Used Cars

Used Cars

Year: 1980

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Budget: $8M

Comedy

A struggling used car salesman, Rudy Russo, dreams of a career in politics. To achieve his ambition, he must first contend with his manipulative half-brother, Roy, and navigate a chaotic battle for control of their late boss's dealership. The competition leads to increasingly bizarre and hilarious promotions, testing Rudy's resolve and pushing the dealership to the brink of absurdity.

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Timeline & Setting – Used Cars (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Used Cars (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a contemporary timeframe, reflecting the late 20th-century American culture during an era of economic change. This period is marked by the rise of consumerism and an emphasis on competitive business practices, which plays a central role in the narrative.

Location

Mesa, Arizona

Mesa, Arizona is known for its vibrant culture and sunny weather, making it a popular location for various businesses, including car dealerships. In this movie, it serves as the battleground for rival car salesmen, showcasing the competitive spirit of the automotive trade in a small-town setting.

🏜️ Desert 🚗 Car Dealership

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:21

Main Characters – Used Cars (1980)

Meet the key characters of Used Cars (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rudy Russo

Rudy is a clever and resourceful car salesman with aspirations to achieve greatness in politics. His charm and quick thinking often put him at the center of the chaos as he devises unique solutions to the problems posed by his rival. Despite his questionable ethics, his determination to protect Luke's legacy reveals a complex character who values loyalty.

🚗 Car Salesman 🎯 Ambitious

Luke Fuchs

Luke is the elderly owner of the New Deal used car lot and serves as a mentor figure to Rudy. His dreams of supporting Rudy's political ambitions are cut short by tragedy, making his character pivotal in setting off the subsequent chain of events. Though his screen time is limited, his values and influence resonate throughout the film.

🏪 Business Owner 💔 Tragic

Barbara Jane

Barbara Jane is Luke's estranged daughter who seeks to connect with her father's legacy. Her character brings emotional depth to the story as she navigates the chaos of the dealership and discovers the truth about her family. Her evolving relationship with Rudy adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

👩‍👧 Family 💕 Love Interest

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:21

Major Themes – Used Cars (1980)

Explore the central themes of Used Cars (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Deception

Deception is a key theme in 'Used Cars,' as characters engage in elaborate lies to survive in the competitive world of used car sales. Rudy's strategies involve tricking customers and covering up the true circumstances of Luke's death, which creates a web of complications and moral dilemmas.

💪 Ambition

Rudy Russo embodies ambition as he strives to elevate his status from a struggling salesman to a state senator. His relentless desire to succeed drives the plot, illustrating how ambition can lead to both creative solutions and ethical conflicts.

🤝 Partnership

The theme of partnership plays a significant role as Rudy teams up with his coworkers to navigate the challenges they face. Their camaraderie is tested through their schemes and mishaps, ultimately highlighting the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:21

Unlock the Full Story of Used Cars

Don't stop at just watching — explore Used Cars in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Used Cars is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Used Cars Summary

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Used Cars Summary

Used Cars Timeline

Track the full timeline of Used Cars with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Used Cars Timeline

Used Cars Spoiler-Free Summary

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Used Cars Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Used Cars

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More About Used Cars

Explore More About Movie Used Cars

Used Cars (1980) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Used Cars (1980) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Used Cars (1980) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow