Affari a quattro ruote

Rarely do shows about often dry topics like car repair resonate with so many people, but it's clear that the British-produced "Wheeler Dealers" hits precisely this mark. With its simple, average-guy approach to buying, repairing, and selling used cars, it conveys an equally simple encouragement to the non-mechanic that anyone with a wrench and a bit of ambition can tackle most repair jobs.

Mike Brewer and Edd China make the perfect tandem of street buying smarts and mechanical know-how that has allowed them to turn a profit on nearly every car they've taken on. Mike's vehicle knowledge combined with his folksy yet hard-charging sales smarts makes you think he could sell venom to a cobra and make the cobra think it was his idea. China's vast yet understated knowledge of the mechanicals combined with his easy-going "let's get cracking" attitude shows how simple many seemingly daunting repairs can be. Obviously, some repairs require tools and resources beyond the scope of many do-it-yourself types, but the mere notion that nothing is beyond the scope of someone willing to "give it a go" makes Wheeler Dealers an unmistakable winner - even if don't own a single "spanner" (wrench).

Here's hoping "Wheeler Dealers" goes on for many years to come!

I was really disappointed to hear that Edd had left the show. But I've been hooked on the show for years, and decided to watch the past 2 seasons with Ant as the new mechanic. To be honest, I think Ant has a strong personality of his own, and brings his own talents and spin to the show. It's still a great show and worth watching. I do miss Edd, and I enjoyed him for years on this show. I was going to pout and boycott the show when he left. But I'm glad I stuck with the show and gave Ant a chance.

Some won't like this show. If you need drama to enjoy your TV, don't watch this. It's drama free. I have enjoyed shows like West Coast Customs, but they play off the drama more than the work on the cars.

This show does spend nearly half the time on looking for a car, buying a car, the final test drive and the sale. I would not mind seeing a bit more of the work on the car, but I do think they do a good job showing the work done - you have to time elapse a lot of stuff to put it into an hour.

There's a great variety of cars on the show. And nearly any work you can imagine on the car - from a routine engine service to a chassis replacement. They do very little customization. What they do is minor. They mainly keep the cars original. Many of the cars are classics! Unlike American garage car shows, they don't spend half their time on in show ads. I enjoy a show like two guys garage, but they spend way less time showing actual work than this show.

Edd China is very meticulous in his work, which is enjoyable to watch. Mike Brewer is perpetually cheerful and optimistic, which I enjoy. Mike overplays the whole 'it just needs a lick of paint, and a bit of work' routine, but it's just a bit of simple comedy - hard to complain about it.

What I like about this show is that, unlike a lot of American shows, it sticks to the point and doesn't invent false drama. VERY refreshing these days.

I have watched nearly every season of this show and thoroughly enjoy it. I tire of Mike quickly, but I know he plays a necessary role and Edd is following up with some fine wrenching of his own. He really shines when explaining the detail of his work. I wish Edd's portion of the show might be extended for another 20 minutes to further explain his technique and ideas. As a shady-tree mechanic, this is the part of the show I find fascinating.

Learning about the variety of automobiles they bring through is a fun and fulfilling experience, but my one jab is that Mike needs to let Edd drive the cars he repairs.

It's a real car restoration show without the unwanted side story lines. Minus Mike's Cockney accent during negotiations, Edd steals the show. My only negative comment would be how low they sell the cars. A beautifully restored BMW M3 for 6 thousand pounds? Not sure if there is a difference in the UK and the U.S. concerning used cars, but that was a steal. That car would have sold easily over $25k here.

For a car restorer, I like the way Edd doesn't try to "shiny up parts," during the restoration.

By far the restoration car show on TV. I only hope they continue this series as it is gaining popularity over here. This is what car shows should be like, the soap opera stuff mixed in with most other car programs are basically a nuisance.

Cheers!