Hey Roger, some of those pictures had a little glare.
Can you just pop the cars out of the packaging and take the pictures again?

Surely, you jest...

And what, not have them mint in their packages? :)

Oh and to anyone who might think of using these images on eBay to sell similar vehicles? A pox on your house, if you do so!

$9.99 for the Movie Moment multiple sets!?! Crap I payed $20
for the Curio playset at Toys-R-Us! what a Rip-off!

Hi Roger, wonderful article here!  I would've asked Jim to review the toys as well, but glad someone smacked me with a wet trout and told me to stop while I'm ahead (before I hog all the 'Cars' news).

 So it seems you've also been on a 'Cars Treasure Hunt' looking for these things.  The sad thing was, a month ago, I was browsing around a Target store, and an employee brought me a fresh case of 'Cars,' that I could pick and choose what I wanted!  I could have had the Sheriff, or Sarge,  but that little voice in the back of my head said to wait, and just get Lightning and Mater (thanks alot, Jiminy!).  Now, they're all I can find!  I was able to at least find Fillmore and Doc Hudson at a KB Toys a few days ago.

 I do believe you're correct that Mattel under-produced for this film.  Oh, and here's some of what I'd like to see:

 Fred (rusty and with his nameplate),  possibly with magnetic/removable jaw
Blue Mater (Radiator Springs heyday version)
Doc Hudson 'racing variant'(this would have been a cool promotional giveaway at the world premiere if they'd thought of it)
Bob Cutlass/Darrell Cartrip 2-Pack
Pizza Planet Truck (he's in there, and PIXAR fans would get a kick out of this)
Mario Andretti

What I want is Lighting McQueen in his "Classic" Paint Job White wall Tires and all.

Luigi is on the left, and Guido is in the center.  Nice article, though, and I'm jealous that you are able to own the whole set!

I haven't seen that version of Mack before, only the playset version that Wal-Mart carries.  For the record there are two ways to get a  blue version of Mater.  The blue one is packed with a $20 playset (not like the Casa Della Tires or Curio Shop), this one has a small length of track and a huge car grill for you to use in a type of bowling game -- Mater is visible in a window in the game's box.  The other way to get a blue Mater is in a box set of six cars.  There are two different sets.  I don't know who's in which set, but that's probably the easiest way to get all twelve to the single cars if you can find the sets (they're on eBay, but I can't find anybody who knows/will tell what store is stocking those).  From the photos I've seen Mater is the only one that doesn't have the standard single pack paint job.  I both look forward to the variant paints on these (c'mon, you KNOW they're coming...) and I dread trying to find them...

Roger, you gonna do an article on the Happy Meal cars?... There are pics out there showing at least 4 variants on some characters.  Most variants seem to be in the expression of the eyes, but Ramone gets completely new decorations on each one!

Okay, so off to search for the "blue" Mater...

As far as Happy Meal toys, I've been avoiding McDonalds for health reasons, like I don't need to eat there, kind of thing. I have seen some of the cars, however. The Mattel product is better, IMHO. So I'll stick to those instead.

CRAP! I wish I had money right now (but I'm paying off one Walt Disney World trip, finishing up a home adsdition, and saving for a second Disney trip for my birthday) - I've had to settle for the Happy Meals toys and the one's in the Kellogg's cereal boxes... Nice collection, how much was the total damages to your check book? - Joe

Where, oh where, did you find Lizzie? She's the *one* car in the set I haven't found anywhere. Last month I happened to be in Target minutes after they'd set up the Cars display area. They had everything but Lizzie. I got Sarge, Filmore and Sheriff, since they only had received one of each. The next day I got the rest (except Lizzie). When I saw the display a week later, they'd been cleaned out of everything except Lightning. I also picked up the Mac playset (had never seen the transporter till now).

Roger, if you're going to keep your collection in the packages (gotta admit, this is the best packaging for a movie tie-in ever), you gotta get a 2nd Filmore so you can examine it under a magnifying glass. Every single bumper sticker gag is reproduced (even the "Save 2D Animation" sticker) at 1:64 scale. Chick Hicks is similarly detail-loaded.

The cars I'd most like to see added would be:
"Hudson Hornet" version of Doc
Rusty and Dusty
The Owner of Dinoco
"Dear" (King's Wife)
Fred
A bug (how about a bug-mobile that hangs from the ceiling?)

Lizzie was the eBay purchase. Sarge was the other hard one to find. In all those places, I only saw one and I scooped it up right then.

As for Fillmore... I think a t-shirt would be a great idea, front and back of course!

The owner of Dinoco? His name is Tex. And the King's wife? In the credits, she is listed as Mrs. The King.

And as for how much I spent? That's classified. But you can get a guess at what I should have spent from the article.

I honestly think Mattel's had some distribution problems in the US the past couple years- based on my experience collecting their action figures. So if you're headed overseas this summer, keep your eyes peeled. Or if you've got contacts there, use them.

Hi,

Long time reader, first time poster. But I have a Lizzie that I was going to put on ebay but I'd much rather trade her for a Sarge and see that another collector gets my LIzzie rather than become a scalper on Ebay. I have never seen a sarge in my area and I've tried tons of Wal*Marts, K Marts, Targets, and KB Toys but have come up with nothing. If anyone has a Sarge and wants to trade me for my Lizzie send me an email. I have a great Ebay rating to verify my honesty. It is a fair trade for me because I need Sarge even if the LIzzie is considered the rare one.

Anyone know where these 6 packs are selling? If I can't trade for a Sarge this may be my only other option.

Thanks,

- Ed

By the way, I think Hasbro had terrible distribution too. I couldn't find any Treasure Planet stuff in my area and what I do have from Ebay I bought from U.K> based ebayers. I never did find the Incredibles figures either. Those were either Hasbro or Mattel. WHat's the deal with this stuff? Oh, and Lilo & Stitch. I only ever saw one set of figures and I bought those. Never saw them anywhere again. What's the deal with this stuff? Are they afraid of Disney having a failure or what?

I hope it becomes a little easier to find these.  A couple of days before the film came out I was looking for them and could only find Lightning McQueen!  And this was after I went to two different Wal-Marts and a Target.

Ok, right now it sounds like Mattel is shipping case ratios heavy on the main characters. Now, that's all well and good in anticipating that a kid will be able to walk into any store and get Lighting and Mater, etc. But if these are the only case ratios, a place like Wal-Mart is only going to reorder it so many times before they end up seeing short-packed items sell out quickly and their pegs clog up with Lightnings and Maters. And that's a line-killer. Things have to sell rapidly for Wal-Mart and their competitors to keep them in stock. That's basically how Mattel's attempt to relaunch He-Man failed a couple years  back.

I really don't think it's surprising Disney licensing, even for new movies, is strongest in their own stores. It's got to be a less pressured sales environment. And it's not even a matter of their own stores.- but of specialty stores overall. Hasbro's probably not going to release 6+ waves of POTC figures like NECA.

My dad works at a Wal*Mart and they have reordered the Cars assortments 3 times at his store alone and some of the short packed items have never been in those cases. I don't know if employees got them or whatnot but there were just some they never got in. I"ve assembled my collection from other places.

I hate shortpacked figfures for that very reason of it killing a line before anyone can get them all. It empowers the scalpers to sell them on Ebay and for those of us with limited incomes there are just some figures we will never get to have as a result.


But not even online retailers were offering the Cars sets as a whole. Does anyone know where these 6 packs are sold so some of us can finish our collections? Thanks.

Tomoyo, you are correct on the case ratios being heavy on the main characters. When the guy at Target let me pick and choose from the fresh case, of the 30 or so cars in there, there were like 6-8 apiece of Lightning McQueen and Mater.  There was only 1 Sheriff, 1 Doc Hudson, maybe 1-2 each of DJ and Wingo, 2 Sally's, and 2 each of Sarge and Fillmore.  not a single Lizzie to be seen in that box.

 I guess they underestimated that fans would try to get all the denizens of Radiator Springs.
 i'm still trying to find Red with the Stanley statue-he's the only deluxe car set I have not come across.

I think Mattel's just stronger when it comes to doll line management, because a shortpacked doll sells for more and doesn't have as rabid a fanbase/dealer's market. Case ratios tend to be determined months in advance, and sometimes overpacking kills a line before more even-packed cases can hit stores. That's basically what happened last time Mattel relaunched He-Man. By the time they'd fixed case ratios, a number of stores had already dropped the line. But ultimately, it comes down to a balancing act. Hasbro ended up overproducing Lando early in their relaunch.

I'm thinking that there will be more paint schemes.  Lightning's repaint, and his fantasy Dinoco paint job are naturals.  

for those of you looking for red and stanley, Kbtoys online has it still in stock as well as a couple others.

My walgreens has a few of the cars avaialble and i was told they would receive another shipment next wednesday and would be on display on thursday.

I saw their last shipment and they did not have any lizzies or sherriff and only one Doc.
(employee took that one so now i am short a Doc)

They had several sarges so i will check again and next week and get a couple of whatever is available in case anyone wants to trade.  I rather people here get their complete sets then letting people buy then and resale them on ebay for ridiculous prices.

I am looking for a lizzie and a Doc

oh by the way in case anyone is also interested including the writer.

KBtoys online also has a couple for pre-order that will be release  soon
here is a link

http://www.kbtoys.com/Results.html/No/15/N/4216/Ns/score_bestseller_units_kb%7c1/NsDefault/1/sortedBy/Bestseller?_ts=B001

My son, the prince, wants to write John Lasseter to suggest die-cast models of:

Mrs. King
Tia and Mia
Van and Mini
The Dinoco helicopter
Cartrip
Elvis (on the poster, seen exiting Ramone's Body Art -- Elvis has left the building!)
Rusty and Dusty
Frank
the souvenir seller
The train (that was one beautiful diesel)
The Lightyear blimp
A custom pack of Ramone (red, purple, green, working lifts, etc.)
Custom McQueen with whitewalls
Schumacher and his Ferrari friends
Junior (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
Mario Andretti
Tex
Bessie
The Pizza Planet truck (seen entering the arena for the final race)
Light-up versions of Boost, Snot Rod, Wingo, and DJ
Sarge and his off-road boot-camp maggots, I mean clients

That shouldn't be too hard. And if he has to choose just one, he'll just take Elvis.

There is not a die-cast car to be had here in central New Jersey. They were available, if you scrounged, before the movie premiered, but now, forget it! This is a problem; this is not just a collectors scene. Kids want to play with these toys. Mattel should not lose sight of that. These toys want to be loved. Not making enough to satisfy the bottom line? Why? I was at McDonald's today and saw ten kids going ape over the car in the Happy Meal. One kid was shouting, "Mom! I've got to get them all!" He better get them at McDonald's because there are no cars at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, CVS, and Walgreens. It's so sad. I wanted to get an extra McQueen for the prince in case he loses it (yes, the prince is playing with his toys), but I don't think I will be able to find one. Maybe around Christmas.

Did anyone notice that the package is spelled FILMORE rather than FILLMORE?

Micky,


I will hold my Lizzie until you can find out about a Sarge.


- Ed

Isn't there some kind of letter-writing campaign to send to Mattel?  Writing to PIXAR may not be the best way to request more product, but to write directly to the toy company may get results.

 Though in calling around, almost all the stores seem to be short the 1:64 scale cars.  For this film, they're the closest to action figures that I think we're going to see.

 Oh, I just thought of a new one:
Ramone w/removable hydraulic lifts
Apple Racecar #84 (actually, give us more of those generic racecars at the MSS racetrack in some kind of 6-pack would be great).

 Walgreens stocks these, you say?  I guess I'm going to go for a little walk down the street now.

I went to area Targets, Walmarts, Longs, Toys R Us----racks are always empty.
Disney Store doesn't have ANY-not ONE- small diecast.

I found 95% of them in the Portland area at a store called "Fred Meyer," and found the two 1:24's @ a store in Spokane.

Not a good job of supplying these, whoever is resp.

Back in the early 90's I collected a lot of Disney figures from Mattel but there were always some we never got in my area. I wrote mattel and called mattel but it did little to no good.

The figures we never got in my area were Wiggins and THomas fort POcahontas. I finally found them in a Canadian Wal*Mart though. There were Wiggins and Thomas PVCs too and I FINALLY got them a few months ago on ebay as well as a Nakoma one I never knew about.

For Aladdin the Series ther was a figure of Mekaniclese and Fashoom the giant cyclops. I found those at Disney World. There is supposedly a sand shark and a mechanical beetle in the same line but I"ve never seen them. I've also heard rumors of a 4 piece Genie PVC set but I haven't seen that around either.

When Treasure PLanet came out we never got those figures at all.


For Lilo & Stitch I only ever saw the set I own in a Toys R Us. They never restocked.

We never got the Incredibles action figures of the family in my area. I only need Mr, Incredible now thanks to Ebay. Still looking for him though.

We never had the Narnia figures or Chicken Little PVCs and figures here either. I'm still hunting for those.

Way back on Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast when Just Toys was doingh the bendums there were several we never got here either. There was a Gaston, a Belle and Beast in formal wear and a Chip. I finally got chip over the winter. For Little Mermaid there was a Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian. I'm still looking for them.

I wisdh we had Walgreens here to check for Sarge. It stinks having to go to ebay to finish your collection when you get them for enjoyment and open everything. I ran into similar trouble with the Palisades Muppet line and now the Neca Nightmare Before Christmas one.

- Ed

http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-PIXAR-MOVIE-CARS-NEW-DINOCO-McQUEEN_W0QQitemZ7042284259QQcategoryZ45352QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

McQueen in Dinoco Blue

brinkeguthrie,

Now you've done it. I'm salivating. I'm breaking out into a cold sweat.

I'm like McQueen, indulging in egomaniacal fantasies, like that I could find that car, myself, not on ebay, in Toys R Us, that I could walk right in there, casually, and notice it, nonchalantly, and pick it up and say, "Hey, I have four bucks in my wallet," and. . .

On the other hand, you realize what this means, don't you?

They have made more.

They have. They will make more. Oh, the agony!

I just showed the prince the Dinoco McQueen. His comment: "Great! Where's the Dinoco Chick Hicks?"

Oh great, now I think I am going to have to get them all.  A variatn Lightning in Dinoco Blue.  but like biscotti said, we need a Chick Hicks in DB now.

Btw, someone mentioned earlier about the blue mater variant.  While he is blue, Mater does not resemble his pre-rust days like in the film.  The blue Mater 1:64 scale is just the rusty Mater painted blue, his engine block black, and a 50's deco Tow Mater logo on the side.  I'd be more interested if the vintage blue Mater had his hood, a shiny sky blue paintjob, and his servicelogo on the door were painted correctly-as well as having his left headlight attached.

Oh, and I checked my local Walgreens-zilch.  And I'm not sure if I want to travel 30 minutes by public transit to get to a Toys R us and find them out (calling these places gets me nowhere-was put on hold for like 10 minutes by TRU before the line disconnected).  Though I am NOT going to  pay $15 for a car on eBay just to open it.

Hi Roger!  Nice article.  I put a link to it on my blog.

Everybody's pretty much suggested most of the characters that one could do...except...

* The fighter jets
* The bi-plane
* The two lost mini-vans
* Are Rusty and Dusty the "Car Talk" guys?  I'm assuming so.
* Blue Mater w/hood
* Misc. retro cars from montage
* Biggest fan RV
* Elvis RV

and just to mess with people...

* A "Cars"-ified Herbie the Love Bug.

Jeff

There's also a BLUE MATER.  have you seen this?
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=blue+mater

<p>brinkeguthrie,
<p>I have:
<p><a HREF="http://www.hollywood-diecast.com/cars%20blue%20mater%20loose.jpg">Blue Mater out of his box</a>
<p>A thought: When Hollywood-Diecast doesn't have pictures of all the available cars, you know they are hard to find.
<p>And mhowe1980, I agree with you. The blue Mater <i>should</i> be the cute, teenage, wet-behind-the-rearview-mirror Mater of the ballad flashback.
<p>I have pulled myself together. I did not bid 30 bucks for a Dinoco McQueen. Instead, hubby is embarking on an epic quest. Two Dinoco McQueens -- is it possible? Can he find them? Do I need a rider on my homeowner's insurance if he does?
<p>If he finds two, we will do the unthinkable. We will open one, give it to the prince, and he will play with it, in the dirt. If hubby only finds one, well then, in twenty years, will the prince be mad? Will he say, "Mom, you let me <i>play</i> with that?! In the dirt?!"

My html is a disaster. Here is the link -- cut and paste.

http://www.hollywood-diecast.com/cars%20blue%20mater%20loose.jpg

Greetings, all.

In the past couple of weeks, I recently started collecting these fabulous cars for both my 2 year old to play with, and another set for me to collect & put away.

At this point, I am VERY angry with myself. You see, I do most of my grocery shopping in the late evenings. One night, about a month ago, I was shopping at my local Shoprite (where I always bring my son home a random Matchbox car) when I came across a brand new display of Disney/Pixar Cars. It was FULL. It had each & every car in the collection. Numerous ones of each character. I thought to myself, "Hrmmmm... $3.99?" OK, well... for now, I'll just buy him the main character from the movie & I'll come back for the rest."

If I would have known then, what I know now, I would have bought a few of each of them. Hell... Selling 2 of 'Sarge'  on eBay would have paid for most of it by now. I see him selling for as much as $50! I was sooooo naive! GRRRRRRRRR!!!

PC Savior,

Me and you both. If you have a car-crazy kid, what do you do? Buy one set for him, and one to put away. If you think you'll have a hard time finding the stuff again, you need a third set, in case he loses one.

I wonder how much thought went into this. Did someone make the conscious decision to limit the production of die-cast cars, therefore making them a collector's item? If so, this was a mistake. "Cars" is much like "Thomas and Friends." Kids want to play with the toys. The "Cars" world is real to them, and they want to act out the scenes. Some kids are content with the main characters; but some want them all. And I mean all. As we know from this thread, we, the adults, even want the tertiary characters. Kids are no different.

We were lucky. Hubby bit the bullet and bought enough for two sets. Ironically, I didn't buy two of McQueen or Mater. I thought I'd be able to pick them up any time I wanted. Boy was I wrong.

The detailing on these models is beautiful. The shiny paint, chrome-colored bumpers, and detailed undercarriages are wonderful to behold. Many of the cars use stickers to supply paint details (Wingo, DJ, Fillmore, etc.), and the stickers are holding up well, so far. Mater's ropes and hooks are pretty sturdy; unfortunately McQueen doesn't hook up to him. That would have been a nice touch. My only quibble: Sally's paint should be more metallic. She looks a little dull next to the other cars.

Hubby was at Toys R Us yesterday, the one where he had the most success. Saleswoman said the die-cast cars were on order every week, but nothing had come in. She heard supply could be backed up until September. Can you imagine that?

A third set? Lord, no. I already have a hard time convincing my wife about ONE set. In her eyes, my son has too many cars as it is. She is looking to get rid of some of them. She doesn't even know that I'm trying to make a 2nd set for myself to keep.

My son is only 2 1/2, so I'm always on top of him of keeping track of his Cars. So far, so good.

I can still buy a L. McQueen & Mater at a few locations in my area. They are the ONLY ones I've been able to find in any store since that night in Shoprite. The only other luck I've had with these Cars in stores were:

Lightning McQueen: Purchased @ Shoprite
Mater: Purchased @ Shoprite
Fillmore: Purchased @ #1 local Walmart
Boost & Snotrod: Purchased @ #2 local Walmart
Stanley & Red: Purchased @ #2 local Walmart
Doc Hudson: Purchased @ KB Toys
Flo & Ramone: Purchased @ #1 local Toys R Us

The rest, I've been collecting SLOWLY, through eBay.  *SIGH*

I saw the toy car CARS at the toy shop yesterday-- the ones meant for the kids not the adult collectors. They looked really cheap, even through the bubble plastic packaging. There were some nice hotwheels displayed opposite them that really looked nice.

REALLY RARE Cars:

My 3 1/2 year old just discovered how to click his way around eBay to look at pixar cars. He found the Dinoco McQueen, then through my own complulsion I discovered this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6067497133

The above link is to a Blue Dinoco McQueen AND has a picture of the back of box which has pics of what must be really rare pixar cars namely:

Green Ramone (available on eBay)

Leakless #52
There are 2 auctions on eBay current, one is...  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7043827379)

Nitroads (I think is spelling is correct, it's hard to make out) can't find any info on this car even on Google.

Also note Mcdonalds has 3 versions of Ramone: Purple, Green & Yellow.

Just thought I'd ad this info into the thread wondering if anybody has comments.

Marc

Good Lord. Even more cars to try & get!?!? I've seen the Dinoco McQueen on eBay before. I've even seen a pic of a blue Mater. (I don't know whether it's fact or fiction though)

But, those other 3... I have no interest in the Green Ramone. I'd love to get my hands on Leakless & Nitroads. Two excellent looking vehicles! Still, so far Sarge is the highest running sale on eBay.

The Blue Mator Exists, it's on eBay... it comes in a pack 6. There are 2 packs of 6, for a total of 12 which is the same number of single 1:64 cars for sale... or rather what is listed on the back of each box as the "series"... I think.

I read on an eBay auction (or somewhere) somehthing like these 2 packs of 6 came out very early... the Blue Mator inlcluded is not the young Mator but just a rusty blue version of regular Mator. Maybe these 6 packs where released to early and is the resason for color variation.

I just ordered Chick Hicks off eBay for a total of $20.

The only 1:64 car now my son does not have is Sarge... which will fill his Race Track Carrying Case (which has a spot for each car)... I'm waiting to a lower price for Sarge.. $50 on eBay ???

We got Mack the play set not the carrier.

AND well he does not have Green Ramone, Leakless, Nitroads, Blue Mator and Dinoco McQueen either BUT now that he's seen them on eBay he wants them all but I'm not willing to pay current price.

I think these eBay prices will come down eventually and the store shelves will fill up.

Here is Nitroade:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-PIXAR-CARS-NITROADE-VERY-RARE-DONT-MISS-OUT_W0QQitemZ280000313314QQihZ018QQcategoryZ45352QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And green Ramone:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DIESNEY-PIXAR-CARS-RAMONE-GREEN-RARE-COLOR_W0QQitemZ7043826312QQcategoryZ45352QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

"I must scream it to the world, my excitement from some place, very high!"

Called Mattel Customer Service today. New cars are coming. The lovely rep (who sounded just like Tour Guide Barbie) listed six new cars: Dinoco McQueen, Green Ramone, Leakless, Nitroade, Doc Hudson in his Fabulous Hudson Hornet livery, and Hamm the Pig as a car from "Toy Car Story." She said others were also being made, but she did not have the details. I am to call back in a week or two.

Now, I assume if Mattel made Hamm they will make Buzz and Woody as well. The rep was probably ordered not to tell anyone yet, lest we lose our minds. But we lost our minds long ago, back when we considered paying $50 for Dinoco McQueen on eBay.

Cars are 2007 -- due to ship in September. Some are shipping now. Mattel knows the cars can't be had. They claim to be feverishly making more.

Mattel also wanted to underscore the fact that these cars are not Hot Wheels. They are not the correct scale. This is why no information on them is available on the Hot Wheels or Matchbox websites (or on the Mattel website either -- sheesh).

Additionally, anyone traveling to Disney World this summer can pick up the cars at the Once Upon a Time toy shop. They claim to have a steady supply. I have no way to verify this information, but anyone who lives in Florida might want to give them a call or stop by. Disney's toy stores will not take phone orders. The Disney Store (different company, not owned by Disney apparently) has the cars on a hit-or-miss basis.

Hmmm,

I live in Florida, I'll be driving by Disney twice on Friday for work... GUESS I"LL be stopping at the Once Upon a Time Toy Shop.

I won't be in Disney World until August. Also... In what location is the Once Upon a Time Toy Shop? It doesn't ring any bells...

I was in disney two weeks ago.  the toy shop is in the disney marketplace.  they did not have a good selection at that time.  just a few of the main characters.  and they were $12.00 a piece!  things could have changed since then. never know...

I saw the 6 car packs before the movie came out at a BJ's Wholesale Club store in Massachusetts.  Not sure if they would have them at a Sam's Club.  Wished that I had bought some then.  They were selling for $14.99 for a set.  My son wants the fire engine and Mack (the transporter one) but the prices on eBay are outrageous! Perhaps, I'll just wait until everything dies down a bit (I hope).

Cindy,

I have yet to see "Cars" merchandise at my Sam's Club (NJ); I am there every week. In fact, I was there today -- nothing.

For Red, Wal-Mart is where you need to go. Red the Fire Truck (bundled with Stanley) was at three Wal-Marts in NJ. Never saw it anywhere else.

Mack as a transporter I have seen at Target -- nowhere else. Mack the playset is available online at KB Toys right now. I have seen it at Toys R Us, but not recently. My son loves to play with the playset. It pops open to reveal a tv, refrigerator, car wash. It has a sink and a toothbrush. All the cars had to go inside and get their teeth brushed and watch tv.

My son also loves to play with Boost, Snot Rod, Wingo, and DJ. He reenacts their pivotal scene with Mack when McQueen falls out of the trailer. So, if you see those, get them for your son. He probably will like them.

Search Dinoco McQueen on eBay, they have them Buy It Now for as lo as 7.99.

Well, I went to the Once Upon A Toy Store... They did not have much, infact the only 1:64 character cars the had were Ramone & Flo Package and Tractor, Luigi and Forklift package. They did have a Mack playset.

We just spent the past week at WDW.  My son spent most of the trip trying to get the whole collection.  Finally on Thursday at Disney/MGM Studios, we were able to find them.  The cart in front of the Sorcerer's Hat had just put them out and we were able to get all of them except the Red/Stanley set and the Boost/Snotrod set.  By the time we went back by there 2 hours later, most of them were gone.  

I bought an extra Lizzie for myself, though!

First time poster here...Well, I decided just THIS WEEK to start my collection. Being the idiot I am, I had a few of the harder-to-find ones in my hand before at Target and DIDN'T BUY THEM! And of course, when I went back once I had decided to collect them, they were all gone except 2 Lightnings. I did get him and a Mater (both of those are EVERYWHERE), and I was able to get the track/carrying case. And even though I know the value will drop, I took them out of the packaging and put them in the case. I plan to do that with all the ones I can get my hands on, just to have them all in one place.

Well, I got lucky today. I went to a Wal-Mart that was remodeling, so everything was everywhere. I almost gave up even trying, but my wife encouraged me to ask someone. (They were no help...what a surprise, huh?) I found the toys myself, on the end of an aisle way back in the corner of the store. I figured it would be the same as everywhere else; empty hooks with the plush toys on a shelf. But lo and behold, they had several cars! I got 2 Docs, 3 Dinoco McQueens (they had 5 of them), a Sally, a Chick, a King -- and a Lizzie! I could not believe my eyes!

Once we got home, I looked up Leakless and Nitroade from the back of the Dinoco McQueen (they were going for $60 to $125 on eBay), since I had never seen either of them before. Then I decided to try Amazon. According to their listing, they still have the Boost/Snotrod Movie Moments 2-Packs (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000E4FGOW/qid=1151281585/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-0211886-4706443?v=glance&s=toys), so I ordered one. Hopefully it wasn't a mistake.

Good luck to everyone in their searches; and try that Amazon link. Maybe you'll be as lucky as me (but then again, time will tell if the listing is accurate...)

just when I thought I had 2 complete sets (13 individual die casts & the 4 movie moment sets), I get hit with the news that they released LEAKLESS, RAMONE GREEN AND NITROADE!!!

It gets even MORE maddening. Each of the McDonald's toys are available in at least 3 options. We have a 'clean McQueen' and one where he has collected a variety of 'bessy blobs' and dirt. The 3 Ramones are a fairly well known discovery, but if you look at the EYES of each car on the packaging insert, they're looking straight, right? Now, look at your OWN set of cars...

There are 'left looking, right looking and centered' eye varieties on each car!!

With the 3 new releases coming out, it seems some of the others are becoming easier to find. However, if you still havent found Lizzie or Dinoco McQueen, I would be interested in trading my extras for any of the 3 new releases. I have 1 extra Lizzie and 2 extra Dinoco McQueens.  Thanks

Hi, I am a first time poster...Thanks to ebay I now have a complete set...or so I thought.  The new "Leakless", "Nitroade" and "Green Ramone" have screwed me up.  I have picked up all of my cars at either Toys R Us or Target.  I have two kids and have seen the movie 4 times already.  Here is something to ponder.  I noticed during the scene when McQueen "shops" all the stores before he is ready to leave that the organic fuel tent is labeled FILLMORE.  Two L's.  The packaging for the Volkswagen Bus is labeled "Filmore".  I didn't think to check the credits for the spelling.  I know this sounds nerdy, but if it is spelled Fillmore, are they going to correct the packaging?  If they do, is all the first run Filmore's going to be worth more????

Hi Biscotti,

Thanks for the info.  So far, no luck at any Targets for the Transporter.  Looks like I'll have to spend about $25 on e-bay for one.  Do you recall how much one actually costs at Target?  I just want to find out how much "extra" I am actually paying.  As for the Red and Stanley, I'll keep checking the Walmarts.  So far, checked one and they were pretty bare on stuff.

An update on my quest, if anyone's interested...

First of all, it looks like it wasn't a mistake for Amazon to have the Boost & Snotrod set. I called them after I placed the order, and the woman told me that it was already entered in the shipping process, or something to that effect, and that it would ship the next day (yesterday). So that was encouraging. And then sure enough, I got an e-mail from Amazon that it had shipped. Yay! Now I just have to wait for it to get here...

Then today I got a couple more lucky breaks. I went to a Target that I had checked this weekend (nothing but empty hooks then), and they had 2 of every other Movie Moments set: Ramone & Flo (just the purple Ramone; no green), Luigi, Guido, & Tractor, and Red & Stanley. I grabbed one of each so quick I must have looked like Lightning when Mater took the boot off! (Hopefully anyone reading this has seen the movie and knows what I'm talking about...) Then at a Wal-Mart (again, they had zip this weekend), I found the "Mater's Rollin' Bowlin'" game with the teal Mater. And it's the same one that it's the 6-pack. So I of course grabbed that! Now my collection is 8 more complete (plus 2 once I get Boost and Snotrod.) I'm not even trying (yet) for the green Ramone or Leakless and Nitroade, not when some greedy people on eBay want so much for them. But as syobwoc said, with some new cars being released, maybe they're starting to restock the ones that were already out, and that's why I found some at Target after finding nothing anywhere.

I've also got family looking for the cars for me: My wife is going to look at a couple of Targets and Wal-Marts in another area; my sister is looking in a suburb of Nashville; and my mother is going to California this week, so she'll look there. You never know what you'll find in another state or out of town... Who knows? They might get as lucky as me, and find the other ones I need, and -- do I dare think it? -- they might find those rare ones!

Oh, and I agree with chris albers in his early post: If they made a Lightning with his "Corvette" paint job (because, come on -- that's what he looked like!), that would be a great addition to the set!

To quote Mater: "Dad-gum!" (Translation: "Oops...")

One thing I neglected to mention in my last post about the Amazon Boost & Snotrod set: I think I may have gotten the very last one, because now whenever I click on it, it says "Currently unavailable". My apologies to anyone that has been looking for them, or tried on Amazon.

Considering how big Amazon boasts to be and how much stuff they carry, it's kind of an odd feeling knowing you literally got the very last one of something they had...

Hello - first time poster!  
Here's a question regarding the Dinoco McQueen diecast...there is one going on ebay for $71.00 (item #280000589791)  But then there are several others that are going in the $8 range.  Anyone know if there are different types of the blue dinoco McQueens out there?

I thought I had the whole set also(bought at WalMart for $3.17 each) until I saw the dinoco mcqueen on the rack.  Too bad, I highly doubt I will be able to find the other 3 anytime soon.

Cindy:

I don't remember how much the Mack Transporter was! Sorry! Good luck with the search. I went to Wal-Mart today -- only Flo and Ramone.

Duckaduck:

The only difference I can see in the $71 Dinoco McQueen and the $8 Dinoco McQueen is the thickness of the ribs that run down the rear window. The $71 one has thin ribs (like the Rust-Eze McQueen); the $8 one has much thicker ribs.

Is the difference worth $63? Sellers are saying there are early Dinoco McQueens, for which you pay a premium -- who can tell if they are right? I would have never looked for a difference unless you mentioned it.

I read that there are differences in the models, and these differences arise from production differences in the country of manufacture, either Thailand or China.

Dinoco McQueen is cheaper now probably because he is more available. Stores got shipments last week, and everything ended up in eBay. The toys certainly didn't hit the store shelves in my area. I'm still waiting to see product on the shelves.

hey Duckaduck:

In regards to your question about the $71 blue donico, I am pretty sure that listing was a 7 day auction. so it got bid up when there were only a few on there. Most of the ones now are 1 day or 3 days and with 50x more listings the prices are coming down.

whoever has that for $71 is gonna be kicking themselves (that is, if they actually pay for it)

Hee hee hee...

Guess what I got at Disney's California Adventure on Monday for $6?

A blue Dinoco McQueen! :)

The only place I saw any of these "Cars" toys was at the Enginears Toys shop. And they had a very limited selection. Less than 10 total.

Hi everyone...according to my ebay research here is what I have found regarding Nitroade and Leakless.

The majority of Nitroade sellers are from Texas and California.  The Leakless sellers are sprinkled from the midwest...NE, MO, KS, KT, TX.

Interesting to me because (even though I didn't click on every single one, and boy oh boy they are increasing daily) there weren't any east of the Mississippi.  That I hope is good news to us east coasters.  Maybe they are coming soon.  I really don't think we missed out yet.  I have been collecting from a few weeks before the movie released at Target, Toys R Us, or  Walmart.  I go in at least twice a week to peek.  

My advice to all you ebay sellers...get our money while you can.  It can't possibly last much longer.

My dream of a complete set for my son to play with, and another sealed in its original packaging for him when he is older is coming closer to fruition.  

I just found the Mack playset at Target for $14.99 (price cut of $1), I really wanted the Transporter one so I'll keep looking but just in case I can't locate one soon, I have the playset Mack to fall back on.  Still hunting for Red and now my son wants Sarge.  Hopefully, I'll get lucky at a couple of Wal-Marts over the weekend.

Wow...Sure are a lot of people posting on here about these cars. We're (presumably) adults, but we're acting like kids! But hey, I like to think I'm young at heart...

The post by dariad0424 is encouraging (I'm on the East Coast myself). Maybe the Leakless and Nitroades will start rolling in around here. I'm going to start checking everywhere regularly from now on, also since I still need those few to complete my collection: Sarge, Filmore, Sheriff, DJ, and Wingo. Although I have checked eBay for some of those, and the prices for them really aren't that bad. They range from 8 or 9 dollars to maybe 20 for all of them but Sarge, and he's going for upwards of 40 to 50 bucks.

And according to USPS tracking,  my Boost & Snotrod set left a local mail facility today, so I should get it tomorrow. Can't wait!

Roger:

That's great! If I were you, I'd being feeling pretty smug right now. Then again, I might be squealing with excitement like Mia and Tia -- "We love you, Lightning!"

As an aside, I picked up the Tractor Tipping Game today. My son noticed that it contained Frank. The unavailability of Frank has been wearing on his mind. I thought it was expensive ($17.99), but the details on the little plastic cars, tractors, and Frank are quite good. Doc Hudson is a little too small next to Mater, McQueen, and Sally, but who cares. Frank is the right proportion, and you get 16 tiny tractors. This isn't a collector's find, just a toy with good play value for kids. Of course, the pieces are small, so keep it away from the two-year-old.

So, here's another possible niche for Mattel -- mini cars! Just think: you could get more characters, and still charge $4 for them. You could also create the larger characters, like the Dinoco helicopter.

Another good idea: McQueen, Chick Hicks, King, and Doc Hudson Nascar-type number stickers to slap on the back of the minivan.

I did it again; I forgot something in my last post...

As much as some of us love the idea of a McQueen in his sparkly red paintjob and whitewalls, it might not be very likely. I paid close attention to those scenes when I saw it the second time, and I noticed something: McQueen doesn't have the spoiler or "trunk fin" or whatever you want to call it when he's painted like that. (I guess Ramone took care of it for him...) So if Mattel wanted to make another version of him, they'd have to create a new cast, or modify the existing one; and if they made the mistake of not manufacturing enough of the cars (yet...?), do we really expect them to shell out the money for a new cast? I suppose we can only hope...

Hey Rodger
You have NO Idea on how hard it is to find those things now!
And those genius Wallmart employees are no help either.
Just because I'm a kid, they ALWAYS think I'm talking about those
cheep, crappy, pull back imitations that are made for little kids
who don't know how to handle rare, collectable, die cast minifigures
like these!

It's annoying!         GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

When I saw the Lightning Mcqueen minifigure at a K Mart 2 months ago,
I just couldn't get over how detailed, and authentic he was.

I had to get the rest of the cars.
So I went to Target, Wallmart, KB Toys, Toys R Us...     All SOLD OUT!
Then my mom had to stop and get her prescription at CVS.

I was extremely lucky to find:
Doc, DJ, Chick, The King, and Tow Mater.
Then I found all the movie moments at a Wallgreens believe it or not.

My collection is only 6 cars from complete.

All I need is Wingo, Fillmore, Sarge, Sally, Sherrif, and Lizzie.

This is the Diz Wiz...    Peace      OUT!!!!!!

Hey amoore:

I see you need Sherriff. I have an extra one. I am missing a few other to complete my 2 collections. Do you have any extra that perhaps you'd like to trade?

Am I acting like a kid? sure... (jump up and down)

My mother in-law just got us Sarge and a Blue Dinoco McQueen from a local store, regular price. Now all I need to complete our collection is the Green Ramone, Leakless, Nitroade & Blue Mator.

(still bouncing in computer chair)

Went to toys r us this morning when they opened.  They had their shelves full.  I was able to pick up a set for each of my sons (except for sarge).  They had a few lizzy's and a ton of Dinoco McQueen's.  The manager says that Advanced auto parts is  stocking a limited number of the diecast cars.  The staff was very friendly and helpful.

etoys seems to have a decent stock of the luigi/tracto/Guidor movie moments sets in stock.

http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4715356/ctid/17/INstock/Y/D/?_ts=A001

PC Savior --

Thanks so much for the offer, but I unfortunately don't have any extras. If I did, I'd be more than happy to trade for Sheriff. In the meantime, I'll have to keep looking for the rest of them to complete my collection.

guitardad72 --

If you need the blue Mater, do what I did: Get the "Mater's Rollin' Bowlin'" game for about $20 at Wal-Mart; it comes with him.

And susan89: Which Toys R Us were you lucky enough to hit? It wasn't by any chance one in the DC Metro area, was it? At this point, I'll drive across bridges (we have enough of them around here) and in rush hour traffic (if need be; and those bridges get backed up in the morning and afternoon) to find the rest of these blasted things!!

I live in North Carolina.

I went  earlier in the week to find out when toys r us received new shipments and when item are stocked on the sales floor.  Manager said to be at the store when the door opened.  Looks like it was good advice.  Next shipment should be stocked Thurday of next week.  

Target says they recieve trucks every Mon, Weds and Friday around 3am.  By the time the stores open everything should be on the shelves.

Thanks for your quick reply, susan! Too bad I'm not heading that way for vacation anytime soon; I sure as shootin' would stop at that Toys R Us!! But I'll check the Advance locations around here.

Thanks also for the advice about the stores. I've checked the closest Toys R Us several times in the last week, and the display looks as empty every day. So nothing new there. And the nearest Target (the one where I had some in my hand and didn't buy them -- I could smack myself!) is the same story. I've been to that one every day for the last 5 or 6 days, so they didn't get any new stuff in. I'll have to keep looking...

By the way: Did your "complete set" (besides Sarge, as you mentioned) happen to include Leakless or Nitroade? If so, then that means what dariad0424 said before might finally be happening: The east coast may be getting them! And maybe, if your area got new shipments, the rest of us might start seeing restocked shelves soon...

Anyway, thanks again!

Toys r us did not include leakless and Nitroade but I am sure they will be here soon.  I think the key is hitting the stores when the open.  The cashier says they usually sell out within a few hours.

Give your local toys r us a call, they may be able to give you a heads up on their next shipment.

Also , I was in Kohls this morning.  They had a 5 car set that came with Luigis's tire store.  I believe the cars were luigi, guiedo, doc, lightning mcqueen,and Sally. The set was priced at $34.99 They had about 4 of the sets.  They also had all of the pull backs.  Maybe they will carry the die cast cars too.

here is an ebay link to the set
http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Cars-playset-Luigis-Casa-Della-Tires-diecasts_W0QQitemZ110002940639QQihZ001QQcategoryZ19224QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Was just out for lunch filling a prescription at walmart. took a walk and found nothing on the shelves. as i was walking back, noticed 2 pallets of new items. Sitting there were 4 unopened/untouched boxes (30 cars per box) of these things.

there's the good news. the bad news, is that all 4 boxes had the exact same thing in them.

1 Sarge, 1 Lizzie, 2 Sheriff, 1 Filmore, 6 Lightning McQueen, 6 Donico McQueen, 6 Mater, 1 DJ, 2 King, 1 Chick, 1 Doc Hudson, 1 Sally, & 1 Wingo.

As I posted above, I have 2 "Complete Sets" already, so was hoping to land the 3 new ones to fulfill the set and actually be able to say once again that I do indeed have 2 Complete Sets.

oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I chose to go ahead and pick up a couple of the Sarge, So now I have 3 extra Sarge, 2 extra Lizzie, & 2 Dinoco Lightning if anyone if lucky enough to find an extra Nitroade, Leakless, or Green Ramone and would like to trade.

also, if anyone else needs any of the others that they got in, let me know and I can go get them for you after work.

hey diz wiz

i noticed above you are 6 short for a complete set. do you have the 3 new ones: Leakless, Nitroade & Green Ramone? or are you actually 9 short?

my local walmart just got a shipment in and i can get you all 6 that you need if you can help me out with the 3 new releases.

let me know

pcsavior - what are you missing?

You know, sometimes the universe seems like it’s all out of whack...and then there’s the days when the planets and stars line up. Okay, enough astrological mumbo-jumbo!

I got another lucky break today...After checking Wal-Marts, Targets, and Toys R Us AGAIN, I decided to try Advances (thanks again for that tip, susan!). The first couple had a Mater or two and Flo & Ramone sets. But then at the last one – right down the street from our house! – I found a Sheriff, DJ, and Wingo. And they were in the “Special Purchase” bin...which basically is clearance stuff. I couldn’t believe my luck! Then when we got home, my package from Amazon was there, so the Boost & Snotrod finally arrived too. What a day! So now all I need is Sarge and Filmore, and even though I’m not holding my breath, I’ll keep looking for Leakless and Nitroade (and if I want a truly complete set, I guess I’ll look for green Ramone too; I keep forgetting about him).

And why does everyone else in other states seem to be getting new stuff in their stores, and nothing in my area (yet)? Makes no sense...

My wife reminded me of something I had mentioned to her the other day when we were driving all over creation looking for these cars and I got the Mack playset at Toys R Us: I had said that it would have been neat if they had made him (or make another version) that was electronic, and when you pushed a button, he said some of his lines from the movie, like “Pretty music...!” or “All those sleeping trucks...” or whatever. Who knows? If someone from Mattel by any chance reads these posts, maybe they’ll take our ideas for other versions of the characters and start making them...

Okay, by now you all must think I'm feeble-minded in my old age. But I'm only 30...something!! I forgot something -- again!! -- in my last post...

A couple of people have mentioned the attention to detail on these cars, and I could not agree more. Almost all the cars have license plates that actually have something on them. You need a magnifying glass to read most of them, but it's worth it. The ones that don't have license plates are Mater (both "regular" and blue), Guido, Doc, and the 3 racecars, Lightning, Chick, and King.

Anyway, here's a rundown of the characters and their plates:

Sheriff: I can't read the top and bottom of the plate -- it might say "Radiator Springs" -- but the plate itself is 001.

Red: His plate is the same as the Sheriff's except it's 002. I guess they're the "official" vehicles in town...

Ramone: "LOW N SLO". Hehe...

Flo: "

I don’t know what the heck keeps happening, but that’s the second time today that my post somehow got added when I wasn’t done. I didn’t click on “Submit” or anything, but the page refreshed as if I had, and then a few minutes later it was there.

And if it hadn’t done that, I could have edited my post and said that the tractor doesn’t have a license plate either...

Anyway, to continue:

Flo: “SHO GRL”

Lizzie: “MT23” (I guess since she’s a classic.)

Luigi: “445-108”

DJ, Wingo, Boost, and Snotrod all have their names on theirs.

Sally: I left her for last because I also have a question about it: Hers says “301PCE”. Anybody have any idea what it means? I’m at a loss...

Oh, and Stanley, of course, has his plaque that says: “STANLEY OUR FOUNDER 1909”.

well, let's see.  I need:  
Lizzie
Nitroade
Leakless  
Flo/Ramone  
Dinoco McQueen  
Blue Mater

You cannot FIND these in the SF Bay Area.  Can someone publish a complete list?

Complete Die Cast Line

16 individuals:
Sheriff
Lightnight McQueen
Doc Hudson
King
Wingo
Sally
Dinoco McQueen
Nitroade
Lizzie
Mater
Sarge
Chick
Filmore
DJ
Leakless
Green Ramone

4 Movie Moment Sets:
Stanley & Red
Purple Ramone & Flo
Boost & Snot Rod
Luigi, Guido, & Tractor

Additional Cars:
Blue Mater - only available in the 6pack character sets or the "Mater's Rollin' Bowlin'" game

6pack character sets:
Set 1: Blue Mater, Sally, Sheriff, Wingo, Doc Hudson, Purple Mater
Set 2: Sarge, Lizzie, Chick Hicks, King, Filmore, DJ

brinkeguthrie

you have the green ramone?

i have an extra Lizzie & Dinoco McQueen.

if you are able to find an extra Leakless, Nitroade, or Green Ramone, id be interested in trading.

Complete Die Cast Line Continued:

There are rumors that there are 2 additional cars being made that havent been released yet;

Doc Hudson in his Fabulous Hudson Hornet livery
Hamm the Pig as a car from "Toy Car Story."

No details, but Im assuming these will be individually packed

If anyone is interested, I created a yahoo group so we could send messages and updates to individuals.

Feel free to join and help me launch it.

Here's the link to the home page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Diecast_Disney_Pixar_Cars

Hope to see you there!!

First Time Poster Here. Long Time Reader Though. I Thought it Might Interest Some To Know That Playfulplushtoys is selling the CARS. They Just Got a Shipment of all 4 Movie Moments Packs in & They Are Selling for $14.99  a set. Here is the Link. http://www.playfulplushtoys.com/PIXARCARS-plush-toys.html    I Already Have all 4, But I Thought Someone Else Might be Stoked. They Also Have Many Single Diecasts, but are Currently Out. You Can Sign up to be Notified When They Become Available Though. CHEERS!

Forgot to Mention That They Have the Mack Truck Playset as Well for $19.99.

For those looking for Leakless, Green Ramone and Nitroade....

Last week on eBay there were no more than 3 of each for auction or BIN.

I watched a Nitroade go for $107 auction edning only a few days ago.

Now there are 300+ auctions for Leakless, 200+ for Notroade and 300+ for Green Ramone. It seems price for each is ending around $20 + S&H... but hopefully that will drop as demand goes down... supply sure has gone up.

guitardad72, you sure are right about supply going up. (I suppose that’s a good thing...) As of today, the lowest prices I saw for the three on eBay were (not including shipping):

Green Ramone for $11
Leakless, $15
Nitroade, $24

Butr then there’s people still asking $100 or $125 for Leakless and Nitroade. I guess they’ll start getting the message when they realize people aren’t going to pay them that much when they can get the same thing for a fraction (including shipping). I’m going to hold out a little longer and hopefully see the prices drop some more; and then, when I still can’t find them (plus Sarge and Filmore), I’ll resort to eBay to finish the collection.

Well silly me didn't collect doubles of the few cars that I did get, and when I went to go back they were all gone.  Still need to get Sarge, Lizzie, Wingo, The King, Chick Hicks and the new ones.

Also have found the two-packs at http://www.bigbadtoystore.com, they are selling from $7.99 the luigi and Stanely is going for $9.99 so I put my order in for one of each and two of Stanley.  Just lettting everyone know its out there and cheaper than Plush Toys.

unfortunately, i dont have any extras to trade.  I DO, tho, have lots of Toy Story stuff to trade...photos avail on request, emails to; brinkemail@gmail.com.

I ended up with an Extra Leakless, Dinco McQueen, and Green Ramone.  I'm needing Chick Hicks, Sarge, and Lizzie.  Anyone interested in doing anything.  Also Has anyone talked to Mattel about the Cars Toys?  They dont even know what product they have made.  They denied the multipacks, and the 4 new toys, and stated there is a 5th Movie Moments pack.  Which is somewhat confirmed by walmart having the names in the computer of the 4 we all know of being 1,2 ,3, 5.  As if there was one set thats not showed up yet at retail.   And the amount of Errors and typos and wrong pictures on the packages,  beyond belief.  Has anyone had any luck at any of the autoparts stores?  Advanced, Autozone, etc?  If anyone wants to do some dealing, leave an email addy and I'll get ahold of ya.  Thanks.  Love the site.

Went to the closest Target again yesterday morning, and still nothing. Also went to Toys R Us and waited for them to open, and the same thing there. But one girl there told me that they had gotten a truck in and they looked for the cars on it, but couldn’t find them. She said the stuff from the truck would be out today.

In the meantime, yesterday my wife and I happened to go back to the Target later in the day, and this time they had more cars in. (I don’t know why it wasn’t there in the morning.) Nothing I didn’t already have, but they had new stock. They had 3 of the Movie Moments sets (except Red & Stanley), including Boost & Snotrod – so I didn’t need to get it from Amazon! Oh, well; too late now. Also, the store had changed around the endcap displays that I had seen numerous times (empty); they combined two into one and moved it. That’s where some of the new cars were.

Today, I went back to the Toys R Us shortly after they opened, and they did have new cars, but just like Target, I already had everything. So my search continues for the few I need. But it looks like new stock is trickling in around here. I’ll keep my fingers crossed...

Butters_Stotch, I have seen a few of the cars at some Advance locations in my area (DC Metro). They mostly had Lightning & Mater, but one place had 2 of the Movie Moments sets: Ramone & Flo and Luigi, Guido & Tractor. I did get lucky the other day and found a few of the individual ones I needed. So try in your area; you might find some too.

yea i was out going for two kings few days ago with my *son billy* and i got one cause some loser with the shirt im with stupid pointing to him got one and his loser dad.

my billy loves playing with his cars in hte sandbox making them crash

wiht hammers

that comment  i posted about me and my *son*
wasnt true its something i posted thats really funny


...and im a *dude*

HI PAUL!!!

and i dont have a son....or anything else...except some cars that go vroom

Butters_Stotch:

I need leakless and Green Ramone. Id be interested in trading Lizzie & Sarge for them.

shoot me an email: tj_S00@yahoo.com

(please put something in the subject line so I know its you and not spam)

thanks

A local toystore just got in LOTS of Cars, And I'm willing to pick them up at COST+Shipping for anyone.  Cost at this store is $7.99 Per single car, and 10.99 for the Movie Moments packs.  They have ALL of the cars minus Sarge, Lizzie, Chick, Nitroaide.  And only had 2 sets left of the 4 Movie Moments.

They had between 2 and 6 of the other 12 single packed cars.  If interested make a post, and leave an email address and I'll get with you

If you want to complain about the prices, I can give you the phone number for the store, and you can call them.  I'm doing this for Zero Profit and just as a service to other people.  

Butters_Stotch:

And I have Chick Hicks and Sarge.

Any Leakless, Green Ramone, or Nitroade for me?

Email me at lisa_buttafuoco@verizon.net

Thanks!

As I said earlier, I have mucho Toy Story items to trade- many are not the usual ones you see in stores.  I also have some Nemo, Monsters, and Incredibles.  WOuld take photos to send if you like.

I need:  Blue McQ..Blue Mater..Ramone/Flo MM..Lizzie..Nitroad, Leakless

brinkemail@gmail.com

Disregard earlier note posted RE trading stuff- thanks tho.

New poster (but been reading for a couple of weeks).  Hello all.  Just a little info from my part of the states (specifically Yankton, SD).  On Saturday 07/01/2006 our local Super Walmart restocked after being out for a couple of weeks.  Every peg was full.  They had all the singles except Lizzie.  Picked up two Sarges (the only two they had), three Dinoco McQueens (they had many more), three Green Ramones (they had many more), two Nitroades (the only two they had), and two Leakless's (they many more).  Concerning their stock on the Movie Moment packs - they have many Ramone & Flo's and Luigi-Guido-Tractor sets, but I haven't ever even seen the Boost-Snot Rod or Red-Stanley sets (at this Walmart or in this area).  Wal-Greens was a good tip from this thread (found two Chick Hicks there) - thank you.  IMHO Mattel and the Wal-Marts of the world have already realized what good sellers these products are and will be restocking as fast as they can build, ship, stock, and sell them.  I don't think that there is any intention (by them) to market something rare, but rather to sell, sell, sell (that's why they are in business).  It's just right now, the supply and demand caught somebody off guard.  And Mattel isn't seeing any of the outrageous profit that the eBay leaches are.  So I don't see Mattel having any motivation to hold back.  On the contrary, I think we're going to see a restocking effort like no other (again IMHO only).  Who knows for sure though.  What sucks is that I am trying to complete two sets for each of my boys and of course one for myself (if I can).  And the current shortage of some stuff in some areas of the country doesn't help if you are impatienct (like I am sometimes).  I any case, if I can get something local for any of you, I will most certainly be happy to do so.  In exchange, I wouldn't mind any tips or help to get the Red-Stanly and Boost-Snot Rod Movie Moments.  Thanks for listening to my long rant.

Hello !  I've been reading for about a month now and am glad to see I'm not the only one having problems finding all these cars.  I have a 2 1/2 year old boy (and a niece and nephew) who just love these cars (even better after seeing the movie).  My sister and I run all over town trying to find them.  Luckily before the movie came out our K-mart ran a add with them in it............ to my suprise they had 8 of the first 12 cars in stock.  Luckily I bought all 8 of them or I would be kicking myself right now.  We have slowly found others at Wal-mart, KB toys and Toys r Us.  Other places are just always out of them and some stores have even taken the pegs off the shelves.  I have bought the 3 newest ones (found blue dinaco at walmart) on ebay since I'm getting tired of running to 5 different stores every few days to see if they have any new ones in.  I do have some extras I picked up if anyone would like to trade (or even buy ).... I have 2 packs of Boost & Snot Rod and 1 Sheriff.  Email me at lowchic@aol.com if interested.  I can't wait to see what else they come out with !!  

I just have to say I really dig this set. I haven't normally collected die-cast except 1:18 Ferraris but this set just felt right when i saw it. (Thankfully when they just started stocking in for their first and final stocking in my local stores.) I picked up several multiples of everything, except for Lizzie. Then everything disappeared. I took some of them back to the store for others to find and filled out some collections for other people. (I resorted to eBay for Lizz.)

Now there are the new 4: All I have left are Sarge, Filmore and Sheriff; I'm looking for blue McQueen, green Ramone, Nitroade and Leakless. (I guess like alot of people.)

Also in scanning the thread it doesn't seem like people have noticed the other variant single (like bowling set Mater). It is the muddy red McQueen. It comes in the Mountain Challenge track set. (I haven't found this yet but know its out there.) Not even many have shown up on eBay. I hope that means I can still find one. . .

Being a big collector in the past of action figures lines with lots of second- and third-tier characters like Palisades' Muppets, Playmates' Simpsons, and Playmates' Star Trek, I really hope we see more little oddball cars a'comin in the months ahead!

Another thing: I finally found my Mack truck playset on Friday 6/30 at Target. We opened it today. My 3 year old totally loves it. (Lihtning got lots of "video game" playing done today!) I, however, am majorly disappointed. I've really loved the diecast's high quality paintjobs, decals and very well controlled overspray. While some have felt these were overpriced, I thought they are worth every penny of the $3.29-$3.99 ea I've spent. (Got multiples of all the Movie Moments at Target for $7.99.) I thought the quality has been amazing for the price considered this is a licensed property.

Well back to my thought: Mack is all red plastic; the chrome/silver trim is all f'ugly grey plastic and there isn't a tampo decal to be found. Ugly stickers all over. Bubbles a plenty and a couple wrinkles. (Most of the bubbles won't smooth out.) For $14.99 Mattel totally blew this on on the quality. I think it's okay that the trailer is all plastic, but Mack really should have been diecast upper with nice tampo decals. WHAT A RIP AND DISGRACE to the quality of the rest of this line!!

Is the "transporter" Mack of the same build quality?

QUIXOTEQUEST... My sister has a extra blue mcqueen she would be willing to sell or trade.  If you are interested email me at lowchic@aol.com

It’s been a couple of days since I posted. (Did y’all miss me...?) I must be getting slow...

First of all, notapervert, kindly go away. The people on here seem like nice folks, and we’d just like to discuss our collecting adventures without somebody like you coming along and being a jerk.

Anyway, I found a Filmore for $5 (plus shipping) on eBay, so that’s one more to check off. It should be on its way by Wednesday (tomorrow being a holiday, no mail). And other hard-to-find ones are showing up at lower prices on eBay.

I saw the movie again (time #3) today, and I looked closely for the Pizza Planet truck. I almost didn’t see it, but my wife did and pointed it out, so then I did see it. It’s in the shot before the race at the end when the camera zooms over the platform outside the stadium, and then the Elvis truck drives up. Then I made sure I watched the credits closely, and sure enough, it’s spelled “Fillmore”, so the package is incorrect. Don’t know if that means the cars will be collector’s items or not; I suppose they will if they correct it and ship out new ones.

So after the movie, we went to Wal-Mart for a few things, and even though I had checked there every day for a week, I decided to look again. I went down an aisle I hadn’t checked closely before, and lo and behold, more cars!! Not only that, there were 2 – count ‘em, TWO!! – Leakless!! I grabbed them both; nothing else I didn’t have, though. (Hopefully that means him and Nitroade, as well as more of the others, will start hitting the east coast.) Oh, and in the movie, Leakless is the car that flips over and lands on top of another one in the big accident during the Piston Cup race at the beginning. I looked for Nitroade in the movie, and I saw a black car; but I wasn’t sure if that was him.

So now I have an extra Leakless, if anyone is willing to trade for Sarge. I think syobwoc posted that they had an extra Sarge and wanted to trade. And of the two I bought, I opened the one that happened to have a slight defect on the roof; the other, unopened one looks to be perfect. So whoever might end up getting it will have the better car!

I believe there’s a way to send private messages to other people that have posted, so if anyone wants to make a trade, please let me know that way. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’d rather not put my e-mail address out, and I wouoldn’t imagine anyone else would either...

Another thing (of course...): If anyone by any chance has bought the “Radiator Springs Mountain Challenge” playset (say for their kids), which comes with a “Willy’s Butte” Lightning McQueen (or “dirty” or “muddy” McQueen, whatever you wanna call it) and already has a “regular” or “clean” (or Dinoco) McQueen, and doesn’t care about the “dirty” one, AND would be willing to part with it, I’d be willing to pay a few bucks for it (we can discuss that). I want to get my hands on one to REALLY have a complete set (once I get the others, too), but I’d rather not pay $40 (at Toys R Us) just for the car. I mean, what would I do with the playset?

And I don’t know anyone personally (friends, family, etc.) that would buy the playset from me; unless there’s anyone on this board that can’t find one, wants one, and doesn’t care if the car is with it? I could buy it and send it (as long as I’m reimbursed, of course!). Again, private messages preferred, or if you don’t nind posting your e-mail address; that’s up to you.

Thanks in advance to anyone that might want to discuss things.

All the rare ones were at my Wal*Mart but I found a dirty little secret. The regional security guard has been going to all the WAl*Marts he watches over and makes the toy people get the new cars out. He knows what stoes gets them because he has computer access. This wal*mart got in 3 cases and I happened to be there when they were getting them out for this security guy. I saw the 3 new ones in the box and I swooped in and intercepted them! This guys was TICKED! He was like "Hey, those go for 200.00 on Ebay!" I quickly ran out of there and bought them. I just wanted a set for myself. I'm not a hoarder or anything, I just like Disney characters. Is that a crime? I came back in after I paid for my 3 and put them in my car and the Toy girl told me the background story. She said there was a 4th case she hid from him because it's unfair he comes in and gets all the rare ones for ebay.


Anyone see this supposed varient of LIghtning with muddy tires? I see one on ebay for 30 bucks with no bidders. I never thought to check all the Lightnings upon Lightnings I've seen around here. This one may have been under everyone's nose the entire time.

Anyone see the Piston Cup Race SEt or the Flo playset? I'm still looking for each.


Thanks.

amoore: I can't figure out how to PM. I have a good Sarge to trade for your Leakless. I can be reached at: bjensen *at* livingscriptures.com. LMK if interested. Thx.

I found my blue Dinoco McQuen at WM today. Woo hoo. Just have to find 3 more. . .

quixotequest...... I was at bigg's (a store here in Ohio) and saw that they have over 6 of the mountain challenge sets.  They are selling for $36.99.  If  you interested I can pick one up for you...

Uncle Ed...... I was looking on ebay for the muddy tire mcqueen and all I can seem to find are the Mcdonalds cars.... do you have a link for the auction?  I would be intested in seeing it.  I however did find where someone is customizing the McQueen car and selling it with the whitewall tires and corvette paintjob.

I saw it yesterdeay when I was trying to find the McDonalds muddy McQueen. (Of course I didn't bookmark it! Stupid me!) I just tried to look him up again but can't find him. I belkieve he was listed as either mud McQueen die cast or Muddy McQueen die cast. He was sealed in the package and listed at 29.99. It was the only one listed. I think it was a McQueen with no lightyear painted on his tires, not really muddy persay. I'll keep an eye out for a relisting but I have been scowering stores looking for one like it all day yesterday. I came up with zilch.


Do you have a link for the customized McQueens? I wanted to see how good they look.

Hey guys, I have been looking for a Cars forum for the past few days and found this. I have enjoyed reading this. I am a Star Wars action figure collector and was curious in the Cars since they came out. My mom collects them and I finally took the plunge. Went up to my local Toys R Us today and apparently I was about 30 min late. At open there was a line of 20 people and they had a ton of Cars. When I got there I was able to get 9 of the cars including a Chick and Donico McQueen. They had about 20 Donica McQueen left.  

I do want to kick myself though. Since I am Star Wars collector, I usually hit Walmart at open on the way to work each day. On Monday I hit my normal WM and they were stocked with everything. All the two packs and all the die cast cars except Sarge, Nitroade, and Leakless. They had everything else. Since I was still up in the air on these I didn't get any. I went back two hours later to check for my mom and mostly everything was gone. There was a couple of Filmore, Wingo,and Sherriff left, but again I didn't get them...doh..what was I thinking.

But now the hunt starts for this set. I love the thrill of the hunt. I will try to pick up any extras of hard figures if anyone needs any.

Ok, here is the link for the "custom" lightning mcqueen on ebay I found... (hope this works.....) http://cgi.ebay.com/OLD-SCHOOL-WHITEWALL-VARIANT-LIGHTNING-MCQUEEN-CARS_W0QQitemZ280003778231QQihZ018QQcategoryZ19061QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have also noticed a few error cars listed for sale, most are in the wrong packages and some are missing something on the car.  I found those just by searching disney cars error on ebay.  

One last thing....if anyone can find a Flo's V8 Cafe playset for me to purchase from you (for under $25.00) I (or should I say my son and 3 cousins) would be very grateful.  No one around here (near Cincinnati, OH) has had them.  Even on ebay, there have been none sold from Ohio!

Found the muddy mcqueen diecast on ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/CARS-Diecast-Muddy-Lightning-McQueen-brown-tires_W0QQitemZ230003873915QQihZ013QQcategoryZ19224QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
but the seller ended the listing early.  Maybe this is out of a playset (some come with cars) or something, I just can't find which one.  If I do, I'll leave a post.

Ok, I knew I read somewhere a playset came with the "muddy mcqueen".... duh, it was on here....... LOL  At least we don't have to run around looking for it now.. :-)

That custom painted McQueen seller doesn't seem very honest about it. They only came clean when asked.


Here is my favorite error:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pixar-Cars-ERROR-RAREST-on-EBAY_W0QQitemZ330004083556QQihZ014QQcategoryZ19224QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I'd never buy an error and have found error toys are unwanted by collectors. Now I need to go see if any of my Cars have errors and need replaced. Oy!

Uncle Ed ...  I saw that one too !! Do they really think someone is going to pay $400. for that ?  And if they do, that's their own fault for being so dumb.  I'm no expert on collecting, but even I know better.... lol   I also agree on the custom mcqueen.... they make it look and almost sound like it was made like this from the factory....  I read it twice just to make sure I didn't need to run out and find another car...LOL

Stopped by the WM this morning. I skipped Star Wars and went straight to Cars. All I saw was Lightning McQueen and Mater. So I walked around and decided to check one last time in case I missed something. The WM employee was leaving the toy aisle and sure enough sitting on the front of the pegs was Fillmore and Wingo!!! Now I only need Sarge, Lizzie, Leakless, Nitroade, new Ramone, and all the 2 packs.

First time poster...

My wife, kids and I were heading "up north", for all you Michiganders, on Friday evening and stopped at a Walmart (West Branch) for baby formula. We found Sally and I was excited, because amongst all the ones we were missing, I needed to find her for my daughter. I had already found Doc, LM, Mater, Sheriff, DJ, and all 4 of the 2 packs. BTW, these make for great incentives to eat vegetables and try new things for my daughter. Anyway, we stopped in, found Sally. I decided to ask a guy with a hand scanner if they had any more. He checked and said that they are showing more. He checked the shelves and went in the back.... He brought out a fresh case!!!! We picked up all the ones that we were missing including a Dinoco! They didn't have the green Ramone or the other two.

Now, does anybody know where to find the red collectors storage race case?

Fear And Bullets... I've seen the storage race case at Target before.  And yes, these are a good incentive for kids (my 2 1/2 year old son got hotwheels for potty training, and some of these when they first came out.... he loves them)

jrsharp21..... I have some extras if you would like to just purchase them for the price I paid $9.99 each... Luigi, Guido & Tractor and a Boost & Snot Rod pack.  You can email me at lowchic@aol.com if interested.  I know how hard these are to come across, so when I do find some, I usually pick them up (we already have all of the current cars, or at least until they come up with some new ones).

jrsharp21... I have extras of Boost & Snot Rod and Luigi, Guido & Tractor if you would like to buy them for what I paid $9.99 each.  I usually pick up extras when I see them since they are hard to come across. (we already have the full set, or at least until they come out with some new ones)

FearAndBullets.... I have seen the red collectors storage race case at Target stores before.  And these do make good incentives as I used hotwheels when my 2 1/2 year old son was potty training, and then "Cars" came out and we started getting those.

Yeahhh Im happy, I finally got Lizzie, Wingo and doubles of the King, Fillmore.  I have been ringing everywhere to find the cars and am always too late when I ring.  So rang KB Toys on the weekend and they said monday, then no trucks because of holiday.  Today I rang at 10am but they hadn't unloaded the truck, so 2 hours later I rang and the girl had already put Lizzie and Wingo and the King away for me.  So I'm doing a happy dance at the moment.

Error toys are very desirable by many "completist" toy collectors but only if there is enough of a certain style of error that it becomes a valid "variant" to seek. (I have many error figs I've obtained in the varied action figure lines I've collected.) Nevertheless I highly doubt a transmission-only McQueen will become such. eBay Buyer Beware.

Glad to see that erroneous "Muddy McQueen" auction was ended early.  

Lowchic - I may take you up on that offer. I want see if I can find them around here the next week or so.

I actually did find the Snotrod 2-pack, Red 2-pack, and Ramone 2-pack today at lunch today at Target. They were hanging in the Hot Wheels aisle. They didn't have a label on the pegs. So either they found some in the back or they were returns. The Snotrod pack I found is for my mom.

Went to two Walgreens, a Rite Aid, and Khols. Nothing there.

hey Butters_Stotch,

Lizzie & Sarge are on their way to you.

Look forward to getting Leakless & Green Ramone.

I went to a Toys R Us today just to check – AGAIN! – and was talking to the manager (who said to try calling the store about a half hour before they open and ask if they got any of the cars in; that is, if they got a truck of merchandise the night before), and he said that he’s heard from collectors that Mattel is not making Lizzie anymore at all. He said he didn’t know if that was true, and of course it was told to me secondhand; but if it’s true, those of you who still need her for your collection might have to start shelling out the cash for her on eBay, or trades here. I’m just glad I got mine when I did; now I only need Nitroade and green Ramone.

I doubt anyone needs a Doc, but I saw one at a Wal-Mart today. I can go back and get it (if it’s still there) if anyone wants to trade for either of the two I need...

jsharp21... if you decide you need them, just let me know.  Or if anyone else is interested.....

Just got green Ramone from eBay; now I only need Nitroade. Anyone have an extra one (or can get one from their local store) that I could pay them back for? I'll pay the shipping, and I'll even throw in a few extra bucks for the trouble.

At this point, I'm tired of driving everywhere looking for these things, and I only need the one. Someone help!!

I ordered the Mountain set from Amazon. They have free shipping this week only so if you need one head on over!


Have any Flo playsets been sold on ebay? I thought it was coming in September for the DVD release?


Any more confirmation on new cars?


About production errors, I remember seeing a Ratcliffe figure for Pocahontas without a face. I passed on it because I was told no one would ever buy it. I do own one error I was hoping to sell some day. I have a Ghimli figure in a Gollum box. I figured that was a rarity so I snatched him up. I doubt anyone wants one though.

There are many V8 Cafe's for sale right now on ebay. Here is a link. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&catref=C6&satitle=cars+play+set+V8&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=97304&ftrt=1&ftrv=  

Also, I saw one auction for all 4 playsets plus all the cars to date. The V8 Cafe is much bigger than the other playsets by the looks of things. http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pixar-Cars-5-Playsets-Flos-25-cars-Nitroade_W0QQitemZ290003618521QQihZ019QQcategoryZ19224QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My son would love to have the whole town of Radiator Springs. Looks like it will be cool to have all 4 sets.

Hey has anyone seen this website? What the HECK? Some of these prices are steeper than eBay! http://www.toywiz.com/dipicamotobc.html
At least it looks like we will be seeing more Sarges this month, & more Leakless, Nitroade, & Green Ramones in August according to their pre-order listings. It's hard to sit and wait though right? Hopefully we can all get what we need for our collections before that "dirty security guard" swoops huh? =)

Hey guys - I'm here in the UK where we've got to wait until July 28th for the movie - although I was fortunate to get an excellent copy - naughty I know but I so wated to see - excellent film.

I've managed to get most of the whole set - just need sarge now - I found Lizzie from an online toy store here in the uk for £2.99 ( about $5.50 ) The Toys R Us stores shelves are filled then emptied except for McQueens Maters and the none rare ones. I resorted to Ebay to get my Leakless, Nitroade, Dinoco McQueen and Green Ramone.

Just a bit about the initial car race at the beginning - someone earlier in this thread mentioned the Apple car - a white one, it has number 84 on the side - yet earlier in the race there's another 84 with the logo Re-volt on it. Also there's Sputter Stop number 32 - yet as McQueen is heading to his trailer after the race The number 32 trailer is Shiny Wax !

A couple more race cars are - 101 Taco - o - mint, 90 Bumper Save, 58 Octane Gain, 64 RPM, 33 Mood Springs, 56 Filter Fuel, 34 Trunk Fresh.

Also has anyone seen the birds form the Pixar short "For the Birds" - they're in this movie - won't tell you where but blink and you'll miss em.

Sigh...Anyone need Leakless and has an extra Sarge or Nitroade they'd like to trade? Anyone...?

amoore.va@cox.net

Was just thinking about how Disney World (and probably Disneyland) is selling the Cars toys. Has anyone tried calling DelivEars to see if you can have them shipped to you? This may work. If anyone wants to try, the number is 1-800-362-4533 .

re: duc_gal's mention of ToyWiz:

ToyWiz.com has a long history of toy scalping of the highest order. It is ran by Kenny Shamus, brother of Gareb Shamus, the magnate over the Wizard Entertainment Group (magazines: Wizard, Toyfare, et al). They have long been accused of a conflict of interest as Wizard publishes values for toys and comics and Gareb's brother runs the major website ToyWiz. It gets even screwier: exclusive action figures and toys for Wizard entertainment group have in the past showed up early to market--prior to Wizard's customers themselves-- at the ToyWiz site or on eBay, sold by, you guessed it, ToyWiz and Ken. Or really hard-to-find exclusives like some of the Simpsons or HeroClix collectibles show up in ready supply over at ToyWiz while Wizard subscribers themselves can't obtain the figures. It appears Gareb depends on Kenny to generate buzz for the collectables Wizard sells. And once a buzz gets going, well, you guessed it: magazine subscriptions are fueled over at Wizard or a special "Gareb Shamus" signature version of said collectible may go on sale.

Gareb Shamus has long denied any affiliation of these sorts, but collectors have noticed this apparently convenient association. Ken claims he has to fight for inventory from Wizard just like anybody else. But the appearance that is maintained doesn't rate high in my favor. The good thing is that most of Wizard's collectibles are duds, so it's not like Ken is Lex Luthor or anything. But when some hot toy hits the market you know who the players at the epicenter are gonna be. Ken and Gareb are two of those people.

ToyWiz reliably ships what they sell so it can be argued that they are providing a service regardless of their often stratospheric pricing. I've casually sold a toy here and there on eBay so I can't ride a high horse preaching against secondary market sales. But just my opinion: I'm not a big fan of ToyWiz's.

But all that tangental history aside I hope that ToyWiz's product listing is foretelling and it means that more of the new Cars are gonna hit the shelves sometime soon.

jrsharp21, yes you can call disneyland or world and name a specific item and have it charge sent to your home...if they have the item.  i just called for flos v8 cafe and i was not the only, allthough that attempt was fruitless yours might not be.

So now Flos V8 at DL or DW?  I am not a big playset guy, so I will keep my eyes peeled for the playset. I saw two of them this morning at WM. Neither was Flo's though.

Has anyone been successful in ordering the diecast Cars from DL or DW?

Just want everyone to know, if you go to Walmart.com they have the Flo Playset online now for only $19.00 and change.  I haven't seen any of them in my stores yet so am contemplating whether I should buy it online.

I went to Walmart.com and the Flo's sets are out of stock. Bummer.

No luck with DelivEars. They are saying they don't have any stock to send out. They said the best bet to get them from WDW or Disneyland is to actually go to the parks and find them. They said check back in about 7-10 days.

It seems some of you folks are very fortunate to keep coming across 'restocks' in your areas . In my area (East/Central New Jersey, just outside of New York City) I haven't seen anything more than a scattered car or two, TOPS. Not since that ignorant evening in the supermarket...   :/

The only ones I've come across (and collected) recently in a local store since my last post was:

1: Luigi/Guido/Tractor set
1: Doc Hudson

I spoke with someone at Toys 'r' us today.  The gentleman said that they are having difficulty receiving product from the supplier, but when they do, it is split up amongst the stores, so they receive very little.  He said that the supplier said that they plan to have a full assortment of cars available for Christmas.  Hopefully we won't have to wait that long.

I checked out the Radiator Springs Mountain Challenge Playset and it does come with a "muddy" version of McQueen.  They describe it as "Comes with one "Willy's Butte" deco Lightning McQueen die-cast car"

Just an Update:
I've sold through all of Leakless, Green Ramone, Nitroaide.
Still in stock are:
Dinoco McQueen
Sherif
Doc
Sally
DJ
Wingo
Mater
Lightning Mcqueen
Filmore
Boost And Snot Rod
Red and Stanley
Ramone and Flo
Luigi, Guido, And Tractor
King

The best price per car I can do is $5.99 Per Single, and 10 for the movie Moments packs.  If you have any interest send an email to IWantCars@butters__stotch.endjunk.com

How much for shipping?

Amazon.com has Flo's cafe for pre order at 30.00

If you have any questions, make sure to email me.  But for shipping, it depends on your location, and also how many you want etc...

Nobody can or wants to trade a Sarge for Leakless? What about Nitroade for Leakless? Anyone...?

Let me know: amoore.va@cox.net

Butters_Stotch  - where's my tracking #?  when can I expect to get my cars?

Syobwoc: Your tracking number was mailed to you.  

If anyone has multiples of the following they are willing to sell, let me know:

Leakless
Nitroade
Lizzie
Sarge
Ramone

Multiples? LOL! I'm just trying to get my hands on just ONE of each of those right now...

Won Ramone on Evil-Bay last night for $3.25 (plus $5 shipping)

I am in desperate need of the mack transporter.  Does anyone know how much it was and if they saw it anywhere other than target?  Oh and if by some miracle someone has one to sell reasonably or could get there hands on one, I would greatly appreciate it.   My son loves Mack.  By the way, I love reading all of the posts.  Thanks for all the updates!!

Hi Bonboo,

I also had a major problem finding the Mack Transporter so I opted for the Mack playset for my son.  He loves playing with it now.  I found it at Target for $14.99.  The transporters are selling at riduculously high prices on eBay and since it's going to be a toy instead of a collector's item, I didn't want to spend $40 plus on it.  

By the way, I was too tired looking for the Movie Moments sets so I opted  to go on eBay for them.  Won the 4 pack set for $39 including shipping.  Can't wait to get them in the mail so my son can stop asking for Red.  I bet the next time I go to Walmart or Target, they'll all be there.  Sigh.

I'll try this again: I have an extra Leakless, and I'm looking to trade it for Sarge or Nitroade. Any takers? ANYONE AT ALL?!!

It seemed like there were a lot of people looking to trade just a few days ago. What happened to them all?

E-mail me if interested:

amoore.va@cox.net

Toysrus.com is showing the Snotrod/Boost pack in stock but when you go to ad it it says they dont have it.

Jsharp:
I have 3 Green Ramones, and 3 Leakless Left, If Your interested in purchasing them email me at IWannaBuyCars@Butters__stotch.endjunk.com

I've been researching the shipping days for K B Toys,
and on Thursday, I've completed my entire collection.
I even have Green Ramone, Leekless, Nitro aid, and Dinoco McQueen.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!

Butters_scotch,
I emailed you about purchasing a green ramone and a leakless.  I also need a nitroade if you have any.  Thanks.  I would love to stop running around to all my stores everyday with 2 kids in tow.  Let me know if you can help me out.  Thanks again.

Cindy, Thanks for the tip about the playset, unfortunately my son wants the one that looks like the ones we see on the highway.  Thanks again:)

Hi Bonboo,

Lots of Mack trucks (playsets) on the highway too.  Perhaps you can show him what one looks like on line.  My son loves brushing all of his cars' teeth and also raising them up and letting them watch tv.  He's 3 and can show me the different areas of Lightning's living quarters.  I'll look around for a transporter and let you know if I find one somewhere.

Diz Wiz - Is KB Toys consistant with Thursday as far as receiving new product? Also what region are you in?

Cindy, Thanks and if you find one, if you don't mind picking it up, I will definitely pay you for it.  Thanks again:)

Hey guys I will keep my eye out for Flo's Cafe and Mack Truck. Also for the new cars. If I find any I will pick them up and sell them to whoever needs them at cost.

My 3-year-old loves that Mack playset too, especially the teeth brushing and the video game "dancing". I found mine for $14.99 at Target, but went by today--the shelf was bare--but the tag had been raised to $15.99. I wonder what the MSRP is for Mack. . .

Have uploaded the latest update of 'Cars DC Collector List V1_1.pdf' at the Cars Yahoo group for those interested.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Diecast_Disney_Pixar_Cars/

Tuy

I wish I had known the transport was going to be so rare! I got mine a few weeks ago and BARELY found it. Target had it located on a shelf endcap in a back corner of the store. I think it was 16.99 and I found that strange because the playset was only 14.99. They had a TON of them too...probably all long gone now. If I knew they would go for big bucks on ebay I would have bough them all and sold on ebay as well as help you guys out. I'm not too greedy but it would have helped to pay for all this CArs stuff I bought. lol.


I got the Mountain Challenge in the mail today and put it together. It's kind of cool but over priced at 40.00. I'll not be using it because it will scrape my cars up. It will be a display piece only. Now I just need the Piston Cup set and Flo's CAfe and I"m all caught up. Yay!

Hey guys

My friend called and said he saw 2 Flo's Cafe at KB Toys right before close. They were $25. I may try to go up there tomorrow. If I can grab them, would anyone be interested in them for cost plus shipping (around $10 I am thinking)?

hey tuyvan; thanks for posting the link to my yahoo users group

If anyone does come across Flo's V8 cafe, I would be interested in it (at cost + shipping) of course.  There seems to be no one here in southwestern Ohio who has them, and that is the only part of Radiator Springs my nephews are missing.  They love playing with the cars and the town sets.  I also purchased the Mountain Challenge set for my 2 1/2 year old son the other day and he loves it.

Also...back to a previous post about a Muddy McQueen diecast on ebay... I contacted the person and they said it was a single pack car, not from a playset.  I think maybe the Mountain Challenge McQueen got accidently packed in a single pack.  I wrote her back and asked if the card it was on showed the Muddy McQueen or not.  Haven't heard back yet, but I'll let you know what she says... could be another car to hunt after (if you don't have the mountain challenge set) or for the collectors...

Lowchic - I was able to pick up a Flo's V8 Cafe this morning from KB. It is yours if you want it. Go ahead and send me an email at sharp_jeff@yahoo.com and we can work out the details.

Yes!!!!!!!!!! I will take it, I have emailed you......  whoooohoooooo!!!!

Uncle Ed....I was so excited about jrsharp21 finding flo's cafe, I forgot what I came here to post....lol  I heard back from the lady on ebay who had the "dirty mcqueen" diecast..... it was in a regular mcqueen single pack, so it was obviously mispacked.  It is the same car that came in the mountain challenge set.  Her son wanted it to play with, so they opened it........ oh the things you do for your kids.....lol

I have seen numerous eBay auctions referring to Mattel announcing the end of the cars line, or certain cars in the line (Lizzie, Nitroade, etc.). I have not been able to corroborate with a press release from Mattel. Does anyone know of any real "news" along these lines, or some of these sellers willing to lie just to push the "rarity" of their auction merchandise?

Found a Lizzie at Toys R Us last night. Anyone want to trade her for Sarge or Nitroade?

I can't believe so many of you are able to find any of the Cars.  My local stores-Walmart, Target, Toysrus, etc have been out of the diecasts since before the movie came out and I have seen them restocked once at one store.  For the past 3 weeks, you can not find not a single one anywhere.   I am still hoping Target will eventually get a Mack Transporter in and I figure at this point if I am lucky enough to have someone help me out with the Nitroade, Leakless, and Green Ramone, that would be a huge bonus.

Hello all, I'm new here and found you quite by accident. I just discovered the diecast Cars this weekend and was searching for more information. Anyway, I live in Maine and we have what you my call a drought of Cars, I picked up a regular Lightning yesterday, and have not seen anymore characters. Nor have I seen them in New Hampshire or Massachusetts, where I work.

Since I am just starting out, any recommendations on where to look and how rare they really are?

Thank you all,
Mike Z.

To mzinkowsky...like you have already discovered - to find something at the major retailers is all but impossible due to incredible demand.  It can be done but only with incredible timing as near to a re-stock as you can get.  You can ask the normally ignorant retailer sales help for info on when the store will be getting more but unless you talk to somebody that actually knows (or cares), good luck.  You're best bet (with major retailers) is to just keep checking yourself and often.

You could also try evilBay but prices there can be exceptionally high (but you can find most any of the Cars there).

I have found a great deal of luck with the smaller drug stores that may carry toys.  Around here (South Dakota) we have Wal-Greens and Lewis Drugs.

And lastly, a forum like this may have some kind souls that may help you out with your needs.  All you need to do is post and see if anyone replies...  

Has anyone tried contacting Mattel directly, to get an understanding of what the die cast Cars future is?  Their web site is little help.

Hey guys,

I was in Toys R Us the other day and it turns out that a former high school teammate of mine is the manager there. I was asking him about the Cars and he told me that Toys R Us gets two trucks a week and if you call the day the truck is due, they will know whats on the truck. Apparently they get a manifest that has the contents of the truck arriving that day. In my area, the truck comes Tuesday night and Friday night. So best bet is to see if you can find what days your trucks come in on and call that night it is due.

Also the manager at KB told me to call this week as they are supposed to find out this week when the next Cars cases will arrive.

I live in Cleveland Ohio. (It Sucks)
I had to call the head of shipping on when they get their Diecast cars.
(I was lucky I got the one who actually took the time to look and see if
there was any coming. They normally just blow  me off, or don't know what I'm
talking about.)
Anyway I found Lizzie, Sarge, Nitro aid, leekless, and Green Ramone there.
I have the complete set.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Diz Wiz-Where did you call the head of shipping?  ToysRus?  or a different store?  Thanks.  

Does anybody know when the Apple racecar is coming out?
Does anybody know IF the Apple racecar is coming out?

I doubt it...                          but in my heart...                 I pray.

Oh sorry
I'm still on the subject of KB Toys

If you would like to E Mail me, it's Dizwiz@ameritech.net

...I'm a very lonely man.           (sigh)

I have: One extra Lizzie, one extra Leakless.

I need: A Sarge and a Nitroade.

I'm looking to trade, one-for-one, with the ones I have for the ones I need. Anyone want to set up a trade, e-mail me:

amoore.va@cox.net

Without looking back thru all the posts....whoever was looking for the Piston Cup 500 cars set.......I found one at Toys r us and bought it if they are still interested.... email me at lowchic@aol.com

Hey guys, here is a little trick to find out if your Target stores have any Cars stock in the back.

Either ask an employee or customer service  to run this DCPI code for you: 087-07-0274. This is the Target inventory code for the Cars. You can also check yourself. If your Target has the price scanners with the number pad on the right hand side, you can punch these numbers in. If the scanner says: Stockroom: YES  and you don't see them on the floor, POLITELY ask a Target employee to see if they can check the back for you. You have to explain that the numbers show that there is stock.

Note:  Many toy scalpers use this trick also. Some Target employees will tell you that they can't grab stock from the back. Some will do it if you are polite. Just depends on who you ask. I usually try to ask someone who looks like they will take the time to help you. I try to avoid the people who look like they could care less.

Uncle Ed...... do you still need the Piston Cup 500 track?  I picked one up yesterday while driving probably more than 50 miles roundtrip to KB toys stores on a "cars" hunt.  One toys r us we stopped at had a ton of cars stuff, but no single pack diecast.  

Does anyone know if Target is the only company selling the cars carrying case?  I had purchased one on ebay as a "buy it now" because we are leaving for vacation and my three year old is carrying his cars in a grocery bag.  The seller emailed me back and said they had been trying to remove the listing for some time.  He said they actually didn't have any left but he could look for one and let me know.  This, after I had already paid for it.  Has anyone else ever had this kind of trouble?

If you paid via Paypal you can try to reverse the payment. Also I believe you are protected through paypal. You can file a complain with them if the buyer does not reimburse you the money.

I'm a non collector parent who has been accumulating the cars since before the movie started as well, but now pretty much every retailer I know about, Bartells, Long's, Target, Walmart, Kaybee's, Fred Meyer's are completely empty.  I'm down to my last couple of cars, but my question is to collectors out there, in your opinion, is this frenzy going to die down and eventually 20 nitroaids and Lizze's and Sarges will be in the bargain bins next year?  Or will production be done at a certain point and the rare cars always be rare?  Who is paying like 30 bucks+ for sarge and nitroade?  Collectors who know what they are doing, or just overzealous parents?  

Hey Mendy, I took some of my cars to Florida with me. Since I couldn't find the carrying case, I had a great idea of putting the cars in my suitcase, rapped indivigually in each of my shirts.
You should try that.
If you have any questions, Email me at     Dizwiz@ameritech.net

pillar--

To answer your question: first, without knowing whether Mattel already is, or will be, producing more, the answer comes more due to whether there are substantive pending orders from mass retail buyers. Ebay demand/prices don't have any bearing. But if the peg "sell-throughs" are frequent enough (and profitability for the shelf space high enough) the selection will show up on the buyers' radar and will be reordered. Rather than walk away disappointed from the empty toy aisle, talk to the store's manager. They won't have much influence over what is ordered, but if enough people complain they MAY just talk to their area rep. Sometimes that feedback makes it back to the buyers. If the buyers think the product is not a fad (and movie licenses can sometimes be viewed that way) they will stock more.

My gut tells me the chances are good if we see the demand continue that they'll be out again for the Fall/Christmas DVD release if not sooner. However, having also collected a lot of toys through the years the chances are good that the Cars die-cast assortment, as we understand it today, has had its run. If we see any more I think the chances are better there will be a new assortment which may or may not include all the cars that have been released so far. It's very, very possible that the latest (wave 2) of "second tier" characters: Dinoco Mcqueen, Green Ramone, Nitroade and Leakless--possibly even Lizzie, too, won't be out again in a new assortment. The Movie Moments may not see a re-release either. But who knows for sure? Not me.

Diz Wiz:

I REALLY hope the Apple Car is released, too! That would be a totally cool exclusive promo idea for the Apple Stores.

Hi Mzinkowsky,

I have had some luck in NH and MA with the cars but not for a while now.  I did find the blue McQueen in North Conway but that was only because the salesperson was nice enough to hold it for me at Walmart.  Went to the Walmart in Portsmouth and they had the red McQueen, Mater and DJ but that was during July 4th weekend.  I did call up a local Advance Auto Parts store and the salesperson was really nice.  He said they only put a few cars out but have a case full of different cars in the back and would be happy to bring them out for me to choose from.  The cars cost about $4 there which is still better than eBay.  Try calling your local store and see what they say.  Good luck, finding the rest of the cars.  

My son now wants Wingo and Chick.  Of course, he already chipped the paint on the red McQueen.  Wondering if I should buy another one just in case.  Oh well, have to keep in mind these will all be toys and not collectibles for us.  

jrsharp21: You are my new hero.

I tried your little trick, and low & behold I FINALLY have 1 Sarge & 1 Lizzie.

I was also able to get my hands on DJ & Wingo, which completes MY personal collection (Other than 2 of the 3 'new' releases).

I also picked up an extra Chick Hicks, King & Filmore, just for laughs.

The woman went to the back room, brought out the ONE brand new case she had, and I was able to reach in & take my pick of whatever I wanted. I really had no idea how small these cases were.

The only bad thing was, the case did NOT contain any of the 'new' releases. Anyone know how/when these new ones are packed in a case?

P.S. Other than this case, the store was completely wiped of any of the other Cars items.

I went to Wal-mart and spoke with the manager in the toy department and she told me that they were discontinuing 3 of the cars, Sarge, Lizzie and 1 other one but she couldn't remember the name.  I came home and decided to call Mattel to find out if this was just a rumor or was indeed true.

The girl I spoke with in the Consumer Relations department told me that they were not discontinuing any of the cars at this time, we should start to see more on the shelves in the next 2-3 weeks, and they plan to continue production at least through Christmas.

This is good news!  I will hold off on resorting to e-bay for right now.

Good to hear that worked for you!!! I am going to Target at lunch to check to see if the one near my work has anything.

jrsharp21:

Thanks for the Target info. I stopped by my store at lunch and it worked beautifully: it told me they are sold out. :-(  

Maybe the Stockroom God will see it useful to bless me with better luck in the future!

I had no luck either. It said nothing in the back.

Then I ventured over to WM. I spoke with who I believe is the toy manager and she basically blew me off. I asked her if she knew the next time they were getting Cars in and she replied with "All of our Cars stuff is at the end of this aisle to the right".

Gee, that helped alot.

I even went to an AutoZone with no luck.

First time poster but long time reader,

    I have really enjoyed the posts over the last few weeks as well as the tips. I live in Tampa and just returned after taking the family to Walt Disney World for the week of the 4th of July. While there we went to Downtown Disney (Their Shopping and Restaurant area outside of the theme parks) everday to see if they had any cars and all they had were Dinoco Mcqueens. Finally, we went to MGM studios theme park on Thurs and at the studio backlot shop hidden in the back of the park near the stunt show was a good supply of cars right when the park opened including Sarge and Lizzie but no Ramone, Leakless or Nitroade. Every other shop in that park as well as the Magic Kingdom the next day(Fri) only had Dinoco Mcqueen or the movie moments. The clerks there had no idea that these are rare worldwide much less everywhere else in Walt Disney World leading me to believe they have had a good supply of them for a while. Well our kids are thrilled as we have hunted like the rest of you for weeks. 3 cars to go!

Just thought I would pass that along to anyone headed to Florida and MGM studios. Oh and by the way if you do make it to MGM at certain times of the day they have a LIFE SIZED Lightning Mcqueen and Mater with moving eyes, Lightning's loud Revs of exhaust and all on parade. They are truly Amazing. They drive down a few streets and stop on one street so that you can take a photo with them.

Hey guys, another tip with the Target DCPI number, if there is no stock at the Target you are at, you can take it to Customer Service desk and ask them to do an item search at other Targets in your area. They can print you out a list of Targets that do have stock.

BucfanRich: Thanks for that lil' tip. My wife & I will FINALLY be returning to WDW in Mid-August. We used to go EVERY YEAR for 8 years, but haven't been down there in almost 3 years (Since my 2 kids were born). I will have my eyes peeled.  ;)

That lil' Target trick only worked in the one store. Everyone else claims not to have any. (I've only made phone calls, and each of them say "No more." Lord only knows if they are telling the truth)

Well at last I will have a Flo's V8 Cafe... thanks to jrsharp21  !!  All I need to find now is the Mack Transporter for my son.... he has a micro machines transporter truck that he takes the micro machines cars for rides....now if we can find him one for his "Cars" cars !!!  

Again, hats off to jrsharp21 !!! Thanks !

PC Savior - Alot of times over the phone they wont even check the DCPI number. They will just say no based off what they last saw on the peg.  If you go into your nearest Target and go to customer service and have them do an area check of the DCPI, then you will really see what area stores have stock or not.

We just called Mattel and were told that the stores' buyers were just not ordering the cars we wanted and that she was sorry the shortage was in our area. The woman said that they make toys to sell toys. They want to sell toys. That the buyers are just not buying them and we need to talk to the buyers. She denied the concept of "rare" cars in the die-cast car series.

But store managers at Target, Toys R Us, KB Toys and so on have been telling us different information. They have received emails and letters saying that production is behind. They will receive only a handfull - or none - of most of the cars in a case. One manager at Toys R Us said they usually get ONE lizzie per 3 cases. Now this is the case in several different stores we have checked in Oregon and Washington. Mater, red lightning, and to a lesser degree Filmore are the bulk of what they get.

If there were not specifically "rare" cars in the series (ie the majority) and it truly was just a production issue, why would there be tons of McQueens and Mater specifically? Most of the people I've talked to bought the bulk of the cars before the movie came out, i.e. when the line first hit the stores.

Normally I don't get this cranky about not finding toys. But I just wanted to get a King, Sheriff, Chick or Wingo (my son's favorites) as a brave-boy present (He's going to have surgery for the first time next week). I lucked out on ebay finding a Dinoco blue Lightning Mcqueen. I got a second-chance offer and immediately clicked on what I thought was The King and bought it for about $11 including shipping. (I saw blue and didn't remember bidding on the blue McQueen).

Its not really a "rare" item but more of a short packed item. All toy lines experience this. What usually happens is that toy line will have it's initial cases ship out. The breakdown of these cases usually contains multiples of the main/more famous characters. Then the background characters will only be one to a case. The toy makers do that anticipating that they will sell more units of the more known names from a movie or toy line.  What ends up happening is that the market gets flooded with the more packed in figures and the short packed figures become more in demand as they are less of them. But most toy makers also then start sending out revision cases where they switch up the number of each item in the case or replace one of the items with a different or one more of another item.

If Mattel remains true to normal toy form, we should see some revision cases in the future where there may be two to a case of one of the more "rare" Cars right now.

But you never know. Mattel produces Hot Wheels and there really isn't a rhyme or reason to that hobby. Ask any HW collector and they will tell you that Mattel is hard to figure out.

Thanks for the short-packed item definition, jrsharp21. I'm not a collector so I didn't know what that term was.

I'll just keep on looking and calling.

long time looker- first time poster

It's kindof cool to again be collecting "figures" like I used to when I was a kid. Of course now I have the self control to keep the toys sealed. (otherwise I'd have a nice little nest egg in toys a'la Steve Carrel in the 40 yr. Old Virgin)

anyway- thanks to the guy who set up that yahoo group. I've posted a couple times to mention I have a Dinoco McQ and a Green Ramone that I can trade. (looking for a Leakless, Nitroade, or Sarge)

Maybe we can all work together to complete each others collections without helping the scalpers. (i'm trying to build two sets- one to keep, and one for my future son to play with when he discovers the Disney/ Pxar Classic that Cars will become)

Allie: (Or anyone else) If you are interested, I have 1 extra Sheriff, 1 extra Filmore, and 2 extra Chick Hicks. I'd prefer to trade for other cars, but I'm open to offers. (I was going to grab a few more of the other characters, but I'm sure no one is looking for those)

I'm in need of a 2nd Green Ramone, a 2nd Sarge, a 2nd Lizzie, I still don't have any Nitroade, or Leakless. I am also looking for a 2nd Red & Stanley.

Thanks!

I’ve been meaning to post about this, but I keep forgetting:

Someone posted on here a few days ago asking about the racetrack/carrying case, and someone else also mentioned about their son carrying his cars in a grocery bag. Well, if you can’t find the carrying case (I got mine at Target, but I’ve only seen them once after that, and none at all since then), I have a suggestion: The Container Store has plastic collector’s cases. There’s a couple of different size ones, but the one for about $15 is the perfect depth for the “cars” die-casts. It could probably hold 15 or 16 of the cars, and the dividers inside can be moved around to make the compartments the right size for your assorted cars. I got one for the overflow of the ones that don’t fit in the racetrack case (each compartment has a sticker of a character, but there’s not a spot for all of the cars that were made).

Just a tip; hope it helps.

Allie- In my search for a reasonably priced Nitroade to complete the set, I've noticed some "reasonable" deals on ebay for lots of say 5-8 different cars, if you are patient.  It seems like sometimes lots of cars with the particular car you want buried in them, go for cheaper than if you try to get the single car by itself!  Here is a lot I noticed, 8 cars, 41 bucks, little over 5 bucks a car.  Leakless, Dinoco Mcqueen and Sheriff if bought separately would add up to 41 on average on ebay.  You take into account gas prices driving around and such, ebay isn't always that bad after all, just gotta be patient.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&item=280004213427&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Oh yeah; found a Sarge today at Target. I got lucky on that one; they only had one.

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!
My Dinoco Mcqueen/ King package has just sold on E Bay for $23 ($5 S&H)
I now have the money for Flo's Caffe.
The Fool!
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

I did another look around the Portsmouth, NH area today, and found nothing. And by that I mean nothing, not even any of the ones that there are supposed to be an excess of. All I've managed to get is Lightning, and that is it, and at this point I can't even find a second one. At the moment I am debating some of the playsets, but they were never really on my radar, just the Cars themselves. The local TRU has Luigi's, Mater's and the two race tracks (Piston and Dirt I think) so I may pick up one of each, but I can't make up my mind on that score. What is the general opinions of the playsets, are they decent quality, or a they cheap and breakable.

Thanks,
Mike Z.

i have an extra green ramone.  i will sell for retail (3.50 + shipping) paypal only.

my sons collection is now complete and i ended up with a extra green ramone.

and thanks to all for the tips guys...i got half retail and the other half ebay.

Hey mzinkowsky,
I have the mountain challenge set for my son and he loves it! I think it's pretty cool too. Plus it comes with a Willy's Butte Deco McQueen. You can't buy that one in a single pack unless you find an error package. As far as breakage is concerned, they are made of plastic, so if your kid stomps on it, I'm sure something will break. The other playsets are pretty cool too. I want to get a Piston Cup track soon. Just don't have $40 to shell out right now. I've heard it is pretty nice as well. Just one opinion.

Also, does anyone else have a ShopKo in their area? We have a few of them here in the Pacific Northwest. They sell the CARS stuff too. Although their diecasts are $5.99 instead of $3.17 like Wal-Mart, if you can find them at WM. My ShopKo had Mater, Lightning, & DJ left. I obviously had just missed a restock. Darn!

Hi Woodly
I am interested in purchasing the Ramone.  My email is mbkbooher@yahoo.com if you still have it to sell.  Thanks.

I finally broke down and ordered a Piston Cup set on Amazon for 40.00. It hasn’t shipped yet though. Who knows if ythey'll fill my order. I've had that happen before when I've ordered then they decide they can't fill it. I'll get back to you in a few days once I know. Thanks for the offer though!


I still need the Flo’s Café set though.


I’ve only ever seen the Cars collector’s case at Target and not all of the first run of the cars were in that either. It was weird because a few of the movie moments ones would have 1 car from the set listed and the other was not.


Allie, I saw a Sheriff last week at my local CVS but he was 6.00. If you want I will check back for your son and help you out.


About rare cars. I used to collect the Muppet figures Palisades Toys made and there were indeed some figures that were short packed and done so on purpose. For example, in wave I there wee only 2 Bunsen Honeydews and 2 Dr. Teeths per case. The rest were Kermits and MIss Piggy's. The result was the toy shelves became flooded with MIss Piggys and Kermits so after Wave 2 several retailers including Toys R Us jumped ship. When Wave 3 rolled around it had the lowest orders and this is why some of the figures of wave 3 sell for 100.00, including the infamous Zoot. I actually had to pay 66.00 for my Zoot and I was not too happy about it either! By the time seies 4 came they had started relying on online retailers and that held the line till wave 8 or 9 (I forget how high it went) The line still ended a year early because although Disney did not cancel Palisades agreement to make figures, they stopped approving the scuplts so they stopped making the figures. The only figure I never got was the ultra rare Wizard World Dr. Teeth of which there are only 400 of. Oh, how I wish I had bought one on Ebay when I had the chance! Now I may never get one. But my experience with the Muppets line has made me buy sooner than later. I want to get the Neca Pirates of the Caribbean figures before those get sky high but I don't know all the ins and outs of them yet. By the way, does any one know if the Theme Park Pirates figures are in scale with the Neca ones and what do they sell for? I see I can get them for 15.00 each online but that seems a bit high. Anyone know for sure?  


Why is this Mater 50.00?


http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pixar-Cars-Mater-die-cast-brown-Variant-RARE_W0QQitemZ110006777341QQihZ001QQcategoryZ19224QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Also, that Sarge with the error broken window that was listed a few weeks back for big bucks is now listed as a variant for .99! lol!

I went to my Target again this am asking about the Mack Transporter.  They don't even have a ticket sating that it existed at their store and the guy said he thought they were not going to restock much of the Cars things.  He said they are getting ready to do a reset of the toy aisle and some of the Cars things will be added near the hot wheels things, but he doubted they would get anymore of the Carrying case/race track in.  I am glad that I bought one when I had first seen them.  That is actually what started my addiction.  I thought it would be great for my son's birthday and he could have fun collecting the cars.  Fortunately I saw how quickly they were selling and managed to get most of them.  I too, didn't understand the logic behind the case, because you couldn't purchase all of them individually.  That is another reason why I hope to find a transporter to store the few extras.  I do not know if I will be so lucky though based on what the worker told me today.  :(  If anyone has heard different about Target restocking, especially their exclusives-the carrying case and the mack transporter, please let me know.  Thanks.

Hey Uncle_Ed,
I checked out that Mater Auction. It looks like they think they can charge $50 because the cab is brown instead of orange. So they say. I cliked on sellers other items & found this - http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pixar-Cars-Mater-die-cast-1-55-Orange-Cab_W0QQitemZ120006560689QQihZ002QQcategoryZ19224QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I compared the two, & they look the same to me, one picture just looks like it was taken in more light than the other. Plus, he supposedly has 2 available in the variant? Good one to stay away from if you ask me!

Uncle Ed,

I saw the Nec POTC figures this past weekend and they were pretty sweet. I think I may get a Jack Sparrow for my desk at work. Check to see if your nearest mall or galleria has a Hot Topic store. That is where I saw them at. They are carrying alot of POTC merchandise right now.

Uncle Ed-- I was a Palisades Muppets collector, too. Talk about the gold standard of sculpt, detail and rock-solid accessories. I was really bummed that the Sesame Street figs didn't make it to market :-( And some of them really were expensive, rare figures. When you say all you are misisng is Wizard World Dr. Teeth, dod you happen to get the Ken Lilly Wedding Kermit and Piggy? I haven't met anyone who has those!

As to NECA I have really really loved the Nightmare Before Christmas figures. I can't wait for wave 4 coming out this fall!

Yeah, what's up with that "brown" and "orange" variant Maters??!! It's the same paint color, just depending on how thin the paint is & much primer is showing thru it can look more orange or brown. Mr. T pities the fool who falls for those auctions.

Quixotequest - I only ever bought the "officially released" Muppets with the exception of a blak jacket Rizzo I got for 10.00 on ebay. I never bought a wedding set and I think that's muck hype over nothing. It's just a repaint. I now judge all toy lines on the Muppet line. The Nightmare Before Christmas line is sculpt but I find the PVC used to feel cheap and crappy. When I bought wave 1 the Mayor's arm came off and the Vampire's hand when I removed them from the package. They popped back in again but that's pretty lousy. I never got wave 2 or the Oogie Boogie set because ONGCNFO.com screwed up my order (along with a lot of other people's orders as I understand it,) and never sent them....interestingly they just emailed me they sent something and I pre-ordered and paid for these 10 months ago in September!

Anyway, I too was disappointed about Sesame Street being cancelled. I would like to see another company buy the sculpts and molds like Neca bought the Year Without a Santa CLaus line from Palisades. However, they need to get across that the new figures are tweaked sculpts so people will buy  them because most fans who have the Media Play versions are passing. I still need to find a site to buy from. I used to buy from Time & Space Toys relgiously for almost 10 years but they've been becoming a bit unreliable with my orders. JUst because I order and pay for something doesn't mean I"ll get it and they poke around in shipping it too. Last year I preordered in July and was paid up and didn't get my order until Dec. 24th and only because I threatened to contact the BBB. Some stuff I didn't get I have yet to get a refund on and they don't answer my emails. It's sad to see a reliable company get to be that way but I guess it happens.

I saw Wave 1 of the Neca pirates figures last October but now there are 4 waves and a box set. I"m WAAAAAAY behind and I fear I'll miss something. I know there was 1 variant in wave 1 but I'm not sure on the other waves. I would have liked to have got into the Looney Tunes set but there's just too much stuff at one time right now.

Ok, for the record, the Muppet line rocked! Granted I still need a Yellow Zoot to finish my collection, but I am very happy with the entire run.

As for those Mater's they look the same to me.

One question for you all on the Cars front. I see everybody listing the regular toy outlets as well as some drug stores, but I've heard mention of a few auto parts stores. Is this true, could they be at a place like Auto Zone?

Oh and for Uncle_Ed, I have heard that OMGCNFO had some serious problems and has been taken back over by the original owners that sold it last year. So hopefully they are finally straightening everything out. I know a few people that just received orders from January, so you might get lucky.

mzinkowsky,

Autozone and Advance Auto both were carrying the cars, but I have had little luck finding them there.  Most of them have been sold out too.  I found one Mater at an Autozone, but did not think to ask them if they had any more in the back.  

When I spoke with the girl at Mattel yesterday, she told me to try Autozone along with drug stores and grocery stores too.  I have had a little luck with Walgreens, but not for a while now.

Well Rodger,
I have to admit. This is one of the best articles I have read in a long time.
I even bet some of us have this article bookmarked.
Well done dude!
(clap clap clap clap clap clap)

I just got off the phone with a Mattel Consumer Relations Representative.  They are well aware of the Pixar Cars product demand and current shortage.  This representative indicated that Mattel intends to continue manufacturing and shipping these items as long as the demand continues and at least through the holiday season.  She also said that there is no intention to make one vehicle more or less rare than the others, but rather their manufacturing ratios are done based on the character’s importance in the movie (i.e. McQueen and Mator being the major stars).  Any collectiblity of the Cars (in which fewer are made) is strictly consumer derived.  She finished her, what seems like was a rehearsed, speech with the fact that Mattel is in the business to sell toys.  As long as there is demand they will keep making them.  She did admit that they have been getting more than the usual amount of inquiries on the Pixar Cars but reassured that more are on the way.  When I asked about any other variants being created (i.e. a second series perhaps capturing some of the other Cars) she only replied that “they” haven’t said.  Whoever “they” are.  Anyway, not too much new information here and it sounds like I got the logical company line.  I think it will just take some patience and timing to beat the evilBay scavengers.

Dagger-
sounds like you got almost the excact same speech that "Allie" got when she called Mattel and posted a couple days ago. Looks like they've got their stock answer ready.

Fortunately- their stock answer sounds pretty good so far. And if the call someone made to Mattel a while ago rings true (and so far it has partially rang true) we should expect a Doc Hudson with the "Fabulous Hudson Hornet" paint, a "Hamm" car from the fake "Monster Trucks, Inc." movie at the end of cars- as they came thru wih Notroade, Leakless, Dinoc McQueen and Green Ramone.

I imagine this line of toys will expand considerably well before Christmas. I'm betting the collection will double n size- and the more they have, the harder it will be to find the supposedly "rare" ones from the first wave.

I have been looking at lots of Cars on ebay like Pillar said. Some are really not that bad. It may be a good idea to try to win an auction with another person if there are Cars that the other person is looking for. Cut the costs and then also get what you need.

Happy days. Just happened to stumble upon all of the Movie Moments sets at Fred Meyer. The toy manager just got a shipment in today (he was suprised). Even picked up an extra red for a friend.

Thanks for the offers of help and the tips. Luckily, I have enough sets now (yay red) to distract my son after his operation. I'm using the tips people have suggested. Some places, such as Walgreens, said that their Cars shipments were a one-time only delivery and they don't plan on ordering or stocking anymore.

It is interesting the different stories going around. This manager said that the movie company is the one controlling the slow release of cars (per its liscensing agreement with Mattel) in order to keep interest in the series ... possibly to keep people clammering until the release of the movie DVD?

He said this was different than the Hot Wheels issue, where they just don't send him his order (his cases have been on backorder for three months). He doesn't think very highly of Mattel, it seems. Especially not the corporate big-wigs.

I am looking for the following "Cars" cars

Leakless (x1)
Nitroade (x2)
Sheriff (x1)
DJ (x1)
Filmore (x1)
Lizzie (x1)
Doc Hudson (x1)
Wingo (x2)

I think that is it now...

I have extra

Dinoco McQueen

chris

Hey guys,

I just got a print out of the Targets in the Bay Area in California who have Cars in stock. If you are from the Bay Area, leave a post here with your email and I can send you the list of stores who have stock.

Jeff

At the store level you get all sorts of stories to explain distribution issues. Mattel sells to distribution companies (or direct to major retailers) who then ship to accounts (or stores) who have placed orders. The movie distribution company is not involved in the pacing of licensed releases. Film studios, producers and even sometimes the talent collect the licensing royalties. Those controlling licensing rights approve the usages (sometimes even the sculpts) and set the permissable street dates.

If there is a short supply at retail it means:
1. Demand exceeds supply.
2. The retail buyer is not ordering from the distributor.
3. Or, in cases of pending orders, the distributor is not getting their stock from Mattel.
4. And if that's the case it means that Mattel isn't shipping it due to manufacturing time, release/availability and/or shipping timetables.

It doesn't get any more of a conspiracy than that.

I always find it funny when anyone- at any level- in a department store makes remarks about what "they heard" in regards to stock levels of given items- and marketplace rumors about certain items. These people have no clue- and have no foundation to base their knowledge of rumors of toys being discontinued, produced in small quantities, future charchters in a given line of toys. It's seriously like you're dealing with "Comic Book Guy" from the smpsons when you talk to some managers

All of that type of info is in the hands of the buyers who work in a corporate office somewhere else in the country. All that is known on a local level is what's coming in on the next couple of trucks, and what their current inventory is

Mattel packages a box of "Cars" and ships it out. nowhere in any computer system at, say, Target, is there anything that states which characters are in those boxes. (look at your receipt- see any names?) All a target employee would know is that a Mattel shipment came in with X number of units in X number of cases.

Psychopompador--

I hope that Mattel makes the "crossover" Pixar film Cars as well, but I suspect that  whether it happens will be due more to any rights/licenses that those previous properties may have been granted to other toy manufacturers. The Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story toys, for example, were produced by Hasbro. I cannot find info which states when those licenses were due to expire. Who knows? The Disney buy-out may have affected states of licenses.

I agree, Psychopompador, especially on the stock coming in a box with random Cars in it. That's why I was baffled when the Mattel lady said that the store "buyers" were not ordering enough of a specific type of car.

Does anyone know if the major buyers themselves can request what mix of Cars characters come in? I didn't think they could (just order Cars and they get a random mix from Mattel), but who knows what misinformation is out there. It is fun to compare stories, however.

On a slightly differnt topic ... the McDonald's cars. I managed to get several of the muddy McQueens because a manager said people were returning them because they were damaged (ie, dirty) and they wanted the "right" ones (the clean ones). I  initially said I didn't want all 4 because I wanted to leave them to the kids and not have them pay $10 on ebay, but the manager assured me that "No one wants em."

None of the buyers can request a specific assortment. With toys such as these and action figures, a case breakdown is set by the toy maker. So Mattel actually sets what is in each case. There are often different case breakdowns, called revisions. So you could have a first wave of toys with 2 or 3 different case breakdowns. Usually they are labeled something like Wave 1, Revision 2 or something of that note. But they are specifically set by the toy maker and each buyer gets the same cases.

When I first became aware of the film, two years ago, I thought, "What a great idea -- an American Thomas the Tank Engine. The sky is the limit when it comes to merchandise -- the kids will want it all."

Well look at us, most of us are adults and we are out of our minds, but in a good way.

I think Disney/Pixar will have to create more stories for these characters. They will probably write a Saturday morning animated series for continuing adventures, like they did with Lilo and Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. The quality of the series probably will be middling, but with a marketing goldmine like this, stopping is not an option. You must keep the brand alive, and extend the brand into every niche possible.

Let's hope so. We don't have all the cars and we still want more cars.

When I called Mattel last week, the CSR said if I wanted more cars I had to write Mattel a letter. If anyone else pines for Tex, or Mia and Tia, or Rusty and Dusty, or Junior, I suggest you do the same:

Mattel Corporate Headquarters
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245

Hi Allie,
Are you willing to sell a muddy mcqueen.  That is the only one we were never able to get for my son, because we didn't know about it until it was too late,  and he still asks every time we go by a mcdonalds if they have them in yet?  My email is mbkbooher@yahoo.com-let me know.  Thanks:)

Mendy,

Yes. Target created the oval carrying case. I was told that it is their signature item. It is available nowhere else. It was never available at target.com, only in the stores.

It's quite durable, functional, and good-looking. The case doesn't hold all the cars. It omits Stanley, Red, Snot Rod, Lizzie, and of course Nitroade, Green Ramone, Leakless, and Dinoco McQueen. However, Snot Rod will fit upside down on Boost, Dinoco McQueen can fit on top of Rust-Eze McQueen, and Stanley can snuggle next to Doc Hudson or Flo.

I think the stores are disappointed in Mattel's performance with these items. Store clerks and managers tell us customers walk in the day the shelves are stocked and buy an entire case. Everyone has empty pegs. Stores don't like empty pegs.

Items like the carrying case, which are dependent on the availability of the die-cast, could be phased out because the die-cast are so hard to get. The case is for kids (or the young at heart), not collectors. Why buy the case if you can't fill it? I'm just just guessing, but I expect we posters are the hard-core fanatics. An ordinary mom or dad, crusing the stores casually, would have picked up Lightning and Mater and maybe King or Chick Hicks, and given up by now. If the cars were available, they would have bought enough to fill the case, but the cars are not available. So who will buy the case?

Maybe by September things will turn around. . . And I hope they re-release the case. It's a good product. They should make another with slots for the new cars as well.

biscotti – In regards to cases for the cars: Read my post from yesterday (July 10) about the collector’s case at The Container Store.

Thanks jrsharp 21. That's what I thought. Which makes what the customer service woman told me so weird.

Interesting on the case, biscotti. The Target I went to was not interested in helping me. The person shrugged, said the endcap was all they had and they couldn't keep them in stock .... then wandered off while I had my mouth open to ask her another question. Case looks cute from what I've seen on ebay. Never seem 'em in Target.

You can get all the other larger cars easily, just not the diecast.

And bonboo, the muddy and clean version were the first cars offered if I remember correctly. I just got mine because people thought they were defective. The manager said he was throwing out the opened ones (I cringed when I heard that) They have moved onto the pirates of the c. (email sent)

jrsharp21,

Would you please send me an email with the CA Bay Area Target stores that have the diecasts in stock? I'm trying to put together 2 complete sets for my kids, I've got 4 boys. My email address is:

daniel_serna@yahoo.com

Also, if anyone else is interested, I have extras of the following:

1. Sally
2. Red Lighting McQueen
3. Dinoco McQueen
4. Wingo
5. Red and Stanley
6. Boost and Snot Rod
7. Luigi, Guido, and Tractor
8. Flo and Ramone

I would be willing to trade any of the above, 1 for 1, for the following cars that I'm missing:

1. DJ (x2)
2. Sheriff (x1)
3. Doc Hudson (x2)
4. Nitroade (x2)
5. Leakless (x1)
6. Lizzie (x1)
7. Sarge (x2)
8. Chick Hicks (x1)
9. The King (x1)
10. Green Ramone (x2)
11. Filmore (x1)

Please email me at daniel_serna@yahoo.com if you are interested in trading.

Thanks and Happy Hunting!

jrsharp21 said:
Hey guys,

I just got a print out of the Targets in the Bay Area in California who have Cars in stock. If you are from the Bay Area, leave a post here with your email and I can send you the list of stores who have stock.

Jeff

Has anyone asked Mattel about Flo's Cafe?

Hey guys, check this ebay auction for 13 cars. not too bad of a mark up

http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-PIXAR-CARS-DIECAST-SET-OF-13-LOT_W0QQitemZ320005371252QQihZ011QQcategoryZ45352QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

dserna: I just sent u an email regarding your offer. (pcsavior@excite.com)

The shipping on that lot for 13 cars is reasonable. Most people are charging around 5 for one car and this is $9 for priority mail. The reserve is probably the 125 BIN.

And as for Flo's V8 Cafe, I didn't even know it was rare until I looked on the net. I know I have seen that around quite a bit in Washington state. At least as of last week. I'll let you guys know if I still see them in the stores.

My best luck for stuff has been grocery stores (such as Fred Meyer). Target, WM, KM and KB haven't been so great. But then everyone is trying there.

By the way, about OMGCNFO.com. Why would they sell it and buy it back? I heard of people having trouble at least over a year ago when they started doing Muppet exclusives.


Speaking of MUppets, everyone always thought this was a dumb idea but I wished they had done Long John Silver like the Muppet of him on the DVD or if they could have done actors then Doc Hopper. Way back when I suggested this the fans went nuts and started listing off guest stars on the MUppet show. I think Doc Hopper would have been great since he was kind of a villain and Silver woiuld have been good for the Treasure Island figures we got. Anyway...

Yeah that isn't a bad mark up but they don't have the 50.00 uber rare Mater variant! lol.

Yeah that isn't a bad mark up but they don't have the 50.00 uber rare Mater variant! lol.

A note on the probable under-producing by Mattel.

What were they thinking? The cross-promotional aspects of this are great. You have: 1. race car fans - 2. animation fans - 3. Disney fans - 4. Route 66 fans - 5. Hot Wheels/Matchbox collectors - 6. nostolgia collectors 7. little boys (and some girls) who just love things with wheels.

I've seen several websites saying you can pre-order (cars that are already out and sold out) for deliver at a later date. I don't remember the time, but I know Sarge was one of them. So I'm being calm about it and just having fun seeing the weary looks on toy store managers when I ask about the Cars toys.

Hey All! Check Out What I Found While Surfing Around on Disney's Site! https://disney.eprize.net/cars/index.tbapp?method=process_auction_type&auction_id=1&auction_item_id=125
Looks Like There is a NEW Carry Case. Not Sure if This is a One of a Kind Just for the Auction, or if it Will Go Into Mass Production Soon. Looks to be Promising Though. Can't Imagine Them Making Only One! Hopefully They Will Sell Them in More Stores Than Just Target.
Also, Allie, do you have a Muddy McQeen you would be willing to let go of? I don't care if it's open or used, just need that one & Luigi to Complete my Son's Set. I could trade you for another car if I have one you need or pay you through PayPal. Please let me know. Thanks so much. duc_gal@yahoo.com

LOL! Here is an actual auction for an unopened CASE of Cars:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-CARS-FACTORY-BOX-RARE-LIZZY-SARGE-LEAKLESS-NR_W0QQitemZ120005254109QQihZ002QQcategoryZ223QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Gotta love this!

PC Savior.... and we wonder why we can't find any diecast cars on the shelves at the stores !!!  I think your link explains it all.

For those still looking for cars and cars accessories, here are the places where I have found stuff at :

Autozone
Advanced Auto Parts
Meijers
Bigg's
Target
Toys R Us
KB Toys
CVS
Walmart
K-mart

Oh, and of course..... ebay.  Although that was a last resort for the "newer" cars since I haven't seen any of them around yet.  

Amoore.......I was looking on the container store website, but couldn't find any that would fit the whole collection of cars in them.... did you?  If so, let me know what it is under.  Right now all my sons cars are lined up on the coffee table, but I hate to just buy a big storage box as I know they would get all chipped up getting tossed in there.  Thanks !

re: Case of CARS on eBay
I Can't Believe That Guy Actually Admits That He Swooped Them From the Store He Stocks at Night. WOW!

Well, I told you about the Wal*Mart security guard swooping in at all the area stores for the rare ones on ebay.....

Oh and that Disney link doesn't work. What does it look like?

It looks similiar to the other race track/case.  If you go to www.carsthemovie.com and click on the License to Win auction, then preview next weeks auctions...it's in one of those.  I don't think it is still big enough to hold all the cars, just like the other one.

You know I really hate people that do that. How much you want to bet he didn't pay for that box, it just went "missing". I'd love to find out where he lives, since he's so close to me, I could go kick his but!

...or turn him in to his "undisclosed national retailer" :D

Sorry About the Link. It Must be Because You Have to Sign in to View Auctions. It's Grey w/ a Red Handle & a Clear Platic Face. Looks to Have 16 Slots, Same as the One From Target. You Should Follow lowchic's Steps to Log in & Check it Out. Again, Sorry the Link Doesn't Work.

HOLY COW! CHECK THIS OUT! http://cgi.ebay.com/Hot-Wheels-Disney-Pixar-CARS-Sealed-30ct-Case-H6405_W0QQitemZ200006686080QQihZ010QQcategoryZ47191QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
First Pictures of the NEW NEW CARS That I've Seen!!! Way Too Cool! I Can't Wait! Is That One of the Ferraris That Was in Luigi's Shop at the End of the Movie? Awesome!

This morning's stop at the local Super Wal-Mart (for my every other day check) was a little disturbing.  All the Pixar Cars $3.17 pegs were gone – replaced with Pirates of the Caribbean action figures.  Signs of things to come?  I guess it’s better (for Wal-Mart) than having empty pegs, but not for those of us still trying to get all the Cars.  If there is any good news out of this (and it isn’t much), the Pirates of the Caribbean action figures look pretty nice.

Dagger,

I wouldn't worry too much.  Our Wal-mart has taken the pegs down, filled them with other items and then replaced them when a shipment comes in.  I think they would just rather fill them with something than have a bunch of empty pegs.  Our Wal-mart recently set up a cars display on one of the isles (put up the cardboard display at the top of the shelves), but the pegs have hot wheels on them for now.  They must have gotten a good size shipment over the July 4th weekend because last week they had a bunch or red McQueens and Maters, but they are all gone now and it is back to hotwheels again.

Wal Mart will make room for the cars as soon as they are back in stock. It doesn't take much time to move around the pegs. . .

Duc_gal, thanks for the pics of the new cars. That's the Michael Shumacher Ferrari. Sweet. I collect Ferraris so this will be a welcome addition.

It's also nice to see a properly done young mater. "Corvette" McQueen doesn't look like his whitewalls are done right. But that may just be the picture. Green Ramone may turn out to be a very desirable collectible given that now we get a Yellow Ramone to replace it. And Hamm and the new Hudson--cool. These are gonna be great! (Now I just want a Doc wearing his red racing tyres.)

That picture of the new Cars is pretty cool. Mater looks like a repack from the bowling game. Also another Ramone? But the rest are looking pretty good.

GO TO disneyshopping.com

They JUST got the die-cast cars in (use the pirates20 discount and they are 20 percent off). They already are out of sarge and chick hicks, but I just ordered the following: sheriff, Wingo, DJ, Doc Fillmore and Sally.

With the discount the cars cost 3.59 each. Shipping is 8.50.

Will let you guys know if they have different ones at the physical store.

They were just added either late last night or today, because I check the site about every day. Don't know how long they will last.

Good hunting!!

jrsharp –

That “new” Mater in the pic isn’t the same as the bowling game one: The one in the game is missing his hood, just like the “regular” Mater; the new one has a yellow light on the top, while the one on the bowling version is black; the writing (if any; it’s hard to tell) on the new one isn’t the same as the game version; and I’m not completely sure, but it looks like the smile & teeth on the new one are different too...

amoore - you are right..i just took a quick glance at it and assumed it was the same.


Allie - good looking out. Looks like I was too late for Sarge. And I even checked the store last night at 11:30pm PST and nothing was there.

I e-mailed the guy about that auction for the case of cars with the pic of the “new” ones, and here’s what he wrote back:

“...[T]his is the pictures the my Mattel Rep gave me to use for the auction, I am Guessing that they will be in the new case but Im not sure.” (The errors are his.)

So he got that picture straight from Mattel – which means the cars are most likely being made, so it might only be a matter of time before they hit the stores. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ll be checking every store AGAIN almost every day until I find them!

I will keep checking ebay until I see them start to show up. Then I will start checking stores for them.

Sorry you missed out on Sarge as well. I checked at 7:30 a.m. and those two were sold out. I am going to email disneyshopping.com and see if they know if they will be carrying them again. I also am going to suggest limiting the cars to maybe 2 per person.

The physical stores are not going to carry them. Darn it.

On another note, I peeked into the KB Toys store in the mall in Vancouver, Washington (they were not open). And saw several of the Flo's V8 Cafe.

And I am excited about the new cars. I espeically want the McQueen with the whitewalls and the Hudson Hornet racing one. (Ham is cute, too)

Allie –

Actually, it doesn’t look like McQueen has whitewalls in that picture. I’m pretty sure that new version of McQueen is from the end of the movie, when he comes back to Radiator Springs and tells Sally he’s going to set up his headquarters there. He’s painted a darker red then (just like the die-cast in the pic), but to me it looks like a cross between his “normal” racing paintjob and the things he had done in the town (sparkly red paint, spoiler removed, etc.).

I know what you all are thinking: This is the second time he’s posted about a comment someone else made about the cars in the pic. What, did he study every detail of that picture? Hehe...Well, sorta; I’ve been just about drooling since I saw that pic, so yes, I’ve been looking at it. (Am I sad or what...?)

Nice catch amoore. The paint and design is different, but no whitewalls. rats. Still is cool looking, though.

Oh, if anyone is desparate for a Lizzie, there is a BIN with free shipping (19.99). Person doesn't have the greatest feedback, but it is not the worst I have seen. And certainly better than the 39.99 I've seen some places.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pixar-CARS-The-Movie-Diecast-LIZZIE-FREE-SHIP_W0QQitemZ300006573999QQihZ020QQcategoryZ223QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

amoore is not alone; I'm also a detail nut. Anyone else notice that Fillmore has some new paint apps on the eyelids, windows, VW emblem and also the mouth? This could just be a shot of a "model master" but I hope this new version makes it into circulation. (And that it has his name spelled right.) Sarge is also slightly different in its paint apps.

My guess is that Dinoco McQueen, Green Ramone, Leakless and Nitroade are now out of circulation. Watch their prices go up on eBay if that is true.

Stopped by Target this morning and they had some new Movie Moments shipment. Picked up two extra Reds. Their price was only $6.64 per set--that's even better than our local WalMart's price of $6.88 per set. The WM had replaced all the single diecast pegs and filled the shelf space with other Cars merchandise.

Anyone had any luck at K-Mart / Sears?

jrsharp --

I saw a few at K-Mart about a month or so ago (long before I decided to start collecting them). Haven't seen any new ones since then, and now they're cleaned out, of course. It doesn't surprise me; it is K-Mart, after all. What do you expect from a company that had to declare bankruptcy? I've always thought of K-Mart as a "lesser" version of Wal-Mart. I've never been all that impressed with them, and I only go there as a last resort (or, in the case of finding these cars, desperation!)...

Well I got a couple of the ones off of the DisneyShopping sight, but half of them had been sold out before I got there. Still I got the Sheriff, Doc, Mater and DJ...
Now my collection will be up to 5. :)

Someone snapped up the Lizzie on ebay for 19.99. Hope it was one of you guys. (I just can't pay that much for a car my son is going to play with and crash things into).

Allie:
   If you happen to go back to the mall and pick up a Flos. I would absolutly pay you to pick up an extra one and have it shipped to me. We have the other three main playsets for my son and really want to give him all four for his birthday next month. Let me know if its not too much trouble and we can work out the details. Thanks.

On the other news: New Cars Yeeeeessss! But that also means for searching all the time. Greeeeaaaat..... Oh well it really has been alot of fun to do with the kids especially when you do find something. Its made me feel like a kid again too in a way. New Cars look awesome too.

Something I just noticed about the current cars (well, one of them):

On the bottom of the Lizzie package, there’s a blue box that says “Ford Official Licensed Product”. So she’s definitely a Model T. But now I wish I had kept the packages (or looked at the very few I saw in the store) to see if any of the other ones had anything similar, like Porsche for Sally, VW for Fillmore, Jeep for Sarge, Fiat for Luigi (even though he’s in a Movie Moments), or Chevy for Flo (is she?). Or what about Doc? Did Hudson “evolve” into, or was it bought by, another automaker, or did it simply become defunct? And someone told me that DJ is supposed to be a Scion; and Snot Rod looks suspiciously like a ’69 Chevelle...

Flo, for example, seems to be a fusion of several 50s-era cars--but Wikipedia identifies her as based on a Motorama show car. Snot rod is very 'Cuda inspired as well but also look salot like that Chevelle. Most of the Cars figures seem directly inspired from certain cars but don't appear exact enough to require a license. Some of them like Sarge, Sheriff, and Fillmore have licensing from other car makers. If memory serves (don't have the cards in front of me) from the original assortment of 12, four of them have licensing marks on the packaging. I wish I knew what stipulates whether a Car toy must be licensed from the car manufacturer or not.

Wikipedia has an excellent ongoing article about the film that identifies the cars (that the contibutors think) the individual Cars are inspired upon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_(film)

Also there is a fun Cars profile site at Car Crazy site: http://cars.carcrazycentral.com/

amoore:
The Only Movie Moments Pack That is a Licensed Product is Flo & Ramone. It says GM Official Licensed Product. The Other Three Are Not.

The Four Diecasts That I Have That Are Licensed Are:

Filmore: Officially Licensed by Volkswagen
Green Ramone: GM Official Licensed Product
Sheriff: Lincoln Mercury Offical Licensed Product
King: Chrysler Licensed Product

I Can't Remember if Sally Was Licensed or Not Because We Opened Her & Threw the Box Away. I'm Sure she Was Though. Doc is not Licensed, neither is DJ.

BucfanRich, I'll pop on down there in a few and see if they have any left. If they do, I'll grab one for you. I'll let ya know.

I Stand Corrected! Luigi, Guido, & Tractor Pack is Licensed. It Says "FIAT 500 Produced Under License From Fiat Auto S.p.A." in Very Small Print. I Had to Take a Second Look Because it is so Small & all the Others Were Quite Large. Also, the Mack Truck Playset is Obviously Licensed.

Well Sarge and Lizzie are licensed, so there are definitely more licensed characters than I remembered. I wonder whether licensing (and its costs) affect the pack ratio of certain cars over others? Maybe pack ratios are all governed on perceived demand. . .

Hey quixotequest,
Would You Happen to Know What Case H6405 Means? The Guy With The Case of Cars w/ the New Picture Set Up a New Auction and Dropped His Price by $10. http://cgi.ebay.com/Hot-Wheels-Disney-Pixar-CARS-Sealed-30ct-Case-H6405_W0QQitemZ200006686990QQihZ010QQcategoryZ47191QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Anyway, I Didn't Know if There Was a Way of Finding Out Exactly What That Case Number Means. I Need Help Controlling Myself From Buying a Case. I Know I'm Not Guarunteed the New Cars, Nor ANY Car for That Matter, But I'm Just So Sick of Driving Around Everywhere. I Did the Math & it Comes Out to $4.56 a Car. (That's Shipping Included) Someone Please Talk me Out of This! I Need Group Intervention!

H6405 sounds like it could be the case number. If you can find out what assortment is in case H6405, then you would know for sure what Cars you would get.

duc_gal--That is Mattel's assortment #, but whether that is the assortment mix that will contain the new cars, your guess is as good as mine. I don't have an earlier case to compare against it. (If it were different your chance is very good.) Here's the intervention: Only buy the case if you 1) are happy to keep all the figures inside the case or 2) Think you can sell off the surplus at a profit or 3) Don't think you have a snowball's chance of finding the new cars you are seeking at retail. Who knows what the pack ratio of the new cars will be, but assuming you get one of each in the case (there may be double packs of one or two of them) I'm guessing you want to keep them. (There goes most of your "profit margin" in the deal.) You probably can sell off the "leftoovers" at near retail prices but don't take the chance unless you are comfortable with a "loss"--you may have to keep the extras. My guess is you could figure out a way to make the $$ work for you, but since the assortment is so new personally I'll take my chances at retail first before resorting to case-buys.

Thanks jrsharp21. Any Ideas on How to go About That? Would Mattel's Website Have info? Probably Not huh? I Wonder if They are Even Allowed to Give Out info. Like That if you Called.? Thanks Again.

Thanks quixotequest. I Needed That! =) I Guess I Will Just Wait. I Have Never Been a Very Patient Person.

I look at it this way... The 'regular' cars are still selling at a few $$$ a piece. I say, if you were to buy a case, keep the ones you want/need, and sell off the rest. Even if you break even in the deal, it is worth it.

Duc_Gal:

What Cars are you still looking for? I only need Nitroade, Leakless, and Sarge. I am thinking about bidding on some lots that contain 6 cars with one of them being one I need. If you need some of the others, we can go in on the auction together. I could buy the ebay auction and then you can just buy them from me and I can send them to you.

Looking on ebay, the only case numbers sold/selling have been H6405.... so does that mean these are the old cars or the newer ones?? Buying the case at that price sounds like a good idea if you don't mind having to resell any duplicates that you will get.  Like pcsavior said, the single cars are still selling on ebay, so you would probably make back your money plus some.  Now you have me thinking about buying one....lol

BucfanRich, I picked you up a Flo's V8 Cafe for $24.95 at KB Toys. My son should thank you. I wasn't going to get him the playset, but since I was getting one for you, I decided to grab him one. (there were only 3 when I got there).

Once my son goes to bed tonight I will weigh it and see how much it will cost to ship it.

I can't believe people are selling this for so much online. Makes me cranky when that happens if it is for a kid.

duc_gal:

Take a deep breath. Now, let's consider this situation rationally.

First, you can get the cases from other sites. Here's one:
http://www.1stopdiecast.com/HotWheels/CARStheMovie/CarstheMovie.htm

Notice the item number is the same and he's charging the same amount as the eBayer. That tells you something. It tells you you will be buying a case of Mater and Lightning McQueen.

Now, I don't know how many four-year-olds you have, know, or are related to, but I'll guess less than six. You won't be able to sell those Maters and McQueens; you'll have to give them away.

Second, there will be good stuff in the case, but not enough. You won't be able to complete your set with one case.

Third, Mattel said the new cars, the ones this man shows in his photos, do not ship until 2007. This is a 2006 case. It will not have the new cars in it. I'll believe the Hamm car is shipping when it shows up as a single on eBay. Now this case might have a green Ramone in it, or a Leakless, and that would be great. A Nitroade would be a jackpot, but you have to think -- are you buying the cars to play with or to resell?

Mattel stressed that the 2007 ship will begin in September. So the new cars are coming soon.

I'm frustrated too. In my area, we get shipments every two weeks. I have been waiting a week and a half now for new shipments, and it's difficult to believe they will ever come in. I have to hit the store when it opens. Two weeks ago we found Dinoco McQueen, since then -- nothing.

jrsharp21:
It Looks Like We Need the Same CARS! Although, I Need Lizzie as Well. Let Me Know if We Can Make Something Work. Thanks for the Offer!

What car is Sarge based upon?
I know he's a Military Jeep, but what is he?

OK. I messaged the seller about that case. I asked him, since he is showing pics of the 'NEW' cars, is he stating that there is a good chance that one or more of these 'NEW' cars may be in the case?

His answer: "Yes I make no guarentees as stated in the description, but to the best of my knowledge yes they should be at least a few of them, Thanks matt"

What do you good folks think?   ;)

lowchick:
I Did Some Searches of Completed Items for the Cases Too & I Think it is the Case That Contained Nitroade, Leakless, Green Ramone, & Dinoco McQueen. I don't Know if There Were Any Sarges or Lizzies in That One. Sorry to Get Your Juices Flowing Too! Let Us Know if you do Buy One. I'm Sure we Would Love to Know What is in it!

Diz Wiz:
He is a 1942 WW2 Willy's Army Jeep According to Disney's Website.

Diz_Wiz:

For a list of Cars makes and models:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_(film)

Look under Section 4: Vehicles and voice cast

Sarge: 1946 Willys CJ-2A, mistakenly described as a 1942 Willys MB (Lacks tool indents; 9-slot grill/slat grill)

biscotti: You make some good points about the case deal. In my opinion, it is worth it, IF somehow you can resell the cars you don't need.

The other day, when I had my fortunate Target experience, the lady opened the case in front of me, and I was able to reach in & take my pick.

If I remember correctly, it had:

1 Lizzie (I took)
1 Sarge (I took)
2 Chick Hicks
2 Sheriff
2 Filmore
2 DJ
1 Wingo
2 Sally
2 King
4 Dinoco McQueen
6 Lightning McQueens
5 Maters

Now, I could be a bit off on the exact amout of each car, but it's pretty close...

biscotti:
Thanks so Much for Your Input. Thanks for Finding That Other Website as Well That Sells Cases. Thanks For the Info. on Sarge as Well. This is Where I found my Info. http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/cars/main.html Can't Believe Disney Got it Wrong. Oh Well. Things Happen.

According to that Wiki article I posted Sarge is a "1946 Willys CJ-2A, mistakenly described as a 1942 Willys MB (Lacks tool indents; 9-slot grill/slat grill)."

On an aside: I, too, am skeptical the Cars case seller will be distributing cases that contain the new Cars. All I need is Nitroade and I think I'm still more comfortable trying to find one for about $15 off eBay. (Who knows? It may still not be too late to find one at retail.)

No big surprise the official site got anything wrong. Fan sites are almost always the place to be for up-to-the-moment info. Fans collectively have far more time to muse over the deatils than do the official runners of sites. (You just have to deal with the rumours and speculation that abounds.)

To throw in another tangent:

Has this thread grown mature enough to warrant an official message board/forum yet? I think we could all carry on enough various threads to warrant a small forum.  

I was thinking the same thing Quixotequest.  I have put together some past message boards and was thinking about throwing a Vboard together for us as this post is taking some time to post...what do you all think?

A follow-up to a couple of previous posts of mine:

Here’s a link to the collector’s case from The Container Store for those of you that might be interested but don’t have a store near you or have never heard of it (and if you haven’t, it’s a great store). The case I was talking about is the bigger one in the picture, the Large Infinite Divider Box. And it’s only about $13; I thought it was $15 (but with shipping it might be, or more):

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=60124&CATID=230

Secondly, when I mentioned that Snot Rod looked like a ’69 Chevelle, this is why:

http://www.ediecast.com/cgi-bin/edlist.cgi?pmode=VLARGE&item=EDFL714\

I saw this car at Wal-Mart the other night, and since I thought it looked like him and it was only a few bucks, I picked it up. I wanted to take a picture and post that, but since it seems to be a pain to do that (according to the Help section: “[adding attachments] requires the moderator(s) or administrator(s) to enable this permission for user’s on a forum-by-forum basis” ), I thought adding a link was the better way to go. At least you can see a pic of the car for yourself...

And I agree with quixotequest and jsharp; we need to move this discussion to an “official” message board, where we CAN add attachments to our posts (like taking pics of our Cars collections and adding them to show ‘em off!)...

Allie:

     Yaaaaaay!!! Thanks Allie I really, really apprecciate it. I am so excited to see all these playsets connected together and lit up in his room. Yeah just let me know what you need and I'll take are of it right away. You are the best! My direct email is Richa777@aol.com.

Ok are you guys ready, I have more news that I could not get to earlier. I my numerous trips to a local WM here in Tampa I have gotten to know the Toy Dept manager/supervisor. I call him once a week which he is ok with for certain customers (not dealers and he knows who they are) and they received a case on yesterday's truck for stocking last night/this morning. He told me that there was only a Green Ramone and a Leakless but to Nitroade... and also no Sarge or Lizzie instead the Nitroade for example. He held the two for me and I jumped in the car and flew over to get them needless to say. I dont remember whether or not this has been mentioned before or not but it seems there may more than just two variations of cases. With Sarge and Lizzie and no new ones, with all three new ones and with only two of the three. Anyone else have any thoughts on this. Its possible Nitroade may be rarer than the other two.

Lastly went to a Target Supercenter today in hopes of finding a Mack Truck Playset by some miracle on the shelf but did not. However, got to talking to who I believe is their toy dept supervisor and he said that they have gotten a case every couple of weeks (which is like WM and KB and the others) but that they had a meeting recently and they are going to be doing a large display area at the end of this month (by July 30th). He said that initially they thougt that the endcap(s) would be sufficient and then the interest would subside. Since the demand has been incredible and they are the business of selling products they are going to ride the wave and have been stockpiling product, for the most part other than the occasional case they sent to the stores for this rollout. The only worse than and encap with empty pegs and shelves is a newly created large section of an aisle with empty Pegs and shelves. He said in his emails on what they will be stocking they will have a 4-pack of cars exclusive to Target, a slightly different version of the Mack Truck Playset and he was not sure about the carrying case that was exclusive to them. If this is true watch Target Supercenters over the next few weeks and hold out off Evilbay a little while longer if you can. I know I do not want to buy Nitroade there if I dont absolutly have to.

BucfanRich, that stuff about Target is some of the best news I've heard since I started collecting the cars. There's very few of the big stores in my area, but I'll start checking them soon. Thanks!

BucfanRich-- I hope that info re: Target is true. I like Target so much more than WalMart, and usually their exclusives are easier to find because they don't get the foot traffic like a WM.

jrsharp21: Yes the load time on this thread is excruciating. I just read my email to view posts and then use a macro to post my replies to this thread. With all thanks to Roger for starting the ball rolling, I think this line could become strong enough to warrant a proper little fan site. I don't have experience setting up a BB, but if you need any help doing graphics work I'd be happy to donate some of my free time.

I am already wanting to create a "Ferrari Fans" Guido and Luigi-- (You know Luigi with the two Scuderia Ferrari signs and the hilarious clown wig. And now we're getting the Schumacher F430 I just MUST have these variants!) Who knows, depending where the line goes maybe I'll even apply some of my sculpting and painting talents to making some Cars mods. (I sculpt miniatures as a pasttime.) With a home to post pics and more controlled threads I'm likely to become even more of a practicing fan of the film and toys than I already am!

I can confirm Bucfan's news about Target. There is a Target toy manager who is a Star Wars collector at the site I visit for that. He has confirmed that Cars will be part of the July 30th planogram (reset).  This is good news for all.

Is it just the Target Supercenters or all Targets that will do the July 30th planogram (I like that word for some reason)?

I hope it is all Targerts. There isn't a supercenter variant within 200 miles of me!

I got my Green Ramone in the mail today! The Ebay seller just sent it to me in a flat envelope. No wrapping protection; no box. So the card is all bent. What jerk-off service for someone with so much good feedback. I am surprised and disappointed. I guess this one will get opened, and hopefully I can find a better specimin later.

quixote, I hope you do the Ferrari Fan Luigi and Guido ("Pit stop?" It was Guido, by the way, with the wig...). That would be great. If you ever decide to do that, take a pic and e-mail it to me, okay? Thanks!

I got my green Ramone today too, quixote. Too funny...

Ohh I have 3 Target Supercenters in convenient distance for me. Fridays and Sundays are good toy days for these stores, so I'm gonna be all over those places between 7/28-31!

You're right amoore: I found a movie shot at the Cars site and it was Guido with that goofy wig! (I now have visual reference for creating my masterpiece.) Luigi has the Ferrari F1 flag and graphics--that'll take a little more work to complete.

ok- it's been a bit since I posted. I wish we had a forum with seperate threads for sperate issues. (like a trading thread for instance)

I just wanted to reiterate what i needed if anyone wants to make a trade.

I have a Dinoco McQueen and  Green ramone. would anyone want to do a trade for a Leakless, Nitroade, or Sarge?

Thanks in advance if anyone can help this 'ere Cars geek.

Okay guys, I have a three day weekend this weekend (supposed to be doing yard work) but I will try to throw a message board together with dedicated forums such as Recent finds, trading, selling, etc.  It may be raw at first, but I will try to spice it up as we go.

Give me a couple of days and I will let you know how it is going.

Allie:
   I'm not sure if its just Supertargets or all Targets. I would think its all of them. Why would they only want some of there stores to carry a hot product. The way I see it, anyway they can get people to come to any of their stores over a Walmart is a win for them. And most Targets are not Supertargets either. If I run into the guy I spoke to again I'll ask just to be a 100% sure, but I think you'll be ok.

sweet! thanks JRsharp- a large community of non-scalpers would make it easy for all of us to finish of our sets.

jrsharp-- Thanks for taking the lead on the technical matters. I can imagine it now: The Curio Shop where we can arrange trades for the toys; The V8 Cafe where we can chat about Cars news; Ramone's place can be for anyone doing custom projects. (Besides my Guido and Luigi project Sally deserves her pop up spoiler and tattoo.) I'll be in the Casa Della Tires, well, pining about Ferraris. Idiots, Trolls & Scalpers can be banned to paving roads with Bessie :-)

If you want any assistance send an email: bjensen (at) livingscriptures (dot) com.

great ideas for subforums, quixotequest!

I'm noticing a slow trickle of hard to find items happening. (a couple Red/ Stanleys at Fred Meyer and Target, a couple Piston Cup and Casa Della Tire sets at Target and TRU)

maybe there's starting to be a bit of a turnaround for Wave 1 items?

(these were all in the South Seattle area btw)

I've seen the same thing at the Fred Meyer in Vancouver, WA: Three Red/Stanleys (I got two) and the Casa Della Tire set. At KB Toys in same area: Flo's V8, Casa Della Tires (plus the curio shop and ramone's paint) I think they had the piston cup, too, but I don't know if I saw it at this visit or the last one.

I think it also bodes well that disneyshopping.com got some of the diecast. The mack truck playset said shipping in 9 weeks, so maybe they will get more stuff in August/September???

Hi all

I've been following your thread for the past week and am amazed at all the cool info you guys get.  Ok so for the fun of it I did just purchase a case off of Ebay (we just made a ton of money off our house and so I splurged, lol).  I agree that Ebay is evil, but I couldn't resist.  It is the excitement of not knowing and hopefully I can get rid of the ones I don't need.  The only two I still need are Leakless and Nitroade, but I have a friend who needs some.  I will let you all know what was in the case when I receive it and if I receive anything anyone needs I will be sure to give you all first choice.  
I live in upstate NY and no Flo's V8 cafe's anywhere and I have not seen any green Ramone, Leakless or Nitroade.  None of the stores have anything in stock.  I am trying to be patient like all of you, but it gets so frustrating plus it is hard to run in and out of stores with a 2 1/2 year old, lol!  Thanks so much for all the great info so far!

I did see the carrying case at a target about a month ago, but I didn't get it.
So here I am in Florida, forced to rapping my cars in my shirts.
And about a week ago at a Toys R us, I found multiple piston cup's.
So now I have nothing to sell on E Bay.

                      Dejavu

Does anybody know how much the Piston cup thing is?

I now have the Diecast cars, so now I need.
-Flo's V8
-Piston cup
-AND A F$%&@# CARRYING CASE!!!!!!

Okay so today I made two stops. The first one was TRU and they had nothing I wanted. For the record they have all the playsets except for Flo's. Multiple Piston cup sets and Multiple Dirt Tracks.

The second stop was Wal-Mart mostly because I needed to pick up Children's Tylenol, not from any real hope for Cars. So I walked back to the toy section and what do I see but half a dozen Mater Bowling Games, so I now have a Blue Mater. :) Then I looked down at the shelf and noticed one lone diecast on it's side behind a bunch of the other Cars stuff, and wouldn't you know it was Lizzie!!!! Boy am I one happy Camper. That's all they had, but I'll call it a good day...

Went to Target tonight "just in case"...and found another Sarge! That's the second one this week. Talk about luck! Of course, I had already opened the first one, and it had a scratch on it; but this new one is in better shape. I gave the scratched one to my wife's 10-year-old godson, and of course he didn't care that it had a scratch. So now the search continues for the one missing to complete my collection: Nitroade... (Well, at least until the new cars are released, and God knows when that'll be!)

thanks jim for the info you sent today.
I'm really late to the hunt.   been after the mcdonalds ones for my
son.  still need some ramones and the muddy mcqueen.

any chance allie you could let one go?   (o2pilot at yahoo dot com)

I checked out a few targets and everything is completely cleaned out.
hoping for that end of the month restocking someone mentioned.
they all show only 2-3 and are probably lost in the store somewhere.

Sorry o2pilot. I just got rid of my last one (to someone on this list, as a matter of fact).

But I'll keep my eye out for one for you.

The Piston Cup 500 Set is $39.99 at Toys R Us.

My sons and I went to a KB Toys Outlet last Friday and basically "stalked" the place while they were unloading the truck.  The lady brought the first case up to the register and it was opened where she had priced the cars.  There were 10 McQueens, 10-Maters, 3-Sallys, 2-Fillmore, 1-2-Docs, 2-Sheriffs, 1-Sarge.  My oldest son said she had one in her vest pocket...Lizzie maybe?  The second case she brought to the register was sealed.  It had 10 McQueens, 10-Maters, 1-Nitroade, 3-Leakless, 2-Green Ramones, 3-Kings, 1-Sally 1-Doc or Sheriff (I can't remember).

I went to Target tonight and they didn't have a single "Cars" item on the shelf.  Not even a spot for them.  Two weeks ago they said they were getting a "huge" shipment in on Monday.  Unfortunately, we are leaving for vacation on Saturday BUT if anyone lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, you might want to go to the Target on Clinton Highway on Monday at 8:00

So KB Outlet stores are getting these already?

The KB Outlet near me always has first run merchandise. It is just rarely on special like some of the older stock that is also carried. 'Course their stock is never very consistent nor substantial but that is not an issue of the "fresshness" or "long-toothedness" of the stock itself.

There are three KB Toys outlets in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and they all got shipments in last Friday.  I was suprised.

The KB Outlet near me is called Toy Liquidators. They are affiliated with KB. They never have anything except overstock that KB dumps off on them. Like for Star Wars items, they have like 20 of the same figure that no one wants.

I hope this is true for ALL Target stores...

Oh, and btw... July 30th is my BIRTHDAY!!! I'll be a 35 year old kid! Getting these cars I need would be a very nice gift.  :)

Okay guys,

Here is a rough version of the message board. We should be able to utilize it as I make graphics changes and other subtle changes.

http://p067.ezboard.com/bcarsthetoys

If you have any problems with it let me know.

I signed up as Metter.

That's and awesome site!

BTW i went to a toys r us and saw mountain challenge and didnt get it

should i have gotten the mountain challenge??

JrSharp,

I can't access the message board.  Is it down?

Mendy: Board is up. I've registered under my usual Forum name... "Revelation"

Nice job, jr.

i am there as well...woodly6

PCsavior,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!!!!!

Guess what, I just happened to pass by an Advance Auto Parts store in this pretty shady neighborhood and figured, what the heck, I'll just check to see if they have anything.  I found Lizzie and a red Lightening (since my son already chipped the paint on the one he currently is playing with)!   I also got my shipping of the the 4 movie moments so now I don't have to be questioned on a daily basis on when Red is coming.  Now, I think I'm only missing Chick, Sally, Sarge and Wingo.  I'll wait on Nitroade and Leakless since my son doesn't know about them yet.  Trying to not get the playsets yet either since they are a bit pricier than the little cars.  Maybe we'll wait until Thanksgiving to get those for him as Christmas presents.  The hunt continues.

^^good lick with that....

my hunt is useless im looking for leakless/nitroade  ill never find em!!!!!!


*whenever i lose hope i fnd what i want*

i meant luck****

HAHAHAHAHA

I signed up as Allie. Yeah, real original using my nickname. But I have enough things to remember as it is!

Hey Gang,
   Just signed up on the new page and it is nice.....I would encourage everyone to it loads so much faster and is very well done especially considering how fast Jr did it.

King just arrived in the mail today. YAY! That is the one my son wanted the most. AM very happy.

SARGE IS BACK AT disneyshopping.com! I just ordered mine. Alert alert alert

Oh, great. New cars. lol. It's a blessing and a curse. I like new cars but I HATE the anxiety of finding them. How many are new for sure?


I forget who offered me the Piston Cup race track but Amazon sent mine so I'm good on that. I'm still looking for a Flo's playset though.

Uncle_Ed, try KB toys for Flo's. They had three when I went (I got one for me and one for someone else).

If you want, I can give you their phone number and you can see if they would transfer it to a store where you live (if you don't live in the Washignton State area)

OK ... at disneyshopping.com the following cars are in stock as of 4:10 p.m. (I live in Washington state): Wingo, DJ, Doc, the King, Fillmore, Sarge, Sally, Mater and Lightning.

The only one still out of stock is Chick Hicks (who I still need)

I don't think this is a fluke in their web site, so act fast.

Good lord. Toywiz.com is charging 49.99 for Sarge?

With the 20 percent discount at disneyshopping.com (pirates20) you can get it for 3.49!

You can get the car for cheaper on ebay (high teens and up)

Are people really buying from toywiz?

you gotta be reatrded to buy at toywiz

Allie: I have an extra Chick Hicks if you want it still.

As for Sarge at DisneyShopping, it says UNAVAILABLE again.   :)

PC Savior .... sounds good, email me at hoshifan@comcast.net and we'll talk (or type as the case may be)

Yeah ... second time Sarge has been unavailable in two days. When I called Disney about combining orders (what a headache) he said something about the 21st as a date next to Sarge. Now it was a bad connection, so I don't know if that is when Sarge will ship or if that is when they will get a new shipment of Sarges in.

I have tried 3 K B Toys. I live in Pennsylvania. Maybe they haven't reached us yet. I'll keep checking.

Jrsharp,

Every time I click on your link, I have a long pause and then my computer goes to an aol search page.  It seems I'm the only one having trouble.  Can you help?

Mendy, if you can't get in that way, try this: http://www.ezboard.com/

Then create an account an find the group called "bcarsthetoys"

Good luck

Just went on disneyshopping.com, nothing available except for Lighting and Mater. Anyone have an extra Chick, Sarge and/or Wingo?  Thanks!

Just called a local KB Toys, they got some cars stuff in today and have the three cars I've been searching for!!!   I asked the salesperson to hold them for me, hopefully they will all still be there when I get to the store!  My search is over...for now!  Have a great weekend all!

Did anybody notice that Stanley was facing the wrong way in the picture?

Mendy are you able to get on the message board?

lmao


good eye diz wiz


now...is that good or bad...hmmmmmm

Well I had no luck at Target (as usual, selection stinks at all of them in my area) and Toys R Us. (But I did find a Ben 10 Omnitrex FX watch!)

It is fun to make store managers and employees sigh heavily when you ask them if they got a new shipment of the Cars the movie cars.

At Toys R Us: "You want the little ones, right?" pause and heavy sigh. "No. We haven't gotten one in weeks." pause. "And when we did, they were all Lightnings and Maters." pause. "We had no idea these would be that popular." pause "We still have Ice Age stuff we can't get rid of." pause. "Even my mother called me and asked if we had any."

It is weird with the shipment situation. My Fred Meyer has gotten TWO shipments of the movie moments cars in two weeks. They have all four in multiples. None of the indvidual ones or any new shipments of the playsets, though.

Okay...

check these out...

http://i2.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/b9/68/5a_1.JPG

Hey Mike Z,

If you are around Newton/Needham area (off 128), you can go to the KBToys in Newton to get some of the cars.  As of yesterday, they had Lighting, Mater, King, DJ, Doc, Sherriff, Wingo, Sally, Dinoco Lighting and Chick. Each for $3.99.  If you call them, they will hold the cars for you.

have those new cars started showing up yet?

It's not really that important.

Hey guys,
Which do you think is the coolest diecast car?

The coolest one to me is Wingo. Lizzie is pretty cool, too.

My 5-year-old thinks is it King and then Nitroade. Of course I can't find any of the individual cars in this area besides Lightning and McQueen. If it wasn't for Disney I wouldn't have as many as I have. (and I got notice that they shipped my recent splurge from disney online: Doc, Wingo, Sally, Sarge, Fillmore, Sheriff and DJ)

Of course, all I get is snorts when I ask if stores in Oregon or Washington have: Lizzie, Chick, Leakless or Nitroade. (I passed on a green Ramone because we already have a purple one and all the McDonald's ones).

hmmm.....i wonder if Monkeys ould speak italian....

There's so many great ones I can't pick just one....hmmm...maybe it's Doc Hudsun...


I got my order of the Nightmare Before Christmas figures yesterday for those who are interested. They sent me the wrong Jack so now I have 2 and need a Series 3 Jack with the Penguin. I emailed them twice but have heard nothing yet. They also sent me a set of witches that was missing an accessory. (The Christmas Gift with the bow) I think I must just be cursed with their orders...

uncle ed - the new cars dont start shipping til September. The photos people are using are off the carsthemovie.com site.

My favorites are Chick, Wingo, and Doc.

I have spoken with a LOT of Target stores trying to find cars for my two boys, and they have told me that they will not be getting any more cars until August.  Wal-Mart has said they will not be getting ANY MORE....PERIOD.  I have heard so many different things that I have no idea what is true, but Target says the collectors come in right when they open and buy EVERYTHING.  Crazy...

Do you guys know where I can purchase the Piston 500 race track and the cost?  Other than on eBay of course.

Cindy:
You Can Buy it at Toys R Us for $39.99, That is if You Can Find One!

Happy days! I found a Nitroade (and two green Ramones) at Wal-Mart. Nitroade was just sitting there, by himself, behind three red McQueens. I got some strange looks after my happy dance.

LOL..HAPPY DANCE

I was wondering,
so is everyone buying a set  and leaving in package to be mint like hotwheels,
or opening to display or play :-)   or buying more than one set and
doing both ....

I just have one set I am trying to collect to give to my son for his birthday.  He will be four and loves the movie!!  I thought about trying to get an extra set to keep, but I am having enough struggle getting one of each.

I, too, have one set I am trying to collect for my 5-year-old son as a treat for after his surgery. I only want one set, for my son to play with. Of course, I am the  type who immediately cut the tags off of Beanie Babies (even the so-called rare ones) and yelled "You're free, you're free." (My husband has been the only witness to this particular madness.)

does anyone d the milew things on the back of cars stuff??

collect miles and bid??/
anyonea>

I do the collect miles and bid. I've never won (only have about 700 points or so), but if the winner can't come up with proof of the mile (the miles themselves on the back of the products), then they have a drawing among all of the people who did bid but did not win.

Since you have to cut out the miles to do this, serious collectors are out. Don't wanna mar the packaging.

Oh yes, Allie,
I have done the Happy Dance numerous times.
Especially when I found 2 Sarges at a CVS of all places.
I love the Happy Dance

hmmm

disneyshopping.com raised the price of its diecast Lightnings and Maters to $5.99. If they get any of the other ones back in stock, I wonder how much THEY will be.

o2pilot, when I found my cars, I normally bought 2.
One for me, and one for E bay.
He He He He He
and who said I should get a summer job?

What the hell is that thing where you have to collect the miles.
What is that?

Hey all - hope this link works - but could this be some of the "new" die-cast cars - Blue Mater with his hood, Ham from Toy Story, Yellow Ramone, Whitewall Tyres McQueen, The Fabulous Hudson Hornet, theres another red car in the main pic not sure who that is ? I wonder if these are being produced - because even though theres a picture they dont seem to be for sale in this auction ???

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hot-Wheels-Disney-Pixar-CARS-Sealed-30ct-Case-H6405_W0QQitemZ180008203358QQihZ008QQcategoryZ47191QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

just uploaded my cars pics from my holiday to Florida in May this year - Mater and McQueen were at MGM studios, they were near the magic hat for photo's in the front view ones - then they were in the Stars and Motor Cars parade later on.

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/Jarreth2/

sorry guys the link was wrong !! Hope these work ?

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/Jarreth2/54d53229.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/Jarreth2/5edd4a07.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/Jarreth2/43889be0.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/Jarreth2/6e72b445.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/Jarreth2/0f680e18.jpg

Jarreth,
Did you ever see the life size Sally that they made.
Why didn't they put Sally in the parade?

Will they ever make a life size Doc?

I love Doc.

Hey Everyone, DisneyShopping.com has the individual diecasts cars on again this morning. However, I guess we missed the 6am deals, cos no Sarge, Lizzy available. But, still have DJ, Sally, Doc, Sheriff, etc. in case you are missing a few of the original set. Those sneakers did raise the price to $5.99 - I guess after they saw the first batch sell out in minutes.
Actuallly, that is great price for the rare ones, but no way to know when they will be on site. In fact, I called them yesterday and the CS guy knew nothing about them coming into stock anytime soon. Thought I would check anyway - and wow. The $6 pricetag at least would discourage ebayers from buying them in bulk for resale, so better chance for everyohne to fill in some blanks.

Hey guys,

Here is the link to the message board:

http://p067.ezboard.com/bcarsthetoys

Figured it was moving up and I would post it again.

I finally saw the movie over the weekend at a Drive In and they cut the credits off so I missed this John Ratzenberger thing.I was so irked! Anyone want to give the the gist of it?


I was a bit let down by the movie but it could have been that it was a hot sticky night and I was very sleepy when I saw it. I know I'll see it again at least when I buy the DVD. I was impressed with the ending but I felt as a film it just wasn't as good as Toy Story 2, A Bug's Life, and Monsters Inc. Anyone else feel that way? It wasn't a bad movie it just didn't have the magic of the earlier Pixar efforts.


Still haven't found Flo's yet. I sure wish they'd hurry up and get to PA already! lol.

Anyone know if the FRank in the cowtipping game is the same size as the die cast cars?

it isn't  sorry... it's more like little plastic game pieces

Uncle_Ed, here is a link to the end credits of the movie so you can see it:

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=14E196CD3CA5890C

Hi Jarreth,

Love your pictures!  Hopefully the cars characters will still be there when we go back in a couple of years.

HEY VEERY1 IMPORTNAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


i saw a real mack they had

an actual truck just like mack

i also saw the sally...didnt see mater though

I have seen the movie 6 times already.
(I like sneaking into movie theaters and seeing 4-5 movies at once)
I thought Cars is a GREAT movie, but not that great.

My favorite pixar films are Toy Story and Monster's Inc.

Did anybody see all of the hidden secrets and gags in the film?

Like the Apple Car, The car that was racing for  "Lassit-Air", and the birds from the short film, For the Birds, and the truck that is shipping for Monster's Inc.

There are also more that I can't think of right now, but I'll remember soon enough.

not_here, where did you see Mack? I've seen pictures of the others but this is the first I am hearing of him...

umm ill find ot..i dont think it was in the parade or its...like..official its just a mack with mcqueen and ally...


right...i cant find it ill look and post it later

....

AHA!!!!!

http://media.movieweb.com/galleries/2752/2299/lo/bo1.jpg

it might be an advertisement for the movie..

http://media.movieweb.com/galleries/2752/2299/lo/cot.jpg

http://media.movieweb.com/galleries/2752/2299/lo/cor.jpg

http://media.movieweb.com/galleries/2752/2299/lo/cos.jpg

sally*

pretty sure its an advertisement....but its cool...

Cars comes out on DVD NOv. 7

that was raNDOM........

Flo's V8 Cafe is in stock on toysrus.com if anyone needs it. 24.95

Thanks Cindy and Diz Wiz, yeah I saw Sally she was with another McQueen at Downtown Disney but I hadn't got my camera with me the night we went there and when we went again they'd moved em !!! The only ones in the parade were McQueen and Mater. I'd be surprised if they didnt make more though.

On a lesser note I saw an advertisement on tv when we were in Florida - i'm sure it was for hertz rentals - they had their rental cars made to look like pixar ones and talking. Pretty neat ad.

I just looked at Toysrus.com and couldn't find it.

My bad on the toysrus.com

While it said "in stock" yesterday, if you tried to put ONE in your basket to buy, you got the message that you bought too many and that the number was not available for shipping and that your order number had been changed (to none)

Uh, how can you have less than one in stock and ready for shipping?

They probably took that down

i got moutnaing challeenge and piston cup at toys r us

they had like 10


*not online*

not sure if they ship overseas but www.toysrus.co.uk have stock of the diecast ones they stock - movie moments packs too.

If you ever happen to be in Downtown Disney, go to the World of Disney Store, and
ask a cast member to look in the back for the Diecast cars. (In the room with the other cars)

If they say no, don't take any crap from them.

They have plenty of EVERYTHING, and I know that for a fact.

If any questions, Email me at
Dizwiz@ameritech.net

Going crazy over cars. I finally saw the movie but it was late at night and too tired to catch all the hidden yuk yuks. I will probably see it again. My college age kids think I've lost my mind. I have of course been collecting the cars and playsets. One to keep in original pkg and one to play with. I still have not been able to get sarge or king. Hope they still will be producing them. If anyone needs flo's v8 cafe I have an extra one. Would trade for sarge and king. Do you think stores will restock? Some have hardly any items and the main displays have disappeared. Have not seen any cars in the CVS. I'm jealous!

I don't think you need to worry about the cars, Sandy. Keep an eye out at KB Toys especially. Call to find out when the shipments come in, then call on that day a half hour before they open. Ask them if they have the two you want, and if they will hold them for you. Also, Target is supposed to be enlarging its Cars selections sometime around July 28-30. And with the movie slated to come out on DVD in the winter, I'm sure the cars will be around for awhile.

Thanks Allie. The only problem is here in Ohio all the KB toys have closed. I have been watching Target and Walmart.

Just had to tell you about my find today - I bought the 2 Lizzies that toys r us .co.uk had - so they're on their way - then I wondered if the local Toys R us store had any new ones in - so I called in there on my way to work - all they had on the pegs were either Mater or Lightning McQueen - i did spot one DJ but I have that - THEN I noticed 2 boxes on the floor and no sales assistant around - one was open but the other was still sealed - so i looked in the open one and there was one Lizzie and most of the others - so I opened the seal on the other box with my car keys and hey presto there was a Lizzie on that box too - so I bought em ! So hopefully I'm gonna use em to trade for the newer cars that come out if I cant find em. Glad I popped in.

Forgot to add - not one Sarge between the two boxes !

Jarreth your story was so funny because when I've been at WalMart a few times they occasionaly have boxes waiting to be put on display. I rummage through them and try to find cars but have not been lucky. I thought I was the only nut! Hey what was written on the outside of the boxes? It will be helpful for my next mission!

To be honest I didnt take much notice as I could see what was in the open one so I guessed that the other was the same - sorry, I'll probably go there again some time to check again as the movie comes out next Friday ( July 28th ) here in the UK.

To who posted above-strangely enough, yes, they did craft a full-size Doc Hudson.  Check my article on my experience on the red carpet of the premiere.  There's a pic of the life-size Doc.  Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for me to see him up close until late in the evening, and even then it was a shame-the life-size Doc looked so cool.  As far as I know, he only showed up at the Lowes Motor Speedway.

 I'm kind of psyched for the new wave of cars.  I'm sure the ladies who  are fans of Mater are gonna go nuts for his pre-rust look.  He looks like a 'happenin' young truck back in the day.

Hey Jarreth,

Are any of those Lizzies for trade? I have a Nitroade or Leakless for trade if you need them.

Hey jrsharp21 - Sorry but I already have Leakless and Nitroade ( I got them with Dinoco McQueen and Green Ramone ) I'm kinda hoping to trade them for the newer cars they bring out - Blue Mater with his hood - Yellow Ramone, The Ham ( piggy Bank ) Car.

Sandy, where did you get the v8 cafe with no KB toys around? I live in Pennsylvania and we just have a KB outlet here and I have yet to see a V8 Cafe. I don't have a King but someone actually gave me a Sarge because they couldn't get 50.00 on it from Ebay and knew I collect Disney stuff. I already have a Sarge though. I have an extra Lizzie too I grabbed this weekend. I was thinking about listing them on ebay as a set so I'll have some money for a v8 Cafe or some Pirates figures but I'm not sure if I should hold onto them or sell them. Anyone know if Lizzie is really not going to be produced? I hate to be "one of those" Ebay sellers but I've spent well over 700.00 in Cars stuff and it would be kind of good if I could get some of that paid off with my hobby. You know what I mean? Anyway...

Hey Uncle_Ed. I think you might be able to do a trade for the V8 Cafe on the other board

http://p067.ezboard.com/fcarsthetoysfrm13.showMessageRange?topicID=10.topic&start=61&stop=80

I thought I remembered someone wanting to trade their V8 cafe.

I noticed that Nitroade's right side front passenger tire is slighly elevated and does not touch the surface.  Is this part of the design or a defect. Any help would be appreciated.

Uncle_Ed: I'd be willing to trade my Flo's V8 to you.

Why don't you join the *NEW* Cars Forum, and/or send me an email:

pcsavior@excite.com

Uncle Ed I got Flo's at a Toys R Us. If you are interested in a trade email me at srpohio@aol.com. It's really weird how some stores get several of one kind of product and some don't have any. I think WalMart here is getting rid of the display. I was checking toys r us when I left work every day. Found Flo's but not one car. Then I stopped in yesterday and here they have the cars thrown into one big bin, which I didn't even see on previous vistis, and probably could have a king. I was so mad. All I'm saying is really look around and when in doubt ask a sales person.

Mr Mattell --

I think your Nitroade must have a defect; the one I have, at least, is just fine.

Jarreth - I tried a couple of weeks ago to buy something from the UK ToysRUs website but it stated that they didn't ship to US.... How did you manage that? Thanks!

Sandy
Do you need a king?  I just bought a lot of some cars of Ebay and I will have an extra king.  We can work out a deal if you are interested, let me know.

Sorry MeowMiss - I shoulda said - I am from the UK, hopefully I'm gonna go down to the local Toys R Us again as the film comes out here this Friday - I'll see what they've got.

I was doing some Internet research on the Cars toys and I found this message board.  Super neat!  :)

In case anyone cares, I'm Zobovor; I'm in Utah; I work at Wal-Mart.  I'm also a confirmed Cars addict.  I was so enthralled with the toys that I wanted all of them before I'd ever seen the movie!  I was fortunate enough to put the first batch of Cars toys on layaway when I first spotted them, so I was at least able to get the first assortment at retail.  (In case you're wondering, I'm not one of those people who raids the stockroom before the merchandise ever gets to the salesfloor.  I found them on the pegs in the toy department just like a regular customer.)

I've got to say here that I never thought these toys would disappear from store shelves so soon and so completely.  I'm at a loss to explain why Mattel is underproducing them so drastically.  (In case you're curious, they've shown up in the Wal-Mart computers as deleted items since day one.  This means that the store employees can't even order them; the warehouse just sends 'em if they've got 'em.  Star Wars action figures are like this, too, I think to prevent employees from ordering massive quantities just to satisfy the collectors.)  I hope the rumors are true that Mattel will continue to distribute these toys.

I also customize toys as a hobby, and I thought it would be fun to do alterations to the toys to represent different versions of the characters (a beat-up version of The King after the big race at the end of the movie; Lightning McQueen in his alternate paint scheme he got at Ramone's; stuff like that), but that's becoming just about impossible since you can't FIND the toys anywhere now.

Incidentally, is there a yellow version of Ramone coming out?  I thought about doing that as a custom job, too.  (How many color schemes does he go through, exactly?  Isn't he red in a scene near the end of the movie?)

I actually did manage to find a green Ramone and Dinoco McQueen in the store, but I've never seen a Nitroade or Leakless.  I finally broke down and bought them on eBay for an uncomfortable amount of money.  I got them in a lot with King, though, so at least now I can do that beat-up version of him.  (What's worse is that I'm going to have to get ANOTHER one of those little buggers for a custom job.  Has anyone noticed on the Toy Story special edition DVD that in the preview for the Cars film, they actually used test footage for Lightning McQueen?  In this early animation he's got different sponsor logos ("Corrosion Seal" with a picture of a seal, instead of Rust-Eze) and he's shaped differently, like a NASCAR stock car.  In other words, exactly like Nitroade and Leakless.  (I actually feel a little guilty about wanting to customize one of them.  Same reason I haven't opened my Lizzie or Sarge toys yet.  I'm terrified to after I found this message board and learned how valuable they are.)

Yes, I realize I'm rambling.

In other news, I've got a customized blue Mater toy on eBay right now.  I built a hood for him, gave him his headlight back, and made all sorts of other spiffy modifications to him (like painting all the tiny details that Mattel skipped).  He's a lot more accurate to his appearance in the movie than the retail toy, anyway.  I even printed up a new portrait for his packaging to reflect his alternate colors.  

I thought about keeping him, but I do that with so many of my projects (once I fall in love with them I can never get rid of them), but I really felt like I should start offering some of my projects for sale so other fans can enjoy them.  (I can always build another one later.)  Here's a link if anyone wants to see it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170010405984

That's all I've got.  Thanks for reading.


Zobovor

Hey Zobovor,

Do you have access to check stock on certain stores? I know that there was a WM employee on a Star Wars board who used to check stock on stores for people to give them a heads up that new stuff was coming.

......

I have a photo of wave 2 cars they are to be officially released on oct 17 2006 the include the "classic" mcqueen with the race stickers as seen in the final scene of the movie, a yellow ramone, Doc "fabulous hudson hornet variant" A "real" michael shumaker farrarie, and Blue mator with hood and light newly molded not just the repainted old mater like the first wave had available, also the pig toystory car, id love to post the photo just let me know how

pics of the new cars:

http://i2.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/b9/68/5a_1.JPG

jrsharp21, I am able to check inventory at other stores, but only within a 150-mile radius to my own store in Utah.  (Yesterday we got some of the Movie Moments sets in stock again, so I checked the computer for the individually-carded cars and it said we had 90 on order.  Now I feel really dumb for eBaying for Nitroade and Leakless when I'll probably be able to get them for three bucks a pop in a matter of days.  Sigh.)

Also, thanks for posting the link to the picture of the new cars.  I hope they do a complete set of the other Pixar movie cars.  It's just not right to tease us with Hamm without doing the others.  (I even want to see the Boo Mobile, even though she was only mentioned in dialogue and there probably isn't an existing design for her.)

Nice to see that the young Mater is going to be made available individually, and that they actually took the time to remold him.  I think I still like my version better, though.  :)


Zobovor

Hey spyboyb, how do you know they will be released on Oct. 17th? Where did you find that info. please.?

The Flo's Cafe is now available on toysrus.com.

i coomplited mie set yesterday at tarjet and got nitro ade and lakeless!!!!!!!

i coomplited mie set yesterday at tarjet and got nitro ade and lakeless!!!!!!!

I've been MIA do to helping my inlaws clean up from some flooding in our area. It's so weird because we usually don't have flooding problems. It's been devasitg for a lot of people--- homes destroyed, roads caved in, and boats rolling down the river and out to the lake! I feel kind of silly thinking about what cars I need to get. Have not had a chance to check out this weekends supply. How did everybody make out. Did Target get new supplies? How about WalMart? Hope to do some shopping Monday after work.

Hey, Sandy. My Target is still in the process of clearning everything out. I've heard the Z date of Aug. 14 for new diecasts, but some people are being told September.

Most of the places in my part of Washington State have been cleaned out. KB toys, so far, has been the best bet.

I hope everyone in your area is OK. It is so awful when things like that happen. But having something fun to focus on, like diecast cars, is good for you. Why can't you have fun and think about silly things? You are facing events that most people don't have to.

Good luck to you.

Has anyone heard whether or not Target is going to be getting any more of the Racetrack Carrying Cases? My son desperately wants one and I cannot find one at any of the stores near me.

anemone do you have th code or do you need it?

&lt;i&gt;Roger Colton brings us an update on what may be the summer's hottest line of movie-related toys&lt;/i&gt;

Just cause I feel like bragging....

My son's Pixar Cars collection is about to be complete as it's going to get. I just bought from eBay a lot of Green Ramone, Nitroade and Leakless... the only one we do not have is the Blue Mator available from the 6 pack or Mater’s Rollin’Bowling.

Now we wait till September for the supposes release of "Single Packs (Series 2)"  (the range is said to be a 2007 release with a proposed shelf date of September 2006.) WITH Michael Schumacher Ferrari, Hudson Hornet Doc, Young Mater (different to the initial Blue Mater without bonnet), Radiator Springs McQueen with darker paint, Hamm Pig Car, Yellow Ramone).

note above list I got from the group on yahoo.

Marc

I think that you adults who are collecting these "children's playthings" must have absolutely no life.  You are driving the price up so high that most parents are now unable to buy even one of their children these toys to play with, much less if they have more than one child! You really should be ashamed of yourselves! What you need to do is donate them to Toys for Tots, and consider why you feel the need to buy up a bunch of toys that you will never do anything with except pull out the boxes and show your other collector friends. I am just shocked at the selfishness and greed  I have seen - $60 for a car that cost someone $3-$5 ! What do you expect parents to tell their children?! Sorry son, I didn't have enogh money to buy up all the different characters when we first saw them, so you'll just have to do without because all these "grown-ups" feel the need to put theem behind glass and brag about owning them. Yes, I understand that both the manufacturer and the retailers have a part in this fiasco, but you who collect are just making it worse. I hope that these cars bring you great joy as you see them sitting in their "original package" and you are reading this from a mom of a sad little boy!
Michele

Georgiegirl, are you talking about the scalpers who empty a toy isle and then resell them on ebay? They are different than the collectors.

I am a mom who is collecting for her SON. I have gotten the really hard-to-find cars from adult collectors who picked up ones I needed and sold it to me at their cost. This was when the cars were not being shipped to the stores. Some of the adult collectors on a different board have shared info about which stores in their area are slated to get deliveries, regardless of whether they themselves can make it to the store. And they are not stripping the shelves like the scalpers are.

Yes, I dislike the scalpers and internet stores who drive up the prices. But I disagree that the individual collectors who buy one of each are doing any harm.

The private collectors are as frustrated as we are. I would be happy to try and find you the cars you need and get them for you at my cost (plus shipping, which usually is $2 for one car)

I know it is frustrating, but realize that alot of these people will help out your child if you just ask nicely.

I know of an adult collector who did indeed pick up a car to put in the Toys for Tots box when the time comes.

georgiegirl-

i understand your frustration, but I ask that you dont confuse someone who is a collector with someone who is a scalper. If you see a rare character on eBay for $60- it is being sold by someone who knows some collector will buy it.

someone who "collects" something is planning on keeping them- despite whatever percieved value they have. That is a hell of a lot different than some greasy-haired guy who lives with his parents that stands outside ToysRUs everymorning @ 8:45 waiting to buy 10 of each one.

Again- sorry for your frustration- but please dont stereotype all adult collectors as greedy scalpers.

I encourage you to join the EZ board ( http://p067.ezboard.com/bcarsthetoys ) that has been set up that Allie mentioned. Many of us have built up our collections using our little network of like minded people (at cost plus shipping- or trade- and not a cent more)  No one at that site has paid more than the original cost (some sellers have even offered to show their receipts)

anyway- I am "SteelStudMan" on that board, if you feel like responding. I hope Allie and I have allevieated some of your anger.

Georgiegirl,


I have been to many Wal*Marts lately and they have fresh stock of the Cars. I was also told by a toy girl that no one is tiuching the rarer ones now. One place said they had a Sarge and LIzzie for 2 weeks until anyone bought them. Now if you really want any I would be willing to get them for you and your children at cost plus shipping IF I can find them now. It's been a good 2 weeks since I was in a store that had them. I didn't "scalp" them out of courtesy for local buyers. I do have some duplicates of some of the rare ones now buit I"m saving those in case I need to trade for the upcoming 6.


Now, speaking as a collector/fan, I am deeply offended how you see us and I'm sorry you feel that way. I have collected Disney figures since I was 8. I collected them all through high school and from all over the world. I OPEN EVERYTHING, that's right I said OPEN, and I sometimes even play with them. You shouldn't direct your bitterness to people like us. If we didn't buy what we have bought than we all know the scalpers would have. If Most of us are decent people and I've met lots of nice folks here who will help you finish your collection so try not to be bitter nd make friends. We can all help each other out if you really want.