Ep 5. Mexico & United States

In season 1 episode 5 of Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up, the hosts, Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, head to Mexico. The mission is to buy a Volkswagen Beetle, restore it, and sell it for a profit in the United States.

After arriving in Mexico, Mike and Ant immediately hit the streets to find a Beetle that fits their budget of $5,000. They eventually find one, but it is in rough condition. The body has rust, the interior is in shambles, and the engine is barely running. Despite its flaws, Mike and Ant see the potential to turn a profit with the car.

Back in the workshop, Mike and Ant start the restoration process. They quickly run into roadblocks as parts for the Beetle are harder to find in Mexico than they anticipated. They have to get creative with their sourcing, eventually finding an owner who is willing to sell them a salvaged Beetle for a fair price.

Once they have the parts they need, the team works tirelessly to restore the car to its former glory. Ant works on the mechanics, fixing the engine and making sure the car runs well. Meanwhile, Mike works on the cosmetic aspects of the car, fixing the rust and giving the car a fresh paint job.

After a few setbacks and long hours, the car is finally ready to be sold. Mike and Ant head to the border, hoping to sell the car to a buyer in the United States. However, they quickly realize that the car does not meet US safety regulations and cannot be sold legally. Disappointed, Mike and Ant have to figure out another way to make a profit on their project.

They eventually find a buyer in Mexico who is willing to pay a fair price for the restored Beetle. The team is able to turn a profit, but it is not as much as they had hoped. However, they are satisfied with their work and the experience of traveling to Mexico to restore a classic car.

Overall, this episode highlights the challenges of restoring a car in a foreign country and the risks involved in buying and selling classic cars. It also showcases the creativity and problem-solving skills of the hosts as they navigate through obstacles to complete their project.