I Saved over $10,000 Buying 2 Prior "Theft Recovery" Cars at Auction! Was it worth it?

Download the FREE Upside App at upside.app.link/samcrac to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more.
Here is the major Garage Update for 2022! Also, we bought a Cadillac Escalade ESV and a BMW Alpina B7 both sight unseen, both prior Theft Recovery cars that were previously stolen! Both came with some major issues, but were they worth the risk???
Instagram: / samcracc
Facebook: / samcracauto
Email Me: [e-mail]

[@Samcrac]

The Escalade was a REALLY GOOD DEAL, and filling it up won't be too bad since I can get Cashback on Fuel Fillips, Grocery Stores & Restaurants with Upside: Download the FREE Upside App at upside.app.link/samcrac to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more.

[@Kimbrough87]

why u put only 2 gallons in that car lol

[@djjazm]

Have Legit Street Cars come down and supercharge it!

[@crownhic6827]

Definitely get the R8 some screen time!

[@ssenssel]

I don't think I've ever been as happy with somebody's acquisition as I am seeing a lift in your dumbass barn. Finally!

[@Workingdad2380]

It’s not that hard to see where he wet sanded if he look at the video you see a bunch of cloudy circles that’s where he wet sanded and took the clearcoat off unless you re-spray the car you’re always going to see that random cloudy marks all over the whole car other than that I’m glad this one worked out for you just some bad gas

[@noonehere1793]

Like Matthew McConaughey says “part of the thrill of driving a Lincoln is not knowing if you will arrive at the event in your Lincoln, or will the tow truck driver be kind enough to drop you off”

[@sureshotexplodingtargets2928]

Hahahahahha

[@viniciusrochafaria6936]

My friend had a mkz for uber drove 200k miles 0 issues

[@coldstonecanc3rgang994]

@@viniciusrochafaria6936 I see MKZs everywhere in the town I live. The older ones mainly. They seem to be good cars

[@Liferoad371]

I love my 2018 MKc with 48,000 miles and the only problem so far is it needed a new battery.

[@rysterstech]

Alex from Legit Street cars surely would love to collaborate on that escalade, fix the timing chain and delete active fuel management and you have yourself a really nice SUV

[@Samcrac]

Yeah I'm hoping that's all we have to do! The auction will inspect it first; if it just needs to be retimed, the deal was !$!

[@sajedb]

We are watching the video now but I think Alex already installed a blower on top of it 😁

[@tobby1able]

@@sajedb yup! and his wife drag raced it.

[@nonyabuisness]

Xs mxmx x m mx mx mom. Mxx vmxmm mxx mm xx mx m mxmx mx

[@nonyabuisness]

@@sajedb 8bcsssvgsxbmlgsvmlmlgsvmlgsvmlg

[@ms_enj]

Sam: “With that upgrade, it’ll make this car reliable… For at least 6 months or so.” Green Ferrari: *laughs in Italian*

[@TOM-C.]

I'd keep the Porsche as a daily driver to see how long the fix lasts. It will give all of us a reasonable expectation of longevity if we perform a similar, working fix with the same product. 👍✌

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

Thats why hes not driving it that much otherwise itll fail. Daily driver? Yea it wouldn't last, but since hes barely driving it and just sitting of course itll last longer. Lets be real 500 miles isnt much. PLUS the vehicle isn't even under load or heavy use. He probably goes 12mph for 500 miles, NO SHIT itll work.

[@afterthestorm7012]

@@ILOVEBACONBOY2018 Do you see how many cars Sam has? He drivers many of them, so maybe the 911 doesn't get as many miles as you'd like. He did suggest taking it to the track to test it out also.

[@Chrissy212]

That what i want to see just keep the Porsche running and see how long it will last

[@TOM-C.]

@@Chrissy212 Yeah, normal, daily driving with normal spirited driving on occasion, just like most of us would drive a Porsche. 👍✌

[@Chrissy212]

@@TOM-C. Well im not saying for him not to enjoy the car but not add a bunch of power ect and blow the engine sooner ect

[@frankiethebear]

Hi sam, I had a very similar problem with the clutch in my Audi A5 3.0TDI. The clutch pedal went straight to the floor on my way to work one morning and I had the car picked up and towed to my mechanic a couple of miles away. He couldn't find anything wrong with it at all, but he took the master cylinder off, took it apart but couldn't find anything wrong. He refitted it and was about to drop the box and look at the slave cylinder and as soon as he started the car the clutch was back. No idea how or why, but here were no more clutch problems from there until I traded the car in. Not saying that the same would happen to your r8, but just chucking in my 2 cents worth. Cheers, Frankie

[@bigred3966]

"your alpina needs new tires after we burned them up, will be sending you a bill for that.."

[@EuroAutoEnthusiast]

The Audi R8 is my all time favorite rebuild! It’s a true 💎👌🏽💯 An update video on this one, especially upon repairing the current issue. On the Upside 😅 great content either way 👍🏽

[@davidfrank2824]

My favorite is the BMW. I watched every episode when Alex was working on it. He did a fantastic job sorting out all the trouble computers. I really love watching how he fixed them. Now if I ever run into something like that I know what to do. I'm surprised he has not made you an offer on the car. It seems like he really enjoyed that car and he's a BMW guy along with almost every other manufacturer car out there. -) As always I made sure to give you a big old thumbs up and look forward to your next video.

[@carguy4658]

I am glad you finally got yourself a 2-Post Lift. You deserve it. Yeah, it is time to wave goodbye to the Lemon Lincon if you can.

[@joshuasterling2144]

He finally stopped his voluntary suffering. I am so happy for him.

[@muskokamike127]

Sam seems to be a bit like me: hit and severe misses on vehicles. I've had used vehicles thoroughly checked by mechs before I buy them then hit with a hidden catastrophic failure that costs me thousands and then I'll buy a beater for $700 cdn and it'll run like a champ for 2 years. Why I bring this up is now with the new engine, he'll sell it, and the new owner will have zero issues for 300,000 kms or the next 5 years. What I mean is: now he's got it sorted the issues will disappear for the new owner.

[@coastalcleaningandmaintena2884]

@@muskokamike127 your bang on with your comment. Here in Canada we always seem to do the best on a private cheap deal. I make a list of vehicles I'm interested in then start calling and looking and out of 10 I will almost always find someone who has been gifted a upgrade and pretty much wants beer money for the weekend. I do brakes and tiny fixes. Drive the vehicle for 2 to 3 years and sell it for twice what I've got into it. But if you buy a auction car or 5 to 10k vehicle you almost lose everytime. That said we don't have the options that they have in the states for buying or possibly you might being near the big city, Let me know if Ontario has more options like that than B.C does. We have no good auctions or police theft sales nothing of the sort. Just dealer rejects which are almost always a massive issue. Cheers from west coast. As usual pretty work Sam 👍

[@muskokamike127]

@@coastalcleaningandmaintena2884 OH hell yeah! Copart here is a complete RIP OFF. The extra fees and crap basically double the sale price of the vehicle. Not to mention copart routinely doctors vehicles and hides damage. One big issue we have here is rust due to the salt we use. 6 years and you could have a body ready to fall off. Even frames go in 7 years and sometimes less. We don't have the options they have in the states for parts. Here in Ontario they charge almost as much for a rebuilt engine for one pulled out of a wrecked vehicle. I needed a head for my Ford 5.4L. Most places wanted $400 and up. I saw Cleetus go to a yard in FLA and pull a complete 5.3L GM engine and it cost him $200.00. I called Cookstown Auto Recyclers for a 5.4 engine. They wanted 2800.00. A rebuild with a warranty from a reputable builder was $3400 with a year warranty.

[@coastalcleaningandmaintena2884]

@@muskokamike127 yes I was wondering about our only copart. Unless you have a dealers license here in B.C. the auctions are a joke. 1 good thing about being on the island is rust isn't to much of a factor. I moved from north and know exactly what you mean. Seeing 3 yr old work trucks with rockers and cab corners already goneday. And yes the scrap yards are getting to be a joke. Last engine I got was only 800 but was 7 years ago and a shitty caravan motor. Anything V8 unless u have the inside line is a total joke. Even the starters and alts. They want more than rock auto. I can wait a day or 2. Bastards they are. Get car for free or scrap cost and part it out for 10k. States is a whole diff ballgame. There's ppl that make that there business here. Just paying ppl to fly down and drive em back. Its crazy here especially now

[@TheHelado36]

Sam, your videos are great and really like the patience you have ! The videos are both entertaining and educational ! Thanks for that !

[@chrisrobles2012]

Yeah I saw the BMW video of him changing all the modules. I wish I got a good deal like that. Bad gas and water intrusion on a few modules with thousands in savings .

[@Samcrac]

Crazy right. I should've made an entire length video on what the auction was telling me. It was really crazy; they just tried me to sell it back, saying it was running so bad it *probably* had a bad engine. The thing looked real rough in the photos, and Alex has it looking amazing! It will make some good $$$ once finished and sold!

[@Moon___man]

Sams been a changed man since he got that lift

[@ManinaGarage]

Great variety on your channel Sam 🥳 It must be a nightmare to keep a track of everything but it makes for great entertainment, thank you Sam and Sage 🙌

[@mcbobly]

Nice cars you have there Sam, I for one would like to see the maintenance on the R8, those are such amazing cars. Incredible a $9 bottle of block sealer saved the Porsche.

[@CrAzZyTheCodingBoss]

Just don’t rev it past 5k for too long

[@michaelmay9728]

Me as well, was the 1st car I seen on your Channel. Been watching you for years

[@Chris-hw4mq]

@@CrAzZyTheCodingBoss he should sell it before it starts smoking again

[@grabsme]

That escalade is bad ass

[@joshflynn2173]

it seriously is. ill love to own one

[@tonygSDWR]

I enjoy these videos and appreciate the time it takes to resolve some of the issues. I'd like to see more completed videos of projects from start to finish. I'm always wondering what happened to this car or that car, and after a while I wonder if you'll ever follow up on them? I know it's difficult to manage so many projects, but I have a short attention span ;-)

[@br549rdr]

Always enjoy your videos. You have a very entertaining way of explaining everything.

[@johnbroski1993]

Aaaaaaand it looks like we have given up on the viper. 😂

[@kbgp4826]

Thanks for the update and I have To say you have a nice collection of cars...I can't wait for the content on that R8

[@Bombough]

So good to see you with a proper lift after the sketchy axle stand videos on the Aston.

[@tollefreyerson6710]

Great update video Sam!! Your content is as always a perfect mix!! Thank you Sam!!

[@ThatBobGuy850]

This is hands-down, the *best* automotive channel on YT (sorry Hoovie). Sam, you always put out the best-produced videos. Glad the Porsche engine is holding up. We often overlook things like production values in these types of channels, but these are really great. Makes watching them so much better. Keep up the great work, Sam!

[@bradarthur3603]

Awesome video Sam!!! Love the update stories. Also would love to see your repairs/tear downs on the R8 and 612

[@SH-ONE]

More videos on the R8 please Sam. Been waiting to see more videos on this car.

[@markrussellfilaroski5035]

Dude, you're amazing! I can write code and build tech startups but I can barely recognize a part under the hood. (insane I know) I love buying used cars but I always worry as I feel like I'm getting scammed. Thanks for shining a light for all of us.

[@YogisGarage]

Great update Sam! Glad to see you still have that R8. I remember the work you put into getting the frame straightened out. Also please to see that 997 running after you plugged the cracked head. I think a dyno trip may be a good idea. I'd hate to see that 911 break down on a drag strip. Too embarrassing.

[@jpshowpro8408]

I’d like to see one after another finished and placed in your storage as show pieces. Crossing each one off the list:). Keep up the great work pal

[@skeelo69]

Bendpak life is a good life, thanks Sam for taking our advice.

[@Jgrace-hu6xn]

Alex did a Awesome job on the Alpena Definitely looking forward to the first on the escalade

[@cfurner]

Sam, thanks for showing that Topdon diagnostic computer. I picked one up, already saved myself a ton of money plus correctly diagnosed an issue that the shop couldn't figure out.

[@Samcrac]

It's slick and now it costs like $60 more then when I put it in the video!!!

[@olivers.6420]

Great video Sam, all updates are always interesting!

[@Blue_Flame_Raptor]

Next episode: the head gasket blew

[@FaZe_gay]

sums up his channel

[@TAKIZAWAYAMASHITA]

shouldnt happen that using a good ls engine they are usually very reliable which is why escalades tahoes denalis/yukons always cost 10k+ it can be a 1990 year model and it still goes for minimum 10k with over 100kmiles those types of trucks are like toyoytas they always maintain value

[@RanaBanana92]

I love the update videos Sam

[@RenatoHideki]

woohoo!! I knew you were going to give a heads up about the mustang!! I'm so excited about this one! You got to do a give away with this! And yes! Please do a new video about the R8! I found you because of your R8 a couple years ago!

[@ashishpatel350]

Damn same that's a lot of blowing. Seems like you have had some practice 😂 But seriously that's amazing that sealer worked ... I guess for how long ... But it beats a rebuild

[@janbauer752]

He seemed to having way to much fun blowing on that tube. 😬

[@mikedemarchelier9090]

It was disturbing to say the least! Thank goodness there was no tongue action included in this little “presentation”! Controversy and pushing the envelope are good ways to drum up views! Well done! It was cringey at first, and then I realized what you were doing! What are you gonna do next? Crawl under a car in a Speedo 2 sizes too small? LOL! Seriously, please don’t!! Just don’t! 😱😱

[@richarddeutsch9984]

He could have broken the internet had he let his step mom blow that tube lol

[@HighRidgeHandyman]

SWEET LIFT BRO. Long time coming!!👍🏻

[@doodles113]

A nice crossover with two of my favorite channels with a great result with the Alpina! (Nice Escalade!)

[@tonybrinson564]

Always wanted to buy a theft recovery, never seem to find just the right car or in the right timing with life . Love to see what you come up with next .

[@genghischuan4886]

In answer to you questions yes, all of the content for each time you asked just yes. I enjoy it all!

[@yourgarage]

Sam I would like to see you finish more of these cars and actually sell them to enthusiasts of the channel as I dont think you are out to make money on these cars as you are holding too long... it would be good to see them passed onto people to enjoy them, and then maybe even do follow up video's on how people have enjoyed these cars.

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

Ayyyyy sam crac is back

[@grigiocrono5966]

I want to see every repair you make! I wait every day for a post from you!

[@Salt.Water911]

Sam that’s gonna turn to a meme..🤣🤣🤣 The block tester part with you blowing into it..

[@Minto107]

Can’t wait to see R8 video! R8 build was one of my very first series I’ve seen on your channel so it’s actually going to be nice to see it again

[@rafaeltorovip]

Nice to see two of my favorite KZbinrs in the same video. Nice content. 👍. Do not give negative criticism too much importance.

[@YvanDupuy]

A nice mix of all current samcrac's running projects👍

[@Georges3DPrinters]

The only thing I would recommend after doing a fix like that flush your coolant system so that your coolant ports don't start getting sealed up in your radiator and other small ports.

[@robertclark3921]

Are you F!@#$$ing with me!!!!! Yes we want to see the R8 project! Step by Step please.. And keep that F@#$ing car dude!

[@MxDxHx]

I always love updates with some past wrenching. I love to see a vehicle go from crap to a win 1st then todays show 2nd and then 6th out at the auction cites. peace

[@billybeyer3913]

Awesome update Sam love the euro cars show the R8 fix and do another gti haha great stuff from Ft Myers Florida

[@scottrk4930]

Excellent stuff Sam ! All we want is more Videos . LOL . Thanks . /SRK

[@buzzanderson6217]

Thanks for the video we are big fans of yours!

[@samfinkelstein5841]

The only guy I know that needs a shave by the end of his videos.

[@omeromer1509]

Samrac keep the good work dude you are the best

[@PaddyBoy644]

02:55 nice looking freshly painted mustang in the back ground there Sam!

[@michaelstudio9368]

Great video, Sam! Talking about all the cars you are working on... any chance we'll see the viper again? or is it all gone?

[@Gedalneil]

Shows how important knowledge and relationships are. Sam, you are becoming very efficient and impactful

[@vancogocevski767]

Well done with the Porsche Sam :)

[@neipas02]

Lol as soon as you pushed the clutch down on the Audi, Ad starts: “Oh oh oh O’Reilly!”. I died laughing.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Cam / crank implausible could just be a bad cam / crank sensor. It could also be the cam no longer lines up with the crank and that will be an issue. Here's hoping it's just a sensor issue!

[@WildDigger]

Great updates. Yes do the R8 clutch video. 👍

[@shifter8207]

Love to see the R8 clutch job

[@Recklessness97]

Upside has really been on their advertisement campaign. Sponsored nearly all the big car KZbinrs and aviation KZbinrs I watched this month.

[@organiccold]

Thank you for the update Sam, and go to fix the BMW with Alex, will be a cool video

[@Olandotv]

Great looking Escalade

[@miceinoz1181]

Interesting Sam. I wonder how long the Porsche engine fix will last though? Good update. It will take you a long time to get over the lift and its versatility. When I got mine I could not get over how I did not get one much earlier, they are fantastic, especially useful when dropping out engines/trans with the frame. Unbolt every thing, four or five decent jackstands placed at the sensible places, and raise the car up and away. Easy peasy.

[@clairebear5029]

That's awesome about the test fluid. I never knew that you could reuse it like that.

[@UnCoolDad]

Hooray you got a lift. About time!

[@JollyRoger1969]

Gotta finish the mustang , its so close. Great videos as always Samcrac.

[@aldcas4709]

Do the R8! Love that car! Keep up with the great content Sam!

[@garethedwards2883]

Good for you Sam as some people need to get out more.

[@badopsec]

Really looking to make my first missing/altered vin car, appreciate the video!

[@Samcrac]

Glad I could help!

[@CHECKHIMOUT]

Hey Sam, Please do a R8 video. Its what brought me to your channel originally and quite frankly is what i miss from your channel…in-depth repair videos. luv your work!

[@newtcrew]

I love that code reader - easiest one I've ever used. Bought one on your advice just before Prime Day. Unfortunately it nailed the failed CVT (judder code) on my Nissan Maxima $$$$

[@MrStevie57]

How about a video where you buy a cheap race horse at the auctions,fix it and try to win the Kentucky Derby.

[@Samcrac]

I kinda love this idea.

[@charlie1832]

@@Samcrac name it the ‘Crac Attack’

[@nicholasvinen]

Is "fixing" a horse like "fixing" a cat or dog? If so, I really don't want to watch Sam doing it.

[@glassvial]

There's only one problem, the horse would never finish! 🤣

[@windronner1]

Alex knocked it out of the park on the Alpina. Am dying to see what profit it sells for. 👍

[@sugs1258]

The BMW B7 is stunning and yes please do a video of the R8….btw what happened the Bentley?

[@vladsly]

I had an Audi S5 (4.2 V8, 6spd manual) that had the exact same issue, no leak, just showed a brake light and pedal went to the floor. I changed both the master cylinder and slave cylinder and it fixed the issue, hopefully that helps keep you from pulling the trans!

[@derekga6973]

Ohh to have that much space to just buy cars I’m envious, love the videos

[@craigroberts3732]

Sam, I’ll gladly help you with the Porsche. Just lend it to me for a few days so I can go explore Florida and put some more mileage on it. That way we can really prove if it’s solve the issue.

[@robertmorin1454]

Love to see the R 8 get fixed up!🇨🇦👍

[@UncleRico371]

WHEN SAM CRAC PUTS HIS SHADES ON AND BLOCKS OUT THE HATERS 😎🤣😂 TAKE THAT GUY OUT THERE ON THE INTERNET 🤣

[@councilleeiii8903]

Man always finding the best vehicles

[@adambuttner8792]

Check the connection right behind the harmonic balancer. They’re known to get corrosion build up and that’s where the cam sensor wiring goes through.

[@Samcrac]

Would that cause this type of code? P0016 isn't sensor specific although it could be potentially sensor related?

[@adambuttner8792]

No it’s not sensor specific but if the corrosion is causing a funny signal making the vehicle think it’s out of time it will trip a correlation code. I’ve also seen them where I had the replace the timing chains and oil pump (oil pump just for good measure as they’re problematic also) and it’s a simple job. Just pull the oil pan then the a/c compressor then the water pump housing and timing cover and you can get to everything you need too. But I’ve never seen one with this low of mileage have the timing chain issues.

[@robb1165]

@@adambuttner8792 I was going to mention to also check the oil level.

[@enochpowellslibrarian5595]

@Samcrac Hey Sam, what's happened to Zac over at Ultimate Rebuilds ? He hasn't released a video in over 3 months now, is he ok ?

[@gingionejuice3902]

That Alpina B7 is bad ass! I would keep it 🔥👌🏼

[@brucephillips7165]

Yes id love to see the audi clutch job. Love your work

[@htownblue11]

That gasket sealer is working insanely good. Still can’t believe it. Lots of fun projects lately.

[@Travisthegamer22]

Love the videos can't wait to see the next one 🕜😂🕜😂

[@t.robinson4774]

Loving the colour of that Mustang!

[@tyronepearce4433]

Wanna see it all, love the videos

[@B0xlife1]

I don't know what it is,but I love escalades too! There's just something about the bulk and interior that just makes you want to own and drive one daily regardless of the gas lol

[@davebarron5939]

I had a hunch K Seal would work, and obviously even the off brand stuff worked as well. LOL

[@GS-xv5zh]

Another great video sam👍 do the R8 video 👍

[@TheMichaelfoster05]

Bloody great mate

[@jayacourt8282]

Would like to see more on the R8 and getting the clutch fixed, would be good to see more if it in the channel 👌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@HC-qw3gj]

Another great video. I’m waiting for another viper video. Does it run or did you send it over to the owner to finish or part out. Thanks

[@javidgunraj1500]

Love seeing all the cars

[@reviinge]

Any updates on the Viper yet ?