4 Reasons Why I Left Hot Wheels and Moved into Collector Grade!

[@modelcarshouston]

Let me know what you guys think about my reasons. What is your reason for staying or leaving?

[@christiannakamura1187]

I've been leaving Hot Wheels slowly too. I used to grab one of every licensed car I saw. Now I only get what I like. That includes a few HW and Matchbox, but also MiniGT, Tarmac, Auto World, etc. The biggest reason for me was scale. Higher-quality, more detailed models are most often closer to true 1/64 scale. I want to put an '83 Silverado next to a Miata and see the crazy lifelike size difference, and you don't get that with Hot Wheels.

[@kimberlyhoward7486]

I don’t collect, but whenever I see a cute hot wheel you best believe that’s coming home!

[@JohnnyPerth]

Good points. A lot of the collecting crowd are only in it to make money.

[@miked5908]

What if someone could start grading hot wheels like football cards,do u think that would be a good idea??

[@markamd1]

I personally collect 1:18 scale Diecast collectible German models. These China made Junk toys are, well.... just Junk.

[@19Newby81]

When I buy a model the thought or resale or flipping doesn't even come into my mind. I buy them because I want them. Scalpers are just taking advantage or collectors.

[@modelcarshouston]

Exactly!!!!!!!

[@19Newby81]

@@modelcarshouston I work a real job everyday, I don't have time to run around to all these stores and buy hit wheels everyday. There's a lot of hot wheels I want but will never see them because of scalpers. I'm not paying $5-$30 for a hot wheels when I can get Inno, Hobby Japan and Tarmac Works for that price

[@user-qu9vu9bl3f]

Exactly man@@19Newby81

[@user-qu9vu9bl3f]

Well said

[@markamd1]

@@19Newby81 what is your real job? lol

[@BeatThat2007]

I’ll never leave Hot Wheels as a hobby. Because Hot Wheels has always been a staple to my entire life as a kid and an adult. It’s one of my favorite passions of all time! I love how they produce both realistic AND fantasy models and how they used make crazy, wild, and cool graphics on the cars as well. I also love the color combos that they do to the majority of their cars. I love Hot Wheels!

[@modelcarshouston]

I've grown out of it and would like to relish in some of the finer offerings that more fit my taste.

[@JohnWickOG]

Agreed, I do find increased interest in the RLC & Elite 64, but ill never leave HW and im carefree about it.

[@pingguererro4524]

ur cheap

[@victors_art3002]

I’m a 1/64 scale Die-cast photographer that works with realistic practical effects. My collection is small but expensive at the most. I’m always after premium high grade models because the attention to details adds a more depth to my photography. I’m not into hot wheels as I used to be but some times they do come out with some fantastic models like the Nissan 1969 c10 wagon 🤌🏻✨ and the 72 Mercedes Benz 280 SEL. These two premium hot wheels have incredible detail for a quarter of the price compared to high quality models.

[@modelcarshouston]

You should try some photoshoots with the latest 1/64 resin casts. Those are insane.

[@jameshawkins809]

Do you not like any of their RLC line?

[@rubenowitzv.3135]

I am all about details!.. I modify a majority of 1/64 scale into my slot car team.. AFX & Tyco 440 X2 Chassis ✨👍🏻

[@SilviaTreasures]

I’ve been debating on quitting hot wheels for some time now then I ran into this video lol. Honestly it’s just really stressful trying to find the cars I want on the pegs, it kinda takes the fun away from me. I’ve been collecting tomica for about 3 years now and I love how much easier and fun it is to collect these models!

[@modelcarshouston]

Haha, man you ain't lying. I don't why people put themselves through such torture sometimes!

[@Pandae8]

Where can I buy Tomicas?

[@SilviaTreasures]

@@Pandae8 modelcarshouston has the premium tomica line for sale on his website. Not sure about the basics tomicas but I’d just stick to the TLV/N line anyways

[@xrbitzz]

look into tarmac works and inno64!

[@L.Rajakumar]

I've been collecting only about 5 months ago and I started with 1:32 and 1:24 diecasts which were quite affordable and worthy to buy in my country (Malaysia). About 1 month ago I bought Honda Civic SI from Hotwheels and thought hey maybe I should collect hotwheels, they're smaller and easy to keep. But then only after joining the collectors community and surveying prices and hunting for the cars, I realized all the bad side of it. For me, mainly, same reason as yours, scalpers and detailing. People here would go into any convenience stores, and buy the whole stock of hotwheels there and then take pictures of them to show off in the Facebook group. And everyone is so cool with that, when a new collector suggests these people to not buy everything in mass and request them to leave at least some for others, the new collectors will be trolled and attacked. It is such a toxic community. The retail price of a mainline hotwheels in Malaysia is RM7.90 -RM9.90, but these greedy people will buy all the stock and sell them double the price. As I said before, my first ever diecast was 1:32 scale Skyline GT-R, it costed me about RM25, it's not that of famous brand however it has all the details on point. Meanwhile, a Hotwheel Skyline GT-R which doesn't even has headlights details or side mirrors, go for RM30-40. Thus making me feel Hotwheels are overpriced and the market is constantly being manipulated by the pioneer collectors community who has all the dirty tricks up their sleeves.

[@modelcarshouston]

Yeah man, I just hope that the collector grade community doesn't fall into the same pitfall.

[@imranshamsulrahman6812]

I'm from Malaysia too and I feel you bro. I stop collecting hot wheels this year and move to the premium brands. I never regret about that. I would rather not to join the hype.

[@zwankhairi5105]

I do agree with you. But in any hobbies scalper is something that we can't avoid, cause there is supply & demand. I just started collecting diecast again this year, starting with mainline then went to premium. Even mainline real car is close to impossible to get as some scalpers even paying staff of some supermarket & stores to keep for themselves. One way i did was buying in lot, buy in auctions, & buy from individual rather than stores. It can be much affordable as you can get bargain price for it. Plan your purchase & don't overspend. It can easily get out of hand as there's so much people selling their collection in this economic condition.

[@philbuell6657]

Scalpers suck!

[@aulivn4jc]

I started collecting with hot wheels but left very early after discovering other brands such as mini gt and inno64. The detail on these are so much better and worth my money.

[@ThanhLai5]

I'm still into Hot Wheels premium but for the mainline Hot Wheels, I've started buying them much less often. The reason is that there are so many collector grade brands nowadays and they're doing very good job with their designs. While I'm still into Hot Wheels premium, it's always a big NO to scalpers and huge premium in resell price (I live outside the U.S).

[@TomStatzer]

I only collect the Premium and RLC Hot Wheels now. I also love my Mini GT and Inno64 models.

[@modelcarshouston]

There we go!!!!!

[@alexandrebrard]

I feel what collecting hot wheels/matchbox enticing, is it’s low cost, a descent quality and the treasure hunting. It’s also a game, an entertainment.

[@imranshamsulrahman6812]

Hei there I'm from Malaysia. I always wondered how's the hot wheels lifestyle in other country. It seems to be the same as in Malaysia. The reselling going on here really makes me feel like I can't go any further with hot wheels. This year I stop collecting hot wheels and start collecting Inno64, Mini GT, Tarmac Works and Street Weapon. The reason for that is because of details for sure. Then I can get something very exclusive with better details but at a very cheaper price than those scalpers selling exclusive hot wheels with way more expensive price. And I do also like the lifestyle I mean like you don't have to compete with other people on who's having the best collection or who's having the rarest models or expensive ones. It is just a hobby that you just want to enjoy doing it. Passion is more important. This hobby is more than just knowing the reselling price.

[@eefm99]

I left Hot Wheels mainly because pricing. In my country they are $1.75 which is almost double of what it should cost, if that wasn't enough, scalpers take everything even before they get to the shelves, and resale prices start from $2 all the way up to $5 for just a basic car. That's a lot of money for something that sometimes doesn't even have headlights or taillights. Because of this, I started to buy Hot Wheels Premium, but the problem was still there, they started to get pricier, from $4 USD they went up to $6.50, scalpers take them and the resale price goes up to $8 to even $14 USD. I just couldn't keep up. Then I discovered MINI GT, for the price of a HW Premium I could get 5x better quality in every aspect. And that's where I left, I don't regret it un terms of quality/price, but still the price is high.

[@modelcarshouston]

That is insane. Hopefully things settle and get more reasonable.

[@isaacmm1407]

Hey I fully understand you. These other brands with more realistic details are superb when compared r To even the majority of premium lines of HW. Sadly in my country we have the.same syndrome where scalpers are just out of control plus prices for a regular HW are inflated 100% or even more depending on the store you go.

[@eefm99]

@@isaacmm1407 That's probably because we may be talking about the same country. México?

[@isaacmm1407]

@@eefm99 Hey, I am in Costa Rica here we have the same issues... saludos desde un poco mas al sur!!!

[@jameshawkins809]

I won't leave! The RLC lineup is getting better and better. The have the Elite 64 line now to try and get even more detail. Hotwheels is recognizing the change in the market and they are getting on it. Also, the fast and furious contract is the best. Love seeing the movie cars and then going to buy them! Iconic cars!

[@isaacmm1407]

Personally I started recently with the HW hobbie, it is fun, but soon I found that details are not at my own standards in the majority of cases, scalpers... they are the worst. I want to continue with 1/64 scaled cars but I am moving into more specialised brands or premium lines of HW. Love seen movable parts, engines, car interiors etc. Price range as well is affordable at this scale as instead going into a larger scale may implicated budgeting issues plus too much space (had this problem with LEGO) I agree at a high level with your reasoning it all makes sense indeed; as adults we like something more complex and detailed but some factors are also to take into account in my case.

[@modelcarshouston]

Absolutely agree!!!

[@7thave.diecast945]

I agree with your reasoning. This is a hobby that people can enjoy for so many different reasons. For me I’m enjoying racing the cars along with doing wheel swapping. Bottom line is enjoying the options

[@chrisvanrooyen8982]

I stopped collecting Hotwheels because of sculptors. I remember a Toys R Us had a promotion, if you buy 5 Hotwheels you could get some kind of rare Ford for free. So, I went, selected 5 cars, went to the counter and they were out of stock and the reason...because grown men complained and argued with the store manager that if they buy 10 or 15 cars they should be allowed to get that amount of rare cars respectively. Then they flip those cars on Facebook or wherever which is so selfish.

[@nissan3609]

Was never of fan of hot wheels premium cars costing as much as a mini GT and tarmac works global64 cars. Especially when the only special thing about premium hot wheels are that it’s just the base $1 car but with rubber tires and more paint

[@eefm99]

$1 casting, metal base, rubber tires (which is the most expensive part), and details that basic cars don't have. But yes, pretty much the same. Even RLC use the same casting.

[@L.Rajakumar]

And they even sell the rubber tires, wheels and axles online now. All you need is a drill and you can make your basic car into a premium one. Which is insane.

[@modelcarshouston]

Absolutely!

[@Mijack1]

@@L.Rajakumar You do know there are people that customize diecast cars, right?

[@Blitz0065]

The details!!! I love the extra details, especially 1/18...especially ESPECIALLY higher quality wheels, brakes and paint details. Plus the other benefits

[@modelcarshouston]

Man you ain't lying!! The stuff that is coming out is so amazing.

[@raimundas_p]

Reason 2 & 4 the most important!

[@modelcarshouston]

Absolutely!

[@відКарпатдоКавказу]

Everyone has their own preferences in collecting. I, for instance, always loved Hot Wheels much more for their fantasy castings than the real ones. Their Krasy 8s and Whatta Drags, their MS-T Suzukas and 40 Somethings, their Dimaccini Veloces and Limited Grips to name some newer ones. There is so much variety to them, that none of the other brands (especially the "collector grade" ones) cannot replace Hot Wheels in that regard. To me and to many other people, these were Hot Wheels: they weren't cheaply made (like a lot of them nowadays), a lot of these castings got premium versions as well back in the day, and as real cars were rarer (especially the non-US ones), obtaining them felt more special - but also they felt more like Hot Wheels (just look at the 2001 release of Ford Focus with bosozoku-esque bodykit). Today, however, Hot Wheels focuses on real cars, and "retools" a lot of fantasy castings, using them as a cheap filler to keep the costs of all models down (hence the modern hate of fantasy castings). And in theory, it isn't necessarily bad: mainline Hot Wheels would be great for those who are on a tight budget and what something quirkier than Matchbox (which are more detailed for the same price, but are mostly stock cars with some generics thrown in-between). However, the scalpers and hype around certain models ruined it for me. I absolutely cannot accept or attempt to understand how say a basic Supra MK4 or any Skyline is resold two or more times the price of most other basic Hot Wheels model released the same year. It's not special by any means, it's not rare like, say, a real stock Supra MK4 - it's just a cheap toy model of that Supra. From my knowledge, it doesn't happen in any other toy car brand. If a casting becomes a chace piece - it's usually because of special tooling, like the Rose Gold Majorettes, and even then they don't cost a fortune - maybe 1.5 times the price of usual cars, but that's it! Hell, sometimes a basic HW Supra from mid 2010s is more expensive than a Matchbox one from the 90s! Or the same price as a premium Supra from Tomica or Jada! Not to mention that in my country (Ukraine) and most of the other European countries as well Hot Wheels are not $1 as they're supposed to be. They're almost $3 due to the fact that they're imports. Majorettes and Sikus on the other hand are $6-7. It's cool to find a HW Bugatti on the pegs, but there's rarely any - they're bought out by scalpers and sold for twice or thrice the price. And when I have a choice between ordering a basic HW Chiron and a Majorette Deluxe Chiron with rubber tires, multiple opening features, suspension and a box or a collector card - why would I buy a HW, when their price is the same? What's interesting is that the packaged old Hot Wheels are quite widely available here in resell, and they rarely cost more than the new ones on the pegs - sometimes they're even sold cheaper! The same goes for the old premium lines like Hot Wheels 100%, which are, in my opinion, the best line Hot Wheels produced in terms of quality and price. So whenever I want to expand my collection, but don't have money to buy the "collector grade" cars, I usually just go with old HW for hot rods, fictional and custom cars, and with Majorette or Siku for the real cars. The only exceptions are those rare occasions when I actually find anything interesting on the Hot Wheels pegs.

[@BRANDON_MILLER]

For me the reason I stand with hot wheels is because of the accessibility, they are literally EVERYWHERE, and there’s so many to collect I don’t even think it’s possible to own all of them, also the variety and the funds Mattel has hot wheels is never afraid to try something new and wacky hell even some stuff I don’t even like (skateboards) but the fact they are willing to let their creativity flow in every aspect of the company is amazing and my last reason is that hot wheels is owned by the biggest toy company in the whole world so I have no fear for the longevity of the hobby/ running out of thing to collect.

[@DIECASTMANU]

I also decided to collect Tarmac, inno64, mini gt because they are simply better in detail. Hot Wheels has gotten really boring for me

[@modelcarshouston]

1000%

[@dc64show5]

Tarmac, inno64, mini gt are not a dollar car.

[@CarRacer2020]

RLC is pretty nice

[@southpaw.5129]

As a customizer I will never leave the $1 price point cars 🔥

[@modelcarshouston]

Definitely an advantage for customizers.

[@southpaw.5129]

@@modelcarshouston that said I do still be buying inno64, tarmacs, and others cause they are fire. I wouldn’t ever pay for an RLC or premium that costs more than the other brands. With hotwheels it’s just $$1-6 cars for customs

[@mikespiegel_]

One of the biggest pet peeves I have with Hot Wheels it's the scale inaccuracy. Even in Premium lines and RLC exclusives, only some castings are actually 1/64.

[@modelcarshouston]

Exactly!!!

[@tsstarlin]

I’m fairly new to collecting but I’ve got rid of all of my mainlines and TH. I now only collect certain premiums, RLC’s, Tarmac Works, and Mini GT Kaido House.

[@modelcarshouston]

To me, this make sense as an evolutionary collector.

[@tsstarlin]

@@modelcarshouston I’ve been purging everything. Most of the stores around me have employees that grab almost everything before it hits the shelf. It’s still something my daughter and I do. Next on the list will be getting rid of some of my premiums. My latest edition is a Kaido BLKLTD.

[@TinkerPrepper]

I totally agree with your views!

[@modelcarshouston]

Thank you

[@bryancaray6190]

hi i was transitioning from Art toys and moving to diecast what are the brands that has the best quality

[@modelcarshouston]

Welcome to the club.

[@PichKhun]

I collect what’s interesting to me. I’ve got few high-end collection and a lot of hotwheels. When I was a little boy, Hotwheels and Matchbox were the ones that brought me into cars, so I’m going to stop collecting them, because it’s a nostalgic feelings for me, whenever I hold one in my hand. Back then I used to play with them, but now I collect and view them as beauty of what they are. Furthermore, it’s even more enjoying, when I got into modifying hotwheels cars as well. Something a bit different from other high-end collection can offer. Similar to Jesse said something about a machine that makes him feels peace, these model cars also have the same effect to me.

[@edgarpena1836]

I do have a question, what is your opinion on the brand Inno?

[@luishernandez-xd4tx]

Where can I get the Evo at 1:26?

[@daniellodato1284]

The scale . I’m a customizer and its hard to find a true 1/64.

[@modelcarshouston]

That's a good one!

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

I buy Hot Wheels as toys, or to customize. I buy the higher end stuff when I want an accurate model. What bugs me is how some lines (Tomica Premium, Greenlight, that new Hot Wheels premium line, etc) end up straddling the line between them, but sitting closer to toys than their price point should allow. I don't expect everything to be on par with TLVN or Inno, but it would be nice to see true 1:64 castings if the car costs more than a Hot Wheels with rubber wheels.

[@jakfuki]

I’d rather spend 40 bucks on one cool, highly detailed car than to spend 40 on 40 Hot Wheels.

[@modelcarshouston]

This!!!!

[@Sebastian-M]

Haven't really quit HW, it's just that my local stores take a while to restock. Made me lose interest and shift over to motorsport diecasts

[@modelcarshouston]

Dang those people that take advantage!!!!

[@keshavhotwheelscollection]

I'm also thinking of quitting to buy hot wheels mainlines now and focus on Mini GT and Auto World. But What about Hot Wheels Premium they are still worth the money right?

[@jctoyscollectibles8646]

Do you have Timothy & Pierre and ScaleMini diecast?

[@modelcarshouston]

These I do not carry.

[@hundleyshobbies]

I agree and started my own channel more towards collector status, I got my RLC membership. Mainly, the $TH have lost RR tires, and I have grown up

[@tredeep]

The only HW ill pick up these days are the higher end all metal ones. Recently i started building dioramas and the better detailed 1/64 cars from HW or other brands appealed to me more as i got older...

[@TATTOUhmong]

Why everything is sold out on the website

[@modelcarshouston]

Because this hobby is not mass produced. Once released, they get discontinued once the production pieces are gone.

[@JPCollectables]

I never "collected" hot wheels but I used to pick up the japan imports whenever I seen them.. Around christmas my local wallmart equivalent had HUGE bins of hotwheels.. I started looking through but not finding anything I liked and a member of staff walked over and suggested I grab a trolley (shopping kart) and effectively, use it to dump unwanted cars in so I could " Make room and get to the bottom , like the guy that was just in there did".. I laughed , thanked her for saving my time and walked out. Ive seen him there before taking anything and everything of what I would assume is value. Mf looked like golem with all 7 rings in his hand. "my precioussssss" Also seen some kids that had a friend that worked in the same store that would put cars aside for them when he was stocking shelves.. Haven't bought a hotwheels since.

[@Paulthediecastguy]

I still love hot wheels. I have Been a fan since I was a kid in the early seventies. I got rid of most of my hot wheels. The reason I don't collect much hot wheels any more is the scalping of diecast. The price are going through the roof. Basically there selling a premium or RLC that cost either 6 buck or up to 25 bucks and turning around and sell for 120 bucks. I rather spend my money on mini gt, Tarmac or any high end premium models. I also make a distinction hot wheels and Matchbox I call diecast and Mini gt, Tarmac or other I call models or collector models. I've have really left hot wheels unless there is something that really catches my I. Thank you for this video.

[@Skizzo321]

I collect HWs when I can, but my passion is normally for years are Fantasy, yet realistic, models. Things like Rivited, Fast Fish, Torque Twister, Drift Rod, the Gov'ner, Torque Screw...etc. Anything looks that it could be a production car, but not licenensed, are my favorite mainlines to collect. Even if the wheels are orange, I don't like the model line (AKA X-Racers or Art Cars) Still try to snag my favorites.

[@bearabletable7527]

Scalpers are everywhere, kinda sad. thats why my motto for hot wheels right now is if i find good stuff, GREAT! If i dont (75% of time lol :( ) , thats fine. not gonna lose sleep over it lmao. money saved for MINI GT, Tarmac, Inno64, Time Micro, ERA CAR, pARA64, BM creations...etc so many great brands out there.

[@pnuhn1]

I used to buy HW every month. Now a few every few months and getting less each year. And even those I do pickup are the premiums not mainline.

[@modelcarshouston]

Leave the mainlines for the kiddos.

[@Trifecta34]

This is valid and fair criticism. To be honest I have collected a lot of different brands as of late but I tend to lean HW because as some have mentioned previously, it was such a big part of my childhood. Though I cannot overlook some of the great things going on in the collector-grade world so I mix it up a lot because some of the non-HW 1:64 stuff is so so so sick! The 1:64 market is in a really good place currently with a lot of great options.

[@philbuell6657]

I don't buy anything for resale and everything gets cracked open as soon as I get it. I only collect certain castings in Hot Wheel anymore and the occasional really nice castings. I collect castings from a small handful of other higher end manufacturers like INNO, MiniGT, Stance hunters. Scalpers ruined collecting for most. And the fact that he scale between the manufacturers are so different, what company is true 1/64 scale? As an example, take a 510 wagon hot wheel and the 510 wagon from Tarmac, set them next to each other. The Tarmac you can almost put inside the hot wheel model. My question I'd like answered is, which model manufacturer is actually produced in true 1/64 scale?

[@Mega-G-Star]

True 1/64 = AutoWorld (Brand) they are also made in OEM colours.

[@speelshare]

Great video! I still get HW because they're still cheap at the end of the day and the scalper culture isn't as bad where I am as others have shared with me - however, it is annoying when some models aren't even in the boxes, or when kids rip open the blister and steal it. I like HW because of their range of vehicles, a few select fantasy castings are pretty cool too. They do great pop culture tie ins (Batman, Halo, Marvel etc) and have a cool style / attitude in their castings. I've reviewed INNO, Mini GT and Tomytec and their level of detail is ridiculously impressive. They are next few levels above but they have their own niches e.g. JDM, Hypercars etc which doesn't represent all of what I collect. I have taken HW collecting less seriously as it's not worth it and I find Tomica much easier to obtain. Majorette do good castings at a slightly higher price point, but I find their stances too high.

[@modelcarshouston]

Absolutely, both have their place in the collectors market.

[@BunnySconce]

I have a HW '41 Willys in blue with flames. No head or taillight tampos and it has a plastic base. For less than $1 it is the perfect car for me. But I get more Greenlight online because stores are always picked over for HW.

[@HonestDiecast]

Love this video, nailed it on the head all the way across! 😉👍

[@modelcarshouston]

Thank you boss!

[@OldTechMemories.mp3]

I actually started with Matchbox and I still collect some of those cars but now I focus on Hot Wheels redlines for the history and play value because I also like tracks. But I respect collector grade cars like autoworld and greenlight.

[@adame849]

neither of those are collector grade lol

[@yankeedogg2212]

I’ve not left Hot Wheels collecting but I’ve reigned it in a lot. I don’t spend the time or the money that I use to on them. I will still check them out in the store and if something catches my fancy I pick it up. If not, I’m not bothered by it…

[@furyofgungnir]

Please Bash Mattel all you want. They should fix the many issues that exist instead of spending 100s of millions in covering up their cribs of death they sell to the Asian market. The website issues have no excuse for their $5.5billion a year revenue. Especially since they've combined all of their brands into one terrible website. They finally hired one, ONE, new community manager when more are needed. There needs to be employee only moderators who's job is to maintain the forums and provide an overall better experience for old and new users alike. The supply issues, the poor quality control for rlc, and the hurdles castings have to go through to become a sellable item are all deterrents for Hot Wheels I feel. They need to improve their wheel line up, but Mattel does not want to spend the money on making new real riders. We finally get a new wheel and it is another plastic mainline. We need more real rider variety!!! Hot Wheels not being available to children because of supply issues and scalpers is appalling in itself. These are toys and should be available to children first and collectors last. Children are future collectors and they should enjoy the toys they may want to collect in their adulthood. The true adult collectable is for us, and we should all embrace the premium brands. If we support them more then their offerings expand. More money into the detailed brands that deserve it mean more opportunities for the American market to get what it craves. There is a missing opportunity in the US for diorama companies, mass 3d printing part companies, and highly detailed model companies because it is so much harder to break into this market. Where are the easily accessible American vendors making metal alloy wheels, 3d parts, and maybe being the American version of Tarmac Works, FuelMe, and PGM? I hate Johnny lightning, and autoworld isn't what I'd want from diecast companies. JL is terrible in my opinion. Poor quality castings, weird wheels, and too expensive for what they are. Okay I can go on and on about this haha. I've had terrible luck with too many of my RLC castings lately, and even more issues with the hunt. I've honestly moved further away from Mattel and thankfully I can buy many of the things I want off Modelcarshouston! Except that I missed out on an RWB garage by magic city🥺 the one diorama I must get 😪.

[@modelcarshouston]

Unfortunately, you have to sacrifice something when supplying to the masses!

[@machucast]

Lack of caring for their product is why I left HW's, compounded by lack of accuracy and attention to detail, mix in a toxic community full of scalpers and you have this, unhappy collectors with cars that do not look like they belong in the same world due to the large scale discrepancy. I'm keeping for the most part my 100% series HW's from the late 90's\2000's, as those are true scale 1/64 and HW's cared about quality and attention to detail back then.

[@modelcarshouston]

At the end of the day it is only $1. Hard to justify some of those with something that costs only $1.

[@machucast]

@@modelcarshouston I'd rather have that 1$ in my pocket than patronize mediocrity, but thats just me :). I still buy hotwheels for my kids though, so in a way they are still sucking me dry.

[@minthouse6338]

Hot Wheels is good for what you get for $1. I agree the premium line ain't worth it because the price point is close to MiniGT. That said, the super detail cars I have are 1/18 AUTOart, Kyosho, BBR, CMC, Minichamps and GMP. They're big, have a ton of detail and they're easily seen in the display cabinet.

[@Kurbcheck.Unlimited]

Mainly scalpers for me. If I'm paying over +$10 for a hot wheels mainline then I'd rather save a few extra dollars to get a collector grade diecast

[@xefilz]

Totally agree

[@modelcarshouston]

Absolutely!

[@PichKhun]

I collect what I love and what I can. Whether it's a Simpson car to Autoart or IG models. I must say they're all unique in each of their own. From a $2 car to $$$ cars, they're interesting to look at, and especially when we hold them and check them in our God's given hands.

[@rachmadsuhartono]

Just started collecting these 2 weeks ago and already prepared to leave hot wheels but they opened the door for me

[@modelcarshouston]

Haha leave while you can!

[@coilstrike]

i will always love hot wheels. Theres not a better feeling then walking into a store and finding skylines and supras for like only 2 bucks

[@modelcarshouston]

You mean empty pegs of Supras and Skylines? Haha

[@coilstrike]

@@modelcarshouston Very true, but thats what makes it more special.

[@AHDToys]

I guess it's time to step up to the big boy league 😅

[@modelcarshouston]

Lets goooooooo

[@gunnarvestlund2729]

I got tired of the hunt. 99% disappointment. I still collect some premium HW when they’re well executed. Moving over to Mini GT and above.

[@modelcarshouston]

Nice!

[@Makotosaber]

Scalpers are the main reason I don't buy hotwheels as much as I used to as they . I don't buy hotwheels main lines anymore but still sometimes buy the premium line if I really like the model which other brand don't make such as alfa romeo giulia, ford escort, or volvo. I need hotwheels for their unpopular models as most hobby grade brands only makes popular cars such as skylines, civic, or supra. Detail is the second reason I don't collect hotwheels as much. Scalpers made the price of hotwheels almost similar to colllector grade brands which made hotwheels version obsolete due to less detail but having similar price.

[@dannieturner9719]

I started collecting hot wheels and customizing them because at the age 76 l couldn't work on full size cars. Working on hot wheels l can sit in a chair in conditioned air. Much easier on my old body. 😊

[@sohchx]

I haven't left Hotwheels completely, but I have left the Mainlines. I now only collect their premiums as long as it is a casting of a vehicle that I like in the real world. All of my mainlines are now up for sale and my main emphasis is to now obtain all of the cars that I am getting rid of, but from higher end companies like Inno, MGT, Tarmac, etc. I would rather pay a few more dollars to have far better details, limited number pieces that aren't redone in 20 different colors, and I also enjoy not having to waste time, gas, and energy only to come home empty handed because the scalpers bought every one of the best castings. Ordering online is stress free and nearly zero work lol

[@artysta122]

I collected hot wheels :D about 3 months now i just love Inno64 :d. Yes hot wheels are for kids, hot wheels is low detail car, premium models are really crappy :(. RLC too.

[@IAmAnAdowablePanto2190]

Look, I know I love Hot Wheels when I was a young child, and to this day, but sometimes, when I am going to the store to get some Hot Wheels licensed cars, there are almost none, except the fantasy cars nobody wants ('cause c'mon, no one wants fantasy cars) and the licensed cars that I already have. I only like collecting licensed cars, because it's cool to have these licensed brands touched by your hands. Fantasy cars are for young children. So, I just look at the Matchbox section, and there's a little licensed cars, and the same fantasy cars. Don't you guys hate that? And after that, I wait for some time, and still, the shelves stay the same, and I keep waiting for some more time, until there's a licensed car(s) from Hot Wheels/Matchbox that I don't have in my car collection, and keep it. Don't you guys deal with that in the store, when one time you are in the mood for collecting Hot Wheels/Matchbox, and all the sudden, you see only lots of fantasy cars, and some licensed cars you already have in your die-cast cars collection?

[@thediecastle]

Agreed 👍 great video 🔥❤🔥🐈

[@modelcarshouston]

🔥

[@3diamonds524]

My Hot Wheels Premium collection is quite large, but I'm sick of the RLC pricing and unavailability of product on the shelves. I also can't stand the scalpers.

[@modelcarshouston]

Base stuff I'd get rid of asap, the higher end collectibles I would keep.

[@PetraJoao]

If you want to collect very detailed 1/64 cars, Hot Wheels is not the best choice. But, if you are not a collector? I like Hot Wheels cars, they are so cool, and I love to detail them to become even cooler 😎. Plus, they are cheap to buy. 😊

[@darrylnorthington304]

I haven’t fully left Hot Wheels. I don’t own any Treasure Hunts, but I do own some “100 %” collector sets and individual cars. The realism is far above that of their contemporary main line kin. Personally, I prefer more realistic cars versus the fantasy cars and have gravitated towards Johnny Lightning because of it. For example, I don’t like the golf tee steering wheels found on many Hot Wheels 1/64 products. Scale accuracy: is it there?! Somewhere and some day I’ll publish a more in-depth exploration of this topic. Meanwhile, will mention a few Hot Wheels products that I like for their effort to please the collector: “Torpedo Jones;” Ferrari 156; “Smoke and Water;” and the Jaguar 100% collector set. I applaud Mattel’s efforts and haven’t lost sight of the reality that there are limitations imposed by time, place, and expense.

[@coilstrike]

i just stopped collecting hot wheels because of scalpers. you can probably get a mini gt model or tarmac model for the same price

[@jameslenney]

Not really sure whether I agree with this. I recently spent about 15 bucks on a nice car for my son and was a bit disappointed that it now pulls hard to the left when he rolls it. But you get what you pay for with Hot Wheels and I've seen that some of the more high-end competitors still make theirs in China, which kinda negates your point about 'mass-production'. Basically, they all do it and I think it's good that Matel chooses to work in democracies for their nicer designs.

[@asymsolutions]

I've stayed with hotwheels because of the looks. I'll give you an example; your own store has an ad for a Tarmac Works 1:64 scale car model in it. The fender's look flat, the tires look small and it's like a starved version of an RX7. Now I know in reality Tarmac, much like Mini GT scales 1:1 as much as possible. But that doesn't translate well to such a small scale. Hot Wheels over exaggerates the wheels, fenders, and body lines to make up for that lack of translation. A hotwheels RX7 FD looks more like my buds FD. A Hot Wheels 944 Turbo looks more like my 944 S2 than the Kyosho model. Hell their Tacoma looks like how my 21 Tacoma lifted on fox 2.5 DSC's and 34's looks.

[@modelcarshouston]

Looking at pictures and having one in a hand are two different experiences.

[@addee51]

I have same thoughts that’s why I’m collecting resin models .. I’m not fan of hot wheels

[@modelcarshouston]

Yes!!!

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

Some of us can't afford to purchase a collector car every time we go hunting

[@modelcarshouston]

quality over quantity

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

I'm on disability, if I bought collector cars , I would only be able to get 1or 2 a month. I'll stick to Hot Wheels.

[@jorgedelgado3310]

The problem is the people who buy from scalpers or re sellers not the scalpers ,

[@javierherrera3693]

Hi, I not leaving HW because have nice castings on premium and RLC, and also good stuff on basics for a dollar, when you pay $21 for a tarmac and 2$ for a basic hot wheels you are paying $18 more for does details and the limited edition, but if you check RLC for $25 you get a lot more details than a basic HW but gess what, in 5 years probably the hot wheels will worth 10 times the original price and is more commercial and the other brands don't, scalpers are everywhere so is not a HW issue only, toys where made for kids from 70s to 90s, now children have iPads, so HW came to become a Collection item instead of a toy and yes there are thousands of HW but that's why they have RLC were you pay around $25 for a limited edition with better details, and maybe you will say limited to 25,000 yes sounds a lot but remember that are maybe 200,000 people traying to get them. I also have Tarmac, Inno, Minigt, Tetsuma, Para64, Matchbox, Majodette, Inspire Model, but remember you collect HW because for the brand, the different castings, the variety of lines and prices. I respect your opinion and I agree that other brands have better details , but HW not also is the top of mind brand also is something that will increase the value and that you can sell in the future .

[@modelcarshouston]

If someone's sole purpose is for resale value, they're not collecting for the right reasons.

[@javierherrera3693]

@@modelcarshouston I get what you are saying, but priorities change and unless you are going to build a museum you will end up selling at the end of your days

[@IF040020]

Show Mini GT and HW to any adult and see which one he chooses. Thats the future of 1/64 collecting. And Kids don’t have the same ammount of money to drop on HW. Therefor HW is a bad investment. It will take few years but HW will be phased out of collector’s shelf.

[@L.Rajakumar]

If the prices continues to rise like that, then then your only hope is to sell among collectors with same intention like you. Because soon, people who realise they can't be overspending on HW, will stop buying from re-sellers, that's where the fun will stop.

[@R26Roman]

@@IF040020 I would argue that Hw is not being collected for realism but for nostalgic factor. I collect some Hot Wheels but I don't see them as a model I see them as toys. Toys that represent nostalgic culture on little toy cars. When you take consideration that hot wheels are toys then that puts them in a different category and makes their value proposition a lot different. There are toy collectors of all sorts and that's where I believe Hot Wheels lands on and does a great job. Companies like tarmac works and inno64 are for true collectors who are not worried about value but more about the realism of owning such pieces of art that replicate what one wishes to obtain. It's true that some premium models do go up in value but not as much as Hot Wheels and it's all because ease of accessibility. Hot Wheels are everywhere but premium brands not so much. Yes they're both available online as far as special models but it is still not that accessible such as buying them on Amazon. The market could change years from now but as long as Hot Wheels stays relevant to culture they will still own the market.

[@KurbzGarage]

Thats why I collect vintage hot wheels

[@IF040020]

Ive never touched hot wheels after my first auto world and later mini gt.

[@modelcarshouston]

That's right!

[@angelmuyet2764]

Details 🔥🔥🔥

[@modelcarshouston]

Yes sir!!!!

[@sean7966]

I left Hot Wheels, which in my country cost $3, and rarer ones might cost $6 or even $12. Instead of doing this, I would rather spend $12 to buy a more exquisite model car. I have no brand obsession, so wherever there is a good brand, I will buy their model, as long as their scale is 1/64

[@carsracingnetwork]

Scalpers are the main reason I quit collecting action figures. The figures were starting to get expensive and scalpers taking them all at that price and then reselling them for double or triple. I don’t understand if you wanna make money (scalpers) buy them wholesale and then sell them online. Let the collectors hunt and find in piece at the stores or online.

[@kalicasts]

I will never leave Hot Wheels. I collect not only because of the quality of the casting but also the packaging. Hot Wheels, especially the older ones got unique looking cards, compared to the likes of Tomica and MiniGT which packagings I find to be quite boring and basic. I feel like they’re perfect for me. HOWEVER, I quit hunting them on pegs. I don’t find anymore enjoyment hunting for Hot Wheels nowadays due to the amount of scalpers and resellers in my country. Here, scalpers and resellers are treated as gods. Getting HW castings before they go on pegs and sell them at 5x prices is the dream job of almost every single collector here. It’s so bad that istg I could probably be the only one who doesn’t do it for the money. Nowadays, I only buy classic Hot Wheels castings and muscle cars. They’re cheap and unwanted here. For JDM’s, I could just go with Greenlight’s or Tomica’s.

[@modelcarshouston]

But how can you compare quality of casting to that of a INNO64 or MINI GT? Also the presentation, package and graphics are great on collectibles diecast cars.

[@joerivera4853]

Same as most of your reasons. The cases have already been searched, mass production, scalpers, etc.

[@boxuanchang7519]

I’ll not leave Hot wheels for two reasons. First, It won’t leave my life because kid gonna buy it, and HW is still their best option. Second, at the end of the day, Mainline cars just 1 dollar each, I can buy it whenever I feel it. Have that option is always nice. But I won’t say I collect HW. Buy whatever you want is not collecting. LOL

[@modelcarshouston]

How's is buying what you want not collecting?

[@tigerking5656]

I feel quality of HW isn’t there anymore.

[@modelcarshouston]

I'm not sure what their quality was like before.

[@patrickjackman7982]

I will leave Hotwheels is when there is none left I would go after better casting Hotwheels with full light tampos

[@modelcarshouston]

The choice is yours boss!

[@patrickjackman7982]

@@modelcarshouston I been trying to get Kaidohouse no Auto World no Miasito only Hws&Mbx in my region🇧🇸 I fully understand your reason why.🤠👍

[@modelcarshouston]

@@patrickjackman7982 absolutely!!!!!!!!!

[@stevesmith8484]

Hot Wheels have never had great details and they've always been mass produced, so those two reasons are a bit of a red herring. The scalper issue is entirely another matter. Yes, in recent years it has become a huge problem, especially during and now after the pandemic. I just refuse to buy from them and eventually, like all fads, the hobby will return to notmal once these scalpers understand they aren't going to get rich overnight.

[@wrecklass]

I completely see your point, as someone pushing collector grade, and making money off of collectors, this video makes sense to you. However, consider that the price of Hotwheels, ignoring the recent recession and inflation, have remained constant for over 50 years. Find a hobby where that's true outside of personal computers. Then look at how the details and quality of Hotwheels has actually improved over that time. Find a manufacturer who can manage that today. Hell, find another manufacturer that doesn't raise it's prices every year these days. I collect a lot of different diecast model cars. Hotwheels have a purpose, provide entertainment and are collectable. All for a price that won't make Houston Models rich, but will still satisfy a lot of young and old collectors. So I still collect them as well. Just like I did in the 1960s.

[@modelcarshouston]

This video isn't designed for making Houston Models "rich" it is more designed letting people know that there are much more finer things than life that just hot wheels. I'm sure you've mode hot wheels rich no? Lol

[@Mega-G-Star]

Back Pedal much?@@modelcarshouston

[@jeromeflaherty2069]

Totally fair on the argument of why someone leaves Hot Wheels and even Matchbox behind as this hobby evolves. I still get a lot of Hot Wheels due to the ability to pick one up easily, variety, and my fellow enthusiasts race them at our swap meets. It's a lot of fun. I will never get a Redline Club car for the simple fact that they are just not worth it. Compare an RLC Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 to an Inno64 of the same car and the RLC is just a hopped up and over hyped mainline. Even Hot Wheels Premium options are a maybe for me now unless I really dig the car. The upcoming Hot Wheels Elite64 cars are overpriced and nowhere near the quality and value of a Mini GT or Tarmac Works. I'd also add that Hot Wheels became more of a lifestyle brand than about the cars and it's starting to bite them back from the collector side.

[@SPEEDHNTRS]

Hot Wheels are children's toys, collector models were designed for adult collectors

[@modelcarshouston]

Exactly!

[@bryanareynolds]

Hah you shouldn't knock going back to PS1 games Gran Turismo 2 still has probably my favorite selection of cars in the series and stuff like R4 is still good to play great music and if you're on an emulator you can do stuff like increase the resolution and frame rate!

[@modelcarshouston]

Hahaha, I tried to come up with some comparison.

[@Mega-G-Star]

Yeah PS2 has over 4300+ games how many does PS5 have? Answer = 627 as of Jan.2024. Also PS2 games have far have superior gameplay, PS5 games are a inter-web dependent mess.

[@__blue--blood__7857]

Hot Wheels is better for me because of size. You can't owned like 10 cars in 1.24 scale size and live in a small apartment or something . Models will obviously be way more detailed but they take up way more room .Sorry but I love hotwheels as they make some nice detail Jdm in mainlines and you can store alot in a small box . Not to mention premium Hot Wheels which cards are bit bigger but still very high detail . Then we have one of my favorites Johnny lightning in muscle which has mind blowing detail for such a small diecast . I love detail but for me if it's taking up alot of space it won't work .

[@modelcarshouston]

Have you heard of INNO64 though?

[@GrayFoxHound9]

I honestly don't get reason n3 I get it from quality standards perspective (reason 1) But like A car is a car. From outsider perspective any model collection hobby will be seen as childish - be it miniature warships, lego, warhammer, detailed diorama building, etc. And from insider perspective the only thing that detracts from hot wheels is some of the casts looking stupid (not just fantasy cars, but weird ideas/color schemes, etc) - and those can be easily ignored I myself am not much of a collector - i like doing dioramas and miniatures regardless of their theme or origin, and hot wheels is a nice reason to get inti 1/64 scale so i buy some of them that i like - both realistic and fantasy ones.

[@modelcarshouston]

Children can not play with all the things you mentioned unless it's for their age category. Hot Wheels start at 3+ so those are children.

[@Moirzdthird2010]

I a left hot wheels because I lost interest into fantasy cars. It was all. Thanks to subaru brz r & d from Tomica premium. And now I am into tomica cars.

[@comingnhot480]

A hot wheel is a 🚽 on🛞s or a 🌭.. and if you remember buying into that. Or you currently buy into that. They thank you by sometimes making a car you care about for 5$ and sometimes for 30$.. or you can just outright buy shares in their company.. how ever you want to enjoy it. That’s the logistics.

[@Mega-G-Star]

The Gotta-Go 🚽HW car has a cult following throughout the world, and the Foodie types are very popular with children (3+ years), Chiefs, people in food industry & best of all Females, some are Mums that have children. Remember Mum may have 💰but most children don’t.

[@dyriten]

I stopped collecting mainlines because im just not happy with how bad they look, Hot wheels are already very expensive where i live 3-4 usd, But i would still pay more if all mainlines had metallic base and rubber wheels

[@Patriot1777]

M2 for me😊