The Engagement Edge

“Text smarter. Sell faster.”

About The Engagement Edge

The Engagement Edge is the official blog of Cars Buy Text, where we share strategies, insights, and real-world success stories on how SMS is transforming automotive retail. Since 2013, we’ve helped dealerships nationwide generate over 1 million customer engagements from platforms like AutoTrader, Cars.com, and CarGurus — turning everyday ads into powerful text-driven sales channels.

Our mission is simple: help dealerships meet buyers where they are and close more deals through faster, smarter communication. Here you’ll find best practices, case studies, and actionable tips to keep your store ahead of the curve in today’s digital-first marketplace.

Because at the end of the day, customers don’t want to wait on hold or send emails into the void. They want answers now — and texting delivers.

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Even though I have a museum

    I keep the best driving cars at my home garage

    This one has been there

    Fantastic car for cars & coffee

    Love my Sunday drives in this special car

    Will miss my pal

    Mike

    Malamut Auto Museum”

    15

    mmalamut commented on 1967 Volvo Duett P210

    “A tip for the seller or new owner: When I replaced the door seals on my E34 M5 I used the seals from an E39. At the time E34 door seals were NLA and the E39 ones were readily available. I had to shorten them a few inches, but otherwise they are a perfect fit.”

    8

    Sixspeedbmw commented on 1991 BMW M5 Dinan

    “The 550 was, by and large, the end of the gated manual era at Ferrari and was the final model offered exclusively with a 6-speed transmission. Gearbox technology was advancing quickly as Scuderia Ferrari dominated F1, so when the updated 575M was introduced in 2002, nearly all of them came equipped with the F1 transmission. Only 246 575Ms were optioned with the manual gearbox, and its successor, the 599, saw just 30 manuals produced.

    The 550 is sleek, slippery, and sexy—a grand touring…”

    7

    Garage44 commented on 19k-Kilometer 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TPCMJ2

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “When I was in my late twenties I did not have much money and like many of us, cut my teeth on Japanese sports cars as they were plentiful, cheap and we all remember back in the ’80s in high school when they were new and so cool. It was just a normal progression to buy one..as the years marched on after graduating university and finally working full time, I had an epiphany…I finally got sick of buying people’s hand me down rusty cars that I would spend years fixing-up only to end up with…”

    35

    SlowNRusty commented on 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe

    “A bunch of years ago (well, decades ago), I bought a well-used but complete and drivable ’66 912 from a garage sale in Reseda, CA for the princely sum of $1000. I drove it the few blocks to my home. Going through the paperwork, I found the title, with Axl Rose’s name on it. Guns ‘n Roses’ Axl Rose.

    So I washed it a bit, advertised it in The Recycler and flipped it for $2000. Felt like a genius.

    How times have changed…”

    16

    DaveD commented on No Reserve: 27-Years-Owned, 2.0L-Equipped 1966 Porsche 912 Coupe 5-Speed Project

    “Stoked! Genuinely honored to be the one to carry on the legacy of this one-of-a-kind build”

    9

    af1010 commented on One-Owner, Oldsmobile V8–Powered Tornado Sports Cars GT40 Replica List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TPBHqN

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “I can still hear “Prepare to Qualify””

    14

    Hercule_LaJoy commented on No Reserve: Atari Pole Position Arcade Game

    “I have the sister car, an Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 which has identical interior and underpinnings. In addition to the rarity and handbuilt Zagato heritage, these cars are amazing drivers. They’re quick and super comfortable for road trips. My daughter and her husband did a 2200 mile round trip with our car in a weekend to the Amelia Island Concours last year where the car won a class award. To make things even better for this car, it comes out of one the country’s great collections. I…”

    11

    Myron_Vernis commented on 1995 Autech Zagato Gavia

    “Around the time this was new, I was working on a Spielberg film in Northern California. Part of his deal was to have a Pole Position arcade game provided in a dedicated office at the studio – it was just down the hall from my editing room. I figured out his schedule – while it was around, I came in early before him – and got very good at the free play!”

    8

    wwwpcs commented on No Reserve: Atari Pole Position Arcade Game List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP9LfM

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “In Carlisle, Pennsylvania 2025 the chief engineer of the project who has since retired stated that this is the perfect supercar. All of the cars tested went 213 mph but they only certified the GT for 205 mph. He also noted that not one motor malfunctioned in the testing process. all of the first and second generation Ford Gt‘s engines were built by Jack rousch at their plant in Michigan.. when I visited the engine factory back in August he was actually there working believe it or not in…”

    17

    GTFRAN commented on No Reserve: 906-Mile 2005 Ford GT

    “Very rare to see an LS with the Saddle interior. Very nice.”

    9

    Wheelyneat commented on No Reserve: 2004 Lexus LS430

    “My ‘84 was the twin of this car. It too had the blue interior, which I thought was much more interesting than the more common red/burgundy. Worthless Trivia: the ‘84s gained a filler piece at the front bumper which concealed the lower fascia.

    To this day that car remains as a favorite. Many fond memories of track days at Lime Rock Park, graduate school in Indiana, that little car followed me around like an energetic puppy.”

    7

    High_Hope commented on 47k-Mile 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP8cMb

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “The 991 GT3T reigns supreme. Many folks say the 992 is superior. When you sit in a 992 you stare into the soulless abyss of darkened computer screens.

    I don’t care how good a 911 is if it makes me feel like I’m at work staring at a computer screen!”

    23

    Dachshund commented on 1,200-Mile 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring 6-Speed

    “I figured it was about time I got a GS – having grown up with DS’s starting in 1962 when my late father, the first industrial hygienist in the US, brought home, a 58 DS 19 – the early series which was as complicated as they could get. Funny thing was it was a trade-in at a Studebaker dealers shop in Salt Lake City Utah, the middle of nowhere back then. but dad, although a chemist, had a hankering for mechanical stuff and built large gasoline powered model airplanes when he was a kid.

    Even…”

    12

    Frenchbuff commented on No Reserve: 1972 Citroen GS Break “Drapeaux”

    “I will say this with great confidence. This coach is a unicorn. I can’t predict outcomes but I know from thousands of miles on the rv highway that this rig is the real deal. The new owners will have both a show piece and an amazing coach. In the rv world these coaches in well preserved form are showstoppers.”

    9

    jsdbike commented on No Reserve: 1970 GM PD4108 “Buffalo Bus” RV Conversion

    “Great to see such an excellent example of the car that reset the standard of what to expect from a small car. Not enough people understand how the Accord raised the bar for attractive design and basic equipment. The rustproofing material is most typical of any car sold in western Pennsylvania, where salt use and rust were commonplace… probably instrumental in keeping this car on the road and on your screen today. GLWTA”

    7

    Hans_Shtick commented on 1977 Honda Accord 5-Speed List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP7kWs

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “In the spring of 1969, I was at Stark Hickey Ford, 7 Mile and Grand River in Detroit getting my 1969 Mach 1 serviced. At the same time, a new Boss 9 was rolling off the car hauler and into the service bay isle. Black Jade. Everything stopped for a few minutes as every Tech in the dealership came over to check out that magnificent vehicle. Good times.”

    15

    Grimmo commented on 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

    “As a restorer of over 100 vintage trailers I can comment on the lack of a bathroom. As I understand it, many states banned full bathrooms in trailers until 1953. That was due to fears that people would just let them dump to the ground in parks, so the intention was to have them use bath houses at the campground or park. If they did have a toilet, they didn’t have holding tanks, they had to be hooked to a sewer system… mostly designed as park models that were semi-permanently set. Toilets…”

    9

    Retro1 commented on 1947 Westcraft Sequoia 28′ Travel Trailer

    “This Dino 246 GTS, in Argento Auteuil Metallizzato (!) over Beige, should be all the rage, for she is a bloody beauty. A thoroughly exquisite example. GLWTA!”

    9

    boaboyoz commented on 11k-Mile 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP6Yyy

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Hello old friend. I say this because this car brings back very fond memories and was the one that started my lifelong fascination with cars. It was in the garage in the back yard when I was in elementary school!

    My dad was Otto Klein. He bought this car from Jim Hall when Hall showed up at Elkhart Lake with two of them! I think he paid about $6k for it if my memory serves. My dad had a VW dealership in Springfield, Illinois and started out racing bathtub Porches and a few Ferraris. This car…”

    40

    zachmac commented on 1957 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi

    “The 8C is one of my favorite cars ever. We do have a 4C in the stable and it is loads of fun, handles like it is attached to the road, and makes funny grunting noises….not a car to tour in though, unless your idea of a tour is to visit a local vineyard 8 miles away.

    The 8C has noble bones and as a previous share stated, has easy access to critical parts.

    Plus the car is just beautiful. Nobody knows how to predict valuations. I went all in on my 355’s and that has proven to be a lucky…”

    9

    borneo commented on 3,400-Mile 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

    “This is as complete, original, and sorted of a Veloce as you’ll find. The history pushes it into another class all together. Qualifies for any and every historic race and Rally that exists. Original engine and transmission guarantees entry into your event of choice. This is truly a once in a lifetime find. Good Luck to all!”

    7

    AutofileClassics commented on Six-Decades-Family-Owned 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce 750F 1.6L 5-Speed

    “I find these 6-banger low-spec survivors to be more interesting than the tarted-up show queens that are much more common (and expensive) today. Keep your LS engine and your continental kit, give me 3 on the tree and radio delete.”

    7

    Studedude commented on 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-Door Sedan 3-Speed List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP5PYw

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “I’ll echo the comments of others re. the magic of 200SI Maseratis. I’ve had a large amount of seat time in one, as well as a 300S, and have personally owned a D Type Jag, Lister Jag, etc etc. The 200SI remains the best sports racing car I have ever experienced. They are indeed utterly usable and enjoyable giant killers. I sincerely hope the next custodian of this car drives it in anger as there are few experiences that can compare! GLWTA! -Colin Comer”

    17

    CC350 commented on 1957 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi

    “Had a similar machine built by Idaho Norland, In Paul Idaho, with a Detroit 12V92T engine. We used it at 7,500′-8,000′ elevation in Utah’s Book Cliffs for snow removal from many miles of dirt roads, including down a steep canyon for several miles, in order to allow winter drilling for natural gas wells. It worked great, especially in the canyon where plowing snow was not really practical because a sheer wall on one side of the narrow road and a cliff on the other left no place for plowed snow…”

    8

    MTE-Utah commented on No Reserve: 1984 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1200 w/ Schmidt Snow Blower

    “Recently Harry Metcalfe and Jeremy Clarkson met up and talked at length about “Peak Car.” Before overly complicated electronics and nanny state driver aids ruined the experience. When they were comfortable and still had all the power you could want and actually put it down on the road. And before 3 out of every 4 cars on the road was basically the same mid-sized SUV. They both brought Jags to their meetup and I imagine an XKR-S is precisely what they had in mind.”

    7

    Jaaagman commented on 4,500-Mile 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Coupe List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP4BKn

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Ok

    So while we were setting up Rally 1

    Mike Z who ran the Saleen shop floor set up a red door complete with gurney bubble on a small dolly door stand. For display and option for people coming to have your door converted.

    Of course vin 1314 / signature car owner / Me wanted it that day to swap on my red car for the event!

    The door was display only because it was a blemish / defect door and not complete , hence the parts missing on this door!

    I think Bony had the first bubble after Gurney…”

    8

    gtjoey1314 commented on No Reserve: 2005-2006 Ford GT Door w/Gurney Bubble

    “This seems to be an outstanding example of one of these rare and truly extraordinary cars. I had my ’15 V12VS Coupe (Sportshift III) out today. People obviously differ regarding what they want from a car, but for me, it really doesn’t get much better than this among modern cars. In addition to all the things that make Aston Martins special, the V12 Vantage S is an absolutely fantastic thing to DRIVE. The engine — performance, smoothness and sound (not sure any car made in the last 40 years…”

    8

    Speedraser commented on 2,600-Mile 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster 7-Speed

    “A favorite spot of ours, mornings in Malibu are always a delight when you’ve got a beautiful 60’s 911 with you”

    6

    castlecombemotorsports commented on 1968 Porsche 911L 5-Speed List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP2zSq

  • Text Drive Sales:A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Well, buying a Porsche wasn’t exactly on my bingo card for today, but this is the kind of stupid excitement I’m here for.”

    14

    ElSecundo commented on No Reserve: 1977 Porsche 924 Championship Edition 4-Speed

    “A high school friend had one of these. It was light on its feet and plenty quick. Ahead of its time with an overhead cam engine, and so rare today. Jay Leno’s build of his Firebird Sprint adds some value to this one, in my opinion.”

    8

    ppointer commented on Four-Decades-Family-Owned 1967 Pontiac Firebird Sprint Coupe 4-Speed

    “This is really lovely to watch – — three bidders who have not been successful yet on BaT – – this is a really great car to start with!!”

    6

    CTT commented on No Reserve: 2007 Audi A4 2.0T Avant Quattro 6-Speed

    “My first car was a 1963 Rambler that my uncle sold to me for $50. It ran forever — you can’t kill these cars! Although the vacuum powered windshield wipers would not move in cold weather, so in snow storms the passenger had to lean out of the window and manually swish the wipers so the driver could see!”

    5

    MAnthony commented on No Reserve: 1962 Rambler American Deluxe 2-Door Club Sedan List Yours With Us- Carsbuytext.com
    http://dlvr.it/TP1zDg

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