Hanging with Paulie: Reviews, Rides, and Regrets… All for Your Benefit…and entertainment
Pinewood Derby Car
We built a pinewood derby car called “Gouda Speed,” and it crushed the competition. By studying the rules, learning from rally car strategy, and focusing on weight placement, polished axles, graphite lube, and wheel setup, my son and I created a fast and legal winner. Here’s how we did it—and why the project was about more than just speed.
Car Shopping: A Buyer’s Perspective
Buying a used car can be full of hidden risks, from misleading listings to undisclosed damage and inflated prices. In this firsthand account, a buyer shares real experiences navigating Facebook Marketplace and dealerships, uncovering issues like burnout abuse, “cosmetic” damage that signals neglect, structural alterations disguised as minor flaws, and Carfax reports that don’t tell the full story.
The article also highlights the dangers of overpriced vehicles, sellers with unrealistic expectations, and potential odometer fraud through instrument cluster swaps or unethical OBD tools. It explains how some states may issue clean titles even when insurance has declared a vehicle a total loss, making independent verification essential.
Key takeaway: trust sellers—but always verify. Doing proper research, asking the right questions, and staying emotionally detached can help buyers avoid costly mistakes and confidently navigate the used car market.
Storming the Car Deal: Auto Tempest
Tired of jumping between Craigslist, Autotrader, and Facebook Marketplace just to find one good car? AutoTempestsimplifies the process by letting you search multiple platforms at once. It’s a powerful, free tool that helps you cut through the noise and actually find your next vehicle faster.
Car Edge: Giving YOU the Edge or Overrated?
Car shopping doesn’t have to mean hours at the dealership or stressful negotiations. In this hands-on review of CarEdge, I tested their AI-powered negotiation tool to see if it actually delivers better deals—or just adds another subscription. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your money.
Car Shopping: A Consumer’s Musings
Still searching for the perfect used enthusiast car? In this installment of Paulie's Picks, we break down the best car search tools available right now and compare the top contenders for the ultimate driver's car under $30K.
Car Search Tools Worth Bookmarking
AutoTempest aggregates listings from CarGurus, AutoTrader, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace in a single search. CarEdge's AI negotiator lets you set a target price on any VIN and handles the back-and-forth for you — a genuine time-saver for serious buyers.
Mazda Miata vs BRZ vs GR86 vs WRX
The Mazda Miata remains one of the most accessible used sports cars on the market, with NC2 models available at nearly every price point. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 have taken the lead thanks to a second-generation upgrade and the distinctive flat-four boxer engine. The Subaru WRX rounds out the list as a capable but slightly too-practical alternative.
The search is narrowing. Follow along for the final verdict.
Why I’m Taking a Break from Car Shopping
What if buying a car felt like your friend telling you to marry his cousin Olga after showing you a ten-year-old photo? That’s what some dealership experiences feel like. In this comic, I explore the red flags of car shopping—refusing inspections, rushed test drives, and suspicion toward enthusiasts—and why finding the right car should feel more like a good relationship than a blind commitment.
Four Wheels, Two Wheels, Same Escape?
I want another motorcycle. My wife doesn't like that idea. My friends who've fallen over make me cautious. So I rented both a Miata and a Mustang to answer one question: Can a fun car scratch the two-wheeled itch? After a season of rental cars and backroads, I found my answer—and it surprised me.
Renting a Transit Van for a Funeral?
A review of our 12-hour family road trip in a Ford Transit 15-passenger van during a difficult week of travel. In this detailed Ford Transit review, I cover the pros and cons of renting a Transit van, real-world gas mileage, storage capacity, comfort, climate control quirks, and how this big adventure van helped our family navigate grief, and build memories. If you’re researching a Transit for road trips, camping, national park travel, or future van-life builds, this post shares practical insights, honest impressions, and how the van helped create unexpected moments of joy.
Miata MX-5: Hairdresser’s Car or Just FUN?
I went to Portland for some meetings. The highlight? A spontaneous fling with a Mazda MX-5 RF rental. I used to laugh off Miatas as “hairdresser’s cars,” but after two days of commuting and carving through Mt. Hood's twisties, I’m rethinking everything. It’s not the fastest, but it might be the most fun I’ve had on four wheels.