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Whether you’re a fan of miniature cars or not – there is no way you haven’t heard of Hot Wheels!
Hot Wheels is a brand of die-cast toy cars that was first introduced by Mattel in 1968. The iconic toy cars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and fast speeds. So, Hot Wheels quickly became an iconic part of pop culture and has inspired countless collectors to amass vast collections of these miniature cars.
As such, Hot Wheels boasts high demand in most stores, so finding the new releases, limited edition models, and classic range can be a Herculean task. But fret not, as we have compiled all the places you must check out to get your hands on the individual cars as well as the playsets.
So, buckle up and get ready to hit the road in search of your next Hot Wheels purchase!
Where To Buy Hot Wheels Cars
Now, finding Hot Wheels toy cars should not be difficult in your nearest toy stores and hobby shops. However, they are likely to get out of stock as soon as they hit the shelves. Hence, here are the top eight places you must check out to catch your favorite models because “It’s not the same without the flame!”
1. Mattel
For the best deals on Hot Wheels, heading to the world-famous manufacturer is your best bet. Yes, we’re talking about Mattel, the name behind Hot Wheels, Barbie, Disney princess dolls, and more. By cutting out the middlemen, the company is able to offer lower prices.
Besides individual Hot Wheels cars, the Mattel store also sells replacement parts, single track pieces, entire track sets, and even specialty sets. However, the inventory may not be as extensive as you would expect from the manufacturer, as they only sell current items.
So, if you’re looking for limited edition items or those that have been discontinued, we recommend checking out online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or even Facebook.
2. Amazon
Being the world’s second-largest retailer, Amazon is an excellent place to find vintage or specialty Hot Wheels toy cars. From individual cars to huge tracks and playsets – you can find them all on the Amazon website.
However, we recommend getting the aforementioned toys from the manufacturer itself and hunting for rare, vintage Hot Wheels on Amazon. After all, old Hot Wheels cars have a significant market, and you can use Amazon to take advantage of that.
3. eBay
If you don’t get lucky on Amazon, head to eBay for the best deals on rare and vintage Hot Wheels toy cars. The popular online auction site, which started in the mid-1990s, has become a go-to destination for finding limited edition models that have probably been discontinued.
However, be aware that the prices for rare items on eBay can be quite high, as collectors know the value of their cars and often set their own prices. It’s also important to note that eBay products may take time to ship.
4. Target
If you’re from the US, you must already know about the large retail chain, Target, available in every nook and corner. The store sells a wide range of products, including Hot Wheels and other daily-use items.
That said, Target offers a great selection of current and recent annual Hot Wheels releases, along with seasonal and specialty models. While single cars at Target range between $1 and $8, track sets are available at various price points ranging from $10 to $100.
Unlike eBay, Target is great if you require a last-minute gift option for a Hot Wheels enthusiast.
5. Walmart
Walmart is another viable option if you want to grab a Hot Wheels car for your collection. The retailer boasts a vast variety of Hot Wheels that changes with the season. Accordingly, the price of Hot Wheels at Walmart ranges from 99 cents to $10.
Like Target, Walmart is another option for last-minute gifts for collectors and children. Thanks to its curated selection of Hot Wheels cars, track sets, track pieces, and specialty sets, Walmart is an affordable and convenient place to buy Hot Wheels.
6. Best Buy
While being popular for its electronics collection, Best Buy also offers a decent range of Hot Wheels car toys, including individual cars, car sets, and tracks. The latest releases can be found both in-store and online, with prices comparable to other mass merchandisers.
However, since Hot Wheels are not the main focus of Best Buy’s business, the company incurs additional costs to stock the product. As a result, Best Buy tends to have the highest prices among retailers that sell same-year Hot Wheels products.
7. Toys R Us
Toys R Us, once the biggest American toy store, is now an online-only retailer that sells a variety of Hot Wheels products. The company faced financial issues and had to liquidate, but its cult following led to a revival as an online store.
Although Toys R Us offers a limited selection of Hot Wheels items, they have the latest releases and seasonal products in stock. Besides, the shop sells track sets and specialty items and delivers them right to your doorsteps, making it rather convenient.
8. Facebook Marketplace
Albeit newer than the aforementioned suggestions, the Facebook Marketplace is a growing platform for buying, selling, or trading various items. It’s almost like an online garage sale where people can connect with potential buyers and sellers nearby or in other locations.
Similar to other online marketplaces, the Facebook Marketplace offers a good selection of rare, used, and vintage Hot Wheels products, including track sets. Transactions can be done locally through in-person meetups, or items can be shipped to the buyer’s address.
Moving on, the Facebook Marketplace is an ideal place to find vintage or rare Hot Wheels products at affordable prices. As with a traditional garage sale, sellers are often looking to offload items quickly and may not be aware of the true value of what they are selling. This gives potential buyers an upper hand as they can get their favorite Hot Wheels car at the best prices.
Which Hot Wheels Car Is The Most Expensive?
1. 1971 Purple Olds 442
Despite being a common model, the purple color variant is a sight to behold, making it quite rare and much coveted. If you have one in good condition, you could sell it for about $5,000.
2. 1969 Ed Shaver Blue AMX
Released in the UK on being sponsored by the racer Ed Shaver, this blue AMX boasts an attractive set of decals on each side. So, if you own an authentic blue model of the AMX, you could sell it for a whopping $10,000.
3. 1969 Brown Custom Charger
When released back in the 60s, the brown color did not appeal to many, leading to Hot Wheels manufacturing a limited number of these Custom Chargers. However, due to this rarity, a brown Custom Charger in mint condition could get you $13,000 approximately.
4. 1968 Over Chrome Camaro
Although you can find numerous Hot Wheels models in a neon green color, this particular car features a chrome finish, which was originally made for advertising only. As such, there are just a handful of these cars available, perhaps in someone’s worn-out chest of toys!
So, if you’ve got this coveted Hot Wheels car, you could easily sell it for a handsome sum of $25,000.
5. 1969 Pink Rear-Loader Beach Bomb
Similar to the brown Custom Charger, this Volkswagen Bus was not well-received by fans due to its bright pink color and top-heavy design. Currently, there are only two of these in the world.
So, if you happen to own one of these super-rare Hot Wheels cars, prepare to get rich overnight after selling it for around $175,000!
To Sum Up
We bet it is safe to say that Hot Wheels is not just a toy. Rather, it is a cultural phenomenon that held collectors and enthusiasts in a chokehold, thanks to its extensive range of car toys, track sets, and more.
So, if you’re a casual fan or a seasoned collector, there are various options available for purchasing Hot Wheels. You can opt for traditional retailers like Walmart and Target or online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
Each retailer offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to assess your needs and goals before making a purchase. For example, if you’re looking for current releases, Walmart and Target are great options, while Amazon and eBay are ideal for finding rare, vintage Hot Wheels.
Ultimately, collecting Hot Wheels is all about the thrill of the chase, the excitement of discovering a rare find, and the satisfaction of building a fantastic collection!
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