Thunder Monkey Garage
Car selling service · FAQ

Common questions

Everything people usually want to know before reaching out. If something's missing, just text me.

How long will it take?

1 week to 1 month, depending on condition. A clean 2014 vehicle takes no time at all — then it's just negotiating with buyers. A 20-year-old car that needs multiple repairs could take 2 weeks to prepare and another 2 weeks to sell in a worst-case scenario.

Couldn't I do this myself?

Yes — if you don't mind detailing the car and managing a Facebook Marketplace listing, go for it. On average I communicate with 25 potential buyers before finding the right one with cash in hand. Most people don't want to deal with the cleaning, the repairs, and dozens of conversations. That's exactly what I'm here for.

What if I want to know everything — or nothing — about the progress?

I love this stuff and I'm happy to share every detail as the car goes through detailing, repairs, and the sales process. I can also just update you once or twice a week if you'd rather not be in the weeds. Either way, you'll definitely hear from me when it sells.

What types of cars are a good fit?

I've sold cars with prices ranging from $3,800 to $25K — because that's where private buyers with real cash are shopping. Higher-priced vehicles are possible on auction sites. If you're not sure whether your car fits, just reach out.

What if I have a real beater?

If the battery is dead but the car otherwise runs, let's talk — I can recondition or replace the battery. That said, if you have a non-running vehicle worth $500 or less, it's probably not worth either of our time. Scrap yards pay roughly $300 for a vehicle, so that might be the better call.

How honest are the buyers?

My policy is to disclose flaws in the ad and again when I talk to buyers on the phone. Good karma comes around. I'm not going to hide a problem and risk a deal falling through at the last minute or getting a call after the sale.

How do you make money on this?

The goal is a no-lose scenario where we split the profits — heads you win, tails you break even. We agree on a base price your vehicle would likely sell for, using a quote from a buyer like CarMax as a reference. When I sell it for more, we split the difference 50/50 after expenses. For example: if CarMax quotes $6,500 and I spend $500 on repairs and sell it for $10K, you pocket $1,500 more than CarMax would have paid — without leaving your house.

What if my car does not sell over the base price?

I'll sell it for the base price. You'll owe me for any out-of-pocket expenses, and I won't make a profit. The arrangement is designed so you never walk away with less than what CarMax or a similar buyer would have given you.

5 stars on Facebook Marketplace

Based on 5 ratings — rated on pricing, item description, punctuality, and communication.

★★★★★
“I had an amazing experience buying my Subaru from John. He was incredibly honest and upfront about everything from the start — no pressure, no gimmicks. The car was spotless and exactly as described, and he even went out of his way to help me drop off my rental car after I made the trip out to buy it. What really stood out was how kind, respectful, and down-to-earth he was. John made me feel completely respected and welcome. It’s rare to meet someone so genuinely good-hearted and thoughtful. If you’re looking for someone trustworthy to buy a car from, John is the real deal.”
— Olivia, May 2025
★★★★★
“The car was accurately described and in good condition. John was honest about the car’s history and it had been well maintained with regular service. John was easy to work with and we happily purchased his car.”
— Suzanne, September 2024

Still have questions?

Easiest thing to do is text me. I'll get back to you quickly and we can figure out if your car is a good fit.

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