2016 at 07:49

So .... it’s slow? ;)

I know the reliability isn’t good, it’s a Mopar. I wouldn’t be keeping it long. I think it would be easy to flip in the spring. There are a lot more Wrangler fans than Roadmaster fans.

shop-teacher > Wacko
12/27/2016 at 07:50

I have no doubt that the 4.0 is far superior, but so far no 4.0 owners have shown interest in the Roadmaster.

shop-teacher > hellriaser
12/27/2016 at 07:51

The easier flip is the big appeal to me. I think I could actually make a bit of money on that one.

shop-teacher > DrScientist
12/27/2016 at 07:52

I doubt I’d even take it on the highway.

shop-teacher > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/27/2016 at 07:52

That’s what I’m thinking.

shop-teacher > Jobjoris
12/27/2016 at 07:54

Right now I don’t think it is, but I don’t think I could keep it more than a year tops. And as hard as the Roadmaster is to sell now, selling it in the summer with no AC is going to be a no-go.

I’m thinking of taking the Jeep, fixing it, and then flipping it in the spring. I think I could make a bit of money that way. I still have my truck to haul the girls in.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 08:18

No joke, I passed one the other day in the 4Runner because he was struggling to crest 50 mph. His was lifted, but still. If I can pass in that, it’s too slow.

Amoore100 > RallyWrench
12/27/2016 at 09:33

Lancia would also like a word on that.

Kinja'd!!!

Wacko > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 10:04

That’s the thing people tend to keep the 4.0 and the 2.5 is the cheap entry point in to the jeep thing.

The only reason I sold my TJ 4.0 is that a 4 seater for a family of 5 is not practical. Someone would have to stay home when we go for a ride.

Wacko > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 10:56

If you are going to look at the jeep, take a good look at the frame. Wrangler frames are thin, and made mostly of rust.

If that jeep has ever seen the white stuff, it will have rust.

shop-teacher > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
12/27/2016 at 10:56

We really don’t have hills around here, and I doubt I would ever take it on the highway, but that is insanely damn slow.

shop-teacher > Wacko
12/27/2016 at 10:57

Will do, thanks.

shop-teacher > Wacko
12/27/2016 at 10:59

I’m thinking of going for the Jeep, if it checks out, and flipping it in the not too distant future.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 11:03

This was on almost flat ground.

LOREM IPSUM > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 11:12

Trade for Wrangler.

Add LS swap.

Profit (?)

Wacko > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 11:50

They are easy and cheap to fix.

My tj had a 4 inch lift and had 35s. I didn’t have to put it on ramps for an oil change.

The 2.5 is basically the 6 with two cylinders chopped off.

Keep the 2.5 on stock size tires if you want it to be drivable.

The 2.5 is perfect as a city car. But is a no go on the freeways and highways.

The frames tend to rust from the skid plate (transfer Case) to the rear.

RallyWrench > Amoore100
12/27/2016 at 11:55

I’m ashamed to admit I forgot about the Thema! Great engine in an otherwise forgettable car, I still stand by my statement because I would not want to work on that.

Amoore100 > RallyWrench
12/27/2016 at 12:07

Agreed. Not sure why Ferrari agreed to put their engine sideways in a Type 4 car.

shop-teacher > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
12/27/2016 at 12:23

Note to self: do not lift Wrangler if you get it.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 12:25

4.0 is fine.

shop-teacher > Wacko
12/27/2016 at 12:26

I don’t see me ever taking it on the highway if I get it, and I have no interest in either lifting it or putting on bigger tires. I’ll be sure to inspect the frame carefully.

shop-teacher > LOREM IPSUM
12/27/2016 at 12:27

Haha! I like it!

Amoore100 > RallyWrench
12/27/2016 at 14:20

Forgot one more! The first gen Equus/Proudia had a sideways Mitsu-supplied V8 powering the fronts.

Kinja'd!!!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 14:31

You could do a baby Cummings swap like. Dirt Every Day did l.

shop-teacher > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
12/27/2016 at 16:04

That would be pretty cool!

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 18:11

yea it slow. probably could sell it quicker

shop-teacher > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
12/27/2016 at 18:17

Considering I’m nearly three months into selling it, with only one cash offer, after a 20% price drop ... yeah a Wrangler would be a LOT easier to sell than the Toadmaster.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 22:27

A few things.

I gave you a cash offer for your Roadmaster, but you declined (offer still stands).

Also, the Jeep while cool, is not what I would call safe. I believe that was one of your reasons for selling your Roadmaster if I recall.

I’ll even give you another offer, out the kindness of my heart. I’ll trade my Lexus for your Roadmaster and $1800.

shop-teacher > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
12/27/2016 at 22:38

True, you did make an offer ... so I guess I’ve had two cash offers.

A few others have made the same point about safety, and I you’re all correct. I’ve decided if I get the Jeep, I’ll just fix it and flip it in the spring. Not put my kids in it. Probably doesn’t matter anyways, as that guy has now gone radio-silent.

I have about as much money as you did when you made me that offer.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > shop-teacher
12/27/2016 at 22:49

:’D I do to, hence the reason my offer hasn’t increased.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
12/28/2016 at 10:45

Wranglers have great resale. People like us know the 4 banger is WEAK but general “Jeep” fans, don’t.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/28/2016 at 11:17

The Wrangler guy has gone radio silent. I guess he didn’t like my counter-offer of $500, he wanted $800.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
12/28/2016 at 16:27

damn. I say you give him a week and message him again if it’s still listed.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/28/2016 at 17:05

He contacted me initially. His isn’t even listed.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
12/29/2016 at 01:52

Damn

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > shop-teacher
12/30/2016 at 22:41

How much did you get for the Roadsmasher?

shop-teacher > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
12/30/2016 at 22:53

$1800