I gotta say one thing here. Most cars have 40 or so computers in them now. I think that's insane / overkill. Just more to go wrong. I am actually, but slowly, taking my cars that were built in 2015 + , selling them privately, and buying 06', 08, 03, Toyota's, also privately. You know why ? The dashboard's are never Christmas trees, I don't need a 4 year college degree to repair them, I don't need a $ 5,000.00 computer to scan the other 40 computer's on the stupid car. These old cars get great as mileage, and I can maintain them. Rust is my biggest enemy being in NY, but I stay on top of that yearly. Other than that, it's the usual. Brakes, tires, oil changes, light bulbs. Turn the IGNITION KEY ( remember those), and it starts. Period.
The used car market is tough. I need to change my approach.
- Thread starter macarose
- Start date
I just quoted a taillamp on a 2023 F-150 Lightning, $2165 for a taillamp where you have to transfer the BLIS module.
As has been mentioned: less words.
People are lazy, so skip the 90% of what you currently have in the add.
Let's take your Spark EV for example.
Here is what I would write in that ad:
- 2014 Chevy Spark EV (2LT)
- Clean title.
- Only 74K miles, full service history in Carfax included.
- Clean interior & exterior, some wear on driver seat, see pictures.
- (Quick note here about remaining tire life)
- (Short note here about maintenance items done, and those that still need to be done in near future)
- (Disclose any known current issues)
- Qualifies for 30% government tax credit. Your price after applied credit is $2990. Firm, no low ballers.
And that's it, no biography, no extra stuff, and most importantly no ALL CAPS DEALER SCREAMING. I know it's not what you mean, but that's what people see it as these days. Slim down the ads on text, get straight to the point, and enjoy quick sales hopefully. Such approach works well for me. I'm not a dealer, but always flipping cars for fun.
People are lazy, so skip the 90% of what you currently have in the add.
Let's take your Spark EV for example.
Here is what I would write in that ad:
- 2014 Chevy Spark EV (2LT)
- Clean title.
- Only 74K miles, full service history in Carfax included.
- Clean interior & exterior, some wear on driver seat, see pictures.
- (Quick note here about remaining tire life)
- (Short note here about maintenance items done, and those that still need to be done in near future)
- (Disclose any known current issues)
- Qualifies for 30% government tax credit. Your price after applied credit is $2990. Firm, no low ballers.
And that's it, no biography, no extra stuff, and most importantly no ALL CAPS DEALER SCREAMING. I know it's not what you mean, but that's what people see it as these days. Slim down the ads on text, get straight to the point, and enjoy quick sales hopefully. Such approach works well for me. I'm not a dealer, but always flipping cars for fun.
I'm going to do that. Thanks for the heads up on it.
I think I remember a video about that BLIS module bricking an F150 Platinum because of water intrusion in the tail lamp causing corrosion within the module. I could see it messing up the cross traffic detection, but bricking the whole truck? Is that a common problem? Are the systems so intertwined, that it will shut it all down?
It was a “Fordtechmakuloco” video. He seems to be very thorough and extremely knowledgeable on anything Ford.
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The easy money ended in mid-22, not 2024.
Yup, a customer with a 2015 F-150 self-diagnosed it needing a BCM after he drove through a carwash with the sunroof open. Customer mf'd me when I told him the cost of a BCM and programming. Brought boxes of junkyard ones in that wouldn't program because they were all the wrong part number. Took it to an independent shop who ordered a BCM from me, couldn't get it to program, and we programmed it, but it had a ton of problems still. Found out a cracked taillamp shorted the BLIS module which shut down the CANBUS. Unplugging that module fixed all the problems. We never diag'd the problem because we were told to just stay in our lane and program the BCM.
OMG !! 
This is what I'm talking about. WAY too much technology for tail lights. Here was my latest tail light situation. 03' Toyota Solara SE Coupe. Driver side rear tail light making water in the rain, or car wash. Water would slosh around and pop the bulb. So, one day I was feeling like doing something. Took out the tail light. Sealed what I could with clear RTV ( the factory seal dry rotted after 22 yrs ). Just went right over the old seal with the RTV. Shook out the water. Drilled the assembly on the bottom and made 2 weep holes. After silicone dried, put in new bulbs. That's it. Problem solved. $ 3 in bulbs , and I had the silicone in my tool chest. Why oh why with BCM's, BLIS, CANBUS.. TOO MUCH !!!!! Not necessary.......
This is what I'm talking about. WAY too much technology for tail lights. Here was my latest tail light situation. 03' Toyota Solara SE Coupe. Driver side rear tail light making water in the rain, or car wash. Water would slosh around and pop the bulb. So, one day I was feeling like doing something. Took out the tail light. Sealed what I could with clear RTV ( the factory seal dry rotted after 22 yrs ). Just went right over the old seal with the RTV. Shook out the water. Drilled the assembly on the bottom and made 2 weep holes. After silicone dried, put in new bulbs. That's it. Problem solved. $ 3 in bulbs , and I had the silicone in my tool chest. Why oh why with BCM's, BLIS, CANBUS.. TOO MUCH !!!!! Not necessary.......That is utterly insane.
From this example, I'd have to say that Ford's market decline is deserved, although GM and whatever the other major pickup seller is calling itself these days are probably no better.
What's going to happen when these trucks are ten to fifteen years old and are on their second or third owners?
I can guarantee that nobody will stop using a running truck.
Maybe run some direct wiring from the battery with a switch for the lights?
Practically irreparable required lighting should be taken as a violation of FMVSS and should therefore not be allowed on any street vehicle offered for sale.
Yes and I still do it with the co-developer of the site.
I think keeping the make in the title is crucial. I usually search by make, not model.
I ended up buying my Grand Marquis from some sketchy little side of the road "dealer". Everyone I'd contact trying to buy a car wouldn't respond or it would sell.
Even if I said I'll show up with cash and a trailer to take it right away.
Even if I said I'll show up with cash and a trailer to take it right away.
New month, new price update. That same part is now $2477.82
Hecho in China ??????? Trump tariffs
Last I heard craigslist charges $5 for a car add so there's a lot less scammers on there.
No one wants to take anything to the dealership because all they want to do is throw dump truck loads of parts at them.
You need more SUV's. Cars are dead. No one wants them.
You remember when cars started getting totaled out due to the cost of airbag replacement?New month, new price update. That same part is now $2477.82
Who could have imagined vehicles being totaled out for taillight damage, but we may be there.
I'm sure the Georgian salvage vehicle buyers will find a workaround and the streets of Moscow will be flooded with high-end F150s.
I'll do it. Get rid of all the LED's. Rig up a pin switch at brake pedal....just gimme 6 months to make a kit. I'll go get started on it now. Gonna be simple, 1157's, clear,, 1157's amber,,,, 168 clear
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