Some of you guys think it's a bad idea, but I figure I will never know if I don't try.
I spent $500 at auction and bought a 1999 Oldsmobile 88 for $500. At first I was pretty timid, since the car does look quite beat up.
However, it works perfectly. Trunk opens and closes just fine, and all the lights work. More importantly, the car tracks perfectly straight, holds its oil and coolant, has no trouble codes or MIL indicators, stops well and has a nice interior (that needs detailing). Tires are good.
The car is a '99 Olds 88 with 150K, and it has the 3.8L (the best and most reliable out of that series of engines)
I paid $500, I will put in maybe 300-400 in work, and hopefully I can get around $1300-$1400 for it. Aside from the body issues, it really is a nice car.
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/223960_3794442066112_1469420978_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/204329_3794441506098_1145614181_o.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/169549_3794441026086_1265668831_o.jpg)
Pull-A-Part has three of these, I will have to take a wander down there today and see if i can find a trunk, bumper and front fender. It's not going to look perfect, but it will look better than it does.
Count me as one of those that think it's a bad idea.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 11, 2012, 10:25:28 AM
Count me as one of those that think it's a bad idea.
I'll never know if I don't try! :lol:
I looked into this earlier this year and I determined it was too much work for very little, and sometimes no payback.
Have you ever seen the show Wheeler Dealers? It's a UK program on the "Velocity" channel where they buy beater sports cars (and other old cars of enthusiast interest), fix them up, and try to sell them for a profit. Most of the time, their profit margins are only a few hundred ?, which isn't very much considering the kind of work that's put in to fix the car. And that's with a decently skilled mechanic at work.
In any case, good luck. It'll be a learning experience in any case.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 11, 2012, 10:26:48 AM
I looked into this earlier this year and I determined it was too much work for very little, and sometimes no payback.
I've talked to a few people who do it on a regular basis; it can work well if you do it right.
My neighborhood is full of $1-2K GM sedans like these; my neighbors and the city of Akron eats large sedans like these up. I'm always hearing stories of how people pay out the nose for these cars. It's beyond me, but you can pick one up at auction for not that much money.
Even if it doesn't work out, I'm only out $500; the car is fully running and will pass emissions. It has
some value.
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 11, 2012, 10:29:33 AM
Have you ever seen the show Wheeler Dealers? It's a UK program on the "Velocity" channel where they buy beater sports cars (and other old cars of enthusiast interest), fix them up, and try to sell them for a profit. Most of the time, their profit margins are only a few hundred ?, which isn't very much considering the kind of work that's put in to fix the car. And that's with a decently skilled mechanic at work.
In any case, good luck. It'll be a learning experience in any case.
There isn't a car on CL worth driving under $800. Most cars on CL around me you can get at auction for maybe 40-60% of the asking price.
I would like to think that I have analyzed the market and my clientele; even if It doesn't work I'm not out much money at all.
You have a job and seem to know what you're doing (seeing as how you spend most of your day on CL :lol: ). It's not a huge investment anyways and it sounds like you do get to work on cars which is always fun if you do it on your own terms.
Good luck with it!
Quote from: SVT666 on September 11, 2012, 10:25:28 AM
Count me as one of those that think it's a bad idea.
+1
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 10:32:32 AM
There isn't a car on CL worth driving under $800. Most cars on CL around me you can get at auction for maybe 40-60% of the asking price.
I would like to think that I have analyzed the market and my clientele; even if It doesn't work I'm not out much money at all.
Why bother putting any money or work into it? Just immediately resell it if what you're saying is true...
"Flipping" shit like this often doesn't take into account the cost of time and personal labor and the opportunity cost that goes along with it.
It's almost always a losing proposition. It's a stupid idea and you're going to get burned.
+1 points for trying
-2 points because failure is imminent
Quote from: Raza link=topic=28077.msg1777323#msg1777323 date=1347383581
"Flipping" shit like this often doesn't take into account the cost of time and personal labor and the opportunity cost that goes along with it.
It's almost always a losing proposition. It's a stupid idea and you're going to get burned.
My opportunity cost is nil. I'm not calling off work or class to put work into this car.
The dealer you bought your Z4 basically did the same thing; except he has a dealer's license and that is his only source of income, likely.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on September 11, 2012, 11:14:17 AM
+1 points for trying
-2 points because failure is imminent
There isn't much of a fail here; even if I scrap out the car, I'm out maybe $150.
Quote from: MrH on September 11, 2012, 10:52:02 AM
Why bother putting any money or work into it? Just immediately resell it if what you're saying is true...
I'm listing for sale as well, if it's not gone by this time next week I may put some $$$ into it. Still not 100% sure which way I want to take it; I have a couple of plans and options.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 11:37:26 AM
My opportunity cost is nil. I'm not calling off work or class to put work into this car.
The dealer you bought your Z4 basically did the same thing; except he has a dealer's license and that is his only source of income, likely.
You don't understand opportunity cost. You should spend more time taking classes.
There is
always an opportunity cost. That is unequivocal fact.
And no, my dealer took a car in for a trade, washed it, and turned a profit. You're talking about doing a lot more work on it than he did. I think you have no clue what you got yourself into. You bought a car; you have to register and insure it, don't you?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=28077.msg1777341#msg1777341 date=1347386715
You don't understand opportunity cost. You should spend more time taking classes.
Not at this time; because of the nature of my major.
There is always an opportunity cost. That is unequivocal fact.
And no, my dealer took a car in for a trade, washed it, and turned a profit.
He likely got the Z4 from auction or another trade. He had to likely put in some effort to get it ready to sell.
You're talking about doing a lot more work on it than he did. I think you have no clue what you got yourself into. You bought a car; you have to register and insure it, don't you?
You've never sold a car, I take it.
I have gotten two calls on the car already.
Good luck. If nothing else, you'll get experience...hopefully good.
Quote from: Raza on September 11, 2012, 12:05:15 PM
You don't understand opportunity cost. You should spend more time taking classes.
There is always an opportunity cost. That is unequivocal fact.
And no, my dealer took a car in for a trade, washed it, and turned a profit. You're talking about doing a lot more work on it than he did. I think you have no clue what you got yourself into. You bought a car; you have to register and insure it, don't you?
The opportunity cost is justified if he enjoys doing it. :huh:
Not sure why you're being so down on him. It seems like a cool idea and at the most he's out $200 or so.
You should keep this and sell the Yaris.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on September 11, 2012, 12:38:21 PM
You should keep this and sell the Yaris.
You should sell the Accent and buy the Olds.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 12:19:11 PM
I have gotten two calls on the car already.
Before doing any work? Then bravo.
The car was a trade-in on another purchase, I know that for sure.
You should keep doing this til you can afford the car in your sig. :lol:
Quote from: Raza link=topic=28077.msg1777365#msg1777365 date=1347389302
Before doing any work? Then bravo.
Yep. And another call just a few mins ago.
Did you advertise the car for like $501 or something? What the heck.
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 11, 2012, 12:56:29 PM
Did you advertise the car for like $501 or something? What the heck.
Like I said, I know what this market wants.
I have it listed for $900, and it passes emissions.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 12:55:05 PM
Yep. And another call just a few mins ago.
I stand corrected then. Seems that you truly know your market.
Congratulations.
two texts and a voicemail. I keep getting hits
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 11, 2012, 12:47:54 PM
You should sell the Accent and buy the Olds.
I would if we could work out a trade-in deal.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on September 11, 2012, 01:08:05 PM
I would if we could work out a trade-in deal.
I will give you $365 for the Accent, and I will let you take out a 72-month loan at an interest of 23.3%.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 01:08:51 PM
I will give you $365 for the Accent, and I will let you take out a 72-month loan at an interest of 23.3%.
Sounds like a better deal than your parents' Rendezvous!
I can see it selling for $750- $850 in it's current condition. It's almost winter here in Northeast Ohio and Smugs,AKA winter beaters, like these will be snatched up like hot cakes!!! And more than likely the people calling already have a dead one sitting around full of donor parts. And after they switch out the parts that non running 88 will be sold to Pull A Part for about $350!
I have about eight people who have expressed interest in the car since I have started the ad about an hour ago.
- One is coming to look at it today; cash in hand.
- another says she gets paid next week
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on September 11, 2012, 01:15:22 PM
I can see it selling for $750- $850 in it's current condition. It's almost winter here in Northeast Ohio and Smugs,AKA winter beaters, like these will be snatched up like hot cakes!!! And more than likely the people calling already have a dead one sitting around full of donor parts. And after they switch out the parts that non running 88 will be sold to Pull A Part for about $350!
Yep, might do it again next week. My neighbor died, and her Focus needs a home. Her kids aren't sure what to do with it.
Quote from: thecarnut on September 11, 2012, 01:14:47 PM
Sounds like a better deal than your parents' Rendezvous!
haha! It is because they didn't trade anything in and nothing was put down on the loan.
Color me surprised.
Nice work taking the risk - hope it pays off quickly.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 01:16:43 PM
I have about eight people who have expressed interest in the car since I have started the ad about an hour ago.
- One is coming to look at it today; cash in hand.
- another says she gets paid next week
Yep, might do it again next week. My neighbor died, and her Focus needs a home. Her kids aren't sure what to do with it.
Hey, look at that.
This is one case where I'm glad to have been proven wrong. Keep at it, but don't get in over your head.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 11, 2012, 01:16:43 PM
I have about eight people who have expressed interest in the car since I have started the ad about an hour ago.
- One is coming to look at it today; cash in hand.
- another says she gets paid next week
Yep, might do it again next week. My neighbor died, and her Focus needs a home. Her kids aren't sure what to do with it.
Lol! Taking advantage of dumb, poor people and people in mourning! If this ends being a consistent way to make some cash, more power to you. :lol:
My boss bought a PT Cruiser at the auction for $3200 and turned around and sold it in 4 days for $5800. It just seems that every time I need to sell something I get screwed.
Sold - $725.
After fees and such, I am looking at a profit of $125.
Not the greatest, but still great considering
- It was an impulse buy; I had planned to come back with a great little Cavalier. I didn't think the Olds would be a good car
- I did so many things backwards on this process.
I can't believe it...
(http://tgipaleo.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/838653-fabio.jpg)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on September 11, 2012, 04:01:01 PM
I can't believe it...
(http://tgipaleo.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/838653-fabio.jpg)
Why do you think I want to go into sales?
Well, I'm shocked.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 11, 2012, 04:07:19 PM
Well, I'm shocked.
I have only owned this car for six hours
Don't forget to pay your sales tax. :devil:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on September 11, 2012, 04:20:02 PM
Don't forget to pay your sales tax. :devil:
Already accounted for
You have to pay the sales tax? Here, the buyer pays it when they register the car.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 11, 2012, 05:20:24 PM
You have to pay the sales tax? Here, the buyer pays it when they register the car.
I have to pay the tax from when I got it at auction.
--------------
I have learned a lot in this brief little process.
- I need to bring someone with me, even if they don't know about cars. If they know about cars, they can educate me on stuff I'm unsure about, especially since the Auction adds 15-20 cars to the run list that morning (which means I need to be on my feet as to what might be a deal). If they don't know about cars, they can stop me from getting caught up in the moment (which happened with this car)
- Bring more money, and wait until the end. The profit margin on such a cheap car is low because there's usually something wrong with it. The olds is mechanically sound, but the body is bad. The Alero I wanted looked prettier, but the 2.4L was burning oil. The Cavalier I wanted needed no work, but it went for more money than I wanted to pay.
- Waiting until the end is advantageous; this auction has several auctions going at once, the Public being the first of the day. The Public auction starts at 9AM, but the dealer's auction doesn't start until 9:30. However, they start the dealer's auction on another lane (the "Tow" cars are also on another lane). They don't wait for the public auction to end; which means for about 30 minutes, some dealers are hawking the few desirable cars at the public auction. These dealers, however, are usually those "Buy Here, Pay Here" lots who don't really care how much they pay at auction; they make their money from the outrageous financing terms. This means that the cars in this short 30 minute window are usually a little higher than the ones at the end of the auction.
- Clean the car before you sell it; nothing more awkward than showing a car which still has auction stickers on it.
- Drive the car for a couple days; one to add miles, also to see how it'll act before it gets sold to a customer.
I can't wait until I can do it again, but it probably won't be for a little while. Maybe spring semester.
Don't go after the new year. All these Tax Time Ballers will be ther running the prices up!
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on September 11, 2012, 09:42:01 PM
Don't go after the new year. All these Tax Time Ballers will be ther running the prices up!
Ach, I forgot.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on September 11, 2012, 09:42:01 PM
Don't go after the new year. All these Tax Time Ballers will be ther running the prices up!
could also be an opportunity to sell at a higher price, too
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 11, 2012, 09:57:20 PM
could also be an opportunity to sell at a higher price, too
that's true but he'd still need to get his cars before H and R Block hands out those checks!
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 11, 2012, 09:57:20 PM
could also be an opportunity to sell at a higher price, too
I suppose If I get a car in December, come early January, it'll be ready to go.
I hate cars.
206 are you going over to Penn or did you stay in Oh?
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on September 11, 2012, 10:30:04 PM
206 are you going over to Penn or did you stay in Oh?
Akron Auto Auction.
Penns too far. Cleveland is too expensive, as is Canal Fulton.
Professional hoopty flipper!
Probational hourly tipper!
You can get cars absolutely dirt cheap in the last hour or two of the auction. Most people have left by then and you can pick stuff up for a couple hundred bucks.
If I had a parking area I would aquirr a car from an auction. But first I would need my truck and trailer with which to tow my auction car. Forget the whole thing.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on September 12, 2012, 12:17:38 AM
If I had a parking area I would aquirr a car from an auction. But first I would need my truck and trailer with which to tow my auction car. Forget the whole thing.
I drove mine home with no plates.
Why didn't you get a proper Oldsmobile 88? A 1982 Olds 88 is a proper Oldsmobile. :praise:
(http://www.westsidecruisers.com/Pictures/2005/20050424_Drammen/1982%20Oldsmobile%20Delta%2088_02.jpg)
Those are worth about $400 in scrap iron.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 12, 2012, 08:38:11 AM
Those are worth about $400 in scrap iron.
IMO they shouldn't be scraped. They should be preserved. I really like their boxy and classy styling. It has its charms.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 12, 2012, 08:47:08 AM
IMO they shouldn't be scraped. They should be preserved. I really like their boxy and classy styling. It has its charms.
Dime a dozen, always ran poorly, horrible on gas, not fast, hopeless to drive.
Scrap iron.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 12, 2012, 08:52:29 AM
Dime a dozen, always ran poorly, horrible on gas, not fast, hopeless to drive.
BUT...
THEY HAD STYLE. AND STILL DO. :mrcool:
Get ready for my spotted today images...gimme 10 minutes! There's a sweet, sweet, sweet car I spotted today!!! :rockon:
Quote from: 2o6 on September 12, 2012, 08:52:29 AM
Dime a dozen, always ran poorly, horrible on gas, not fast, hopeless to drive.
Scrap iron.
I'd rather have the 1980s Delta that the one you sold!
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 12, 2012, 08:53:40 AM
BUT...
THEY HAD STYLE. AND STILL DO. :mrcool:
Get ready for my spotted today images...gimme 10 minutes! There's a sweet, sweet, sweet car I spotted today!!! :rockon:
You would really love the K cars.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 12, 2012, 09:51:25 AM
You would really love the K cars.
Nope. I don't like the K-Cars at all. Too downsized and to generic. In fact the downsized Cadillacs don't really appeal to me at all from a styling POV.
The late 1970s, early 1980s GM RWD cars like the Caprice, Olds 88 etc. on the other hand had class IMO. I genuinely think they look good.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 12, 2012, 09:57:45 AM
Nope. I don't like the K-Cars at all. Too downsized and to generic. In fact the downsized Cadillacs don't really appeal to me at all from a styling POV.
The late 1970s, early 1980s GM RWD cars like the Caprice, Olds 88 etc. on the other hand had class IMO. I genuinely think they look good.
Too generic? Have you looked at the pictures you keep posting? Those are as generic as things can get. They are so generic, I can't tell what is what....mostly because those are from a dark period in American auto design and I just don't pay attention to that era at all.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 12, 2012, 09:57:45 AM
Nope. I don't like the K-Cars at all. Too downsized and to generic. In fact the downsized Cadillacs don't really appeal to me at all from a styling POV.
The late 1970s, early 1980s GM RWD cars like the Caprice, Olds 88 etc. on the other hand had class IMO. I genuinely think they look good.
So you hate huge gas guzzling SUVs, but love huge gas guzzling sedans, especially from an era where they were styled with a ruler and drove like crap?
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 12, 2012, 08:53:40 AM
BUT...
THEY HAD STYLE. AND STILL DO. :mrcool:
THEY NEVER HAD STYLE AND THEY STILL DON'T.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 12, 2012, 10:39:13 AM
Too generic? Have you looked at the pictures you keep posting? Those are as generic as things can get. They are so generic, I can't tell what is what....mostly because those are from a dark period in American auto design and I just don't pay attention to that era at all.
Design is subjective. :huh:
Quote from: Raza on September 12, 2012, 10:41:38 AM
So you hate huge gas guzzling SUVs, but love huge gas guzzling sedans, especially from an era where they were styled with a ruler and drove like crap?
I know these cars guzzled fuel like crazy, but they look better than any modern SUV IMO. It's all about the design to me.
Of course I would never own one of these 1970s landyachts here. I have no space for it and the fuel costs alone would kill me financially.
Quote from: CJ on September 12, 2012, 10:44:42 AM
THEY NEVER HAD STYLE AND THEY STILL DON'T.
1980s European Family Car(http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/175/6873/35421968/opel-ascona-c-81-88-30-3717720790999367271.jpg)
1980s American Family Car(http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9258/unbenannt1gz.jpg)
THEY HAD STYLE. STILL DO. :praise:
The Crown Victoria is a large car; most families went a class down.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 12, 2012, 08:50:24 PM
The Crown Victoria is a large car; most families went a class down.
Ok. But many were still stylish. A late 1970s, early 1970s Chevrolet Nova is hot in comparison to a POS Opel Ascona. :ohyeah:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6431342161_a424229083_z.jpg)
But it's still crap compared to earlier designs.
(http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/1966_Chevrolet_Nova_Hardtop_Front_1.JPG)
:praise:
(http://www.e-carpictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Supernatural_Impala-2.jpg)
OK, threadjacking over. 2o6, you should buy a bunch of land in some economically depressed area (e.g. Ohio) and use it to hold an inventory of cars until tax time.
I would do better stashing at other people's houses.
I'm seriously thinking about buying a couple rides come between Thanksgiving and Christmas; the semester will be over and I will have only work obligations. I also can get my car checked over at my job; they'll tell me any glaring issues that should be addressed.
You should open up a used car lot and call it "Kevin's Kars". Years from now, it can become the first and flagship Aviva dealer.
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 13, 2012, 11:54:31 AM
You should open up a used car lot and call it "Kevin's Kars". Years from now, it can become the first and flagship Aviva dealer.
The British insurance company!?
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 13, 2012, 09:46:49 AM
:praise:
(http://www.e-carpictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Supernatural_Impala-2.jpg)
Yes. Finally you post a classic American car.
The '68 Impala is one of my faves:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3672072021_bc838e8e90.jpg)
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 13, 2012, 11:54:31 AM
You should open up a used car lot and call it "Kevin's Kars". Years from now, it can become the first and flagship Aviva dealer.
Hahah! Maybe someday. :lol:
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 13, 2012, 11:54:31 AM
You should open up a used car lot and call it "Kevin's Kars". Years from now, it can become the first and flagship Aviva dealer.
Or Geely, Chery, Dongfeng, Brilliance, Great Wall, BYD or some other Chinese comedy car maker. :lol:
Quote from: Rockraven on September 13, 2012, 12:36:59 PM
Yes. Finally you post a classic American car.
The '60s were cool, but the '70s were cooler IMO. :mrcool:
I've been toying around with it passively for a little bit, but I have thought about getting my dealer's license and starting my own car lot.
Maybe not next week, but maybe in a few years. I've learned a lot in such a short amount of time from just flipping this car to working at the car dealership. Hopefully I can make it into sales soon.
What kind of dealership do you work at?
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on September 16, 2012, 06:59:14 PM
What kind of dealership do you work at?
Chevrolet dealer. We sell new Chevys and some used cars.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 16, 2012, 07:01:40 PM
Chevrolet dealer. We sell new Chevys and some used cars.
Cool!!
Take two
Instead of clogging up the chat thread
Quote from: 2o6 on September 25, 2012, 01:32:39 PM
Take two:
'02 Buick Regal
http://www.skipcoautoauction.com/auctiondetail.aspx?carno=B20&type=CurrentSale
'03 Neon (5-speed)
(No picture link)
'02 Escort
'02 Focus
'01 Accent
'01 626 V6
'01 Intrepid (3.5L, no nasty 2.7L)
'01 Intreigue
http://www.skipcoautoauction.com/auctiondetail.aspx?carno=B27&type=CurrentSale
'00 Bonneville (3.8L)
http://www.skipcoautoauction.com/auctiondetail.aspx?carno=B28&type=CurrentSale
'00 Altima
http://www.skipcoautoauction.com/auctiondetail.aspx?carno=B51&type=CurrentSale
'98 Grand Prix (3.8L, thankfully)
'01 Grand Am (3.4L. Hit or miss. Ecotec is best motor)
http://www.skipcoautoauction.com/auctiondetail.aspx?carno=B37&type=CurrentSale
'99 Cavalier
I've never been to this aucton, but they have their auction results listed online. Tends to be about the same price, with a few more lower cost cars.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 25, 2012, 01:42:46 PM
RIght now, I think the Intrigue would be the cheapest. But also, the most worthless. The Focus could be a beat to crap SPI model. The Escort is likely a ZX2. Accent has sold for low prices historically, but I don't know how desirable it is to sell (or fix). Neon may be cheaper to buy, and since I've owned one I kind of sort of know how to work on it. But it's a stick, so it might be a hard sell.
According to last week I missed a
2004 Blazer $800 (probably had some serious issues)
'04 Freestar $1100
'03 Intrepid 3.5L $800
'02 Focus ZX3 $1100
'01 Sportage $500
'01 Stratus $1000
'00 300M - $1100
'00 Sunfire $550
...and much more. They had an intrepid from about three weeks ago for $200.
Looks like I have been going to the wrong auction
Hey 2o6, good job.
If you wan't to look into it I have an even better proposition, seriously.
Cars like that can fetch a LOT more here in Mexico. Take a look at this list, divide prices by 13 to get the price in USD:
http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/SearchResultPage.aspx?IsFql=False&Query=&AdditionalQuery=&MaxHits=24&Offset=12&Filter%3amarca=Chevrolet&Filter%3ayear=1999
There is quite a bit of red tape to go through to set up an operation like that, but it could be done, legally.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on September 25, 2012, 05:34:51 PM
Hey 2o6, good job.
If you wan't to look into it I have an even better proposition, seriously.
Cars like that can fetch a LOT more here in Mexico. Take a look at this list, divide prices by 13 to get the price in USD:
http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/SearchResultPage.aspx?IsFql=False&Query=&AdditionalQuery=&MaxHits=24&Offset=12&Filter%3amarca=Chevrolet&Filter%3ayear=1999
There is quite a bit of red tape to go through to set up an operation like that, but it could be done, legally.
IDK if I'm ready for that, but It's an idea.
In Canada, we can easily import any car over 15 yrs old. I've been checking prices of the old VW "Sedans" that we're built until 2004. Many are in good rust free condition for less than $1000, and people up here pay $7-10,000 for a "classic" Beetle. I like the idea of having someone in Mexico find these cars, and have them transported to here. I'd have a small shop to clean and refurbish them, add catalytic converters, etc, and flip them for big $$$.
I'll call my business "Beetlemania!"
:ohyeah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6Bwg3rOFl8#t=3.25s
Quote from: Rockraven on September 25, 2012, 09:06:47 PM
In Canada, we can easily import any car over 15 yrs old. I've been checking prices of the old VW "Sedans" that we're built until 2004. Many are in good rust free condition for less than $1000, and people up here pay $7-10,000 for a "classic" Beetle. I like the idea of having someone in Mexico find these cars, and have them transported to here. I'd have a small shop to clean and refurbish them, add catalytic converters, etc, and flip them for big $$$.
I'll call my business "Beetlemania!"
:ohyeah:
They seem to be not that inexpensive here: http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/Sedan-modelo.aspx?query=&isfql=false&filtros=Filter:marca=Volkswagen
Rockraven, better import one of these for yourself:
http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/Sport-version.aspx?query=&isfql=false&filtros=Filter:modelo=Clio&Filter:marca=Renault
How about just sending our cheap cars north of the border? Craig loves taking our precious cars from us.
Quote from: Laconian on September 25, 2012, 09:38:43 PM
How about just sending our cheap cars north of the border? Craig loves taking our precious cars from us.
No one wants a Chevy Cavalier.
Canadians do. They also love Pontiacs and Mazzzdas.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on September 25, 2012, 09:38:02 PM
Rockraven, better import one of these for yourself:
http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.com.mx/Autos/Sport-version.aspx?query=&isfql=false&filtros=Filter:modelo=Clio&Filter:marca=Renault
Too new. Must be '97 or older.
Quote from: Laconian on September 25, 2012, 09:38:43 PM
How about just sending our cheap cars north of the border? Craig loves taking our precious cars from us.
I bought my Infiniti in Canada though.
Quote from: Rockraven on September 25, 2012, 09:52:38 PM
Too new. Must be '97 or older.
It's pretty easy to import a newer car too man. I've done it twice....along with a boat. It's very easy. The only difference with the 15 year old cars is that they don't require any inspections.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 26, 2012, 09:42:02 AM
It's pretty easy to import a newer car too man. I've done it twice....along with a boat. It's very easy. The only difference with the 15 year old cars is that they don't require any inspections.
Cars that were never sold in Canada?
Quote from: Rockraven on September 26, 2012, 07:39:38 PM
Cars that were never sold in Canada?
The list is on riv.ca. It lists all the cars that can and cannot be imported. Most cars are allowed, even cars that were never sold here, like the Pontiac GTO. There are cars that were sold here that you aren't allowed to import, like the Lotus Elise.
So looks like I'm limited to 5 vehicles a year.
I suppose that's not too unreasonable, maybe one per season.
Otherwise I'd have to get a license and my own place. And that would be a conflict of interest at my job.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 25, 2012, 02:04:01 PM
Take two
Instead of clogging up the chat thread
According to last week I missed a
2004 Blazer $800 (probably had some serious issues)
'04 Freestar $1100
'03 Intrepid 3.5L $800
'02 Focus ZX3 $1100
'01 Sportage $500
'01 Stratus $1000
'00 300M - $1100
'00 Sunfire $550
...and much more. They had an intrepid from about three weeks ago for $200.
Looks like I have been going to the wrong auction
Ok, from the links I posted, here's what I missed last week.
'02 Escort - $2200. Too high.
'02 Focus
'01 Accent - $1400; wayyy too much for this car. I would not be able to turn a profit.
'01 626 V6 $1350 - Meh.
'01 Intrepid (3.5L, no nasty 2.7L) - $1500, but yet again. Higher mileage.
'01 Intreigue - $2250. No thanks. It was a clean car, but it has the dreaded 3.1L
'00 Bonneville (3.8L)- $1350, but it was fairly high mileage. 157K is high
'00 Altima - $1400, would have been able to go maybe $2500.
'98 Grand Prix (3.8L, thankfully) - $1400, but it had a nice sound system and decent rims. would have been able to sell those.
'01 Grand Am (3.4L. Hit or miss. Ecotec is best motor) - $1550.
'99 Cavalier - $600, but had a tranny leak.
And some gems that I missed out on
'05 Freestar - $1250. Granted, it had 146K, but people are always looking for a cheap minivan. I don't think there are too many trouble spots on these, right? With minimal work, the car is worth 3-4K. Would have been a nice profit.
'04 Focus 2.3L Duratec - $1100. "Only" 133K, which is not bad.
'04 Chevy Aveo Hatchback - $1150. Although cheap, I fear with 133K, it's about to blow up in some catastrophic fashion.
'02 Grand Am 115K - $1200. Would able to do around 3K if not destroyed. Was a nice, clean car. A solid choice for the poor.
'02 Chrysler PT 130K. - $1600. It's a little above what I would want to spend, but It sort of intrigues me. Not sure how profitable the car really is.
'01 Taurus 121K - $950. I remember this car. I heard it run. I'm upset I missed it, AFAIK, not much wrong mechanically. It's a more basic car (not many options) but still 'solid'.
'01 Grand Prix 3.8K 105K. - $1100. Broken window. That's all that was wrong.
'00 Caravan 3.3L 112K - $850. Yet again, a solid van. People are always looking for a solid minivan.
Probably closer to November I will be buying another car.
My friends have been encouring me to get back into this, but using Craigslist instead of Auctions.
I just bought a 1998 Nissan Altima for $800.
CL pegs it at just shy of 3k for this car, and the body is very well. From TN, so the car has little rust.
Problems
- low brake pedal
- needs pads/rotors
- trans has no reverse, but moves forwards fine with no slippage or hard shifting
Trans is $150, and there are several around the corner from me.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C18D7284-6BEE-4880-8EBC-7B7B7BAD4830.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C18D7284-6BEE-4880-8EBC-7B7B7BAD4830.jpg.html)
:popcorn:
The crazy used car prices of the Midwest make this a real seller's market, no?
Quote from: Laconian on March 19, 2014, 08:36:01 PM
:popcorn:
The crazy used car prices of the Midwest make this a real seller's market, no?
Yes, especially in Columbus which has a worse used car market than Akron
holy crap you can score on cheap Nissans... probably get double what you pay for the car and trans???
Also, the dumbass had a deep cycle marine battery, so never ha enough volts to start the car. Friend put a crap battery laying around his house in it - back to normal
:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
His idiocy, your gain.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on March 19, 2014, 08:37:23 PM
holy crap you can score on cheap Nissans... probably get double what you pay for the car and trans???
More than double. That car is worth like 3K running well
:rockon:
It's a good way to waste some time and have alittle bit of fun, that's for sure.
You should buy a Suzuki Sidekick so you can flip the car that flips.
One of my neighbors has an SJ
We're going to seafoam the trans of the Maxima and see if we can get reverse back.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 20, 2014, 12:36:17 PM
One of my neighbors has an SJ
We're going to seafoam the trans of the Maxima and see if we can get reverse back.
I hope you first start by changing the filter and fluid, I'm sure that has never been done.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on March 20, 2014, 02:18:11 PM
I hope you first start by changing the filter and fluid, I'm sure that has never been done.
I do that first thing when I buy used cars. motor and transmission.
Ok, just found out what it needs, and ordered parts accordingly
Master cylinder - front right caliper isn't getting any pressure, discovered master cylinder isn't pushing anything to it. Right has new caliper.
Tie rods ( outer)
Sway bar links
Car looks like it has had a new engine put into it really recently
Seafoam only confirmed the trans is out, probably a burnt clutch on reverse or something
Small exhaust leak.
Parts from Rock auto are only $130, plus another 150 for the tranny.
Were pretty well on track
Cost breakdown
Car - $800
Parts (so far) - $130
Trans - $150
Other assorted work we can't or don't want to do (alignment, exhaust leak) - $200 ish maybe
List price - $3250
Other assorted fees, tax, registration - $100
Potential profit - about 2k ish
Any "value-adds" you can do while you're at it? Portholes, tinting, etc...
Usually I see that stuff on the very low end cars. Maybe somebody would pay extra for it?
Why the hell would you think someone wants that? That would provide no return, and most people around here just want a nice, reliable cheap runabout.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/EB1EA202-ACF4-4E7D-819B-E702C37CD7BB.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/EB1EA202-ACF4-4E7D-819B-E702C37CD7BB.jpg.html)
I'm going to take off those hubcaps, too. I feel like they're dragging the value of the car down
Make sure you factor in time, it's not just initial cost and parts cost. You should(or i would) figure trying to get atleast 30 dollars an hour for your labor. So while 2K profit(over initial cost and parts) is good, it isn't too good if you spend 2 whole weeks dicking with it.
I'm sure you figured that, but I was just pointing it out. I talk to people on a daily basis that don't ever factor in their labor. Even though you aren't "Paying" yourself it certainly isn't free. Especially if you are doing this to make money. That has to be one of the top 2 reasons that people who get into reselling/repairing cars never end up better than they started.
It's not like I'm taking off work to work on this thing.
It shouldn't be too bad, honestly
Who's doing all the work? I have a hunch you aren't able to swap a tranny by yourself.
Quote from: mzziaz on March 21, 2014, 08:15:08 AM
Who's doing all the work? I have a hunch you aren't able to swap a tranny by yourself.
Why wouldn't I be?
Besides, my friend is helping, he put an engine in a Corolla last week.
Quote from: Laconian on March 20, 2014, 08:26:17 PM
Any "value-adds" you can do while you're at it? Portholes, tinting, etc...
Usually I see that stuff on the very low end cars. Maybe somebody would pay extra for it?
LOL
People put that on their own car but don't want to buy a car that has that already on it.
I get what you're saying FBC, Kevin is doing this as a 'side gig' and I don't expect he'll do it all his life. I wish I had the skills to do it too! People make some incredibly dumb car choices- like once they start spending money on a 6-9yr old car they get rid of it because it's a "money pit".
On the contrary, it's generally cheaper to finish fixing that car up (and drive it another 5years) than to get an unknown history car (or new car)...
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on March 21, 2014, 08:21:24 AM
I get what you're saying FBC, Kevin is doing this as a 'side gig' and I don't expect he'll do it all his life. I wish I had the skills to do it too! People make some incredibly dumb car choices- like once they start spending money on a 6-9yr old car they get rid of it because it's a "money pit".
On the contrary, it's generally cheaper to finish fixing that car up (and drive it another 5years) than to get an unknown history car (or new car)...
I feel like this guy threw parts at this car, then gave up. The engine/radiatior is clearly new.....it has pretty good tires (albeit no-name Chinese ones), and the interior is beautiful, and the exterior is pretty nice as well.
I mean, the potential profit from this car is literally the amount I make in a month at my job. Even at a quarter of that, that's a week's pay - well worth it for a broke college student. I could pay the Yaris wayy down, and get rid of my car payment.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 21, 2014, 08:17:41 AM
Why wouldn't I be?
Besides, my friend is helping, he put an engine in a Corolla last week.
Because you lack the experience.
Quote from: mzziaz on March 21, 2014, 08:41:00 AM
Because you lack the experience.
He has a hell of lot of energy though and doesn't waste any time.
So what do you guys propose I do? Sit around and bitch about how hard it might be or how inexperienced I am, or get out there and do something?
Can't get experience unless you actually do it.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 21, 2014, 10:09:20 AM
So what do you guys propose I do? Sit around and bitch about how hard it might be or how inexperienced I am, or get out there and do something?
Exactly :ohyeah:.
Quote from: hotrodalex on March 21, 2014, 10:09:49 AM
Can't get experience unless you actually do it.
This. It's not like this is my only car and I need it to get to school....
Besides, my mechanic friend is the main one helping me
I've learned a great deal just by doing it. Sure, you want to read up a bit but other than that nothing is the same as taking the task on and doing it.
If I don't know how to do it, I'll learn. I'm not going to pay anybody to do anything that I can learn to do.
Also my comment about the hourly thing was not said in reference to doing this for a living. If your doing it even to make a few bucks on the side you want to make it worth your while. Don't spend a bunch of time doing it and then realizing that you are only making 5 bucks an hour. Might as well go and watch TV if that's the case.
I've always done mine because I was fixing the car for me. I somewhat enjoyed it and then would get to drive an interesting or fun car(to me) for a few months and sell it. Just about every time I was lucky enough to make a few thousand dollars. Now the market is so bad and used/wrecked cars are going for way more than they are worth(IMO). I'm pretty much done doing it because when your all said and done you might make just enough to pay yourself minimum wage and get a ton of headaches. Atleast in this area this has been the case for the past 5 years.
I have never counted my time on flipping a car or camera. I would count my time if I were working on it for someone else, but the profit I get, even if it is only $5/hr is more than I had before. Unlike a real part-time job, I can determine my own hours. And, the more experienced gained, the less time it will take on the next one.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 21, 2014, 08:25:49 AM
I feel like this guy threw parts at this car, then gave up.
Very very common. Sometimes people replace 3/4 of the "normal wear at that mileage" parts then decide to ditch the car.
It's like that last little thing that would make it a nice running car is just a little too much for them.
Add some Sugru. Pow, car will magically become all better.
Quote from: Rupert on March 21, 2014, 10:02:13 PM
It's like that last little thing that would make it a nice running car is just a little too much for them.
Reason I can't sell my El Camino - too many parts still in the garage that could increase the value a bunch. But once I install the parts, I'd have much less reason to sell the car.
The best one I ever came across was an early 90's Infiniti Q45t.
The car was spotless with low miles, sitting at a dealer auction listed as a donation. I checked it out, jump started it and it sounded good. So I bid on it and got it for about 900 dollars(this was back in like 99-00).
So I get it home and start digging around. The glove box was full of receipts:
A towing receipt, a new battery receipt, another towing receipt, a accessory belt receipt, another towing and a few more battery receipts then finally a alternator receipt.
I checked under the hood and saw the accessory belt for the alternator missing.
Long story short this guy kept getting stranded and throwing money at the problem. Turned out the Idler pulley for the alternator accessory belt was froze. It would throw belts and cause charging issues. Popped it off, pressed a 5 dollar bearing in it and threw it back together and detailed it. Drove it for a few months(fun car, alot of power probably underrated by 20-40HP) then ended up selling it for 4500 bucks.
Some people just give up, I(and my brother) used to look for nice upscale brands that were labeled donations. Most of those people just reached a breaking point and dumped a nice car with little wrong with it.
Flipping can certainly be alot of fun.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on March 22, 2014, 11:47:18 AM
The best one I ever came across was an early 90's Infiniti Q45t.
The car was spotless with low miles, sitting at a dealer auction listed as a donation. I checked it out, jump started it and it sounded good. So I bid on it and got it for about 900 dollars(this was back in like 99-00).
So I get it home and start digging around. The glove box was full of receipts:
A towing receipt, a new battery receipt, another towing receipt, a accessory belt receipt, another towing and a few more battery receipts then finally a alternator receipt.
I checked under the hood and saw the accessory belt for the alternator missing.
Long story short this guy kept getting stranded and throwing money at the problem. Turned out the Idler pulley for the alternator accessory belt was froze. It would throw belts and cause charging issues. Popped it off, pressed a 5 dollar bearing in it and threw it back together and detailed it. Drove it for a few months(fun car, alot of power probably underrated by 20-40HP) then ended up selling it for 4500 bucks.
Some people just give up, I(and my brother) used to look for nice upscale brands that were labeled donations. Most of those people just reached a breaking point and dumped a nice car with little wrong with it.
:rockon:
My friend usually deals with Asian makes. Mostly Toyota (owns an AE86 20V and a gen 1 Scion xB) and more specifically these
(http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c434727a.jpg)
Last month, he swapped two 1ZZ's in a Corolla and Prizm. A new 2.2L in a '99 Camry, Then he had a head gasket job on a '95 Civic 1.5, and just bought a CRV which jumped time (no bent valves, compression tested fine) that just needs retimed.
I think we'll be OK. And I want to learn, so I don't have to rely on others to help me so much with mechanical work.
Once you really get used to a certain make/model you could probably knock out jobs in record time.
I TOTALLY agree that learning to do much of it yourself is worthwhile.
:rockon:
You've got access to a full shop? My friend flips cars like this. He's got access to a shop with a lift and everything in the evenings though. Makes things a lot easier.
Quote from: MrH on March 22, 2014, 12:43:57 PM
:rockon:
You've got access to a full shop? My friend flips cars like this. He's got access to a shop with a lift and everything in the evenings though. Makes things a lot easier.
His garage has most everything save for a lift. We can even press in bearings if we want to.
He's a gear head. He has a recently-swapped in 20V 4AGE AE86 Corolla, his roommate has two FC RX-7's; one of which she just bought a turbo for.
A woman... With two rotaries... Is she hot?
Quote from: MrH on March 22, 2014, 01:02:48 PM
A woman... With two rotaries... Is she hot?
She's my friend.....I'm going to be nice
Quote from: 2o6 on March 22, 2014, 01:37:01 PM
She's my friend.....I'm going to be nice
I'll take that as a no :cry:
Quote from: MrH on March 22, 2014, 01:41:04 PM
I'll take that as a no :cry:
Your car is too slow anyways. Her boyfriend has a Turbo Z31.
Sounds more like SR20DET swap time for Alty
My friend should be getting his CRV in and out soon here, then we can start on the Altima.
Did you flip Altima yet?
(http://cdn.westportnow.com/ee/images/uploads/mvai9501290901pop.jpg)
Ho ho go
We haven't started, and the CRV needs less work
Park safety switch is broken, car every now and again only starts in neutral.
I need to get to work on this fucking thing
Quote from: 2o6 on March 28, 2014, 06:24:29 PM
Park safety switch
that's part of the tranny work anyway, right?
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on March 30, 2014, 06:06:06 AM
that's part of the tranny work anyway, right?
I don't think so
Quote from: 2o6 on March 30, 2014, 09:31:20 AM
I don't think so
It's almost always a switch in the console the shifter lever hits.
Hmmm...
My car has a button on the shifter which pushes a rod down and allows the shifter to move out of park. But I also hear a click when I push the brake activating a relay which unlocks the shifter to move...
I've been dragging my ass on this car, and given the fact that the meat of the semester was in the same time I bought this car, I've only just now started working on it.
- put in new master cylinder, so theoretically it now stops. The caliper that wasn't getting any fluid now opens and closes normally. However, the transmission still isn't out so I can't road test it yet
- put on new outer tie rods. (Those are easy! When the ones on te yaris go out, I think I can do them myself)
- the transmission is 1/2 out, but there's a crossmember in the way and the car is rustier than I thought. The front isn't connected anymore. We're going to take it off and my welder friend is going to band aid fix it.
Other than that, it's getting there - albeit slowl
don't you have to get an alignment after steering parts replacement??
Quote from: 2o6 on May 01, 2014, 11:22:01 AM
I've been dragging my ass on this car, and given the fact that the meat of the semester was in the same time I bought this car, I've only just now started working on it.
- put in new master cylinder, so theoretically it now stops. The caliper that wasn't getting any fluid now opens and closes normally. However, the transmission still isn't out so I can't road test it yet
- put on new outer tie rods. (Those are easy! When the ones on te yaris go out, I think I can do them myself)
- the transmission is 1/2 out, but there's a crossmember in the way and the car is rustier than I thought. The front isn't connected anymore. We're going to take it off and my welder friend is going to band aid fix it.
Other than that, it's getting there - albeit slowl
The front of the subframe has completely rusted free? Jesus.
Quote from: Secret Chimp on May 02, 2014, 08:35:17 PM
The front of the subframe has completely rusted free? Jesus.
No, just where the crossmember bolts up to it.
The rest of the car is Ok for a rust belt Japanese car.
We are just going to bandaid it up with some new metal welded to the good metal left.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on May 02, 2014, 07:16:36 PM
don't you have to get an alignment after steering parts replacement??
Yeah, so?
At my job with my discount it's like $40.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 03, 2014, 07:56:03 AM
At my job with my discount it's like $40.
Sweet.
I was too "poor" to do alignments on my cars, in fact the first alignment I ever paid for was 2013...
(ex might have paid for one in 2011 when she got all new tires on the van)
Trans is out.
Probably could have gotten the new one in if there wasn't a noise ordinance at my friend's house.
And now we wait.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4485298363.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4485298363.html)
Quote from: 2o6 on May 23, 2014, 05:28:11 PM
And now we wait.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4485298363.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4485298363.html)
Flagged it for you.
What a dumb ad. Everything you wrote makes sense and is spelled correctly. This is craigslist, not MIT!
lol
Should sell quick at that price
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 23, 2014, 10:16:08 PM
What a dumb ad. Everything you wrote makes sense and is spelled correctly. This is craigslist, not MIT!
It's not written in all capital letters, either. Craigslist fail!!!! :lol:
How much are you into it?
Just curious what you're looking to make off of it. My friend does the same kind of flipping, but usually it's BMWs, VWs, and MB.
Quote from: MrH on May 24, 2014, 11:32:08 AM
How much are you into it?
Just curious what you're looking to make off of it. My friend does the same kind of flipping, but usually it's BMWs, VWs, and MB.
Itemized
Purchase Price - $800
Parts (CV axle master cylinder, the brakes actually came with the car. Dumbass put a new caliper, rotor and brake pads on the one side, but couldn't figure out why the car still couldn't stop. Driver's side pads were in the car when I bought it. I also got outer tie rods) - $130, courtsey of rock auto
Junkyard transmission - $150
Exhaust work - $155 (i could have gone cheaper, but I wanted to get it done and out of my hair. Cheapo place had a two day wait)
Hubcaps, blower regulator, other random shit - $60
Alignment - $40
-------------
about $1300 give or take I have in the car. I'm looking at around a $1000 profit. I have it listed a bit high, but I feel ike 2500-2600 is fair for this car.
Sold. $2400.
Profit ~ 1000 dollars
Quote from: 2o6 on June 05, 2014, 05:37:28 PM
Sold. $2400.
Profit ~ 1000 dollars
Congrats. You're good at this.
Don't forget to pay income taxes on that.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 05, 2014, 05:59:43 PM
Don't forget to pay income taxes on that.
What are you, my mother?
New flip
2001 Honda CRV AWD AUTO 189k
I bought it. The trans case is cracked. There's no trans fluid. It slips really badly. What little fluid there is, is black. Got it for $1200. This car is loaded. Power everything and keyless with two keys.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/4A0747A9-DF59-42E9-BC38-FE5F3D97E200_1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/4A0747A9-DF59-42E9-BC38-FE5F3D97E200_1.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/29848350-8AC8-4029-98E1-74707104C659.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/29848350-8AC8-4029-98E1-74707104C659.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0A60D07C-D06A-44BA-9C3A-EE156F6E18EC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0A60D07C-D06A-44BA-9C3A-EE156F6E18EC.jpg.html)
Quote from: 2o6 on June 10, 2014, 03:53:12 PM
New flip
2001 Honda CRV AWD AUTO 189k
I bought it. The trans case is cracked. There's no trans fluid. It slips really badly. What little fluid there is, is black. Got it for $1200. This car is loaded. Power everything and keyless with two keys.
Those CR-Vs were pretty slick little trucklets back when they were new. We sold a shitload of them at the Honda dealer I worked at back in the late 1990s. The chrome bars underneath were a rare-ish dealer add-on. Oh, and on the EX models, you can fold the front and back seats flat to make a bed. That, and the folding picnic table in the back were huge selling points! Autos felt a little sluggish but the manuals did okay if you kept the revs up.
This should be a pretty easy sell once you get it all fixed up. :ohyeah:
Quote from: Madman on June 10, 2014, 04:53:28 PM
Those CR-Vs were pretty slick little trucklets back when they were new. We sold a shitload of them at the Honda dealer I worked at back in the late 1990s. The chrome bars underneath were a rare-ish dealer add-on. Oh, and on the EX models, you can fold the front and back seats flat to make a bed. That, and the folding picnic table in the back were huge selling points! Autos felt a little sluggish but the manuals did okay if you kept the revs up.
This should be a pretty easy sell once you get it all fixed up. :ohyeah:
Yeah, they're slow but nice. My friend flipped a 1998 with 300k about a month and a half ago. I paid the same amount for this as he did his , but mine is three years newer, more options, and 100k fewer miles and better shape cosmetically.
This is a 2nd owner car, and the guy is a HS english teacher who got fed up and bought a Forester.
He'd has it 10 years
A guy I went to high school got one of those this month. Put some larger wheels on it and it actually looks sweet.
What if you kept it and sold the Yaris? I've always liked those CR-Vs
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 10, 2014, 06:42:59 PM
What if you kept it and sold the Yaris? I've always liked those CR-Vs
CRV gets like 2/3's the fuel economy and has double the miles.
No thanks
I've never seen one with those bars on it! How much do you think you can sell it for?
maybe 5k
Good find. That's got some serious flip potential.
Got a list yet of what it needs?
Lol, a guy I'm following on Twitter is renting a Yaris and keeps tweeting about it. All I can think of is Kevin's Yaris :lol:
" YUNG
ASS
RICH
INVINCIBLE
STUNNA
#YarisClique"
Quote from: MrH on June 10, 2014, 09:35:31 PM
Good find. That's got some serious flip potential.
Got a list yet of what it needs?
The guy seems a bit clueless about cars. He's already replaced it with a two-generation old gently-used Forester. His wife drives a previous gen Pilot.
Somehow, it lost trans fluid. I checked the dipstick and there's no trans fluid reading. Stuck the dipstick in, and what little fluid registered on the stick is burnt black. The car moves, albeit slips pretty badly. Going to put some Honda trans fluid and limp it back to Columbus.
Worst comes to worst and the trans is out, it's $600 for a junkyard trans.
KBB puts this at $4800, so I think listing for $5500 ish is pretty well.
Quote from: MrH on June 10, 2014, 09:42:34 PM
Lol, a guy I'm following on Twitter is renting a Yaris and keeps tweeting about it. All I can think of is Kevin's Yaris :lol:
" YUNG
ASS
RICH
INVINCIBLE
STUNNA
#YarisClique"
Rofl. I saw a legit Yaris clique on I-90. 6 Yaris sedans all with old men driving and YARIS across the back windows in big white letters.
I didn't think anyone used KBB other than car dealers due to the grossly inflated retail prices. Of course when it comes time to trade a car in at said dealer than KBB trade in is NOT an industry standard.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 11, 2014, 07:52:53 AM
I didn't think anyone used KBB other than car dealers due to the grossly inflated retail prices. Of course when it comes time to trade a car in at said dealer than KBB trade in is NOT an industry standard.
Real private party CL listings put it arond that price. My friend sold his old one with 300K for about $3200.
I limped it home.
CEL is on. Code for "Incorrect Gear Ratio". The transmission is pretty much only using what gears work....2nd ish and 3rd and 4th? It slips pretty bad, and either slams or slips in 1st? and 2nd. It did OK at 70-80MPH. Cruise works. Tracks straight and true with no vibration. Runs amazing.
So, it's looking like it needs a
- Transmission $600
- Timing Belt $150?
This right here?
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-06/AC830FE5-08B0-4469-B35C-19FA2A0E7275.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-06/AC830FE5-08B0-4469-B35C-19FA2A0E7275.jpg.html)
That's the crack in the trans case that has a hole. Some dumbass JB Welded it, but of course it sort of leaked out eventually, then burned up all the clutches.
I asked, and he says he used to "do a little off roading" in the CR-V. I think he was stupid and hit a rock and tore a hole in the trans case.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 10, 2014, 03:53:12 PM
New flip
2001 Honda CRV AWD AUTO 189k
I bought it. The trans case is cracked. There's no trans fluid. It slips really badly. What little fluid there is, is black. Got it for $1200. This car is loaded. Power everything and keyless with two keys.
It looks good. Kudos on your gusto.
I've already got a buyer for the CRV that hasn't been started on. I need to start work on it ASAP
New flip though.
1998 accord coupe v6 auto. (168k) It's a friend of a friend who's a damn loser drug head. The car had been sitting for a solid two months because he lost his license and then impound for another month. He said if I paid his impound fees ($870) I could have the car cause he's broke as fuck.
Good - two brand new tires. V6 is good (although it had no oil, but the guy is a fuck face and the oil change light is on). Trans is perfect, which is kind of rare.
The bad - it's cosmetically pretty bad, (not as bad as my very first flip; the olds 88) and it has a weird surging idle. Idk why, might be due to the fact the gas is old as heck. It needs a mirror and a tire. And a window regulator.
It's also fucking disgusting inside
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0BA3A7F9-AF2E-47AF-9628-9B86A5EEB702.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0BA3A7F9-AF2E-47AF-9628-9B86A5EEB702.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/6B79A1C3-4904-4182-AB7A-DEF4F6C0466B.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/6B79A1C3-4904-4182-AB7A-DEF4F6C0466B.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/9E23410D-0184-4CC3-8EC8-4884679574C8.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/9E23410D-0184-4CC3-8EC8-4884679574C8.jpg.html)
SMH! How can someone ride around in a car that filthy!!!
Just a thought: If you're going to keep doing this, might want to consider a steam cleaner. I have one I got for about $80-$90 on Amazon. I've helped clean up cars that my friend flips, and it works really well.
I've been eying this one for months.
http://www.amazon.com/McCulloch-MC-1275-Heavy-Duty-Steam-Cleaner/dp/B0000DF0RB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406311279&sr=8-1&keywords=steam+cleaner (http://www.amazon.com/McCulloch-MC-1275-Heavy-Duty-Steam-Cleaner/dp/B0000DF0RB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406311279&sr=8-1&keywords=steam+cleaner)
This is the one I bought. I think it was $80 on sale awhile back.
http://www.amazon.com/Wagner-915-500-Watt-On-Demand-Steamer/dp/B003PGQI3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406317230&sr=8-1&keywords=wagner+steamer (http://www.amazon.com/Wagner-915-500-Watt-On-Demand-Steamer/dp/B003PGQI3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406317230&sr=8-1&keywords=wagner+steamer)
The carpet is ruined, but I have put some fucking LOVE in this car.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10551077_10202360355516772_7156945860010696585_n.jpg?oh=040228697ba8743a9f5dbc7ea1ebc398&oe=54476768&__gda__=1413847309_f0354d33db7286b134c71c53567b8469)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t1.0-9/10561580_10202360355796779_7110848575963985871_n.jpg)
Junkyard mirror was $65. That's expensive. And the power mirror is fine and the glass was unbroken.
I epoxy'ed that shit back into place
(https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/10592883_10202360356076786_4001620726487978074_n.jpg)
How it looked when I started
(https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10413321_10202344973452230_2848826942006628063_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10547499_10202344973612234_6959110816388268964_n.jpg?oh=8b2214c2dc5f172e1e52ed7735dd01e0&oe=543A2E39&__gda__=1412993644_8cd5e3a3022acc8b6d20f10104a4e463)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10527727_10202344976652310_3001586246848157291_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10516696_10202345000052895_6271059951779325405_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10344778_10202345124496006_4972881294843357302_n.jpg?oh=6c6314e74f99dba6c326348abdc4ec4b&oe=54560BAE&__gda__=1414173763_5f0bdcacf5d90261911b066d50e48ead)
I wouldn't have been able to touch that thing without a hazmat suit on.
They sold you a car with garbage in it?
You are a magician.
Are you selling those Dragonball Z DVDs on Craigslist or something?
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on July 31, 2014, 08:07:26 PM
They sold you a car with garbage in it?
I got it out of impound for a friend of a friend. I paid the impound fee and he signs over the title.
This was all his shit inside. Kid is a total stoner.
Quote from: Raza on July 31, 2014, 08:44:41 PM
Are you selling those Dragonball Z DVDs on Craigslist or something?
Tehyre VHS tapes, and I'm giving his stuff back to him
Quote from: 2o6 on August 01, 2014, 12:37:02 PM
Tehyre VHS tapes, and I'm giving selling his stuff back to him
;)
That a boy, never miss a business opportunity.
I must say, Kevin, I'm very impressed. :ohyeah:
I have everything I need to do this (2 car garage, chain hoist/leveler, engine stand, jacks/stands, tools, pressure washer, etc). I should get into this for some more experience and pocket $$$.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/trenton-on/2001-pontiac-firebird-convertible/1007820423?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true (http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/trenton-on/2001-pontiac-firebird-convertible/1007820423?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true)
I know this car. The woman slid on a bridge in town and messed up the front end. If I can get it for $500, plus say $1000 in parts, I can flip it for $4-5000.
4-5k for a 2001 firebird with well north of 200k kms?
Quote from: mzziaz on August 01, 2014, 01:29:22 PM
4-5k for a 2001 firebird with well north of 200k kms?
It's a V8 automatic convertible with zero rust. $4-5k all day long. If I put another $1000 into the engine/transmission (all gaskets, valve job, seals etc) I'd put it up to $7000.
So you have two cars in inventory right now? Is the CR-V already sold?
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on August 01, 2014, 05:30:18 PM
So you have two cars in inventory right now? Is the CR-V already sold?
I haven't started on the CRV yet
Sold. (Pending)
$1700
I spent
: $80 on window regulator. $8 can of seafoam. $2.50 in plastic epoxy. $870 for car.
Total investment (not including gas)
$960.50
Profit - $700+
Quote from: 2o6 on August 08, 2014, 10:52:50 AM
Sold. (Pending)
$1700
I spent
: $80 on window regulator. $8 can of seafoam. $2.50 in plastic epoxy. $870 for car.
Total investment (not including gas)
$960.50
Profit - $700+
Nice.
"Sold (Pending)"
LMAO, nothings sold til you have money.
I've "sold" my miata 4 times already.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on August 08, 2014, 11:30:07 AM
"Sold (Pending)"
LMAO, nothings sold til you have money.
I've "sold" my miata 4 times already.
She's agreed to purchase the car, she picks it up Monday.
Quote from: 2o6 on August 08, 2014, 11:44:53 AM
She's agreed to purchase the car, she picks it up Monday.
Ok
Car is out of my hair!
Also, I hate people who bring others with them and only want to start shit.
What happen?
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2014, 06:04:40 PM
Car is out of my hair!
Also, I hate people who bring others with them and only want to start shit.
I suspect that some of us here are that "other" person.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 10, 2014, 04:02:47 PM
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/4A0747A9-DF59-42E9-BC38-FE5F3D97E200_1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/4A0747A9-DF59-42E9-BC38-FE5F3D97E200_1.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/29848350-8AC8-4029-98E1-74707104C659.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/29848350-8AC8-4029-98E1-74707104C659.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0A60D07C-D06A-44BA-9C3A-EE156F6E18EC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0A60D07C-D06A-44BA-9C3A-EE156F6E18EC.jpg.html)
I've been dragging my ass on this car, but I finally started. The trans is out, and I did the rear main seal while I was down there. With class, I'm wayy busier so I have to work it in my schedule to work on it. Trans should go back in this week, and then I have to do the T-belt and water pump.
Does your CR-V have the picnic table?
The table under the false floor!
:huh:
It's a cool thing. I don't think it comes with chairs though.
It DOES have a cheap bike rack!! :lol:
Quote from: veeman on October 01, 2014, 08:55:33 PM
It's a cool thing. I don't think it comes with chairs though.
What? That's absurd.
- I do have the table.
- I got the trans in, the car drives and shifts beautifully now.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 23, 2014, 07:52:29 AM
- I do have the table.
- I got the trans in, the car drives and shifts beautifully now.
I'll give you $20 for it :lol:
$21
1.75 liters of rum of your choice shipped to you illegally
Finally Sold - 2001 Honda CR-V
Profit = $-50
I did learn something; never fuck with a 4WD car ever again. Too many things to go wrong.
The Civic netted a profit of $850 without me doing a damn thing, though.
Onto the next one!
Now you're a real car salesman.
Sure you lost money, but make it up in volume.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 09, 2015, 03:54:45 PM
Now you're a real car salesman.
Sure you lost money, but make it up in volume.
I should get a finance arm
Quote from: 2o6 on June 09, 2015, 03:56:20 PM
I should get a finance arm
That's where the money is at, the cars are just there to get people into the finance office.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 09, 2015, 03:59:04 PM
That's where the money is at, the cars are just there to get people into the finance office.
These cars would have been appreciably better than most cars on the finance lots, though.
Win some, lose some. $50 loss isn't too bad. Kinda sucks that you invested time and energy to not quite make your money back, but it could have been worse.
$50 to learn what to avoid in the future? Sounds like a good deal to me. What a hassle that CRV was.
I have a tandem-bike-attachment for sale on craigslist since Saturday. Dude contacted me sunday we lined up tonight but today he doesn't have the $20 I asked for. 2 people emailed me last night, I email first one back today and he lives like 2hrs from here. ?!
I see how it can be a TOTAL hassle.!!
I can't stay away
2005 Pontiac Vibe
$700.
Needs engine.
Car is worth about 3500 at worst
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i224/Kalos_23/CCCF61CA-C316-4A6A-B405-BDB3864E244D.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/Kalos_23/media/CCCF61CA-C316-4A6A-B405-BDB3864E244D.jpg.html)
You'll learn......
:lol:
What are the details? What happened to the engine? Any potential damage elsewhere?
And where do you find these cars?
Flipped 206:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/206_rollover2.jpg/800px-206_rollover2.jpg)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/CCCF61CA-C316-4A6A-B405-BDB3864E244D.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/CCCF61CA-C316-4A6A-B405-BDB3864E244D.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/4CD172EB-B4AA-4B0A-AAFB-17D2E30DBE36.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/4CD172EB-B4AA-4B0A-AAFB-17D2E30DBE36.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D34ED322-7598-455F-9E95-727E798B0C77.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D34ED322-7598-455F-9E95-727E798B0C77.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/938CCC8E-9E89-4B20-8A80-CA228F5DC77C.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/938CCC8E-9E89-4B20-8A80-CA228F5DC77C.jpg.html)
Sorry, I posted from my phone in the middle of bumfuck nowhere.
Anyways, it's a 2005 Pontiac Vibe (whatever the non base trim is) and it's got cruise, PL, PW and AC. It's also got new brakes, great tires, and a new AC compressor, and new exhaust pieces.
- It's got a small accident under it's belt, and the car is a little dent-ier than I'd like but it's still pretty 'good'.
- Typical toyota white, there's basically no clear coat left. A good wax will make it look significantly better though
- the chick had a kid, and she smoked. It's not disgusting, but it does need a good cleaning.
Her dad bought it for her when she was 16, but it looks like it's not only too small for her (she's fat), but she's got a couple kids so she decided to get a two year old Ford Edge.
Her dad took it to a mechanic where they diagnosed it with a bad connecting rod (i originally thought it snapped, but I'm not sure yet). There's a light knock on a cold start, but it quickly went away. No CEL. The shop where it's located says the oil pump is failing/failed.
There's a big ass oil leak undeneath the car, so meh. I've budgeted to replace the engine.
Purchase price
$700
New engine -
$800 - junkyard, but I'm looking for a cheaper one.
Engine labor -
$500
So I'd be in it about 2k.
List for $3500, take 3K. 1K ish profit.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on June 16, 2015, 04:04:57 PM
And where do you find these cars?
Craigslist. The car had been listed only 1 hour. I was the very first. I scan CL about 2-3 times an hour a day. That's how I found the Civic. And the CR-V.
KBB puts the car at $3200 at fair condition, but still I feel like asking 3600 isn't too far off base, given CL pricing.
Good luck on this one 2o6. Sound like a doable but somewhat risky plan (engine sourcing/install complications?).
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 16, 2015, 05:21:00 PM
Good luck on this one 2o6. Sound like a doable but somewhat risky plan (engine sourcing/install complications?).
Why would it be? It's about as risky as the Civic was, with more cushion.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2015, 05:23:22 PM
Why would it be? It's about as risky as the Civic was, with more cushion.
Engine install sounds complicated to someone like me who tends to look at such jobs with no fucking idea of what they actually entail. Like I said, good luck I hope you make that kilodollar on this.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 16, 2015, 05:24:48 PM
Engine install sounds complicated to someone like me who tends to look at such jobs with no fucking idea of what they actually entail. Like I said, good luck I hope you make that kilodollar on this.
Haha, it's not hard. And little cars like this are pretty not complicated, just a lot of steps.
The Civic needed a new engine
Quote from: Laconian on June 16, 2015, 04:07:06 PM
Flipped 206:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/206_rollover2.jpg/800px-206_rollover2.jpg)
:thumbsup: :clap:
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2015, 04:14:05 PM
KBB puts the car at $3200 at fair condition, but still I feel like asking 3600 isn't too far off base, given CL pricing.
Sounds like a score!!
I see accident cars sometime and think "someone should buy that one and the other wrecked one and make one good car"....
I didn't realize they'd gotten so cheap -- I guess they're at the point where it's just lumped in to the generic "American car with mechanical problems" price range of approximately zero. But once you've gotten it cleaned up nice and with a new engine, I'd think that maybe you can even get more than $3,500 for it.
Quote from: ifcar on June 16, 2015, 08:16:40 PM
I didn't realize they'd gotten so cheap -- I guess they're at the point where it's just lumped in to the generic "American car with mechanical problems" price range of approximately zero. But once you've gotten it cleaned up nice and with a new engine, I'd think that maybe you can even get more than $3,500 for it.
It's a ten year old car with 160k; similar gen Corollas are only a little more expensive
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2015, 08:35:30 PM
It's a ten year old car with 160k; similar gen Corollas are only a little more expensive
Than $700? It feels like a Corolla that runs has more value than that at any age.
Quote from: ifcar on June 17, 2015, 07:53:21 AM
Than $700? It feels like a Corolla that runs has more value than that at any age.
With a ruined motor? This car needs an engine; that lops off a lot of value.
It's $1300 for a used engine and a guy under the table to get this car back on the road.
If it was done at the dealer, it's literally three times that amount.
If I were a dealer I could likely charge 5000 for this car maybe, but with a $3600 engine job it's still only worth $1000 ish in state
I guess....I don't know, but if you see any 2005 Corollas for under $1,000, you should snap those up too.
Quote from: ifcar on June 17, 2015, 09:31:36 AM
I guess....I don't know, but if you see any 2005 Corollas for under $1,000, you should snap those up too.
Of course. Those seem to be better kept than the Matrix and Vibe twins, though. I don't often see those broken down, which is funny because they're the same mechanically as the Matrix and has the same trouble spots. The 1.8 1ZZ is notorious for burning rings and burning oil.
I meant to ask -- when you change out an engine, what are you doing with the old one? Do you sell it for scrap metal or to someone who salvages some of its parts or what?
Junkyards have core charges, I get $50 back and they recycle the engine for scrap metal
Vibe engine is cheaper than anticipated, but the vibes tires are like 2/32
Quote from: 2o6 on June 18, 2015, 07:33:40 PM
Vibe engine is cheaper than anticipated, but the vibes tires are like 2/32
Racin slicks.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 18, 2015, 07:40:36 PM
Racin slicks.
They've also been under inflated for a long, long time
Quote from: 2o6 on June 18, 2015, 07:47:50 PM
They've also been under inflated for a long, long time
Wrinkle wall drag radial.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 18, 2015, 07:49:56 PM
Wrinkle wall drag radial.
These tires look like a top fuel dragster taking off
But the car is standing still
I'm probably going to go the cheap Chinese route or some decent used CL tires. Vibe has a weird size though; 205/55/16
Most large junk yards(atleast around here) have a pretty decent selection of used tires.
Thats an easy size to find, thats my tire size and I think the 02-06 Altima base size
Good to know. vibe should be running next week
Quote from: 2o6 on June 19, 2015, 10:55:46 AM
Good to know. vibe should be running next week
:rockon: roadtrip since you have lots of trunk space
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/20/pontiac-vibe-passenger-airbag-recall/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/20/pontiac-vibe-passenger-airbag-recall/)
Vibe is running
Quote from: 2o6 on June 23, 2015, 08:06:21 PM
Vibe is running
better go catch it!
new motor or old one?
Um, the old one has rod knock, it likely spun a bearing. There's no saving that
Quote from: 2o6 on June 23, 2015, 08:25:28 PM
Um, the old one has rod knock, it likely spun a bearing. There's no saving that
just wondering..
saying it runs to me sounds like it's finished with all the motor work but you didn't say that so I was confuzzled..
So swap is done? cleanup time??
The swap is done, the old motor could never be saved
I've got a buyer - friend's Sister is buying it for $3650. (New tires are about $300 mounted and balanced)
However, I've got to put new tires on it for her. And it's got to pass PA inspection, which means I need to get the SRS light off.
Also, the cat is bad. ($180)
Typical, profits are dwindling. Why is the srs light on? Prior accident? If you have to buy a module thats going to be another 50-100. A lot of yards wont seperate the module from the airbag.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 09:40:45 PM
Typical, profits are dwindling. Why is the srs light on? Prior accident? If you have to buy a module thats going to be another 50-100. A lot of yards wont seperate the module from the airbag.
I haven't checked the code yet, it might be a clockspring. They're fairly common Toyota failures.
I've inflated the price for the parts.
Vibe Sold
Profit ~$900?
it ended up needing a new cat, and tires, etc. But she loves it and I now have a check for $3750.
a car a month= rent money?
Don't you have to get a dealership license or something soon? There's a limit on how many you can flip in a year. My buddy is always right up against that limit.
Quote from: MrH on July 26, 2015, 01:35:13 PM
Don't you have to get a dealership license or something soon? There's a limit on how many you can flip in a year. My buddy is always right up against that limit.
Six title transfers. I'm only at two so far.
Are CVTs easier to swap? Seems like they'd be lighter and more compact. I saw a cutaway of a CVT at a car show and I was struck with how "simple" it was compared to the blow apart diagrams of modern ATs.
Quote from: Laconian on July 26, 2015, 04:09:49 PM
Are CVTs easier to swap? Seems like they'd be lighter and more compact. I saw a cutaway of a CVT at a car show and I was struck with how "simple" it was compared to the blow apart diagrams of modern ATs.
I mean, probably not in any meaningful way. There's still a flexplate and mounting screws/mounts. I can't picture it being harder or easier.
I'm trying to research if a CVT auto from a Cube would be interchangeable.
They're the same engine and platform, but it might be like the case of the xB vs the Yaris; our transmissions are the same internally but the cases and mounting points are slightly different.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 26, 2015, 05:44:24 PM
I mean, probably not in any meaningful way. There's still a flexplate and mounting screws/mounts. I can't picture it being harder or easier.
That's kind of how I imagine it too. Can't say I've replaced a CVT though. They're likely box just boxes that attach.
Rebuilding them on the other hand....automatics are ridiculous. I wouldn't try that ever.
Oh crap, a Mazda 5 just popped on my radar.
It seems safer, more value and no tricky CVT auto
Quote from: MrH on July 26, 2015, 07:52:06 PM
Rebuilding them on the other hand....automatics are ridiculous. I wouldn't try that ever.
+1
Quote from: 2o6 on July 27, 2015, 08:11:35 AM
Oh crap, a Mazda 5 just popped on my radar.
It seems safer, more value and no tricky CVT auto
A Mazda 5, you say? For obvious reasons, I'm intrigued.
What's the story with this one?
Quote from: Madman on July 27, 2015, 09:49:36 AM
A Mazda 5, you say? For obvious reasons, I'm intrigued.
What's the story with this one?
The 2.3 is notorious for spinning bearings and throwing rods
The Mazda 5 looks like shit
The versa I could limp home long as there's no hills
What year is this Versa, and which engine?
Quote from: ifcar on July 27, 2015, 06:13:10 PM
What year is this Versa, and which engine?
07, 1.8 SL CVT auto, sedan. It's got all options, intelligent key, sunroof, cruise.
But the guy sounds like he wants a bidding war, and I'm not playing that game.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 27, 2015, 05:51:09 PM
The Mazda 5 looks like shit
That's a pity. I'm really enjoying mine.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 27, 2015, 06:16:07 PM
07, 1.8 SL CVT auto, sedan. It's got all options, intelligent key, sunroof, cruise.
But the guy sounds like he wants a bidding war, and I'm not playing that game.
SL, nice. No missing wheel covers.
Quote from: Madman on July 28, 2015, 07:10:44 AM
That's a pity. I'm really enjoying mine.
Too much rust, had been in a fairly serious accident, needs tires, needs windshield, filthy interior.
AND it needs an engine.
Quote from: ifcar on July 28, 2015, 07:17:42 AM
SL, nice. No missing wheel covers.
Too bad that CVT is NOT reliable
I'm passing on the Versa.
The cheapest Used CVT I found was $1600.
$1600 + $1300 + 600 (install) = $3500, if everything goes 100% right, so it's probably closer to $3700
For a car that's worth maybe $4200.
Too tight
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/605080A9-A400-4BDE-BDF5-2C435A9D7513.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/605080A9-A400-4BDE-BDF5-2C435A9D7513.jpg.html)
2004, 2.slow auto
$1200
I may have lucked out- I can't find any mechanical defects.
It does have a rebuilt titie that I didn't know until I signed, but I feel like in the low price range it's not as big of a deal
New tires. Everything works
Not a bad deal. Put some used GTI wheels on it an sell for $2999.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on August 28, 2015, 09:56:46 AM
Not a bad deal. Put some used GTI wheels on it an sell for $2999.
My friends are giving me shit because
- It's a VW
- It's got a branded title (which I didn't know, but the condition of the car I feel overrides it)
These same two friends convinced me to get the CRV which I lost money on, the Accord sight-unseen (which was a pile)
The other VW friend sold a 2001 MKIV a few months ago with a leaky steering rack. And pulled the the frame of an accord out with a tree.
So I think they're jealous. I just put 130 miles on it on the trip home at 85MPH with no issue. 115HP is not enough, especially with the 4AT putting it at 3600RPM at those speeds, but idk it's a good car.
The vibe was worse
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/9DBCC0B8-6F4E-48BC-9939-1040DA0678FA.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/9DBCC0B8-6F4E-48BC-9939-1040DA0678FA.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/CF0D9F72-A223-4226-BDF1-8F775BE9AEC5_1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/CF0D9F72-A223-4226-BDF1-8F775BE9AEC5_1.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C0D4EFAB-DB09-4BFE-9DEC-B3CC9F95B935.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C0D4EFAB-DB09-4BFE-9DEC-B3CC9F95B935.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3CC290B7-D29E-44CB-82F1-E0D45DBC9E1D.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3CC290B7-D29E-44CB-82F1-E0D45DBC9E1D.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/2D41D9DC-9440-42B6-9C9D-273B93E65F8E.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/2D41D9DC-9440-42B6-9C9D-273B93E65F8E.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/82EFA9D8-2346-438D-AA1F-DAB9F4994153.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/82EFA9D8-2346-438D-AA1F-DAB9F4994153.jpg.html)
A fine sedan.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on August 28, 2015, 10:38:48 AM
A fine sedan.
I'm curious as to why the title is branded. I can't tell where it's been hit, but I think it might be a police auction car
Some college gal is going to snap that up in no time flat.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on August 28, 2015, 10:43:12 AM
Some college gal is going to snap that up in no time flat.
The only money I'm going to put in it is a Bra
Maybe an investigation as to why the CEL is on, but it's a VW so it might be a losing battle.
It's hard to tell from the pictures but the door gaps/seams look a little off. Front bumper cover looks repainted, but that might have nothing to do with what caused it to be totaled.
If VW has vins on it's panels then you should be able to deduce what happened. It may have hit a guard rail or something and caused enough damage to warrant a total loss.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on August 28, 2015, 11:00:32 AM
It's hard to tell from the pictures but the door gaps/seams look a little off. Front bumper cover looks repainted, but that might have nothing to do with what caused it to be totaled.
If VW has vins on it's panels then you should be able to deduce what happened. It may have hit a guard rail or something and caused enough damage to warrant a total loss.
I think so. Whomever fixed it seems like they did a very good job.
I can't tell, the previous owner couldn't tell, and I don't predict any buyer being able to tell. It tracks straight and true at 85 MPH with no vibrations.
Sometimes it's nice to know(and maybe be able to point to) what was damaged and repaired with regards to a vehicle having a salvage title. Some people still get leery and think it's 2 cars that have been welded together.
Indeed.
There is no body damage.
Because it caught fire.
Ya, that's better.
Or go with the old standby,
the owner left the window open in the rain, so that's why it has a flood salvage title......
I always get a chuckle when I read that in a CL ad.
Quote from: 2o6 on August 28, 2015, 10:42:45 AM
I'm curious as to why the title is branded. I can't tell where it's been hit, but I think it might be a police auction car
Could be a flood car.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on August 28, 2015, 12:02:34 PM
Ya, that's better.
No, I just ran the carfax.
In 2012, and 30k ago, the car caught fire.
I'm not concerned, if anything.
That sounds better than an accident, and with 3 years and 30k post repair, any big issues would have happened by now
Ooh, I think a repair shop fucked it up.
It went to a janky repair shop in Cleveland, Oh, at 121,xxx then about 200 miles later the title was reported as the car having fire damage.
Carfax says no airbag deployments or structural damage
Just got the codes read for the CEL
EIGHT codes
Five of them for misfiring, so probably coil pack
Two of them for 02 sensor
1 for "cooling system performance" which might be coolant temp sensor
But won't your buyer have access to the same CarFax info (i.e., fire in the past)?
So?
Quote from: 2o6 on August 28, 2015, 08:42:17 AM
2004, 2.slow auto
$1200
I may have lucked out- I can't find any mechanical defects.
New tires. Everything works
Congrats. Now sell it quickly, before something expensive goes wrong!
Quote from: 2o6 on August 28, 2015, 05:11:09 PM
Just got the codes read for the CEL
EIGHT codes
Five of them for misfiring, so probably coil pack
Two of them for 02 sensor
1 for "cooling system performance" which might be coolant temp sensor
Oops, too late! :lol:
Quote from: Madman on August 28, 2015, 09:00:54 PM
Congrats. Now sell it quickly, before something expensive goes wrong!
Oops, too late! :lol:
They're not serious codes; maybe $150 in parts
Also, in the sub 3k range, people want a car that RUNS first and formost
Quote from: 2o6 on August 28, 2015, 09:08:29 PM
They're not serious codes; maybe $150 in parts
Danger to manifold!
Quote from: 2o6 on August 28, 2015, 09:41:37 PM
Also, in the sub 3k range, people want a car that RUNS first and formost
+1
Listed.
Fair?
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html)
Quote from: 2o6 on September 28, 2015, 12:48:42 PM
Listed.
Fair?
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html)
Is it clean?
Quote from: 2o6 on September 28, 2015, 12:48:42 PM
Listed.
Fair?
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html)
Almost looks like a scam. Should have started at 3000.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 28, 2015, 12:48:42 PM
Listed.
Fair?
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5238268365.html)
How would you be able to flip it for a profit?
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on September 28, 2015, 01:24:59 PM
How would you be able to flip it for a profit?
I believe that ad
is him flipping it for a profit.
I only have $1300 in it
Your paying taxes on the profit, Right?
....yes
You said clean 7 times in a 153 word ad. 4.5% of your ad is just the word clean.
Is this the beginning stages of the comeback of Random Capitalizing Kevin?
FWIW the add states it doesn't leak yet one of those pics is one a very leak-stained driveway. I'd remove that pic. Also, carrying on about how it's the cleanest on CL and then reciting how everything is good that should be good (clean oil/coolant, no front end noise, smooth shifting, quiet exhaust, etc.) makes it sound a bit scammy or like a shady used car dealer. I'd just state that it's in great shape in and out, and then bullet list options/features and the major things that have been fixed/replaced (tires, brakes).
I'd also state why it has a rebuilt title - the add sorta implies that it wasn't in an accident, which also sounds a bit scammy.
Fixed
Yes, in my experience when an ad goes to great lengths to establish something I normally assume it's false.
"Very clean car, NO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT ALL,
I use this car as a daily, everything works great, especially the transmission.
It gets good gas mileage on the freeway, and rides smoothly while NOT HUNTING FOR GEARS IN THE PROBLEM FREE TRANSMISSION.
All fluids have been changed as well as filters, transmission works great, power windows and locks with an aftermarket cd player, transmission works great, the ac blows cold, transmission works great, and the
tabs have just been renewed, transmission works great, I also have a spare set of the original factory keyless entry fobs."
Etc.
Lol, so this Jetta sale is going GREAT.
I cursed out a guy yesterday.
Initially, it sounded like a promising lead for a guy to buy this Jetta - lives about an hour and 20 mins away in Dresden, OH, and has a Jetta III and just got rid of an early Jetta IV. Says he knows a lot about VW's and he sounds generally like a charming older man. He asked me a weird question about my phone number; (I have a 330 area code, which is Akron Canton area, 100 miles away, instead of a 614 Columbus area code), but I didn't really pay it any mind. This being an older gentleman and not familar with text messaging, he asked me to email him the address so he can see and testdrive the car.
He says he's older and doesn't want to come out in the rain or too dark, so I schedule a time for saturday at 9:30. I send him the address of a well-lit elementary school that's near my house, because I don't meet at my home for CL transactions - never had an issue, most people prefer to do this as well.
Instantly, he starts quizzing me about the location, and says I'm a con-artist for not meeting at my home.
I try to placate this older man and tell him over and over again that I prefer to meet in public just for everyone's safety
Then he calls me a con-artist again, and that I would con him by meeting in public and he'd beat me up if I tried anything. He insists we meet at my house.
So I tell him to fuck off, and we aren't meeting, then he sends me a profanity laced email telling me he'd give me a "fuck off gift" if we ever met, and how he'd kick my ass
CL people are weird. And scary.
:confused:
Quote from: 2o6 on October 01, 2015, 10:16:28 AM
Lol, so this Jetta sale is going GREAT.
I cursed out a guy yesterday.
Initially, it sounded like a promising lead for a guy to buy this Jetta - lives about an hour and 20 mins away in Dresden, OH, and has a Jetta III and just got rid of an early Jetta IV. Says he knows a lot about VW's and he sounds generally like a charming older man. He asked me a weird question about my phone number; (I have a 330 area code, which is Akron Canton area, 100 miles away, instead of a 614 Columbus area code), but I didn't really pay it any mind. This being an older gentleman and not familar with text messaging, he asked me to email him the address so he can see and testdrive the car.
He says he's older and doesn't want to come out in the rain or too dark, so I schedule a time for saturday at 9:30. I send him the address of a well-lit elementary school that's near my house, because I don't meet at my home for CL transactions - never had an issue, most people prefer to do this as well.
Instantly, he starts quizzing me about the location, and says I'm a con-artist for not meeting at my home.
I try to placate this older man and tell him over and over again that I prefer to meet in public just for everyone's safety
Then he calls me a con-artist again, and that I would con him by meeting in public and he'd beat me up if I tried anything. He insists we meet at my house.
So I tell him to fuck off, and we aren't meeting, then he sends me a profanity laced email telling me he'd give me a "fuck off gift" if we ever met, and how he'd kick my ass
CL people are weird. And scary.
He's probably the con-artist.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on October 01, 2015, 10:46:41 AM
He's probably the con-artist.
yeah, with this car being rebuilt title, I feel like i'd sell it to him and he'd try and sue me or some shit.
Probably just a crazy angry old man. I've been lucky with CL having only run into one POS (whiny bitchy hippy type).
He kinda has point though - elementary school on a Saturday will be empty. Maybe next time try a Starbucks or supermarket parking lot - that's what I've done.
So why has the listing been flagged for removal? Did this crazy angry old man report you?
Quote from: GoCougs on October 01, 2015, 12:30:59 PM
So why has the listing been flagged for removal? Did this crazy angry old man report you?
Yeah, but I have a new link and s girl coming to look on Saturday.
Jesus. Well, there are more than a few people who exist to do nothing other than antagonize others.
CL, only the best.
I've had awesome luck selling on CL - only met that one flaky whiny hippy bitch, and he was more annoying than anything - no cars but tires, wheels, lawn equipment, exhaust, iPhones, mountain bikes.
Quote from: GoCougs on October 01, 2015, 02:48:37 PM
I've had awesome luck selling on CL - only met that one flaky whiny hippy bitch, and he was more annoying than anything - no cars but tires, wheels, lawn equipment, exhaust, iPhones, mountain bikes.
I've never sold on CL for that reason! I hear more horror stories about CL than Ebay.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on October 01, 2015, 08:03:44 PM
I've never sold on CL for that reason! I hear more horror stories about CL than Ebay.
Man, fuck eBay. eBay takes half your money and Paypal takes the rest, plus Paypal fucks the seller over in the interest of "buyer protection".
I've only sold a couple vehicles (My boys Harley and and his Suburban) and the fees weren't bad at all.
Sold - $2000
Profit - $700
Considering the salvage title and overall flakiness, i can't really be mad.
I'm returning the parts, though.
How many cars are you allowed to sell per year without being a licensed dealer? I think it is 7 herr.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 10, 2015, 04:12:11 PM
How many cars are you allowed to sell per year without being a licensed dealer? I think it is 7 herr.
Six title transfers.
I'm only at three, the Vibe, the Civic and the CRV. And now the Jetta.
I probably won't do another until november. The landlord situation has me tapped on cash and the semester I have too much school work to really diagnose and find a car
I have spare time noe. Inneed to buy a car dolly so I can tow shit cars with Mighty Max. Then get a $400 carport and do some flipping flips. If I can make an $500 each X 6, I'd be pretty nappy.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 10, 2015, 04:29:09 PM
I have spare time noe. Inneed to buy a car dolly so I can tow shit cars with Mighty Max. Then get a $400 carport and do some flipping flips. If I can make an $500 each X 6, I'd be pretty nappy.
If you stalk out CL, you can find a lot of deals. Lots of Civics with snapped timing belts, or Mazda 3/6 with failed oil pumps. I check CL almost twice an hour.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 11, 2015, 09:09:13 PM
If you stalk out CL, you can find a lot of deals. Lots of Civics with snapped timing belts, or Mazda 3/6 with failed oil pumps. I check CL almost twice an hour.
How do you think I found Summit? :lol:
I have a dilemma
So Tax time will be upon us very soon.
I really am ready to get back into the game
I've noticed that mid-to-late cycle 1st Generation 4cyl, 5-speed Saturn VUE's are cheap, and the L61 4CYL is cheap, and I could buy and have a car on the road for a very low amount of money.
I'd really like to find a facelift model, but I haven't found one. I know tax time around here inflates the value of cars around %20-25 and with this being a small SUV it'll likely find a buyer.
So, I'm looking at these two
2005 - 180K, but sitting in a junkyard, looks like. $700
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5343736445.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5343736445.html)
2004 - 170K, one owner. Super clean exterior. It's in a quiet Columbus suburb, and the car has OBX stickers, so I'm assuming they kept up on work and really loved the car. $750.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/5ED2B7F9-EF7D-41D5-AAED-624F86452A9D.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/5ED2B7F9-EF7D-41D5-AAED-624F86452A9D.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/620F0D02-6A44-4632-89FF-043816A0D01B.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/620F0D02-6A44-4632-89FF-043816A0D01B.jpg.html)
Only blemish I saw in the dark
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/BF1A5F49-317D-483D-9933-7A301E4AB0F7.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/BF1A5F49-317D-483D-9933-7A301E4AB0F7.jpg.html)
Here's the thing....
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/08E93A0A-C2DE-4ADB-B270-DBBE35A875B5.png) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/08E93A0A-C2DE-4ADB-B270-DBBE35A875B5.png.html)
Retail puts these cars at around $3500 list, and I have yet to see a CL ad (private party) under $2800.
Should I go for one of these? Wait for a facelift model? Find one with lower miles? Ignore these totally?
I am just not seeing the market for these things like at all. If they were auto, OK, but stickshift is the kiss of death for 99% of buyers
Sucks as they sound interesting. $750 for ~10-12 year old running wheels is decent.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 27, 2015, 08:25:48 PM
I am just not seeing the market for these things like at all. If they were auto, OK, but stickshift is the kiss of death for 99% of buyers
Sucks as they sound interesting. $750 for ~10-12 year old running wheels is decent.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5370905504.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5370905504.html)
http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5349781996.html (http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5349781996.html)
http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5348283378.html (http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5348283378.html)
This one doesn't run.
It would be $700 purchase + $400 for an engine + $500 install.
It'd be on the road for $1600. A running car IMO is still worth 2K. A nice running car with no issues, would be worth $2500.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 27, 2015, 08:25:48 PM
I am just not seeing the market for these things like at all. If they were auto, OK, but stickshift is the kiss of death for 99% of buyers
I agree.
Stickshift + orphan brand + intergalactic mileage = deal breaker for the vast majority of shoppers.
I hope you'll enjoy driving it because something tells me you're going to be stuck with it for a VERY long time!
If you guys can find a running example for $1500, then show me.
Just because they're hard to find doesn't necessarily mean that there's much demand for it when it is found, though. I'd also be wary of the marketability of a non-reputable crossover with a stickshift.
Quote from: ifcar on December 28, 2015, 07:16:31 AM
Just because they're hard to find doesn't necessarily mean that there's much demand for it when it is found, though. I'd also be wary of the marketability of a non-reputable crossover with a stickshift.
I think I'm going to pass on the 2004-2005 MY cars but if I see a 2006-2007 facelift car, I'll jump on it.
I think the age could negate the transmission and desirability of these cars. The L61's (2.2L Ecotec) is so cheap, that makes it not as bad of a profit margin as other cars. This engine is cheaper than the Transmisskon from the Honda CR-V, and $300 cheaper than the vibe and Civic engines.
Where do you get your engine pricing on these things?
Quote from: MrH on December 28, 2015, 10:02:59 AM
Where do you get your engine pricing on these things?
Junkyard/salvage yard.
There's a site called "car-part.com" that prices pieces out, since junkyards are usually good about keeping things cost competitive between them.
Most junkyards are insurance salvage auction cars, (the one I go to) which Means they've been wrecked. It also means that the likelihood they're in running shape (all of the engines are tested working unless noted otherwise). These yards don't accept ol shitboxes off the street.
I also call to confirm.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 28, 2015, 09:35:07 AM
I think I'm going to pass on the 2004-2005 MY cars but if I see a 2006-2007 facelift car, I'll jump on it.
I think the age could negate the transmission and desirability of these cars. The L61's (2.2L Ecotec) is so cheap, that makes it not as bad of a profit margin as other cars. This engine is cheaper than the Transmisskon from the Honda CR-V, and $300 cheaper than the vibe and Civic engines.
Only jump if its auto
U will have to pay someone to take a stickshift Vue off your hands
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 28, 2015, 10:47:44 AM
Only jump if its auto
U will have to pay someone to take a stickshift Vue off your hands
Autos are less reliable on these cars.
A standard shift is still worth something to someone who has no wheels.
I think I found another
2006 Saturn VUE 4 cyl 5MT - this one only has 103k.
This one "runs" but it's got valve tapping/collision, and an oil leak. Plus a cracked windshield and bad master cylinder?
He also wants $2250 which is insane for a car that needs a motor
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/BAE97491-D245-4062-8DD8-531940A67317.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/BAE97491-D245-4062-8DD8-531940A67317.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/474FCE93-203D-442F-A3BF-BEB10553989C.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/474FCE93-203D-442F-A3BF-BEB10553989C.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C5B74C06-F0D7-459D-AA16-D8EF80BC6D33.png) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C5B74C06-F0D7-459D-AA16-D8EF80BC6D33.png.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B809BE87-9FCB-4EC4-AA5C-4E845E8BE7F7.png) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B809BE87-9FCB-4EC4-AA5C-4E845E8BE7F7.png.html)
This has more value, but the purchase price is too high. However, it also has been listed for awhile so maybe I can work him down.
Master cylinders are a PITA. So much bleeding...
Quote from: CaminoRacer on December 28, 2015, 02:24:23 PM
Master cylinders are a PITA. So much bleeding...
He says it's leaking...
It's not ideal. If I can get it for $1000-1250, I'll hit. But I know $2250 to $1000 is a big fall from grace.
But it sounds like a stubborn old man who thinks his car is worth a lot more than it is. A Dealer job for either an engine or timing chain would be like 3k at least.
Why are there so many 5 speed Saturn Vues in Cleveland????????? I feel like there are more there than the whole rest of the country lmao.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 28, 2015, 02:36:08 PM
Why are there so many 5 speed Saturn Vues in Cleveland????????? I feel like there are more there than the whole rest of the country lmao.
Three isn't that big of a deal, and a great deal of Saturns I see are manuals, no matter what they are.
The 5 speed wasn't that slow of a seller, it moved a few units, and came in both base and mid level VUEs.
lol guy says he doesn't want to come down by much, and he says the "valve tapping goes away when warm"
Lol fuck that guy.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 28, 2015, 05:20:24 PM
lol guy says he doesn't want to come down by much, and he says the "valve tapping goes away when warm"
Lol fuck that guy.
Valve tap doesn't necessarily mean it's a timing issue. Generally, if you're tapping a valve into a piston, the motor runs like absolute shit (and won't run very long). My guess is it's a bad lifter or valve clearance has otherwise gone out of spec.
Worn lash adjusters. Common issue with high mileage EcoTechs. $20 each, there's 16 of them (only a few may be worn, but better to replace them all at once), reasonably easy job to do yourself. I Discovered the "valve tapping" issue on my son's G5 Pursuit, and a quick youtube video confirmed the problem and showed the fix. Exactly the same... the tapping goes away when the engine warms up.
I agree with the guys... I don't see any flip value with and old manual Vue.
I drove a Vue once. I wasn't, uh, impressed.
My parents had a redline vue.
Great motor, way too much power for that vehicle (fwd).
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on December 28, 2015, 07:24:12 PM
My parents had a redline vue.
Great motor, way too much power for that vehicle (fwd).
It's a diamond in a cardboard box.
It fit in well with the gm portfolio.
A good/great motor with a free car attached to it. GM has finely honed that market over decades.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 28, 2015, 07:42:40 PM
It's a diamond in a cardboard box.
More like a diamond in a Tupperware container.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on December 28, 2015, 07:45:35 PM
It fit in well with the gm portfolio.
A good/great motor with a free car attached to it. GM has finely honed that market over decades.
A diamond with "HONDA" stamped into the valve covers.
Tupperware has established itself as a market leader and innovator. So your comparison could have been better.
For some reason, taking apart the dashboard doesn't sound too bad?
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5378546322.html
2000 New Beetle - $900 leaks coolant from heater core
Quote from: 2o6 on December 28, 2015, 07:56:57 PM
For some reason, taking apart the dashboard doesn't sound too bad?
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5378546322.html
2000 New Beetle - $900 leaks coolant from heater core
Oh god no. I dated a girl with one. That thing was the biggest piece of shit.
Get that insight. That thing would be awesome.
Quote from: MrH on December 28, 2015, 08:03:01 PM
Oh god no. I dated a girl with one. That thing was the biggest piece of shit.
Get that insight. That thing would be awesome.
That insight sold in 40 minutes and was salvage title.
Your just dying to buy something, aren't you.
Buy a miata, fix it up over the winter.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 28, 2015, 07:56:57 PM
For some reason, taking apart the dashboard doesn't sound too bad?
That's because you can crawl up inside it with your tool cabinet and stool, and still have room for a beverage cooler and a stereo for tunes while you work.
Quote from: MrH on December 28, 2015, 08:03:01 PM
Oh god no. I dated a girl with one. That thing was the biggest piece of shit.
Get that insight. That thing would be awesome.
:lol: Monika had a 2.0slow one when I met her. I though it was fine. It was a 2010 though.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on December 29, 2015, 10:24:26 AM
:lol: Monika had a 2.0slow one when I met her. I though it was fine. It was a 2010 though.
Did you take it to the track
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 30, 2015, 03:35:01 PM
Did you take it to the track
Lel no.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Bad idea II?
2008 Cobalt Coupe LS, 119K - 5 speed
Needs engine
Kbb puts it in 3k even for "good condition" and yet again, the L61 is a cheap engine.
Bad idea. I vote nay
Seems steep for needing an engine. 119k miles is decently low though.
The car is $1000.
The engine is $450.
It's worth 3k in good condition.
It's also a 2008
Quote from: 2o6 on January 01, 2016, 11:55:48 AM
The car is $1000.
The engine is $450.
It's worth 3k in good condition.
It's also a 2008
Oh my bad, misread that.
Seems like it could be a good deal then. Any other 5 speed Cobalt for sale that you could judge price on?
It's moot, the car got sold under me.
Now I'm waiting on a 2006 Mercury Mariner with a bad Trans, and a Ford Escape with a bad engine.
This is tough.
This is the worst.
Mariner never got back to me, only to tell me it's sold.
The Cobalt is sold
The Civic only wanted cash in hand and I told her I couldn't get out of work until 6PM yesterday and she sold it anyway
The Forester wants a bidding war (2001 Forerster? Fuck you.)
I hate other opportunistic people. Mostly cause they're going to fuck it up.
Ok so I'm going to go check out a
1999 Toyota RAV4 5-speed. It's a little old, but the car is in pristine shape, and has less than 100k miles.
FWD.
The guy wants $1500, but it's been sitting for three weeks unsold, so he may be responsive.
KBB puts it at $3100, and a new engine is $500, and around $500 to get the engine in.
Even if I pay asking price, I'm only paying 2k for it.
The only issue is the fact it's 100 miles away, so it'll need towed.
Looking at the exorbitant prices for RAV4's, and the fact it's about to finally start snowing
I went for it - guy took $1250.
Tow dolly is $49.99 and my friend is letting me use his Mazda B series
Quote from: 2o6 on January 08, 2016, 03:47:44 PM
Looking at the exorbitant prices for RAV4's, and the fact it's about to finally start snowing
I went for it - guy took $1250.
Tow dolly is $49.99 and my friend is letting me use his Mazda B series
A running Toyota is worth its weight in gold to the genital populus.
Sounds like your new car should be an old truck so you can always be towing around junk cars.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 08, 2016, 03:52:58 PM
A running Toyota is worth its weight in gold to the genital populus.
Sounds like your new car should be an old truck so you can always be towing around junk cars.
Sonic with hitch (seriously)
Quote from: 2o6 on January 08, 2016, 03:57:12 PM
Sonic with hitch (seriously)
This is not a good plan. Keep in mind, I am somebody who has towed about 1500# of building materials with a Hyundai Accent. Towing a 2500# car on a dolly with a Chevy Sonic is going to be very bad.
Is there an intermediate stage between a private car flipper and a car dealership in which you could be an LLC without yet needing a dealer license? Then, as a business expense, you could get a cheap truck to be a flip-tower. And then when you're out of other cars to sell at a given time, you can even flip the truck and buy another.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 08, 2016, 03:47:44 PM
Looking at the exorbitant prices for RAV4's, and the fact it's about to finally start snowing
I went for it - guy took $1250.
Tow dolly is $49.99 and my friend is letting me use his Mazda B series
Where are you renting the tow dolly from? U-Haul won't rent it to you to tow a RAV4 with a small truck.
Quote from: ifcar on January 08, 2016, 04:28:06 PM
Is there an intermediate stage between a private car flipper and a car dealership in which you could be an LLC without yet needing a dealer license? Then, as a business expense, you could get a cheap truck to be a flip-tower. And then when you're out of other cars to sell at a given time, you can even flip the truck and buy another.
I've thought about it, and my friend has an LLC for basically this very thing.
I don't think I do it enough for me to be cost effective.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 08, 2016, 04:35:29 PM
I've thought about it, and my friend has an LLC for basically this very thing.
I don't think I do it enough for me to be cost effective.
Can you buy cars acquired at title loan places?
This RAV4 is goofy.
Toyota pulled a GM-Style of design changes, and the block is different between FWD and 4WD models. The one of the mounts is casted differently on the 4WD cars because it won't clear the transfer case, otherwise. So research shows a 2WD car can use a 4WD motor, but a 4WD car can't use a 2WD motor.
I guess it works out, cause there are no 2WD motors in my city.
I passed on the RAV4 cause it was trash.
The guy neglected to tell me that it had no battery, so I never got an exact mileage. Also he neglected to tell me the car had been sitting for two fucking years. The control arms look like death, and front rotors are totally brown, along with the calipers. The body and interior was generally clean, but it'll need all new brake hardware, control arms, and an engine.
I'm glad I didn't buy that pile. What a fuck ass.
Quote from: Rockraven on January 08, 2016, 04:28:48 PM
Where are you renting the tow dolly from? U-Haul won't rent it to you to tow a RAV4 with a small truck.
Really? I never had a problem renting one but I always used my Pops F-150.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on January 10, 2016, 10:41:04 AM
Really? I never had a problem renting one but I always used my Pops F-150.
I called ahead to rent one to tow a Honda Civic with my Dakota. They said my truck was too small. Had to borrow friend's Silverado, and when I was there they needed the car info to look up its weight. Then they inspected the truck with dolly hooked up, and the fucking brake lights didn't work. Had to re-splice a wire before they'd let me take it. Fuck U-Haul.
Quote from: Rockraven on January 10, 2016, 12:31:21 PM
I called ahead to rent one to tow a Honda Civic with my Dakota. They said my truck was too small. Had to borrow friend's Silverado, and when I was there they needed the car info to look up its weight. Then they inspected the truck with dolly hooked up, and the fucking brake lights didn't work. Had to re-splice a wire before they'd let me take it. Fuck U-Haul.
OH WOW! UHaul never did any of that to me! And the last time I rented a dolly the brake lights on the dolly didn't work at all!
Quote from: Rockraven on January 10, 2016, 12:31:21 PM
I called ahead to rent one to tow a Honda Civic with my Dakota. They said my truck was too small. Had to borrow friend's Silverado, and when I was there they needed the car info to look up its weight. Then they inspected the truck with dolly hooked up, and the fucking brake lights didn't work. Had to re-splice a wire before they'd let me take it. Fuck U-Haul.
Uhaul didn't let me take it because my hitch was under rated; my friends Mazda B has the ball in the bumper and not secured to the frame.
Otherwise it would have been fine.
It worked out anyways cause that RAV4 was a pile of shit. The car sat for two years, and although the body was generally clean, the control arms and front wheels/rotors/calipers looked seized. I don't think that thing would have moved. And I wouldn't have had my mechanic look at that rusty POS. We wouldn't be friends after that lol
Ok, I bought something
2001 Mazda Tribute V6 Auto FWD
It's a California car and only been here for six months.
- It "runs" but there's a big ass hole in the EGR which sounds like death and it won't idle very well. This points to a bad cat(s)
Its most likely the rear cat
Book value is around $2500-2600.
Purchase Price
$1250.
Cat - $130, for the rear one.
EGR - $30.
It's also got some other niggles (rear wiper motor and arm are gone, and the interior door handle for the passenger doesn't work). But the tires are new, and yet again - no rust.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/Avatar/8716CE6E-3D2E-4611-9828-A20C05BBD23F.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/Avatar/8716CE6E-3D2E-4611-9828-A20C05BBD23F.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/Avatar/9D8D9A0E-D126-4B39-A97D-90E1225EF759.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/Avatar/9D8D9A0E-D126-4B39-A97D-90E1225EF759.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/Avatar/239EC233-8F0A-40FC-8B09-3ECE7F134B4D.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/Avatar/239EC233-8F0A-40FC-8B09-3ECE7F134B4D.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/Avatar/7CC4ABC2-9414-4ADE-A1E2-F4D3CCCFDCF7.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/Avatar/7CC4ABC2-9414-4ADE-A1E2-F4D3CCCFDCF7.jpg.html)
I got the tribute home. My friend undid the exhaust (which was a breeze since its a Cali car!) partway which bypassed the cat which let me drive it back (although with a broken EGR valve it still ideals like ass)
Was a loud drive, but the car feels great at 70MPH and it rides and handles well.
Sweet
I finally got around to working on this thing - here's the old EGR valve
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/161D18C3-EBCF-48C1-A74C-2B50E1C576AB.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/161D18C3-EBCF-48C1-A74C-2B50E1C576AB.jpg.html)
The Tribute was throwing NINE OBD codes. I cleared the CEL, and so far, no return. I replaced the EGR, and it right now has no drivability issues.
How much are you looking to get for it?
EDIT: I just saw it only FWD. Dammit I need AWD.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on January 30, 2016, 06:47:24 PM
How much are you looking to get for it?
EDIT: I just saw it only FWD. Dammit I need AWD.
Yeah sorry. Lol
Potential Flip -
2004 Ford Escape Limited 4WD
Yes, this is basically the Ford twin of the car I have now, but this car is newer by three years, has about the same miles, and is better equipped (4WD, leather, etc)
KBB puts it at $3300 for "good"
He's asking $1200, and it's got the same problem my Tribute had, albeit not as severe. Misfire causing the front cat to shit out onto the rear cat, and thus clog the rear cat. the EGR hasn't exploded, but the car barely moves.
Even if I pay someone to replace all cats, I'd only be in it like $2200.
I'm going for it.
Spent most of its life in AL, purchased from original owner who was friend of family - super clean inside and out, from rich part of town.
Has brand new tires and brakes, as well as comes with two extra new tires. Been meticulously maintained.
New cat(s) are $200 + 200 labor for the front one, and $150 for the rearmost one.
Front cat shitting into the intake of the rear cat? It's like the Human Centipede, but with cats.
Quote from: Laconian on February 19, 2016, 05:18:10 PM
Front cat shitting into the intake of the rear cat? It's like the Human Centipede, but with cats.
hah yes.
These things are notiorious for misfiring a little, people driving them anyways, and then the precat melts, goes down the headers, and gets stuck on the rearmost cat.
Mine the guy drove it anyways and blew up the EGR. This one, they had enough sense to not drive it.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 19, 2016, 05:12:48 PM
Spent most of its life in AL, purchased from original owner who was friend of family - super clean inside and out, from rich part of town.
Has brand new tires and brakes, as well as comes with two extra new tires. Been meticulously maintained.
New cat(s) are $200 + 200 labor for the front one, and $150 for the rearmost one.
I see A LOT of first gen Escapes with bad Cats for sell.
Pics. It's super clean.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/16A99D2D-431D-447A-9D59-471304169730.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/16A99D2D-431D-447A-9D59-471304169730.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/440DE2A2-C407-4B13-87A1-BA974E8B3094.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/440DE2A2-C407-4B13-87A1-BA974E8B3094.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B1AA267E-95C7-468E-A970-6ADD0FB99A47.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B1AA267E-95C7-468E-A970-6ADD0FB99A47.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/5EB69396-2320-4B6A-823C-E942849C7B4A.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/5EB69396-2320-4B6A-823C-E942849C7B4A.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D8E2C1C1-D1A9-43EB-B6B3-B5DA9D2C6310.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D8E2C1C1-D1A9-43EB-B6B3-B5DA9D2C6310.jpg.html)
Even came with two tires, that are brand new.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/DC99CC35-C43C-44F9-9411-8CE61D1B2A67.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/DC99CC35-C43C-44F9-9411-8CE61D1B2A67.jpg.html)
So projected profit on the two Ford SUV Twins
01 Tribute FWD - 166K
Purchase Price - $1250
Rearmost Cat - $88.
Installation for rearmost cat - $80
Tax/Title/Registration - $126
Oil Sender - $20
Interior/Exterior Detail - $55 (it needs it, but I may just do the interior, which is $55)
Rear Wiper Motor/Arm - $60 (I may ignore this)
Total investment
$1,679
Projected Sales Goal - KBB puts the car's worth around $2300-2600. I'm aiming for $2500. A running car is worth $2500.
Projected profit
$921 - 600
-------------
2004 Ford Escape Limited 4WD - 180K
Purchase Price - $1200
Front Cat - $179 (ebay cat)
Cat instillation - $250
Rearmost cat - $88
Rearmost Cat instillation - $80
Profit from sale of two very good tires + $65
Tax/Title/Regisstration - ~$80
Total Investment - $1812
Projected sales - KBB Puts the car's value anywhere from $3300 to $3700 private party. It's still got 180K, and I don't want to be too doggish - so I'll just accept $3300, which is probably on the low side.
Projected profit range - $1888 - 1488
I plan on doing this one more time, then calming down (i'll be out of flip money and title transfers) and buying a "real" car.
How much time before your title transfer period resets? Would it make sense to keep that last one in reserve in case something awesome comes your way, or if you end up wanting or needing to sell your real car?
Quote from: ifcar on February 20, 2016, 02:58:12 PM
How much time before your title transfer period resets? Would it make sense to keep that last one in reserve in case something awesome comes your way, or if you end up wanting or needing to sell your real car?
One year.
I will still have one left.
I'm eye balling that Ford......
Revised estimate
2001 Tribute LX FWD
KBB Value $2200- 2600
-
Purchase Price - $1250
Rearmost Cat - $88.
Installation for rearmost cat - $85
Tax/Title/Registration - $126
Oil Sender - $6 (autozone one is working)
Interior/Exterior Detail - $60 (it needs it, but I may just do the interior, which is $55)
Rear Wiper Motor/Arm - $60 (I may ignore this)
Intake manifold gasket - $13
Front door handle (it's broken) - $8
Total investment
$1,636
Potential profit
$934 - $534
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3B0B04DF-88C4-4082-8180-A8EDA9792B35.png) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3B0B04DF-88C4-4082-8180-A8EDA9792B35.png.html)
-------------------
'04 Escape Limited
KBB Value $3800- 3300 (actually it's like 4K for "Very good" but I want it gone, I don't want to sit on it)
Purchase Price - $1200
Rearmost Cat - $88.
Installation for rearmost cat (and flexpipe) - $161
Tax/Title/Registration - $106
Front cat - $175
Front Cat instillation - $??? (ive earmarked $250 for it, but my guy under the table shouldn't need 5 hours of labor to do this)
Across town tow (AAA) - $103, but since I need AAA anyways I don't know if I should count this.
Sale of tires + $60
Total investment
$2,023
Potential profit
$1,777 - 1,277
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/37729351-B136-4154-8DC0-AB2C59AACC17.png) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/37729351-B136-4154-8DC0-AB2C59AACC17.png.html)
LOL MrH should be making money instead of spending it on all his car buying. I lose track which of you buys more :lol:
2001 Mazda Tribute
Sold - $2500.
Profit - $864.
nice!
Quote from: 2o6 on March 07, 2016, 06:09:19 PM
2001 Mazda Tribute
Sold - $2500.
Profit - $864.
Not bad. How many hours worth of work was that for you?
Quote from: MrH on March 08, 2016, 08:40:25 AM
Not bad. How many hours worth of work was that for you?
Maybe 2 hours. I outsourced the work, and I paid for a detail. The only work I did myself was the intake manifold gasket, and the oil sender, both of which took an hour. The door handle took ten minutes.
Also, I got utility out if the car since I did drive it to work since I didn't have the Yaris anymore.
Escape - sold
$3200
Profit - $1310
:clap:
Why the hell do I work at a desk
Hahah yep.
I think I may stick to Escapes now
I just made 2,000 of profit in six weeks. That's more than I make at my job, in the same time span.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 14, 2016, 11:38:01 AM
I just made 2,000 of profit in six weeks. That's more than I make at my job, in the same time span.
how much is that dealer license again? ;)
Quote from: 2o6 on March 14, 2016, 11:38:01 AM
I just made 2,000 of profit in six weeks. That's more than I make at my job, in the same time span.
Lol. Columbus is going to have the best running Escapes in the country!
Automotive Escapes LLC.
I bought another car today
2004 Vibe
Owned by a little old lady who put new tires on it and brakes before she gave up her keys. Then the timing chain snapped.
- urchanse price - $700
- new engine $800
- install $500
Kbb value 3900-4500.
Project profit 2k ish
Quote from: 2o6 on March 17, 2016, 02:20:11 PM
I bought another car today
2004 Vibe
Owned by a little old lady who put new tires on it and brakes before she gave up her keys. Then the timing chain snapped.
- urchanse price - $700
- new engine $800
- install $500
Kbb value 3900-4500.
Project profit 2k ish
how do you find motors so cheap? I assume you just care that it lasts a year or so??......
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on March 17, 2016, 02:50:38 PM
how do you find motors so cheap? I assume you just care that it lasts a year or so??......
I think he only cares it runs half decently when he sells it, forget a year
Junkyard engines will last fine.
Idk what you're talking about
Timing chain snapped... Do timing chains have to be replaced routinely like timing belts? My 2007 Sonata has a timing chain and nothing in the maintenance manual says you should replace the timing chain at a certain mileage.
Quote from: veeman on March 18, 2016, 07:33:14 AM
Timing chain snapped... Do timing chains have to be replaced routinely like timing belts? My 2007 Sonata has a timing chain and nothing in the maintenance manual says you should replace the timing chain at a certain mileage.
In general, they're majtinence free. But sometimes things like improper maitnence can significantly reduce the life of the chain, which should last the life of the motor.
The timing chain guides on this car are plastic; there are a lot of these cars with well of 250k.
I'm thinking infrequent oil changes probably caused the guides to fail. My Toyota friend says the guides on this car are hydraulic, if it had any sludge in the oil, it could have gummed up a guide then snapped the chain.
Timing chains should last the life of the car.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 18, 2016, 08:33:43 AM
In general, they're majtinence free. But sometimes things like improper maitnence can significantly reduce the life of the chain, which should last the life of the motor.
It sounds like it did!
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/6B6B199F-61F6-4EE3-A905-C4143173CE62.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/6B6B199F-61F6-4EE3-A905-C4143173CE62.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/EA09A01A-E97C-4961-9075-F60C91BF64CC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/EA09A01A-E97C-4961-9075-F60C91BF64CC.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B6DE1834-D3E6-473B-A19F-FCE917EE3DF1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B6DE1834-D3E6-473B-A19F-FCE917EE3DF1.jpg.html)
It was owned by an old lady who's husband bought it new for her in 2004 from the Pontiac dealer he owned then sold in 2004. He died shortly after buying this car for her.
She realized she should give up her keys, and tried to get it ready for her grandkids (new tires new brakes). They had it for two weeks and the timing chain broke. And it was too small for them since they had three kids, so they sold it.
I will have literally $2000 in it, and it's worth 4K at least so I should make a hefty profit.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 18, 2016, 08:33:43 AM
In general, they're majtinence free. But sometimes things like improper maitnence can significantly reduce the life of the chain, which should last the life of the motor.
The timing chain guides on this car are plastic; there are a lot of these cars with well of 250k.
I'm thinking infrequent oil changes probably caused the guides to fail. My Toyota friend says the guides on this car are hydraulic, if it had any sludge in the oil, it could have gummed up a guide then snapped the chain.
Timing chains should last the life of the car.
Thanks!!
By the way, congratulations on your successful side business.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 18, 2016, 08:39:01 AM
I will have literally $2000 in it, and it's worth 4K at least so I should make a hefty profit.
Nice!
Vibe runs.
So far
$700 - Purchase Price
$650 - engine
$500 - install
It'll need a $75 detail; the interior smells like old lady and cigarettes. And the headlights could use shined. And the Jesus fish needs removed.
Investment - $1925
KBB Value - $4395 (very good) to $3925 (good)
Profit range - $2470 - 2000
This may be my most profitable flip yet.
For all these years I had no idea what that fish symbol was for. I seriously thought the owners liked to fish or boat.
You could just offer the buyer to remove the Jesus fish if they like, but maybe they'd want it anyway!
Probably even increases the value of the car a little bit.
Previous CHRISTIAN owner!
Vibe's sold.
$4250.
I just made like $2200.
Dude, you're killing it.
Sweet!
How much is a used car dealer license again :lol:
Quote from: 2o6 on March 31, 2016, 06:36:57 PM
Vibe's sold.
$4250.
I just made like $2200.
:rockon:
Quote from: 2o6 on March 31, 2016, 06:36:57 PM
Vibe's sold.
$4250.
I just made like $2200.
Yay!
Maybe small SUV's are a good niche for flipping.
Quote from: mzziaz on April 04, 2016, 04:37:02 AM
Yay!
Maybe small SUV's are a good niche for flipping.
The Vibe is a hatchback, though. There's nothing SUV like the Vibe at all, it's literally a Pontiac badged Toyota Matrix, which is a Corolla hatchback.
Same 1.8L, 4-speed automatic, and FWD. :huh:
These days, black plastic trim and optional all-wheel-drive are enough to make it a crossover. See Mazda CX-3.
But, it's.... taller, at least?
Quote from: ifcar on April 04, 2016, 07:12:27 AM
These days, black plastic trim and optional all-wheel-drive are enough to make it a crossover. See Mazda CX-3.
What he said.
In retrospect, the Matrix/Vibe were somewhat ahead of their time.
I'm about to buy a 2004 Cadillac CTS off a friend's coworker.
2004
120k miles
3.6L
Needs starter, as well as a Power steering rack.
Picked up the Cadillac!
I only paid $500 for it, which is a steal - its through a friend's coworker who just wanted it out of his house.
- 3.6L
- Automatic, trans replaced at 78K
- 116K miles!!!
- Has been sitting awhile, so it may need driven
- needs power steering rack, and possibly a coil or two.
KBB puts it over 4K for the value of the car.
I don't know what my budget will be - I know the rack is about $400 for the part itself, but I don't have any GM friends. My Honda/Toyota guy said he won't do it lol.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3924911C-09E5-4B84-843E-1E9EF58ABE70.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3924911C-09E5-4B84-843E-1E9EF58ABE70.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/59060A34-DD02-4437-873F-A117269655CC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/59060A34-DD02-4437-873F-A117269655CC.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/2BC56354-BC2C-4311-85AE-48FB96036728.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/2BC56354-BC2C-4311-85AE-48FB96036728.jpg.html)
Good luck! And don't give officers an excuse to pull you over, because they will...
Quote from: ifcar on April 11, 2016, 07:37:19 PM
Good luck! And don't give officers an excuse to pull you over, because they will...
Lol why?
Whoever designed those vents can go to hell. They're such a PITA to clean.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2016, 07:39:12 PM
Lol why?
Because you're a young black guy in a Cadillac. That's probable cause for criminal activity.
Quote from: ifcar on April 11, 2016, 07:44:06 PM
Because you're a young black guy in a Cadillac. That's probable cause for criminal activity.
Eh.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2016, 07:22:24 PM
Picked up the Cadillac!
I only paid $500 for it, which is a steal - its through a friend's coworker who just wanted it out of his house.
- 3.6L
- Automatic, trans replaced at 78K
- 116K miles!!!
- Has been sitting awhile, so it may need driven
- needs power steering rack, and possibly a coil or two.
KBB puts it over 4K for the value of the car.
I don't know what my budget will be - I know the rack is about $400 for the part itself, but I don't have any GM friends. My Honda/Toyota guy said he won't do it lol.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3924911C-09E5-4B84-843E-1E9EF58ABE70.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3924911C-09E5-4B84-843E-1E9EF58ABE70.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/59060A34-DD02-4437-873F-A117269655CC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/59060A34-DD02-4437-873F-A117269655CC.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/2BC56354-BC2C-4311-85AE-48FB96036728.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/2BC56354-BC2C-4311-85AE-48FB96036728.jpg.html)
Solid buy. Should be an easy $2000 profit flip. If you have access to a hoist, steering racks aren't hard to swap out.
I have enough cushion for someone else to do it
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2016, 08:33:47 PM
I have enough cushion for someone else to do it
Yeah, you do. Even $1000 parts/labour leaves you $2000+ profit. This might be one of your best buys. There's lots of Italian-Americans in Ohio. :lol:
Quote from: Rockraven on April 11, 2016, 08:39:49 PM
Yeah, you do. Even $1000 parts/labour leaves you $2000+ profit. This might be one of your best buys. There's lots of Italian-Americans in Ohio. :lol:
And black people lol
I learned from my coworker that it's been sitting for a year with minimal investigation to what's wrong with it. That's why it was $500.
Quick survey at 12am - the trunk doesn't open. I think the electronic latch is busted. One of the headlights is also broken; the cluster has a hole in the housing and it's full of water.
Quote from: ifcar on April 11, 2016, 07:44:06 PM
Because you're a young black guy in a Cadillac. That's probable cause for criminal activity.
Just might get life........
I can't believe those things have aged as well as they have
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2016, 10:20:08 PM
Quick survey at 12am - the trunk doesn't open. I think the electronic latch is busted. One of the headlights is also broken; the cluster has a hole in the housing and it's full of water.
Should be able to source those from a junkyard. You won't buy a headlight cluster new. Those things are $Texas$.
I'd consider one of those.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 11, 2016, 11:12:51 PM
I can't believe those things have aged as well as they have
+1, that is a nice looking car.
I remember test driving one of those a long time ago. IIRC it drove very well, but it was too big for my taste and getting a manual was next to impossible (even though it was theoretically available).
Vinsanity would love it!
So I'm trying to get a handle on the budget
Purchase price
- $500 purchase price
- $215 - steering rack
- $275 - steering rack labor (with alignment)
- $100 - headlight cluster
- $150 (est) trunk latch and labor
- $120 - detail
- $60 - torn seat cover
$1420 invested
It may need a starter.
kbb good to very good puts the range from $4167-4585
Potential profit
$2747 - 3165
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2016, 07:22:24 PM
Picked up the Cadillac!
I only paid $500 for it, which is a steal - its through a friend's coworker who just wanted it out of his house.
- 3.6L
- Automatic, trans replaced at 78K
- 116K miles!!!
- Has been sitting awhile, so it may need driven
- needs power steering rack, and possibly a coil or two.
KBB puts it over 4K for the value of the car.
I don't know what my budget will be - I know the rack is about $400 for the part itself, but I don't have any GM friends. My Honda/Toyota guy said he won't do it lol.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3924911C-09E5-4B84-843E-1E9EF58ABE70.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3924911C-09E5-4B84-843E-1E9EF58ABE70.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/59060A34-DD02-4437-873F-A117269655CC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/59060A34-DD02-4437-873F-A117269655CC.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/2BC56354-BC2C-4311-85AE-48FB96036728.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/2BC56354-BC2C-4311-85AE-48FB96036728.jpg.html)
500 bucks? Damn, that's a steal! Well done! :cheers:
As a former RWD V6 Caddy owner, I'm really digging your Catera Touring Sedan! :lol:
Aren't you over the number of flips you can do in a year without a license?
Quote from: veeman on April 13, 2016, 07:11:20 PM
Aren't you over the number of flips you can do in a year without a license?
No. And it doesn't matter.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 13, 2016, 07:14:15 PM
No. And it doesn't matter.
How doesn't it matter....
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 09:40:35 AM
How doesn't it matter....
If the BMV does audit me, the only thing they can do is issue a fine or tell me to stop doing title transfers.
To quote cougs - this is an immoral law.
I have friends who do like 30+ a year and nothing has ever come against them.
Kevin quoting Cougs about law immorality. I've seen it all! :lol:
I agree btw.
I finally started driving the CTS.
It's got a little more wrong with with it than I anticipated.
- the trunk is jammed shut, likely need a latch.
- the car is misfiring, but only on cylinders 5 and 6, and only above 3k revs, and not consistently or very long. I learned from my friend that the car has literally been sitting a damn year so t may just have old gas. I added 6 gallons of 93 octane to the 1/4 tank of whatever's in there. It may just need to drive the old gas out.
- there's a water leak. The spare tire well is full of water. (This may be related to the bad trunk latch)
- the body don't look so good in the light. The left rear quarter has been hit in the past and the paint isn't so hot. I notice, but I think with a buff and wax it will be fine. It has a dent and rust bubbles in various areas. I wanna dump it before those rust bubbles manifest. I have enough cushion - if I can get the body done for like $350, then it may be moot.
- brakes are pulsate-y expected for car that's been sitting.
- drivers rear window I didn't realize is held up with tape. It falls down.
- P0218 - code for t stat. (Coolant temp threshold too low)
Nothing is insurmountable.
Nothing is insurmountable, but some projects are not profitable.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 02:06:22 PM
Nothing is insurmountable, but some projects are not profitable.
Did you read my cost analysis? This may be my most profitable yet.
Quote from: MrH on April 14, 2016, 10:23:59 AM
Kevin quoting Cougs about law immorality. I've seen it all! :lol:
I agree btw.
All revolutions start small and in the darnedest places.
I made the mistake of telling my mechanic guy "I'm in no hurry" and it's been sitting two, almost three weeks.
I've been dragging my ass on the Cadillac. The semester ended, then I had finals, then I went on vacation, so it kinda sat. Plus the fact that my GM guy took a solid 4 weeks to get to getting the rack done.
The steering rack is in, but the body actually looks like shit, and the trunk is broken. The 3rd brake light and plate cluster has a leak that leaked through the 3rd brake light, down the back of the trunk, and rusted both sides of the trunk latch. I'm sending it to a body shop who will fix that and all the other niggles for $500-600.
I also made the mistake of buying $45 in parts for a brake switch when the car got stuck in park. Turns out the car won't let you shift out of park if the wiring for the 3rd brake light isn't plugged in. I had unplugged it to take off the side of the trunk latch. :banghead:
Cost analysis
$500 - Purchase Price
$240 - Labor for steering rack
$150 - New Battery
$40 - Brake light (switches)
$240 shipped - Window Regulator/motor, Intake Manifold gasket (you need to take off the intake to get to the coils and plugs and it's good practice to replace it once intake is off), Ignition coils (x2), spark plugs (x6)
$225 - steering rack (price shown after core return)
$95 - Trunk latch parts
Invested so far
$1490.
Still needs
Body work. The latch is severely rusted and beyond my desire to go it myself. Also, there are a few dents and dings that could use a little love. Also, the clearcoat is awkward in one place on the car.
Detail. It's kinda nasty in there.
3rd brake light cluster? I may be able to replace the neon (neon? :wtf:) bulb in the plate cluster. Otherwise I may need to replace the whole assembly. It's easy to take out, but the part itself is expensive. I may have to repair and reseal it.
My max budget for this car is $2200. So far, I'm well under.
Your posts in this thread are my favorite in this forum. I get a kick out of the details of your thought process and ingenuity. You downplay the time and effort it takes I think but all the more props to you.
I hate taking time out of my day to deal with car related maintenance and repairs.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/527C21CF-13E1-423D-9954-800A8A080B17.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/527C21CF-13E1-423D-9954-800A8A080B17.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/E13C3330-7CA6-4C25-BE07-16E5D063EEA4.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/E13C3330-7CA6-4C25-BE07-16E5D063EEA4.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/DC35DA4D-3D88-4878-BA7D-4F4E2F680032.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/DC35DA4D-3D88-4878-BA7D-4F4E2F680032.jpg.html)
These are very flattering photos of this car, but it's now nearly done. I got the trunk latch repaired (I did it myself!) and I put on new plugs and two new coils and intake manifold gasket and now it runs like a dream. It holds most of it's fluids, has good tires and brakes, has a fresh alignment and ice cold AC
The bad
- CEL is on for an EVAP canister; I typically ignore EVAP CEL's mostly because they're annoying and typically don't affect drivability. Usually I can get the car to a 1/4 tank of gas and sell it with a clear CEL.
- This car was from rochester NY, and I've realized that fooling around with with the body work is a waste of time. I got the headlight replaced, but the screws to hold the bumper cover on (you must take the bumper cover off to remove headlight) are severely rusty (one broke off, the other three only just spin)
-I'm only in it about $1600 post detail, so I think selling it for $3000 is doable.
"most of it's fluids"??
LOL
Nice work!
Listed
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5666874030.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5666874030.html)
Quote from: 2o6 on July 04, 2016, 11:27:01 AM
Listed
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5666874030.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5666874030.html)
You accidentally listed the fuel as diesel, FYI.
Sold - $2850
Profit - $1240
Quote from: 2o6 on July 08, 2016, 01:01:53 PM
Sold - $2850
Profit - $1240
That was pretty quick.
Congrats!
I seem to have a common theme here
I bought another Vibe. I had it towed about 100 miles to my house.
2003 and 130K. Motor threw a rod.
The car is similar to the white one I sold in March, but this car was more expensive. However, it is not white. White Toyotas have the shittiest paint known to man, and after 6-7 years the clearcoat falls off and it's really chalky.
The body is pretty good, and it's got identical options to the one I had in March. Sunroof, AC, PL, PW, Cruise.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/88A32C92-68BE-43C8-84B9-174588505ECB.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/88A32C92-68BE-43C8-84B9-174588505ECB.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D1190FCC-AD23-458C-A4A9-EB087E879FB1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D1190FCC-AD23-458C-A4A9-EB087E879FB1.jpg.html)
OK so cost analysis
$1000 - Purchase Price
$650 + tax = $689 - Engine
$500 - Engine Labor
$36 - registration/tax fees
$120 - detail
$2345 invested
Sell for $3500.
Projected profit - $1155.
Did Vibes ever come with a manual??
BTW seems the more successful small used-car places specialize in certain types of vehicles. I once bought a Grand Caravan from a place that had ONLY Dodge/Chrysler minivans on the lot. Others do trucks, some do imports.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on July 20, 2016, 09:54:45 AM
Did Vibes ever come with a manual??
They did, yes. Back before the Vibe would have been a crossover and thus exempted from the norm of offering one.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on July 20, 2016, 09:54:45 AM
Did Vibes ever come with a manual??
BTW seems the more successful small used-car places specialize in certain types of vehicles. I once bought a Grand Caravan from a place that had ONLY Dodge/Chrysler minivans on the lot. Others do trucks, some do imports.
Yeah. A 5MT (which is notorious for breaking synchros and clutch forks and trans bearings) that sucks, or a less-shitty, but poorly ratio'ed 6MT that came in the high-revving Vibe GT model.
The 4AT is pretty standard Toyota fare. I think the design of that box dates back to the 1960's or 1970's.
Small nitpicky detail but how much was the cost of towing 100 miles. That's gotta be a lot.
Quote from: veeman on July 21, 2016, 06:48:27 AM
Small nitpicky detail but how much was the cost of towing 100 miles. That's gotta be a lot.
AAA membership has a free tow up to 200 miles.
Looking at the pictures again, the Vibe design has aged really well. It looks five years newer than it is, on the outside at least.
Quote from: ifcar on July 21, 2016, 09:02:45 AM
Looking at the pictures again, the Vibe design has aged really well. It looks five years newer than it is, on the outside at least.
+1
Quote from: ifcar on July 21, 2016, 09:02:45 AM
Looking at the pictures again, the Vibe design has aged really well. It looks five years newer than it is, on the outside at least.
It doesn't look too bad on the inside, either.
(http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2012/11/01/16/14/2005_pontiac_vibe_base_awd-pic-7607858518506912022.jpeg)
Y'all know me, I can't pass up any late-model Toyota that doesn't run.
I bought a 2007 Yaris sedan today, for $1200. Seized motor.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 23, 2016, 08:31:08 PM
Y'all know me, I can't pass up any late-model Toyota that doesn't run
:lol:
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0B5640B5-BB71-4EC3-B59B-C875255AF6F8.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0B5640B5-BB71-4EC3-B59B-C875255AF6F8.jpg.html)
There we go. That's the only pic I have of it now.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 20, 2016, 10:07:18 AM
Yeah. A 5MT (which is notorious for breaking synchros and clutch forks and trans bearings) that sucks, or a less-shitty, but poorly ratio'ed 6MT that came in the high-revving Vibe GT model.
The 4AT is pretty standard Toyota fare. I think the design of that box dates back to the 1960's or 1970's.
Yeah, I detail a Matrix RS (or whatever the sporty one is...R? XR?) twice a year. 5-speed manual. Fun little car, and they have aged well for sure. I swear the 6-speed in my A4 spoiled me on manuals, though. Even a Toyota 5-speed just feels imprecise. But it's one of the few manuals I get to drive each year now, so I love it anyways. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 24, 2016, 01:49:44 AM
Yeah, I detail a Matrix RS (or whatever the sporty one is...R? XR?) twice a year. 5-speed manual. Fun little car, and they have aged well for sure. I swear the 6-speed in my A4 spoiled me on manuals, though. Even a Toyota 5-speed just feels imprecise. But it's one of the few manuals I get to drive each year now, so I love it anyways. :lol:
The five-speed would be the normal model, the XR. The XRS, with the more powerful engine, would have a six-speed.
Ah, yeah, it's an XR. Shows how much I know. Really do like it, though. The seats fold down nicely. And it has the awesome 2000s era carpet in it that comes clean so easily.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 24, 2016, 06:14:24 AM
Ah, yeah, it's an XR. Shows how much I know. Really do like it, though. The seats fold down nicely. And it has the awesome 2000s era carpet in it that comes clean so easily.
What changed in the newer cars' carpet? Is it more cheaply made, or plusher in a way that retains dirt?
Ahh, yes. That early-2000s carpet. Ages like a fine wine, I tell you!
A masterpiece in polyester and nylon! We'll never see the likes of it again.
:lol:
OK, cost anaysis on the Yaris. It was kind of an impulse buy, but for $1200 and a 2007 Yaris sedan, with an automatic, it's an easy sell. The engine is also cheaper than the Vibe.
Stats -
2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan, it's a base model but it still has power locks and windows. I think it has ABS, but I'm not sure. It's an automatic. It doesn't even have a tachometer!
$1200 - Purchase Price
$100 (ish) - tax/title/registration
$600 (plus tax) - engine
$500 - engine install
$120 - Detail. It needs it. The car is on a farm, and spent it's life as a "throwaway car" for farmland, OH. The interior is in good shape, but it's got dirt, pebbles, etc. all over the car.
Total budget - $2520
KBB Value - $4166 to $3850
Projected profit - $1646 - $1330.
Who do you get to do your engine installs
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on July 24, 2016, 10:55:47 AM
Who do you get to do your engine installs
Little Vietnamese guy that used to be a Master tech for Toyota, but now works at a Honda dealer. I pay him anywhere from $450-650 for an engine put in, and he can usually have it back on the road in about a day.
I met him through one of my gay car friends, and he told me to hit him up if I ever needed work. He's super reliable, stands by his work and he can usually get me the "hookup" on any Honda or Toyota fluids or accessories the car would need.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 24, 2016, 11:06:01 AM
Little Vietnamese guy that used to be a Master tech for Toyota, but now works at a Honda dealer. I pay him anywhere from $450-650 for an engine put in, and he can usually have it back on the road in about a day.
I met him through one of my gay car friends, and he told me to hit him up if I ever needed work. He's super reliable, stands by his work and he can usually get me the "hookup" on any Honda or Toyota fluids or accessories the car would need.
B-bu-but....How can this be?
Shippy told us "Foreign" mechanics aren't as good as real red-blooded "Murrican ones?!?!?
I don't understand this world anymore! :cry:
:lol:
Better pics of the Yaris
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/A90495A8-7276-41E3-A70B-B004353775D2.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/A90495A8-7276-41E3-A70B-B004353775D2.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/CD5D919B-9D69-4469-A35B-398A1C278221.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/CD5D919B-9D69-4469-A35B-398A1C278221.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B0EC1D14-79A7-4B90-B889-51F9F32F356B.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B0EC1D14-79A7-4B90-B889-51F9F32F356B.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/9210B32D-2ACE-4260-A2A7-810C95E8F247.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/9210B32D-2ACE-4260-A2A7-810C95E8F247.jpg.html)
Have fun stain-chasin' on the seats. :lol:
Where do these $600 engines come from? Junkyard? Maybe I should try this. :huh:
And Jesus, Madman, give it up... :rolleyes:
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 26, 2016, 04:48:23 PM
Have fun stain-chasin' on the seats. :lol:
Just throw some Mexican blankets on them and call it good.
Quote from: shp4man on July 26, 2016, 04:54:04 PM
Where do these $600 engines come from? Junkyard? Maybe I should try this. :huh:
And Jesus, Madman, give it up... :rolleyes:
There are some online places that specialize in Used Engines and Transmissions! Small 4 Pots are usually in that price range.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on July 26, 2016, 06:35:23 PM
There are some online places that specialize in Used Engines and Transmissions! Small 4 Pots are usually in that price range.
Yea. Depends on the demand of the motor. If something isn't really known for breaking, it's cheaper. I almost bought a V6 Accord that needed an engine - a used Honda J30 is only $300.
OK, updates on these two cars
- The Vibe's front tires are super dry rotted, flat spotted
- The Vibe may need front brakes
- the Yaris def needs an engine
- The yaris driver's door lock cylinder is broken
- the yaris may have been in a driver's side (not front, but side) accident of some sort at some point in time. However, it looks to be repaired well, so the only ones who can tell would be me.
- it looks like the Yaris engine has been replaced before
- The yaris had a fram oil filter. Arent these notirous for failing and ruining everything?
Oh, and the cat on the vibe is empty. If the car throws a code, I'll replace it.
Your lucky you aren't in California. Fram filters are generally low quality, but there are some people that won't change the oil until the little red "genie light" comes on. :muffin:
Quote from: shp4man on July 27, 2016, 09:57:36 AM
Your lucky you aren't in California.
Yeah, we don't have smog in this county.
Even if it does fail, that's another roughly $160 for a direct fit ebay cat.
I've used Fram filters for years with no issues. But I also seem to change the oil every 3000 miles or less.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on July 27, 2016, 09:00:24 PM
I've used Fram filters for years with no issues. But I also seem to change the oil every 3000 miles or less.
Same here! I like the grippy bottom!
Quote from: 2o6 on July 20, 2016, 09:06:28 AM
I seem to have a common theme here
I bought another Vibe. I had it towed about 100 miles to my house.
2003 and 130K. Motor threw a rod.
The car is similar to the white one I sold in March, but this car was more expensive. However, it is not white. White Toyotas have the shittiest paint known to man, and after 6-7 years the clearcoat falls off and it's really chalky.
The body is pretty good, and it's got identical options to the one I had in March. Sunroof, AC, PL, PW, Cruise.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/88A32C92-68BE-43C8-84B9-174588505ECB.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/88A32C92-68BE-43C8-84B9-174588505ECB.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D1190FCC-AD23-458C-A4A9-EB087E879FB1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D1190FCC-AD23-458C-A4A9-EB087E879FB1.jpg.html)
OK so cost analysis
$1000 - Purchase Price
$650 + tax = $689 - Engine
$500 - Engine Labor
$36 - registration/tax fees
$120 - detail
$2345 invested
Sell for $3500.
Projected profit - $1155.
Ok, so I might cut the detail out of the pricing, because the Vibe needs front brakes badly. It also has an exhaust leak that's kind of loud. Also, I'm selling it to a friend who smokes anyways, so it's probably a waste of time to detail it.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 29, 2016, 08:30:47 AM
Ok, so I might cut the detail out of the pricing, because the Vibe needs front brakes badly. It also has an exhaust leak that's kind of loud. Also, I'm selling it to a friend who smokes anyways, so it's probably a waste of time to detail it.
Wife's car developed a loud noise, $25/30min at a welding shop and done.
Ok, so the mechanic accidently broke (or it possibly broke off when th engine seized) a guide for the Torque Converter. (on the Yaris)
$90 down the drain.... :banghead:
:rage:
Dammit, the Vibe is eating up capital. Took it to an exhaust shop and they won't work on it because it has a gas leak (fuel filler neck)
Ugh
Vibe is done
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/CA426806-DBDF-44F1-88F3-2411290F0033.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/CA426806-DBDF-44F1-88F3-2411290F0033.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D9A3FDEB-8605-4059-A43D-9FA751561B55.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D9A3FDEB-8605-4059-A43D-9FA751561B55.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D9A3FDEB-8605-4059-A43D-9FA751561B55.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D9A3FDEB-8605-4059-A43D-9FA751561B55.jpg.html)
Yaris broke the Torque converter and I can't find a replacement. The reman one is wrong. I can't find a locally sourced used one, so I'm about to take a chance on a used one from Philadelphia PA.
Quote from: 2o6 on August 12, 2016, 08:50:58 AM
Yaris broke the Torque converter and I can't find a replacement. The reman one is wrong. I can't find a locally sourced used one, so I'm about to take a chance on a used one from Philadelphia PA.
Because it's the housing too?
What? no.
There's a "nipple" that sticks out into the crank (inbetween the flexplate bolts). When the motor seized, it was fairly violent and broke that nipple.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/2DF0FAA2-9C70-4B66-97C4-7FEFBCE0BAAC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/2DF0FAA2-9C70-4B66-97C4-7FEFBCE0BAAC.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/2DF0FAA2-9C70-4B66-97C4-7FEFBCE0BAAC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/2DF0FAA2-9C70-4B66-97C4-7FEFBCE0BAAC.jpg.html)
Quote from: 2o6 on August 12, 2016, 11:32:54 AM
What? no.
There's a "nipple" that sticks out into the crank (inbetween the flexplate bolts). When the motor seized, it was fairly violent and broke that nipple.
Oh. I'm really surprised there aren't any available near you then.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on August 12, 2016, 01:27:52 PM
Oh. I'm really surprised there aren't any available near you then.
Most places won't sell the converter by itself. They want you to buy the transmission
Quote from: 2o6 on August 12, 2016, 01:39:39 PM
Most places won't sell the converter by itself. They want you to buy the transmission
Weird. I'm assuming you talk to transmission shops? But you're also looking to get the cheapest working used junk possible?
Done.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C216722B-0B84-4891-B5A2-B3B0E7C004E2.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C216722B-0B84-4891-B5A2-B3B0E7C004E2.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/A270389B-2DA0-4A7B-8357-E43DEC9304DA.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/A270389B-2DA0-4A7B-8357-E43DEC9304DA.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/A270389B-2DA0-4A7B-8357-E43DEC9304DA.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/A270389B-2DA0-4A7B-8357-E43DEC9304DA.jpg.html)
Holy mary, I am getting a lot of time wasters.
For starters, the Vibe had shitty, dry rotted tires. I shoulda known better trying to sell a car like that. However, my friend is flipping a Lexus ES, and he gave me his old tires for that car. The ES tires are slightly wider and taller (215/60/16 vs 205/55/16) but they fit OK and the car is more sellable.
Vibe time wasters
- One guy who drove out from a country suburb (Lancaster, OH) and offered me $1800 (car is listing at $3650, and now $3350). Dude said that the car had a "Head gasket leak". The guy said it had a head gasket problem, and was "leaking oil furiously" but didn't even start the car, check the coolant, or even check the fucking oil. I almost punched the guy straight in the head. His daughter (the girl who was actually buying the car) looked embarrassed; she kept trying to hint to her dad that she wanted the car, since they had looked at eighteen different cars and hadn't found a single one good enough for her.
- One foreign guy who had a shitty same year rebuilt title Corolla. I drove across town (like a 30 min drive) for him to look at it. He offered me $2500. I told him no and kept it moving. Eventually, I agreed to $2800, but dude wanted me to do all this crazy shit (drive to him at 11PM??) and I passed. He decided to go to a dealer and buy a shitbox.
- More lowball offers and numerous people asking to trade me guns.
- people begging and pleading with them
Yaris Time Wasters.
- One foreign couple, the seemed like they loved the car. We agreed on the price and agreed to meet at the bank the next morning. I text them the next morning letting them know I'm on my way to the bank, and no reply. They texted me today saying she's "changed her mind"
- A 7th Day Adventist family, looking yet again, dad looking for daughter. Drove from another country Suburb (Newark). They opened all the doors. Didn't pop the hood. Didn't start the car. They said the car was "too rough" and drove off. (I honestly think it was because I was black, but IDGAF)
The downside of dealing with tire kickers! Do you list exclusively on Craigslist?
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on September 10, 2016, 11:47:51 AM
The downside of dealing with tire kickers! Do you list exclusively on Craigslist?
Generally. I'll occasionally use Autotrader or Cars.com, but CL has the most volume of replies.
Ok! I hear so many horror stories about the type of people Craigslist attracts it ridiculous.
You do anything to help prevent getting robbed? Like only show your car in a public area?
I think I'm about to pick this up tomorrow.
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5785450191.html
In case the link gets deleted, it's a 2009 Ford Fusion SEL V6, with those "sport" wheels. Only 114K. The car "runs" but it smokes bad, so probably the HG lunched and it's prolly burning coolant.
did you sell the Vibe and/or Yaris already?
Quote from: 2o6 on September 17, 2016, 12:04:12 PM
I think I'm about to pick this up tomorrow.
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5785450191.html
In case the link gets deleted, it's a 2009 Ford Fusion SEL V6, with those "sport" wheels. Only 114K. The car "runs" but it smokes bad, so probably the HG lunched and it's prolly burning coolant.
If it runs, why does the ad say it doesn't run and needs a new engine? :mask:
Quote from: giant_mtb on September 17, 2016, 10:03:33 PM
If it runs, why does the ad say it doesn't run and needs a new engine? :mask:
This is a valid question.
It starts. My definition of running and the buyers definition of running are two different things.
The HG is so bad it's probably more cost effective to replace the engine.
do I smell a 3.5 ecob00st swap?
Looks like this Fusion guy is an asshole. I already got cash, we had a meeting set up and he decided to meet with someone earlier.
Anyways, Fusion guy is a douchecanoe. There will be other cars. I prefer not to fuck with american cars, anyways.
Here's the links for the Vibe and Yaris
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5787460074.html
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5786173592.html
FYI, the Yaris listing separately describes the interior as "pretty clean" and "super clean."
Quote from: 2o6 on September 18, 2016, 11:35:43 AM
Here's the links for the Vibe and Yaris
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5787460074.html
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5786173592.html
Now you just need to get a few more cars, some balloons and one of those wacky waving tube-man things and you'll be ready for the Big Time!
I can see the TV commercials now........
"TIRED OF WALKING? HAVE NO MONEY? NO CREDIT? NO JOB? NO PROBLEM!!!!!!
HERE AT KRAZY KEVIN'S USED CAR EMPORIUM, WE'RE THE HOME OF THE NO-MONEY-DOWN, DRIVE-AWAY DEAL!!!"
:lol:
I prefer this guy's approach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ7TZ-3qILQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ7TZ-3qILQ)
Quote from: 2o6 on July 20, 2016, 09:06:28 AM
I seem to have a common theme here
I bought another Vibe. I had it towed about 100 miles to my house.
2003 and 130K. Motor threw a rod.
The car is similar to the white one I sold in March, but this car was more expensive. However, it is not white. White Toyotas have the shittiest paint known to man, and after 6-7 years the clearcoat falls off and it's really chalky.
The body is pretty good, and it's got identical options to the one I had in March. Sunroof, AC, PL, PW, Cruise.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/88A32C92-68BE-43C8-84B9-174588505ECB.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/88A32C92-68BE-43C8-84B9-174588505ECB.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D1190FCC-AD23-458C-A4A9-EB087E879FB1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D1190FCC-AD23-458C-A4A9-EB087E879FB1.jpg.html)
OK so cost analysis
$1000 - Purchase Price
$650 + tax = $689 - Engine
$500 - Engine Labor
$36 - registration/tax fees
$120 - detail
$2345 invested
Sell for $3500.
Projected profit - $1155.
So this car was actually kind of a POS, and I had to both re allocate some funds and I probably paid too much for it in the first place.
$1000 - Purchase Price
$650 + tax = $689 - Engine
$500 - Engine Labor
$36 - registration/tax fees
$55 - front brakes (cheapo pads and rotors)
$25 - suspension endlinks
$35 - exhaust gasket
$10 - AC freon
$2300 (rounded down) invested.
Sale price - $2700.
Profit - $400.
I mean, it's $400 I didn't have. But this was not a smart buy.
New flip - 2008 Saturn VUE XE (FWD 4CYL)
Transmission failed. Car stuck in gear (and won't start)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/9525135F-FD66-4B5E-A6AA-84B6E483B7F3.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/9525135F-FD66-4B5E-A6AA-84B6E483B7F3.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3DAD79B8-5142-4566-8D43-67E858F54945.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3DAD79B8-5142-4566-8D43-67E858F54945.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/36A1B85E-34BD-4D0A-A866-7B4E403DDE91.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/36A1B85E-34BD-4D0A-A866-7B4E403DDE91.jpg.html)
How much did you pay for it?
It looks clean in those pictures and CUV's seem to be all the rage.
CVT?
I couldn't flip cars simply because of the nasty stains on the seats :lol:
Quote from: MrH on September 30, 2016, 07:21:02 AM
I couldn't flip cars simply because of the nasty stains on the seats :lol:
:lol:
That's what carpet shampoo is for...?
Quote from: SJ_GTI on September 30, 2016, 06:15:20 AM
How much did you pay for it?
It looks clean in those pictures and CUV's seem to be all the rage.
It is. Owned by an old black lady, who passed it onto her professionally employed son - his wife drove it.
I paid $1500. Little higher than I usually do, but I think worth it.
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 19, 2016, 07:11:53 PM
I prefer this guy's approach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ7TZ-3qILQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ7TZ-3qILQ)
That was great, and surprisingly on point for pretty much any used car dealer across the country.
I like the rolls royce part.
"You spend half a million dollars for a rolls royce, they STILL got rolls royce mechanics"
OK, so cost analysis
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/86549A78-2A38-4A54-A263-143C994F5153.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/86549A78-2A38-4A54-A263-143C994F5153.jpg.html)
KBB Puts the car at $5000-5500 for the Very good condition
Purchase Price - $1500
Tax/Title/Registration/ - $162.50
Transmission - $500
Trans Labor - $500 (my guy usually charges less for transmissions, but this is a GM car. Ill pay extra)
Detail - $120
Total invested
$2782.50
Profit potential
$2717 - $2283
The CL people are 85% flakes for sure. Some of the CL sellers I contacted for a vintage vehicle don't respond, my guess is they've been inundated with stupid calls from the weirdo pack and are afraid to answer.
:lol:
FB just announced they're adding a market place. Might be a better place to try and sell flipped cars?
Quote from: MrH on October 03, 2016, 09:45:13 AM
FB just announced they're adding a market place. Might be a better place to try and sell flipped cars?
LOL can't wait to see the comment-fighting there
Quote from: MrH on October 03, 2016, 09:45:13 AM
FB just announced they're adding a market place. Might be a better place to try and sell flipped cars?
Last thing I want is my name linked with my deals.
Also, I sold the Yaris today. ($3700)
You sign over the title to them...
Quote from: MrH on October 03, 2016, 10:54:26 AM
You sign over the title to them...
True, but the amount of electronic tracing, etc is minimal. Last thing I want would be some guy finding me on FB and seeing my personal life, etc.
(I use a google voice number)
Once you sign over a title it gets handed in to DMV, unless they keep a copy of it (most shady probably don't) they won't know who it was..
My mechanic text me- the Saturn might not need a trans.
The trans pan is dented, and the half shaft isn't even in the trans. Car starts, but won't move.
Confirmed. Transmission is fine.
Profit is soaring.
:rockon:
Why won't the car move?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 03, 2016, 05:14:12 PM
Why won't the car move?
It drives fine now (according to my mechanic), but the trans pan is dented, and an axle wasn't in the transmission. She probably hit something that snatched out the CV axle. I may have to replace the trans, but I'm going to let it ride and see what happens next.
The dealer was 2nd rate, and the previous owner not car-literate at all.
Dealer write up says "input shaft failure" and wanted to charge them for a replacement trans.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 03, 2016, 05:26:59 PM
It drives fine now (according to my mechanic), but the trans pan is dented, and an axle wasn't in the transmission. She probably hit something that snatched out the CV axle. I may have to replace the trans, but I'm going to let it ride and see what happens next.
The dealer was 2nd rate, and the previous owner not car-literate at all.
Dealer write up says "input shaft failure" and wanted to charge them for a replacement trans.
lolwtf
sounds like the shit I work on all day
LOL Sounds like scamsville on the dealer's part.
Confirmed, VUE does not need a transmission.
It needed an
- Axle
- Transmission pan
After parts/labor, the total is $360 (per my mechanic)
Running costs
$1635 - Purchase price plus tax/registration
$100 - tow
$360 - repairs
$120 - detail
$120 - brakes? (I'm not counting it in the total investment, but I haven't driven it yet)
Total invested - $2215
I will be driving it for a few weeks (1000 miles) just to make sure the transmission is good to go.
KBB Value Private party
$5200-5500
Projected profit
$2985 - $3285
nice!!
I need to invest in the VUE market, those are sick [potential] returns.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on October 05, 2016, 10:34:31 AM
I need to invest in the VUE market, those are sick [potential] returns.
No, I lucked out. I usually don't fuck with GM products, and I was weary - but it just happened to line up.
That is a baller amount of profit.
Hah, I just read the first two pages of this thread - so many haters telling you you don't understand economics, that you don't know what you're doing, that you are going to lose money...
4 years and ??? cars later and you're flipping shit for $3k profit. Nice, man. :praise:
Quote from: Cookie Monster on October 05, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Hah, I just read the first two pages of this thread - so many haters telling you you don't understand economics, that you don't know what you're doing, that you are going to lose money...
4 years and ??? cars later and you're flipping shit for $3k profit. Nice, man. :praise:
ALL THAT SHIT THEY TALKED :evildude:
Quote from: Cookie Monster on October 05, 2016, 11:08:03 AM
That is a baller amount of profit.
Right??? I don't think i've ever seen my bank balance have 5 digits.
I picked up the VUE. This car is great!
- Brakes feel fine. I think they just needed the rust knocked off them from sitting.
- The battery was bulging and bad. I couldnt fast charge it, and when it finally did get enough amps to crank it - it set off all sorts of Stabilitrak, CEL, Traction Control lights. That's a GM thing. When GM cars don't get enough voltage, it starts shutting things off. I was worried, because driving in this state, it wouldn't change gear out of 2nd. (failsafe mode?)
- Replaced battery - car is normal. No issues!
- HOLY BALLS THIS CAR IS SLOW
I recall the Mk II Vue getting pretty decent reviews for it's handling but almost all of them complained the car was too heavy. Around 500 lbs. heavier than the next heaviest rival in it's class if I remember correctly. That's a lot of weight for that four banger to pull around. No wonder the V6 seemed more popular at the time.
This probably explains why, if you wanted AWD in your Vue, you had no choice but the V6. The base 2WD four-pot seemed to be the exclusive preserve of penny-pinchers and rental fleets.
Despite the slowness, I don't think you'll have any difficulty finding a buyer. It's a seller's market for anything crossover-shaped.
Quote from: Madman on October 06, 2016, 08:56:41 AM
I recall the Mk II Vue getting pretty decent reviews for it's handling but almost all of them complained the car was too heavy. Around 500 lbs. heavier than the next heaviest rival in it's class if I remember correctly. That's a lot of weight for that four banger to pull around. No wonder the V6 seemed more popular at the time.
This probably explains why, if you wanted AWD in your Vue, you had no choice but the V6. The base 2WD four-pot seemed to be the exclusive preserve of penny-pinchers and rental fleets.
Despite the slowness, I don't think you'll have any difficulty finding a buyer. It's a seller's market for anything crossover-shaped.
Having driven all VUE's of this shape, the 3.6L is a totally different animal. I think the 3.6L has different steering geometry and steering box and it feels a lot more agile and heavy and Germanic.
The 2.4 and 3.5L are kinda garbage.
In theory the 2.4L makes 170HP which should be enough for AWD...but I don't know where those HP are.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 06, 2016, 08:44:09 AM
I picked up the VUE. This car is great!
- Brakes feel fine. I think they just needed the rust knocked off them from sitting.
- The battery was bulging and bad. I couldnt fast charge it, and when it finally did get enough amps to crank it - it set off all sorts of Stabilitrak, CEL, Traction Control lights. That's a GM thing. When GM cars don't get enough voltage, it starts shutting things off. I was worried, because driving in this state, it wouldn't change gear out of 2nd. (failsafe mode?)
- Replaced battery - car is normal. No issues!
- HOLY BALLS THIS CAR IS SLOW
It can't be slower than an Element. $Texas?
Yaris buyer contacted me.
They had the car a week, drove it, inspected it. Liked it.
They called me this morning saying "this car is not good".
That car was fine. it ran and drove good, everything worked, no CEL. I hung up the phone and blocked them.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 08, 2016, 08:16:57 AM
Yaris buyer contacted me.
They had the car a week, drove it, inspected it. Liked it.
They called me this morning saying "this car is not good".
That car was fine. it ran and drove good, everything worked, no CEL. I hung up the phone and blocked them.
They finally realized it was a Yaris?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 08, 2016, 08:42:23 AM
They finally realized it was a Yaris?
Prolly.
I'm honestly not sure what she meant by "not good". The tires were good, the AC worked, there wasn't any vibration, the car stopped fine....no check engine light. Tbh it was one of the better cars I've sold.
I was pretty up front with the fact it wasn't cosmetically perfect.
They inspected, drove it, and liked it.
Lol probably realized it was a small economy car. Or someone made fun of it?...
Quote from: 2o6 on October 08, 2016, 08:45:19 AM
Prolly.
I'm honestly not sure what she meant by "not good". The tires were good, the AC worked, there wasn't any vibration, the car stopped fine....no check engine light. Tbh it was one of the better cars I've sold.
I was pretty up front with the fact it wasn't cosmetically perfect.
They inspected, drove it, and liked it.
If I was you I'd buy a cheap Minute Phone to do car business on. That way you wouldn't have these idiots blowing up your main line with nonsense!
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on October 09, 2016, 11:28:55 AM
If I was you I'd buy a cheap Minute Phone to do car business on. That way you wouldn't have these idiots blowing up your main line with nonsense!
I use google voice. It still goes to my phone, but under a different number and app
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2016, 01:45:02 PM
I use google voice. It still goes to my phone, but under a different number and app
OK OK! I gotta check that out.....
I'm not a dealer, I swear.
My detail charged me $100 and I took some good photos with my phone.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/57F24739-21F8-45A0-8C90-5BB94BDD9BC9.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/57F24739-21F8-45A0-8C90-5BB94BDD9BC9.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/BB19B610-EFF2-4F84-9E80-9550E3A89438.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/BB19B610-EFF2-4F84-9E80-9550E3A89438.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/3ADCEC71-47C8-4803-B219-F98BFFC7465E.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/3ADCEC71-47C8-4803-B219-F98BFFC7465E.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/26DF198A-3794-4D6D-A324-B3F73E4AC577.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/26DF198A-3794-4D6D-A324-B3F73E4AC577.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/89A3E700-E99E-46A2-9346-8FA07D2B347C.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/89A3E700-E99E-46A2-9346-8FA07D2B347C.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C559E316-8F7B-4D26-84E8-9E1FB7118888.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C559E316-8F7B-4D26-84E8-9E1FB7118888.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/9D869687-36F8-4295-800D-7D2EC9265FCD.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/9D869687-36F8-4295-800D-7D2EC9265FCD.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/DCFA1786-5433-4F6B-A74A-3EB4DE4FC297.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/DCFA1786-5433-4F6B-A74A-3EB4DE4FC297.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/F415FE1D-3751-46E2-AD23-9F0A68F0B5F1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/F415FE1D-3751-46E2-AD23-9F0A68F0B5F1.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/AD0A97B7-75EF-4AFD-B04C-3DEAAA5D98F8.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/AD0A97B7-75EF-4AFD-B04C-3DEAAA5D98F8.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/F248CB38-0EA5-4828-A131-2ACB8A636080.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/F248CB38-0EA5-4828-A131-2ACB8A636080.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/CBBF6DA3-0DED-4D8C-9D72-CD72F318AF30.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/CBBF6DA3-0DED-4D8C-9D72-CD72F318AF30.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/860AC9E3-CB53-4474-9A5B-7AB37183E91B.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/860AC9E3-CB53-4474-9A5B-7AB37183E91B.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B54F71CE-7F3B-48DA-AB5F-A24C5A3CF913.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B54F71CE-7F3B-48DA-AB5F-A24C5A3CF913.jpg.html)
I'm having a weird problem with the door locks - the (all except driver's and trunk) three aren't unlocking/locking with the fob intermittently. Sometimes they're OK, most other times they don't work correctly. I can't imagine THREE lock actuators would be broken.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2016, 04:29:49 PM
I'm having a weird problem with the door locks - the (all except driver's and trunk) three aren't unlocking/locking with the fob intermittently. Sometimes they're OK, most other times they don't work correctly. I can't imagine THREE lock actuators would be broken.
It's a POS GM rental car. It is likely to defy your imagination.
I'd buy it if it came with the penny.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2016, 04:29:49 PM
I'm having a weird problem with the door locks - the (all except driver's and trunk) three aren't unlocking/locking with the fob intermittently. Sometimes they're OK, most other times they don't work correctly. I can't imagine THREE lock actuators would be broken.
You would be very surprised.
Check the receiver? Wherever that is.. Maybe antenna is broken/missing or wires are loose?
Listed
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5842624809.html
Quote from: 2o6 on October 24, 2016, 10:04:29 AM
Listed
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5842624809.html
Do you finance? I need to trade in an Element of equal value.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 24, 2016, 10:44:44 AM
Do you finance? I need to trade in an Element of equal value.
hahaha.
No. (Not yet?)
Vue looks super nice TBH. Detailer did a good job.
Was the half shaft broken?
Quote from: Cookie Monster on October 05, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Hah, I just read the first two pages of this thread - so many haters telling you you don't understand economics, that you don't know what you're doing, that you are going to lose money...
4 years and ??? cars later and you're flipping shit for $3k profit. Nice, man. :praise:
I'm happy to see that my first post was just a picture of a 60's Nova. :praise:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on October 24, 2016, 03:38:06 PM
Vue looks super nice TBH. Detailer did a good job.
Was the half shaft broken?
Sort of fell out of the trans. Trans pan was also dented. I've driven it about 700 miles with a new trans pan and axle with no problems.
This is an interesting thread. I've though about trying to make a living dealing vintage/classics. It's a tough go, but reality trumps fantasy, and bucks are there to be made.
First offer on the VUE - $4800 (Via Ebay)
I countered with $5600. Mostly because this car would be like 7500-8000 via a dealer. I'm going to sit on this awhile.
Doesn't eBay charge you out the ass for fees?
Wonder if it's a dealer and they'll mark it up $1000 anyway....
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on October 28, 2016, 08:51:32 AM
Wonder if it's a dealer and they'll mark it up $1000 anyway....
Trade in is $4600
Sold - $5000, and to a local buyer so no eBay fees
Purchase price - $1500
Tax title ~100
Tow - $100
Axle, trans pan, labor - $360
Battery - ~100
THREE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND LABOR - $325
Detail - $100
Profit ~$2700
Most profitable yet.
Quote from: 2o6 on November 02, 2016, 09:24:19 AM
Sold - $5000, and to a local buyer so no eBay fees
Purchase price - $1500
Tax title ~100
Tow - $100
Axle, trans pan, labor - $360
Battery - ~100
THREE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND LABOR - $325
Detail - $100
Profit ~$2700
Most profitable yet.
Impressive. If you get to the point where you have 6-8 or more of these on the go at the same time, you could make a real career of it.
Wow. Good flip. Makes Wheeler Dealers look like a bunch of chumps. :lol:
I think besides buying smart, the other key to this operation is finding a good, cheap mechanic. Sounds like the guy you have is the real deal. There aren't too many around like that.
I have to ask...what do you tell these people when they are looking to buy the car? Do you tell them it's a flip? Do you explain everything you've fixed?
Quote from: 2o6 on October 28, 2016, 08:37:48 AM
$120
For a car? For real?
I have paid more in fees on like $2000 worth of camera gear. What a rip off :hammerhead:
As always nice work on the flip
Quote from: MrH on November 03, 2016, 09:05:31 AM
Wow. Good flip. Makes Wheeler Dealers look like a bunch of chumps. :lol:
I think besides buying smart, the other key to this operation is finding a good, cheap mechanic. Sounds like the guy you have is the real deal. There aren't too many around like that.
I have to ask...what do you tell these people when they are looking to buy the car? Do you tell them it's a flip? Do you explain everything you've fixed?
If they ask, yes. Otherwise, no.
U need 2 buy a towtruck. Moahr profitz.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 03, 2016, 08:12:34 PM
U need 2 buy a towtruck. Moahr profitz.
+1
Or at least a tow dolly ... perhaps with an electric winch to load disabled vehicles.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 03, 2016, 08:15:16 PM
+1
Or at least a tow dolly ... perhaps with an electric winch to load disabled vehicles.
:nono: The correct nomenclature is "vehicles with disabilities."
Quote from: ifcar on November 04, 2016, 03:59:29 AM
:nono: The correct nomenclature is "vehicles with disabilities."
Hey, I'm a car doctor. I think I know my terminology.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 04, 2016, 06:39:15 AM
Hey, I'm a car doctor. I think I know my terminology.
You wouldn't be the first doctor who needs to work on his lift-side manner.
Quote from: ifcar on November 04, 2016, 06:50:25 AM
You wouldn't be the first doctor who needs to work on his lift-side manner.
I took an oath to do no harm, so you can blow it out your ass. :heated:
I sold it to a guy who just moved here.....from Korea. Two months ago.
:ohyeah:
Another target
2008 Nissan Altima S
140K
http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5884330132.html
Bad CVT Auto
Purchase price - $1750?
CVT trans is about $850....plus another $500 for install
KBB puts it at $4600. I sell my cars at "very good". I usually let them go with no CEL, clean interior and exterior, and good tires.
How much does that reconditioning cost? $500? Seems like that will be cutting it close
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on November 22, 2016, 11:33:17 AM
How much does that reconditioning cost? $500? Seems like that will be cutting it close
Too late, it's sold.
Ok, I just picked up
2007 Scion tC. 2.4L. Five speed.
Engine took a shit.
Profit is slimmer. However, the car's super nice.
The last successful Scion model, nice. What are the numbers you're looking at for this one?
OK, So I bought the car
$1200 - Purchase price
$1100 - used engine (THESE ARE SO FUCKIN EXPENSIVE)
$500 - labor mechanic
$110 - tax/title/registeration
I'll be in it about $3000.
However, the car is only worth $3500, maybe $3750 if I push it. Profit is slimmer on this car.
Here's some pics
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/BCADA699-05BC-4558-BCC3-5431DA8F8336.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/BCADA699-05BC-4558-BCC3-5431DA8F8336.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/8DF4C2A0-6650-4340-8466-7CF787B4BE5A.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/8DF4C2A0-6650-4340-8466-7CF787B4BE5A.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0D0F6477-66EC-4163-8D07-EABB96ADF7D8.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0D0F6477-66EC-4163-8D07-EABB96ADF7D8.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/02F2C71A-3FB9-4D6E-BD8D-D10874432024.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/02F2C71A-3FB9-4D6E-BD8D-D10874432024.jpg.html)
What's with the tape on the back?
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 03, 2016, 03:50:07 PM
What's with the tape on the back?
Those trunk handle plastic thingies love to crack and fall off.
Quote from: Cookie Monster on December 03, 2016, 04:05:22 PM
Those trunk handle plastic thingies love to crack and fall off.
There's a recall on it too, so hopefully I just need to take it by the Toyota dealer and they'll fix it up
I'd have expected these to be worth more than that, but I guess I'm still thinking of it as newer than it is.
Quote from: ifcar on December 04, 2016, 12:04:06 PM
I'd have expected these to be worth more than that, but I guess I'm still thinking of it as newer than it is.
I also think the death of Scion has also made the resale drop. An equivalent Camry Solara is about $1000 more expensive.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 04, 2016, 06:34:45 PM
I also think the death of Scion has also made the resale drop. An equivalent Camry Solara is about $1000 more expensive.
If so, probably the death of Scion's relevance -- which goes back years -- more than whether Toyota chose to keep the name alive or not.
Plot twist - looks like I bought an engine, but the old engine actually may be salvageable. My friend is going to take the 2AZFE that's "bad" and repair it. Probably new bearings and a balance shaft.
Then I'll find some sort of Toyota/Scion that needs that 2AZFE engine which is
2002-2009 Camry
2001-2006 Highlander
Scion tC
2nd gen xB
Corolla XRS/Matrix XRS/Vibe GT (2009+)
:rockon:
I can never just do one at a time
I bought a Mazda 6 today - it's not a base model, but it's got cloth interior.
2007 Mazda 6, 2.3L auto
Needs engine.
$1000.
OK, so let me do a formal cost analysis.
Scion tC.
Purchase price - $1200
Engine Price - $1100. This is kind of a big deal, this was the cheapest 2AZ that I found. The junkyard wanted $1400. I bought it from a guy who was parting out cars he bought at auction, and what looked to be an illegal scrapyard.
Labor - $500 (I might pay him a little extra since he's a friend and it's Christmas and he had a hard time with this motor. Believe it or not, the Scion tC has less room to maneuver in the engine bay than the Corolla/Matrix/Vibe.)
Tax/registration - $120
Rear handle - $60
The car is in exceptional shape inside and out, shouldn't need any detail. Also the budget for this car is tight, so I can't afford a detail. I do want to take the black plastidip off, but it's 20 degrees Fahrenheit so....
Total invested - $3000.
KBB price - $3500-3650
Potential profit - $500-650. Not a big profit, but solid enough.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/038355FA-A178-4A45-B81B-FA12638783D1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/038355FA-A178-4A45-B81B-FA12638783D1.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/E5F3331A-961C-4B25-8FFC-2643D8D76050.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/E5F3331A-961C-4B25-8FFC-2643D8D76050.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C2F122BD-CF85-4EAD-9AE0-0C417EB7C787.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C2F122BD-CF85-4EAD-9AE0-0C417EB7C787.jpg.html)
Also Purchased -
2007 Mazda 6 (I think it's a grand touring? It might be a "sport". It's not a base, tho). Automatic, 2.3L four cylinder. New tires. Not a spot of rust, which for Ohio, is super rare.
Only 89K miles! Which is probably the lowest mile flip I've ever bought.
Purchase price - $1000
Engine price - $600-1200. I found a few choices, my "trusted" 'yard has one for $1200. But I found another shop that has a lot sitting around (probably old fleet cars parted out) for $600.
Labor - $500, again.
It may need a brake job, and the headliner is sagging.
Book value is about 4k, to $4500.
Potential Profit - $1500- to $2500, depending on the needs.
Your mechanic is a saint. $500 per engine swap is sooooo cheap.
Quote from: MrH on December 14, 2016, 11:07:17 AM
Your mechanic is a saint. $500 per engine swap is sooooo cheap.
That's about right for a basic 4cyl Japanese car. A few other places would do it for $400. That's about 10 hours of work at $50 an hour.
If it was a bigger engine, he'd charge me more. He was gonna charge me $650 for a V6 accord.
Quote from: MrH on December 14, 2016, 11:07:17 AM
Your mechanic is a saint. $500 per engine swap is sooooo cheap.
That's about what I paid. With a lift and know how it's probably 1-2 days work. Not bad money at all.
Man, $50/hr for mechanic work. Living in the middle of bumfuck... i mean Ohio... has it's advantages. :lol:
Quote from: Cookie Monster on December 14, 2016, 02:59:19 PM
Man, $50/hr for mechanic work. Living in the middle of bumfuck... i mean Ohio... has it's advantages. :lol:
How is this different?
A shop would charge about $100 an hour for a basic honda, but that has a lot of shop costs wrapped up in it. The Mechanic himself probably takes away less than what I'm paying him for the equal amount of work.
This guy is doing this at his house, and I'm paying him in cash.
I mean, a flat-rate tech would be getting paid maybe $28 an hour.
We charge between 300 and 400 for engine swaps where I work. But we don't deal with the customer service bullshit. Less overhead.
Better pics of the Mazda.
The Scion is stalled, my mechanic has been busy for the holiday, and he ran into a few issues.
The Mazda I haven't even bought the engine yet.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/8DC93FDB-A897-493C-BF1B-1D9CAF285406.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/8DC93FDB-A897-493C-BF1B-1D9CAF285406.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0CD88440-A14A-45A3-8AC4-40C9181429BB.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0CD88440-A14A-45A3-8AC4-40C9181429BB.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/AEA7BC9C-1CD8-4586-97FC-E15D720B208F.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/AEA7BC9C-1CD8-4586-97FC-E15D720B208F.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0FA31369-CD2F-40F5-8628-8C3B73DBA1ED.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0FA31369-CD2F-40F5-8628-8C3B73DBA1ED.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/6E7174AC-2C4B-4B1F-969A-962868BCA960.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/6E7174AC-2C4B-4B1F-969A-962868BCA960.jpg.html)
Does it run at all?
Typical froggy Mazder headlights.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on December 20, 2016, 05:00:41 PM
Toothpaste time!
I've heard bug spray (with DEET) works, too. :wtf:
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 22, 2016, 12:13:57 AM
I've heard bug spray (with DEET) works, too. :wtf:
Now that's new to me!!!
I'd be careful with bug spray. I've damaged the plastic casing and strap of a G-Shock on my wrist with bug spray (although the screen was fine). That stuff is nasty towards plastic resins.
Bug spray can kill clear coat on the paint.
Bug spray does work ... temporarily, and not very well.
The $7 Turtle Wax headlight restore kit works well enough. I used it on Element.
I'd never advocate using bug spray, I just know "backyard detailers" do it.
Nothing beats wet sanding and/or buffing, and it takes no more time than any of the dumb, messy methods do.
I usually just have my detail guy handle it. He shines headlamps up pretty well.
OK, update
The Scion is on hold - the Scion's being done at a different location than my mechanic usually does, and the engine hoist broke. Then the holidays happened. So I'm in no hurry. But the old enigne is out. THe new one is just sort of hanging above the car right now.
The Mazda I just bought the engine two days ago - so it'll be installed probably this coming week. It's been a really cold snap, so my mechanic has been sluggish. My other gay car flipping friend decided to buy a Mazda 6 identical to mine, and use the same mechanic. So it'll be quick for him.
Anyways, my student refund check hit my account two days ago which means I'm looking to buy
I picked up this; a 2008 Honda Fit - manual trans, and base. It's got a lot of miles (199K) but its in excellent shape and has new tires.
The transmission went out - either slave cylinder or throw out bearing, probably needs a new clutch being 199K miles. Worst to worst a new (used) transmission is literally only $250. My mechanic will only charge me like $350 to install. Plus maybe $100 for a new clutch.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B45AC42E-4898-4B28-9A79-42DE129CFC16.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B45AC42E-4898-4B28-9A79-42DE129CFC16.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/D4388226-C85A-45BE-88FA-07EE8C4AD504.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/D4388226-C85A-45BE-88FA-07EE8C4AD504.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/782C0628-44D1-4F18-B352-7F14D1235DB1.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/782C0628-44D1-4F18-B352-7F14D1235DB1.jpg.html)
I only paid $500 for the Fit.
Keep the Fit. Do a K20 swap.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 07, 2017, 03:00:43 PM
I only paid $500 for the Fit.
Damn!!!! What's the BB on it?
Wow. Best purchase yet. I'd love to have a manual transmission Fit as another car for $1000
Quote from: MrH on January 08, 2017, 10:37:52 AM
Wow. Best purchase yet. I'd love to have a manual transmission Fit as another car for $1000
Yeah, I should have it running for around $1200.
KBB is still $2800, despite the miles.
Fit just needs a clutch. Maybe a coil
So, the Fit's cost analysis
Purchase Price - $500
Clutch (exedy) - $120
Tax/title/registration - $50
Labor for the clutch, and possibly an iginition coil - $300
Detail - $120
Investment ~ $1100.
KBB value (even with 199K) - $2600-3000
Projected profit - $ 1500-1900
It sounds like you're doing better than some of the guys I work with who spend all day travelling to auctions. The come back with these mystery basket cases put way too much money into them.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 09, 2017, 04:29:16 PM
So, the Fit's cost analysis
Purchase Price - $500
Clutch (exedy) - $120
Tax/title/registration - $50
Labor for the clutch, and possibly an iginition coil - $300
Detail - $120
Investment ~ $1100.
KBB value (even with 199K) - $2600-3000
Projected profit - $ 1500-1900
Skip the detail and I'll give you $800 for it
:lol:
Quote from: MrH on January 09, 2017, 05:08:16 PM
Skip the detail and I'll give you $800 for it
Booo
I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the Fit (once its fixed) versus your own car.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on January 10, 2017, 07:49:45 AM
I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the Fit (once its fixed) versus your own car.
I've driven a lot of these, almost bought one (should have bought one) instead of my first Yaris.
They drive nice for what they are, and have a lot of room. It's just kinda slow, and buzzy. :huh:
The Sonic is a bigger, heavier, more substantial car.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 09, 2017, 04:29:16 PM
So, the Fit's cost analysis
Purchase Price - $500
Clutch (exedy) - $120
Tax/title/registration - $50
Labor for the clutch, and possibly an iginition coil - $300
Detail - $120
Investment ~ $1100.
KBB value (even with 199K) - $2600-3000
Projected profit - $ 1500-1900
:clap: :clap:
Quote from: 2o6 on January 10, 2017, 08:15:19 AM
I've driven a lot of these, almost bought one (should have bought one) instead of my first Yaris.
They drive nice for what they are, and have a lot of room. It's just kinda slow, and buzzy. :huh:
The Sonic is a bigger, heavier, more substantial car.
The new one surprised me. CVT aside it was kind of awesome to drive
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on January 10, 2017, 08:59:58 AM
The new one surprised me. CVT aside it was kind of awesome to drive
When they first came out, local dealer had a glut of Fit LX 6MT's. I prolly should have done it. New car financing would bring my payment about the same as what I do now, but with better residuals
Quote from: CALL_911 on January 10, 2017, 08:43:38 AM
:clap: :clap:
And y'all told me this entire premise was a bad idea
Quote from: MrH on January 09, 2017, 05:08:16 PM
Skip the detail and I'll give you $800 for it
$805
Quote from: 2o6 on January 10, 2017, 11:13:53 AM
And y'all told me this entire premise was a bad idea
who did? We should revoke their general car chat privileges.... :mrcool:
2004 VW Jetta 2.slow auto
$1000 - purchase price
Cranks, almost starts, but doesn't. You also can't fill it with gas. The gas pump won't pump. Prolly EVAP issue.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/A948074B-7A79-4AB7-A382-9E63CCE9C76B.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/A948074B-7A79-4AB7-A382-9E63CCE9C76B.jpg.html)
Where are you keeping this fleet of cars? LOL!
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on January 12, 2017, 05:15:11 PM
Where are you keeping this fleet of cars? LOL!
good question.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 12, 2017, 05:15:26 PM
good question.
You may keep them on my LAND for $10/week per vehicle.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 12, 2017, 05:32:01 PM
You may keep them on my LAND for $10/week per vehicle.
I've been parking them on the street. Also, the legality of my flipping is getting grey-er. Now that i have more money, I have more capital and the capital/profit steam and it's really picking up. I'll have five figures of capital when all cars are sold. I can really amp this train up.
Technically I can only do 5-6 per year. Friends do wayy more and dont get any consequence. The Mazda, Fit, Jetta, Scion would be four.
I think I should stop obsessing and just keep pressing forward
Quote from: 2o6 on January 12, 2017, 05:37:00 PM
I've been parking them on the street. Also, the legality of my flipping is getting grey-er. Now that i have more money, I have more capital and the capital/profit steam and it's really picking up. I'll have five figures of capital when all cars are sold. I can really amp this train up.
Technically I can only do 5-6 per year. Friends do wayy more and dont get any consequence. The Mazda, Fit, Jetta, Scion would be four.
I guess you need to leave it titled to the previous owner. Lots of non-official dealers do it like that.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 12, 2017, 05:44:19 PM
I guess you need to leave it titled to the previous owner. Lots of non-official dealers do it like that.
Ohio is a notary state, and that's a felony.
How are you dealing with auto insurance?
Quote from: veeman on January 12, 2017, 05:45:11 PM
How are you dealing with auto insurance?
By insuring them? Liability insurance is minimal.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 12, 2017, 05:44:39 PM
Ohio is a notary state, and that's a felony.
That shit is such a hassle!
Time for you to get a lot and some suspenders brah
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on January 13, 2017, 04:21:33 PM
Time for you to get a lot and some suspenders brah
Always be puffin on a big cigar. One of the car guys that hangs around my shop always has the giant cigar in his mouth. Alwaysm
Mazda runs.
I kind of forgot that the headliner is sagging.
Also, it's been sitting longer than I thought. Tires feel out of round, and the brakes will probably need new rotors. Driving and stopping made the rotors less rusty, but I think the age/weather made them warped/ruined.
OK, updated cost analysis
Mazda 6
$1000 purchase price
$92 - tax/title/registration
$650 - engine
$500 - labor
$82.50* Brakes. The rotors are rusty af but it stops. It may just need the rust knocked off from sitting. I can return these if not needed.
$120 - Detail. This car is gross inside.
$12 - can of glue. I forgot the headline is sagging, but just the fabric. Not the foam.
My friend sold his 2008 Mazda 6 (identical to mine, but has 140K instead of 89K) for $3500. I think getting another grand out of it wouldn't be unreasonable.
Book Value - $4500
Honda Fit
Purchase Price - $500
Clutch - $120 (rounded)
Tax/title/registration - $65
Labor (plus a coil lying around his shop for a misfire) - $500
Detail - $120
Tow $80
Book value - $2850
VW Jetta
I have a few things I can try, but I can't really focus on this car yet.
Purchase Price - $1000
Tax/title/registration - $92
Crank angle sensor - Free (I have a friend who flips Golf/Jetta IV cars all the time, he had a few lying around)
It may need a charcoal canister, so lets' just add $500 to this this dossier.
Book Value $2650
Scion tC,
Purcahse price $1200
Engine $1100
Labor $500
Tax/registraton/etc - $102
Book Value $3650
So,
Scion tC potential profit ~$600
Honda Fit Potential Profit ~ $1400
Mazda 6 potential profit ~ $2100
VW Jetta Potential Profit ~ $1300
Overall potential profit target - $5,400.
:golfclap: gonna have to lower your projection on that fit though, since you're selling it to me for $800
Quote from: MrH on January 17, 2017, 09:00:25 PM
:golfclap: gonna have to lower your projection on that fit though, since you're selling it to me for $800
So, -$600 profit, huh? :lol:
My wife gets her car detailed every few months and it annoys me because I feel like I'm pissing that money away. Then again, I'm too lazy to spend an hour or two vacuuming, shampooing the carpets, and spraying cleaners usually.
Is that why you don't detail the cars yourself or do they do something that you can't do easily by yourself?
I vacuum once a year, if lucky. Shampoo??
Sales would be different.
Quote from: veeman on January 20, 2017, 04:19:11 AM
My wife gets her car detailed every few months and it annoys me because I feel like I'm pissing that money away. Then again, I'm too lazy to spend an hour or two vacuuming, shampooing the carpets, and spraying cleaners usually.
Is that why you don't detail the cars yourself or do they do something that you can't do easily by yourself?
It's easier to pay someone and usually looks better than I can do
Quote from: veeman on January 20, 2017, 04:19:11 AM
My wife gets her car detailed every few months and it annoys me because I feel like I'm pissing that money away. Then again, I'm too lazy to spend an hour or two vacuuming, shampooing the carpets, and spraying cleaners usually.
Is that why you don't detail the cars yourself or do they do something that you can't do easily by yourself?
I don't see it as pissing money away. You clean your house, don't you? Wash your sheets? Keep the toilet clean? Do dishes? People spend a lot of time in their cars, so keeping a car as clean as you keep any other room you spend a lot of time in is nothing to be ashamed of, and plenty of people pay others to clean their house so they don't have to do it themselves (a weird concept to me). Cars aren't really different in that regard. Nothing wrong with cosmetic maintenance, just like mechanical maintenance.
I've never had someone else clean the interior, but if I plan on doing so for any used cars I buy if they haven't already been detailed by a dealer.
I'm just not picky- no trash in my house but I don't mop as often as I 'should' and once in a while I have to take the glass out of the microwave and wash it because it gets somewhat icky. (Ex kept everything spotless).
I have never paid for a detail, I don't wash my cars but a few times/year, I vacuum them out once in a while, but it's not like they're full of trash and stains, either. In fact I had Legacy for 6.5yrs and there was one stain on the back seat when son puked which I couldn't get it all out but it was pretty close enough. I never spilled in the front seats, it was really clean when I bought it, so it was very clean when I sold it.
It depends on how much you value your time. Plus a good car wash can really do wonders. Getting the Z detailed had the paint looking like new. I'm definitely going to get the Civic buffed out or w/e when its time to toss it
I mean, some cars I get have been sitting awhile or have been mistreated. A lot of these cars have really gross interiors. Sometimes getting the interior to rights is out of my skill set.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 20, 2017, 02:29:44 PM
I mean, some cars I get have been sitting awhile or have been mistreated. A lot of these cars have really gross interiors. Sometimes getting the interior to rights is out of my skill set.
Some people certainly don't give one fuck, that's for sure.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 20, 2017, 02:29:44 PM
I mean, some cars I get have been sitting awhile or have been mistreated. A lot of these cars have really gross interiors. Sometimes getting the interior to rights is out of my skill set.
The detail guys here strip the seats out and powerwash everything.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 20, 2017, 02:37:55 PM
The detail guys here strip the seats out and powerwash everything.
What? They remove the seats from the car and wash the inside with a hose?
Quote from: veeman on January 20, 2017, 04:07:18 PM
What? They remove the seats from the car and wash the inside with a hose?
Sometimes. The carpets in these used cars are just nasty.
Quote from: giant_mtb on January 20, 2017, 11:38:34 AM
I don't see it as pissing money away. You clean your house, don't you? Wash your sheets? Keep the toilet clean? Do dishes? People spend a lot of time in their cars, so keeping a car as clean as you keep any other room you spend a lot of time in is nothing to be ashamed of, and plenty of people pay others to clean their house so they don't have to do it themselves (a weird concept to me). Cars aren't really different in that regard. Nothing wrong with cosmetic maintenance, just like mechanical maintenance.
I pay for housekeeping. Three people come once every two weeks and spend two hours and it costs $100. No way I'm going to spend 6 hours cleaning my house.
A car is an exponentially smaller space and so you don't get tired. I clean the inside of my car probably twice a year with a lot of elbow grease. It takes about an hour. I don't wash the outside. My wife gets her car detailed every few months for $120. The outside looks great. The inside seems like something I could do in an hour. So I think that I should have spent an hour cleaning it and taken the car to a car wash for $10. And use that $110 for something else. Whatever. If just annoys me a little bit. On a scale of 1-10 on annoyance, it registers at a 1 though.
Mazda's done.
Total invested
$1000 - purchase price
$650 - engine
$500 - labor
$100 - detail
$120 - tax/title/registration
$39 - brakes (it didn't need brakes.....but there's a fee for returning to rock auto. :banghead: I have a friend with a Mazda 6 who may need brakes. I'll just sell them to him)
$12 glue (headliner was sagging, and still kinda is but it looks better at least)
$70 - battery (old one was 6 years old and barely had any cranking amps)
Total invested - ~$2500.
I'm alming for a $4500 sale price, which would net me a 2K profit. Fingers crossed!
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/25007007-C5E1-4EEA-97F9-2179274012FC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/25007007-C5E1-4EEA-97F9-2179274012FC.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/83A5A22B-34A3-41D2-A741-8FBC890A12D2.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/83A5A22B-34A3-41D2-A741-8FBC890A12D2.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/05000317-2C2E-4BE0-8B56-083C1E70B651.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/05000317-2C2E-4BE0-8B56-083C1E70B651.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/16876D21-0DEB-445D-A463-0DF7E68D412B.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/16876D21-0DEB-445D-A463-0DF7E68D412B.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/B26BE6E1-F162-47D3-AF46-63FDD106E4BE.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/B26BE6E1-F162-47D3-AF46-63FDD106E4BE.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/355B7C12-45DE-4DF3-85FB-84344F431889.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/355B7C12-45DE-4DF3-85FB-84344F431889.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/C33FEC26-7407-466E-9CCC-3A619AA4788E.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/C33FEC26-7407-466E-9CCC-3A619AA4788E.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/0C0344A4-66B6-40E0-A705-B64E6B4E0836.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/0C0344A4-66B6-40E0-A705-B64E6B4E0836.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/A64FAEE7-B282-4D6C-AD60-F569265523EC.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/A64FAEE7-B282-4D6C-AD60-F569265523EC.jpg.html)
Car looks great. I think it'll sell quick. When you put a used junkyard engine in a car, do you know how many miles were put on the replacement engine? Does it matter meaning does a used engine with less miles on it cost more than one with more miles on it or not really.
Quote from: veeman on January 22, 2017, 12:19:15 PM
Car looks great. I think it'll sell quick. When you put a used junkyard engine in a car, do you know how many miles were put on the replacement engine? Does it matter meaning does a used engine with less miles on it cost more than one with more miles on it or not really.
Yes, I generally do. "Junkyard" parts are insurance auction cars. The yard tells me how many miles are on the motor. Lower mile engines usually cost more.
How the hell did that car need a motor at only 89K? SMH! It looks good now tho!
I had a 2003 slushbox Mazda 6i (4cyl). Was totaled at 55 thousand miles on the odometer because someone hit me from behind. I loved that car. Engine was buzzy but it handled great. Only thing I didn't like was the turning radius was like that of a Suburban. I replaced it with a 2007 Sonata, which I still
have, and the handling difference was like night and day with the Sonata being much worse.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on January 22, 2017, 01:21:01 PM
How the hell did that car need a motor at only 89K? SMH! It looks good now tho!
Some people don't believe in oil changes.
I did notice that this car has the turning radius of a city bus.
Quote from: MX793 on January 22, 2017, 03:12:35 PM
Some people don't believe in oil changes.
Yeah also these Mazda 2.3L motors are fairly sensitive to low oil. Not uncommon for those to spin bearings and throw rods, or oil pumps to fail.
Quote from: MX793 on January 22, 2017, 03:12:35 PM
Some people don't believe in oil changes.
:nutty: How can spend your hard earned money on a car and not do BASIC shit like oil changes! I will never understand that!
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on January 22, 2017, 09:17:38 PM
:nutty: How can spend your hard earned money on a car and not do BASIC shit like oil changes! I will never understand that!
Because if you don't put gas in a car, it'll stop in the middle of the road. If you don't do an oil change, nothing will happen until 50,000 miles later when the engine dies.
I do oil changes by the car manual interval recommendation but I should probably go change the oil in my snowblower right now. I haven't changed it in 3 years...
Quote from: 2o6 on January 22, 2017, 11:27:23 AM
$12 glue (headliner was sagging, and still kinda is but it looks better at least)
What type of glue did you use on the headliner? Headliner in the Jetta is sagging in spots and pulling away from the trim pieces. Would like to tack it back down before I attempt to sell or trade it in next summer.
Fit's DOne.
Purchase Price - $500
Labor for clutch, lock cylinder, injector - $650
Fuel injector (one) - $30
Clutch - $110
Tax/title - $60
total invested $1350
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/7C0AC03C-06E1-4967-A17C-363887833994.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/7C0AC03C-06E1-4967-A17C-363887833994.jpg.html)
Not bad AT! ALL!!!
Decent looking little car!
Fit needs a cat. Ebay cat is $110.....
What do you think you can get for it
Good thing Mike's offering $800 for it
:lol:
I have $900
plus free lodging and dinner in New York for when you drive it over here :lol:
Quote from: SVT_Power on January 26, 2017, 09:32:48 AM
Good thing Mike's offering $800 for it
:lol:
:lol: The offer still stands!
Maybe we should all just flag Kevin's CL listings for the car so he can't sell it and gives up and sells it to Mike. :devil:
Quote from: Cookie Monster on January 26, 2017, 10:21:24 AM
Maybe we should all just flag Kevin's CL listings for the car so he can't sell it and gives up and sells it to Mike. :devil:
booooooooooooooo
Quote from: 2o6 on January 12, 2017, 05:44:39 PM
Ohio is a notary state, and that's a felony.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on January 12, 2017, 07:25:10 PM
That shit is such a hassle!
SPEAK OF THE DEVIL!!!!!!!! Here goes The state of Ohio and their BULLSHIT!!!!!!!
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb199/TWOBIGHEDZ/FB0A9347-C1F6-402C-8206-CBF1E59B0F58_zpsxk1m6so8.png)
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on January 28, 2017, 10:14:09 AM
SPEAK OF THE DEVIL!!!!!!!! Here goes The state of Ohio and their BULLSHIT!!!!!!!
Bogus!!
SO the first car I bought was from my dad. Second was a 90 Taurus (in 199(8?)) from a shady used car place in Ogden, Utah, about an hour from home. Some dumb girl turned left on a yellow light, my ex t-boned her, it was dumb girl's fault. But we went to settle with DG's insurance and we realized we didn't have the title. Shady used car place had never sent it after we made the payments. (we financed like $1000 of the $3k car)
On our way to pick up title we found a second 1990 Taurus, way better condition and price. So it all worked out. :mrcool:
Mazda is sold.
Sale price $4000.
Profit, $1500.
Less than I wanted, but I also got annoying buyers looking at the car. I sold it to a "buyer" who put it on a truck, to be sold at a (probably BHPH) lot in Buffalo, NY.
How do most of these buyers pay you? Cash?
Quote from: MrH on February 06, 2017, 02:31:02 PM
How do most of these buyers pay you? Cash?
Cash, or cashier's check. I don't accept anything else.
MX, if you see a 2007 Silver 4cyl Mazda 6 - I owned it.
It's probably going to be put on the lot for $6995. Or probably $119 a week.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 06, 2017, 02:37:35 PM
MX, if you see a 2007 Silver 4cyl Mazda 6 - I owned it.
It's probably going to be put on the lot for $6995. Or probably $119 a week.
Tax Time Ballers will snatch it up.....
Kevin, you want to sell some stuff on Craigslist for me? I'll give you a seller's fee :lol:
So, I finally got around to listing the Fit (I drove it around because I wanted to keep miles off the Sonic, also it took me a solid month to get the title)
The Scion is finally nearly done. My mechanic straight up said this was one of the worst cars hes ever done.
The Jetta I'm overbudget on and it's still not running right.
(Sigh)
The Ups and Downs of the car biz........
Good news and bad news.
Both the Jetta and Fit are sold.
The Jetta I thought my mechanic got running OK, but the next day it basically shit the bed after my friend's friend bought it from me. However, they were adamant that THEY were going to fix it, and they were quite rude to me despite me apoligizing. I should also mention that I sold it to a good friend of my ex, who for some reason I still talk to and have sex with sometimes.
Yes. This is probably one of the dumbest things I've done. Tbh, I'm not sure if the car really is "that bad" or if he's just exaggerating.
OK.
Jetta budget
Sold - $2500
Purchase Price - $1000
Tax title - $101
Battery - $75
T belt kit w/water pump and accessory belt - $150
Spark Plugs/Wires - $120
Fuel Pump - $95
Fuel Filter - $40
Ignition Coil - $85
Exhaust - $220
(labor is sort of waived; I paid a friend, and I paid him in other ways - namely by giving him the 2AZ from the Scion, and a few other things)
~$1900 invested
Profit $600
----------------
The Fit, however, sold for asking price.
Purchase Price - $500
Tax/Title - $40
Clutch - $110
Fuel Injector - $25
Clutch/Injector Labor - $530
Door Lock cylinder (driver's door lock was broken) - $120
Catalyic converter - $120
Converter install - $75
Tow - $80
$1600 invested
Sold - $3000
Profit $1400.
Not doing as well as I wanted to, but still not badly.
Things I learned
- Never fuck with a VW ever again
- Never allow your friends to fix your cars
- Don't do business with friends, especially friends you may have had sex with.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 28, 2017, 08:33:05 AM
Things I learned
- Never fuck with a VW ever again
- Never allow your friends to fix your cars
- Don't do business with friends, especially friends you may have had sex with.
This.........
I might end up losing money on this Jetta. It ended up shitting the bed on the new owner. I offered him $750 back, which would likely fix most any issue with the car. (I'd end up with a loss of $250....but I ended up making $250 more on the fit than I expected so it's kind of a wash)
This Jetta is turning into a big ass game of telephone.
I sold it to an ex (sort of)'s friend. Mistake number one.
Car drove fine when I dropped it off. Now it's showing similar symptoms. Initially, I was going to offer to buy it back, but they were adamant that they wanted to fix it themselves (whilst being very rude towards me). Actual owner isn't telling me anything, I'm just hearing second hand from my "ex".
I am sending my mechanic up there to check it out, it's an hour one way, and my "ex" thinks it's a bad idea. I aint' heard shit from the actual owner of the car. To cut the middle man out, I sent my mechanic the guy's number, so they can make arrangements, but the "ex" is telling him to be evasive and standoffish.
Meanwhile, my "ex" is trying to talk to me and be all coy and sexy, etc. and I'm not here for it.
I offer him $750 of his money back - i'd lose on the Jetta, but $750 should be more than enough to diagnose and fix whatever the Jetta needs.
They don't seem to be solution oriented and I'm tempted to tell them to kiss my ass. But I don't like doing that, selling people shitty cars is not what I want to do.
Fuck VW's.
UPDATE:
He took the $750 I offered.
I lost $250 on this Jetta.
SEEMS LIKE IT WAS A GAME TO GET MONEY BACK! I would've had to see at least a video of the car running funny!
Picked this up today:
2010 Dodge Journey SXT (3.5L, FWD, 5-passenger)
112K.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/IMG_7089.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/IMG_7089.jpg.html)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/Vannette_12/IMG_7090.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Vannette_12/media/IMG_7090.jpg.html)
Verdict - Car was run hot with zero coolant. Owner drove hot until the car shut off. Will need new engine. Heads are likely warped.
Purchase price $1400
Tax title registration - ~150
Engine - $900
T-belt kit - $130
Coolant reservoir - $50
Labor - Probably closer to $1000. I offered to pay more since it's a Dodge and my mechanic usually does Hondas. It's also a V6 anyways.
Total invested - $3700 ish
KBB value $5750 for "very good".
Projected profit - $2000 ish.
My friend has one of those! I drove the thing to Columbus last year (No Cruise Control) and I hated it!
They are fairly handsome for an average vehicle but I'm guessing not great handling etc...
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on April 03, 2017, 10:41:33 PM
My friend has one of those! I drove the thing to Columbus last year (No Cruise Control) and I hated it!
Without cruise control, it was probably a base model with the four-cylinder -- surely much more lethargic than the V6 version. It's not a light car.
also, man this guy definitely has small kids. I'm gonna need to do a detail.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 04, 2017, 05:01:47 AM
They are fairly handsome for an average vehicle but I'm guessing not great handling etc...
They're not super great, fuel economy isn't great and obviously quality and longevity aren't the strong suits. But it's got good interior room, and if you get a 7 passenger model (mine isn't) the 3rd row is usable for smaller adults.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 04, 2017, 08:28:43 AM
They're not super great, fuel economy isn't great and obviously quality and longevity aren't the strong suits. But it's got good interior room, and if you get a 7 passenger model (mine isn't) the 3rd row is usable for smaller adults.
A buddy at work was buying one- he went on and on about the storage under the seats. But then his loan wasn't approved or something and he took it back 2 days later. :confused:
They're popular enough, you should be able to unload it without more than the usual hassle.
Quote from: ifcar on April 04, 2017, 07:03:01 AM
Without cruise control, it was probably a base model with the four-cylinder -- surely much more lethargic than the V6 version. It's not a light car.
You got it right! She purchased it from Enterprise dirt cheap. I still wouldn't have spent one red cent on it......
So, weird things happened with the Scion.
I had just washed it and taken pics of it to get the listing up. I pressure washed off all the plastidip. It was a good looking car.
Until, a contractor wasn't paying attention to me and backed into me while I was stopped at a stop sign. His Diesel F350, King Ranch did a bit of damage on the side of the car. (At least $2500 worth, which would likely total out the car, despite the car being 100% drive-able)
Well, he doesn't want to put it on his Commercial Insurance. I mentioned I was selling it, and just go make it disappear (he owns a construction company) he agreed to just straight up buy the car off of me just to make it disappear and not pop up on his commercial insurance.
I also realize I could probably get more by going thru insurance and letting them total out the car, but to be honest I have no interest in fighting and waiting. Also I put a lot of time in this car, and it runs so well. Even if I bought it back and sold it again, it would be worth about $1500 now. Which is a shame.
At least you got to sell it
Scion is gone.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on April 12, 2017, 04:27:54 PM
Final numbers?
Purchase Price - $1200
Engine Price - $1100
Tax/Title/Resigstration - $120
Install - $500
Rear brake pads - $30
Rear trunk bezel - $~70
Total invested - ~$3020
Settlement reached with guy who backed into me - $4000
Profit - $980.
LOL
Quote from: 2o6 on April 12, 2017, 04:42:17 PM
Purchase Price - $1200
Engine Price - $1100
Tax/Title/Resigstration - $120
Install - $500
Rear brake pads - $30
Rear trunk bezel - $~70
Total invested - ~$3020
Settlement reached with guy who backed into me - $4000
Profit - $980.
(https://s14.postimg.org/as8otw1n5/johnny_dollar.png)
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2017, 09:56:36 AM
So, weird things happened with the Scion.
I had just washed it and taken pics of it to get the listing up. I pressure washed off all the plastidip. It was a good looking car.
Until, a contractor wasn't paying attention to me and backed into me while I was stopped at a stop sign. His Diesel F350, King Ranch did a bit of damage on the side of the car. (At least $2500 worth, which would likely total out the car, despite the car being 100% drive-able)
Well, he doesn't want to put it on his Commercial Insurance. I mentioned I was selling it, and just go make it disappear (he owns a construction company) he agreed to just straight up buy the car off of me just to make it disappear and not pop up on his commercial insurance.
Ouch; could have been worse, of course. Did he give any indication of what he wants to do with the car? I imagine find someone to re-sell it to? Or maybe a slightly crumpled reward for his kid finally getting a C average?
Quote from: ifcar on April 12, 2017, 08:24:34 PM
Ouch; could have been worse, of course. Did he give any indication of what he wants to do with the car? I imagine find someone to re-sell it to? Or maybe a slightly crumpled reward for his kid finally getting a C average?
Well he said he's prolly gonna let a workmate drive it for awhile until he gets his truck repaired.
Then it'll go to his 18 year old son
But looks like this car ended a marriage, the guy's wife wasn't happy with him buying it. They started arguing, and she revealed she's fucking her ex!
Quote from: 2o6 on April 13, 2017, 07:39:03 AM
Well he said he's prolly gonna let a workmate drive it for awhile until he gets his truck repaired.
Then it'll go to his 18 year old son
But looks like this car ended a marriage, the guy's wife wasn't happy with him buying it. They started arguing, and she revealed she's fucking her ex!
:confused:
You should write a book and/or blog about the funz you are having.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 13, 2017, 07:39:03 AM
Well he said he's prolly gonna let a workmate drive it for awhile until he gets his truck repaired.
Then it'll go to his 18 year old son
But looks like this car ended a marriage, the guy's wife wasn't happy with him buying it. They started arguing, and she revealed she's fucking her ex!
Bitches.........
:wtf:
Hijinks.
This Dodge is pissing me off.
So I usually go to one scrapyard in particular (these scrapyards get insurance auction cars, not anything off the street, so it's tested running), and the first motor they gave me was out of time. Timing mark was a lil off, and when you tried to turn it by hand, it wouldn't crank anything more than 1/2 a rotation. Valve collision? Seized/low oil? Who knows. I brought the motor back and they tried to say its my fault, etc, but they eventually brought it back and gave me another one. This one turned by hand just fine, and physically the motor looked better than the one they initially gave me.
Mechanic installs it, (it's not an easy install, you have to pull the steering rack and subframe and everything is a tight fit)
Starts it up and this
https://youtu.be/oGGG-jCkw20
And to add insult to injury, when I called the yard this morning, they really once again tried to say it's my fault, and they want me to drive it in so they can "take a look". That car won't make it a half mile before it throws a rod. Clearly it's not getting oil, and it sounds like it's never had oil.
UGGGG
I should have went to LKQ.
My friends who also flip cars have also been getting screwed over, no matter the brand. Friend got a 1.6L for a 2010 Kia Soul, and it had no compression. Another friend got a D17 Honda motor for a Civic (2004, no VTEC) and it had a blown head gasket. Another friend got screwed over with a Mazda 6 this week, so IDFK what they're doing. It sounds like they're not verifying things when they give them back.
Owner of scrapyard won't be in until monday.
I finally got that rectified, and the Journey is running.
Running costs at the moment
Purchase price - $1400
Engine - $950
Tax/Title/Registration - $125
Labor (Alignment, AC recharge, new engine, timing belt) - $1000
Timing belt kit - $105
Detail - $125
New radio? It worked fine when I got it, but it looks like the 6-disc player is broken. Maybe $70?
Total Invested ~$3750.
Going for the junkyard to get them me to pay partial labor for the Dodge probably won't happen. The labor is high because my mechanic basically had to do this engine swap TWICE.
KBB Value ~$6000.
Potential profit - $2k ish.
Good luck!
You have a much bigger appetite for risk than I do. Good luck
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 30, 2017, 02:03:34 PM
You have a much bigger appetite for risk than I do. Good luck
Pretty soon he'll be flipping apartment buildings. :ohyeah:
Update: I still have this Dodge. No one wants this thing.
?? I'm surprised.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 27, 2017, 11:23:14 AM
Update: I still have this Dodge. No one wants this thing.
At least this was one that built in a decent profit margin, right? That leaves some room to haggle.
I wonder what CarMax would offer. Have you ever checked that with any of your flips?
Quote from: ifcar on May 27, 2017, 04:18:20 PM
At least this was one that built in a decent profit margin, right? That leaves some room to haggle.
I wonder what CarMax would offer. Have you ever checked that with any of your flips?
Carmax is trash
I still have this Dodge. No one wants this damn thing.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 30, 2017, 09:43:58 AM
I still have this Dodge. No one wants this damn thing.
ruh roh!
Quote from: 2o6 on June 30, 2017, 09:43:58 AM
I still have this Dodge. No one wants this damn thing.
I wouldn't want an FCA product with 100k+ miles, either. :mask: :lol:
But seriously, I hope you can offload it soon...sucks to have all that money tied up in it. Have you had many people bite on it? What makes them not want it? Do they come check it out and then just go "meh, nvm."
Quote from: 2o6 on June 30, 2017, 09:43:58 AM
I still have this Dodge. No one wants this damn thing.
Gotta be some hapless MOPAR fans down there needing a cheap SUV.
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 30, 2017, 11:23:32 AM
I wouldn't want an FCA product with 100k+ miles, either. :mask: :lol:
But seriously, I hope you can offload it soon...sucks to have all that money tied up in it. Have you had many people bite on it? What makes them not want it? Do they come check it out and then just go "meh, nvm."
No ones even called, or checked it out in person.
(Also technically this is a Cerebus/DCX product)
It's also a two row. And that lack of 3rd row is killing its appeal.
Dodge is sold.
Sold - $4000.
Profit ~$200.
:banghead:
Well, could have been worse.
Nice to have that off your hands, at least!
I can never really stop
I bought this yesterday -
(https://s3.postimg.org/8sv86tpkz/20464436_10209146225759287_1444218983_n.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jsgfiffzz/)
(https://s3.postimg.org/4l0fy2o5f/20496269_10209146225799288_1831104445_n.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/gzn7yefnj/)
2008 Scion xD (1.8L, 4AT)
Ok, i'm always weary about buying cars that have been for sale more than like, an hour. This Scion xD was for sale for a month, and it was 150 miles away, in Mentor, OH (near lake Erie). The guy said the car had "low compression" and I was expecting to tow the car back and replace the engine.
However, the car starts right up, performance is fine, no CEL, no coolant loss or oil loss (at least, none that's not normal for a car that has 197K miles!).
The ignition coils don't look like theyve ever been touched, so I don't think his mechanic ever did a compression test. The car drives fine. So fine, that i drove it back 150 miles from Cleveland to Columbus with no issues. AC is ice cold. No vibrations in wheel. Stops well.
With that said - the car's body is from Cleveland, so road salt makes it look much rustier than a Central or Southern OH car. The rockers have rust, and a little bit of rust in the rear wheel wells. Also, it clearly has been hit and repaired up front at some point of it's life.
BUT. Everything important works. I'm not going to do much but some routine maintenance (looks like nothing has ever been done on this car) then detail and sell.
Specs - 2008 Scion xD, 4-speed auto 1.8L, 197K miles.
Purchase price, title, plates - ~ $1200
Spark Plugs - $25 (this is denso brand ones that are iridium. I could save more money by going off brand)
Transmission flush ~$40 for Dextron Toyota ATF (the trans isn't always the most responsive)
Oil Change ~30 (with this amount of miles, i'd feel more comfortable running heavier oil. 0w20 seems really light)
Detail ~100
Motor Mount - $108 (the one I saw online that replaces it is this - there's no generic alternative either)
Accessory Belts? ~$10
Labor ~ 200 (if that)
Total Invested - $1713
KBB puts it at around 3K, but my goal is a $1000 profit. Despite the body and miles, a solid running Toyota is still worth $2500+.
ALRIGHT
Mechanic says the car has low compression on Cyl 2. However, he doesn't think the car is worth a new motor. Also, the car runs very well. No Overheating, no check engine light.
He thinks I should just sell it as-is to someone.
So I'm gonna list it for like $2500, and sell it for 2000-2250.
What does low compression imply for further down the road? Bad rings?
Do a little water injection and clean the rings off.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 31, 2017, 09:11:43 AM
What does low compression imply for further down the road? Bad rings?
Potentially, but I don't care.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on July 31, 2017, 09:41:25 AM
Do a little water injection and clean the rings off.
Hes gonna do another test. He said his tester may be broken (it was reading compression when there was none at all, then it wouldn't build or stay).
Sold.
$2000.
$800 profit.
Quote from: 2o6 on August 01, 2017, 02:45:58 PM
Sold.
$2000.
$800 profit.
:rockon:
What do you guess your profit/hr spent averages out to on the different flips?
Quote from: 2o6 on August 01, 2017, 02:45:58 PM
Sold.
$2000.
$800 profit.
That was quick. You did nothing to it?
Quote from: FoMoJo on August 01, 2017, 07:20:49 PM
That was quick. You did nothing to it?
Breakdown
Purchase Price - $1100
Tax/Title - $75
Touchless Wash - $6
102 psi compression is low but not crazy for 200K miles on a low performance 4 banger
Good stuff mayne
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on August 02, 2017, 04:36:52 AM
102 psi compression is low but not crazy for 200K miles on a low performance 4 banger
Good stuff mayne
Yeah, by the time she's done with it, it'll be used up and done.
The car runs fine.
I can't pass up any reasonably priced Toyota
2006 Toyota Corolla LE (1.8, 4AT)
Timing chain snapped.
158K miles.
(https://s22.postimg.org/6pbes1yqp/Corolla.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/vvccyw00t/)
(https://s22.postimg.org/oi1kdo5cx/corolla1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/was85nbbx/)
(https://s22.postimg.org/7vk04lcf5/corolla2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/63r19ot25/)
(https://s22.postimg.org/go0ys9xk1/corolla3.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/c24ujxc0t/)
That should be an easy sell. What did you have to give for it?
Quote from: mzziaz on August 14, 2017, 03:28:25 AM
That should be an easy sell. What did you have to give for it?
$500 USD.
It's a steal.
KBB is $4150, with real pricing being maybe slightly higher. These Corollas hold their value.
Pricing estimate - preliminary. I'll obviously find out what else it needs after it's running and rolling.
Purchase Price - $500
Tax/title - $49.50
Engine - $600
Labor - $500 (my mechanic is good at these; he can have one in and out and running with no codes in about 8 hours.)
Detail - $100
Total invested ~ $1750.
What it may need -
Car has been sitting six months, these tires may need rebalanced.
Car has been sitting six months, brake rotors may be very pitted.
Sometimes the 1ZZ burns a lot of oil and the residue and heat ruins the catalytic converter, and out of the three Pontiac Vibes I had (Mechanically identical to this corolla), two of them I had to replace the cat.
I'm not trying to go over 2K invested. I'd love to make a nice 2K profit again. Those feel really nice to do.
To do an engine swap in a day...man. 😥
That radio install is top notch! LOL!!!!!
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on August 14, 2017, 08:28:37 AM
That radio install is top notch! LOL!!!!!
Lol, right? I should prolly budget for getting the correct surround for this thing.
He's also throwing in the stock radio, too.
Quote from: giant_mtb on August 14, 2017, 08:25:08 AM
To do an engine swap in a day...man. 😥
My mechanic is a goddamn machine. But also, these cars are super simple.
New engine? Wouldn't have thought it was an 'interference' assembly.
Quote from: FoMoJo on August 14, 2017, 09:34:12 AM
New engine? Wouldn't have thought it was an 'interference' assembly.
It's not, but this is a timing chain design and the labor on the timing chain is about the same as replacing the motor.
Also, the chain prolly failed due to low oil pressure wearing out hydraulic tensioner, plus debris etc. it's easier and less problematic to change the engine entirely.
I've started detailing for a local guy a few years younger than me that's started flipping auction cars. Three so far, and they've all been traaaaashed. Can't complain, though...he stays in business, I stay in business, and he's always impressed with the transformations. I don't half-ass anything ever.
What do you usually have your detailer do? IIRC, your cost is usually $100. Do you just say "do what you can to make it look nice for $100" or is that a specific $100 service that he has on his list?
Quote from: giant_mtb on August 15, 2017, 01:44:18 PM
I've started detailing for a local guy a few years younger than me that's started flipping auction cars. Three so far, and they've all been traaaaashed. Can't complain, though...he stays in business, I stay in business, and he's always impressed with the transformations. I don't half-ass anything ever.
What do you usually have your detailer do? IIRC, your cost is usually $100. Do you just say "do what you can to make it look nice for $100" or is that a specific $100 service that he has on his list?
This one will likely be more expensive, my detailer finally bought a steam cleaner and extractor so it'll be better. Also, this Corolla is gross inside.
The guy usually charges me $100, which is usually a fairly thorough wash and liquid wax (sometimes they'll buff, but that's usually extra). They'll shine the headlamps, etc.
Interior is usually a thorough vacuum, and wipe down/sealant. Depending on the color - they'll spray interior dye/paint to freshen up the carpets.
Nice. That's not a bad deal. I do a wash, wax, and full interior for $150, which includes extraction. $175 for trucks/minivans etc.
Working on a CR-V for the guy right now and holy balls this thing has seen better days. Was a smoker's car, too, so it's extra gross. May have to ask for some extra moola. But I probably won't because we've got a good thing going. Should open a shop with the guy (but then I wouldn't make as much money off him unless we worked out a commission deal). Dunno how well he's doing on his flips, but this is the third he's given to me and I know he's done more before when he was using a different detailer before he heard about me.
Once I buy a house/shop, my prices are going up again for sure.
(https://s3.postimg.org/6pg2gya1f/21014829_10209292925186681_873772450_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5aehs88y7/)
This is what it was doing when I bought it.
https://youtu.be/iWDXJbQahb8
Car's running - total investment
Purchase Price - $500
Tax/Title/Registration - $40
Engine - $530 (after tax) (engine has 107K miles, and the junkyard cut me a deal because they gave me two bad engines from the Dodge Journey. Usually it's closer to $750)
Labor - $500
Oil, filter, coolant, accessory belts, spark plugs, - $120
Detail - ??? (not sure how much he's gonna charge me)
Total Invested - I'm not going to break $2000.
KBB - Very Good is $4161. Profit - ~$2000.
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/d/2006-toyota-corolla-le-auto/6285585771.html
Listed!
Invested -
Purchase Price - $500
Tax/Title/Registration - $40
Engine - $530
Labor - $500
Oil, Filter, Coolant, Sparkplugs - $115
Detail - $95
Total Invested $1780.
The ad and great pics makes it very enticing. I'm sure it'll sell quick. Why is there a list of cars at the bottom of the ad, some of which are capitalized and some of which are not (Corolla, matrix...)? Just an artistic signature?
Quote from: veeman on August 31, 2017, 12:21:47 PM
The ad and great pics makes it very enticing. I'm sure it'll sell quick. Why is there a list of cars at the bottom of the ad, some of which are capitalized and some of which are not (Corolla, matrix...)? Just an artistic signature?
Those cars are listed there so that anyone that does a keyword search for any of those cars will see his car in their search.
Quote from: RomanChariot on August 31, 2017, 12:32:33 PM
Those cars are listed there so that anyone that does a keyword search for any of those cars will see his car in their search.
Ahhh. Hmm. Never knew that.
Two things
- Never cheap out on shitty plugs! Usually I just put on some cheapo $0.89 copper plugs. Well, the car started idling intermittently like ass; turns out the plug on Cyl 3 actually shattered!
- Corolla buyers are the worst. I've had a very high amount of no-shows.
I haven't had any interest in this car.
Curiously, neither have my other flip-car friends. We're all struggling to get interest in our cars.
Seasonality?
Quote from: giant_mtb on October 01, 2017, 10:51:27 AM
Seasonality?
That's what I'm guessing. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever sold a car in late September.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 01, 2017, 10:52:34 AM
That's what I'm guessing. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever sold a car in late September.
Can you hold on to inventory in the short term? Come income tax season that will probably move without much issue.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 01, 2017, 10:44:13 AM
I haven't had any interest in this car.
Curiously, neither have my other flip-car friends. We're all struggling to get interest in our cars.
Too many flippers? You and your friends have saturated the market in Columbus? :lol:
Sold - $3200
Profit - $1420
Oh, I sold it to a very nice, but absolutely terrible driving Indian PhD student. He was a really nice guy, but wow he's a bad driver. This car will likely end up like his old car - totaled.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 10, 2017, 01:17:29 PM
Oh, I sold it to a very nice, but absolutely terrible driving Indian PhD student. He was a really nice guy, but wow he's a bad driver. This car will likely end up like his old car - totaled.
Driving tests aren't worth a damn anymore. One of my old colleagues got his license after studying for 3wks and driving his friend's car. He has panic attacks when forced to parallol park, and he goes like 20mph under the limit all the time. Surprise surprise, he's from a big city where nobody has to drive.
Quote from: Laconian on October 10, 2017, 07:34:05 PM
Driving tests aren't worth a damn anymore. One of my old colleagues got his license after studying for 3wks and driving his friend's car. He has panic attacks when forced to parallol park, and he goes like 20mph under the limit all the time. Surprise surprise, he's from a big city where nobody has to drive.
There's a reason people from places like Finland and the UP are such amazing drivers. :lol:
Quote from: Laconian on October 10, 2017, 07:34:05 PM
Driving tests aren't worth a damn anymore. One of my old colleagues got his license after studying for 3wks and driving his friend's car. He has panic attacks when forced to parallol park, and he goes like 20mph under the limit all the time. Surprise surprise, he's from a big city where nobody has to drive.
HA.
But yes, this guy is timid with zero spacial awareness. Riding with him was scary. I felt more comfortable with the kid who bought one of my Vibes awhile back, and he was 16 with only his learner's permit!
Quote from: 2o6 on October 10, 2017, 08:05:25 PM
HA.
But yes, this guy is timid with zero spacial awareness. Riding with him was scary. I felt more comfortable with the kid who bought one of my Vibes awhile back, and he was 16 with only his learner's permit!
The guy who bought my A4 scared me. He decided 100mph in a 55mph zone was a good idea to "check the tire balance." And yeah, there was a little wobble...'cause we were going 100mph. JFC. He was from Chicago, so...
Quote from: giant_mtb on October 10, 2017, 08:09:27 PM
The guy who bought my A4 scared me. He decided 100mph in a 55mph zone was a good idea to "check the tire balance." And yeah, there was a little wobble...'cause we were going 100mph. JFC. He was from Chicago, so...
Ever been in a Toyota Corolla in the middle of rush-hour at 92MPH?
I thought I was going to die, no lie.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 10, 2017, 08:22:07 PM
Ever been in a Toyota Corolla in the middle of rush-hour at 92MPH?
I thought I was going to die, no lie.
Fuck, man. We just very recently had some remote 55mph areas turn into 65mph areas (google Seney Stretch). I have to drive 3 hours in virtually any direction to hit real freeways/speeds. haha
When he picked up the car, he almost backed into the side of a trailer. I had to tell him to stop. His throttle control is poor, his steering is jerky, and he is not paying attention to anyone else on the road.
Ugh. At least it's out of your hands.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 10, 2017, 08:30:56 PM
When he picked up the car, he almost backed into the side of a trailer. I had to tell him to stop. His throttle control is poor, his steering is jerky, and he is not paying attention to anyone else on the road.
Hahahaha
Repeat customer!
2o6 how long do you have before having to register a car? Do you have to get the cars titled to you as purchaser?
Here in GA they introduced an ad valorem tax on all registrations, which made things very difficult for flippers.
Quote from: Morris Minor on October 11, 2017, 11:14:21 AM
2o6 how long do you have before having to register a car? Do you have to get the cars titled to you as purchaser?
Here in GA they introduced an ad valorem tax on all registrations, which made things very difficult for flippers.
I thought I replied to this.
I generally register all my cars, and they're all titled to me. Even with an ad-valorem tax (doesn't exist in OH) it wouldn't be not much more than maybe $250 in tax vs $60 in tax; something I can usually budget for.
Only one car wasn't titled to me (the CTS) because I bought it off a close friend, so it stayed in his name. (Technically it's illegal, but who cares)
Got this today
(https://s18.postimg.org/sb06lanrt/26220035_10210190418743459_5802041504113520367_n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
2004 Ford Escape V6, 4x4 XLT. 119K miles.
Trans/Front diff has a hole in it. It ran dry and failed. Car moves, but sounds and feels like death.
How much for a used diff/trans? Rebuilt are a couple of grand, it seems.
Looks clean!!
Good news!
It's not the transmission, but the transfer case. So instead of being $450, it's $150.
Bad news:
Other things are wrong, but mostly minor things
- Small oil leak (prolly valve cover gasket)
- Exhaust rusty ($150?)
- stabilizer link on driver's side ($5)
- ABS light is on ($20 for an ABS sensor)
- front rotors and pads look done ($70)
Labor: $700. Usually he charges $500 for a trans/engine swap, but I'll pay extra to not do a brake job in the cold and snow.
Then Detail - $100 ish.
Purchase Price - $900
(Tax, title, registration) - $90
$2185 - invested.
Private party range $3500-4150
I'm aiming for a minimum $1000 profit.
Keep it for the winter. Excellent drivers in snow and ice.
OK, the Escape is running now
1-3-5 cyl exhaust manifold replacement (that was the exhaust noise) - $99
Brakes, Endlinks, ABS sensor, pass side axle - $153
Transfer case - $150
Labor - $550
Purchase Price: $990
Total invested = $1942
(https://s10.postimg.org/6syj5hhi1/image1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6g74zaz85/)
She drives good! But it needs an alignment. And a detail (dog hair).
Whats the asking price?
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on January 26, 2018, 10:02:03 AM
Whats the asking price?
KBB Puts it at $3750. That's my goal.
Listed!
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/6486156436.html
Quote from: 2o6 on February 05, 2018, 08:56:18 PM
Listed!
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/6486156436.html
I'd buy that.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 05, 2018, 08:56:18 PM
Listed!
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/6486156436.html
want
Yeah I'd buy that Ford!
Escape is gone! ($3250)
I could have probably held out for more, but my new job pays monthly and I'm trying to make it until March 1st on $62.37, so the extra bump was nice to have.
(Invested = $2092)
Profit = $1158
Quote from: 2o6 on February 11, 2018, 09:35:53 AM
Escape is gone! ($3250)
I could have probably held out for more, but my new job pays monthly and I'm trying to make it until March 1st on $62.37, so the extra bump was nice to have.
(Invested = $2092)
Profit = $1158
Nice!
Congrats man. Are you going to keep up the flipping gig?
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 11, 2018, 02:38:55 PM
Congrats man. Are you going to keep up the flipping gig?
Yes, but not as urgently.
I'm back!
2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback. Pretty basic; no options except automatic transmission and the 15" wheels. (super base models come with 14" wheels, and no rear wiper.)
It's only got 77K miles...
The guy hit something that a semi-truck dropped, and it punched a hole in the radiator. Instead of getting it towed; the owner drove it until it overheated and died. Then, it sat in his apartment complex's parking lot....since November 2016!
Well, I bought it for $1000. It's clearly gonna need some paint reconditioning. But 1NZFE motors are very cheap ($300-500).
With the low miles and automatic transmission, I predict a $4500 asking price.
(https://s31.postimg.org/5zv3ykeej/29513396_10210710320500678_343292282_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qwrc38cfb/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/4m82gewmz/29513846_10210710319900663_1351525733_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/d4hikr35j/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/4m82gfri3/29250444_10210710320420676_1520176412_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/crq4elfqv/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/4m82gfz7v/29250938_10210710320220671_1920772390_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ejj39i6tj/)
Woohoo! Nice find.
You know if you replace the hood with a carbon fiber one, you maybe wouldn't have to recondition the paint on the rest of the car as most of the mottled paint is on the hood :lol:
A whole engine for $300. Wow. Mind blown.
Quote from: veeman on March 24, 2018, 07:05:20 AM
Woohoo! Nice find.
You know if you replace the hood with a carbon fiber one, you maybe wouldn't have to recondition the paint on the rest of the car as most of the mottled paint is on the hood :lol:
Eh, that stuff can likely be taken off.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on March 24, 2018, 08:53:14 AM
A whole engine for $300. Wow. Mind blown.
lol it's not a BMW.
Yaris is running. Runs well, doesn't need anything else but a detail.
Running total:
Car - $1000
Tax Title Registration - $160
Engine - $350
Air Filter, front brakes, rad cap, radiatior, cabin air filter ~ $150
Labor - $600
Still to come - Detail/Paint reconditioning.
Total invested so far $2260.
KBB Value : $4250.
I'm AIMING for a 2K profit, but anything over $1200 is a success.
Detailed!
(https://s17.postimg.org/o6ra793jz/FIX.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s17.postimg.org/51o0xhwlr/FIX2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I bet the value on those things are solid, being JT VIN Toyotas.
That looks great!
Sold - $4000!
I didn't even list it! I took a pic and posted on my snapchat, then a friend of mine bought it off me a week later.
Profit ~$1500.
:clap:
I've thought about getting into the flipping game now that I have a shop. I can detail and do basic mech work. But I'd probably lose my ass on cars that need major things.
I like this thread. Finding a diamond in the rough.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2018, 03:02:42 PM
I've thought about getting into the flipping game now that I have a shop. I can detail and do basic mech work. But I'd probably lose my ass on cars that need major things.
Kevin has a magician as a mechanic that works at a crazy speed for cheap prices. Unless you're like that dude, I would be hesitant to jump in. Kevin also picks cars he knows really well. I'm shocked how well he's done picking which cars to buy. The Journey might be the only loss in this whole group? Or the CTS? All the Toyotas and Hondas have been flipped for a substantial profit really quick.
Indeed. I don't have the mechanic hookup he has, which would be the major issue.
My mechanic isn't even a "Hookup". You can find indie guys all over craigslist who will put a motor in a car for $400+.
Quote from: MrH on April 05, 2018, 06:42:00 AM
Kevin has a magician as a mechanic that works at a crazy speed for cheap prices. Unless you're like that dude, I would be hesitant to jump in. Kevin also picks cars he knows really well. I'm shocked how well he's done picking which cars to buy. The Journey might be the only loss in this whole group? Or the CTS? All the Toyotas and Hondas have been flipped for a substantial profit really quick.
I made $1200 on the CTS, and $200 on the Journey.
I lost money on the most recent VW Jetta, and the Honda CR-V from a long time ago.
Also, too many people think you can buy a car that "needs a few things" and limp it home. The vast majority of my cars do not run when I buy them.
There is one and only one ad on the local CL (which is the entire UP) for a mechanic. Seems legit enough.
https://up.craigslist.org/aos/d/trusted-mechanic-and/6533473213.html
But yeah, you make good profit on your cars because they have those major issues that cause people to let go of the vehicle for nice and cheap, leaving you room for profit. A car that needs brakes and wheel bearings isn't gonna have the same margin for sure.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 05, 2018, 08:45:17 AM
My mechanic isn't even a "Hookup". You can find indie guys all over craigslist who will put a motor in a car for $400+.
I made $1200 on the CTS, and $200 on the Journey.
I lost money on the most recent VW Jetta, and the Honda CR-V from a long time ago.
Also, too many people think you can buy a car that "needs a few things" and limp it home. The vast majority of my cars do not run when I buy them.
Are you still using that Honda tech? Does he want to change an S2000 clutch for cheap? :lol:
Quote from: MrH on April 05, 2018, 10:18:41 AM
Are you still using that Honda tech? Does he want to change an S2000 clutch for cheap? :lol:
Do it yourself.
Benchpressing a transmission in & out of the car is a good workout.
There was a high-lift 2-stage transmission jack left at the shop when I bought it. It works, but I don't have a lift, so it's pretty useless to me. Just takes up space, but I don't feel like getting rid of it...just in case. If someone offered me like $100 on the spot I might take it though.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/california-southern-california-s2000-owners-16/clutch-install-diy-779439/
No thanks.
Another one:
2006 Honda Civic LX, automatic, 1.8L. 171K miles.
The body is OK, the paint on these cars likes fading, but this one looks good. The rear bumper needs to be rehung, and I'm debating on getting a new front bumper cover.
The car *runs* but it suffers from the common-on-this-model ill-casted engine block issues that early cars suffer from. Honda has an unlimited mile 10 year warranty to replace these, but with this car now being 12 years, it's not eligible. So basically, it runs, but it won't hold coolant. I tried to limp it home, but I got maybe 1/3 of the way to my mechanic when I had to pull over and call a tow truck.
(https://s31.postimg.cc/fmmj9ssbv/CVC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/t3jhso2nb/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/rbqixryq3/CVC2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/hefi4pr47/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/7tvvhtu2j/CVC3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ohndkbotz/)
KBB puts it at $3800 for "good" condition. I'm aiming for $3500.
Purchase price: $800.
What's the fix for the coolant issue?
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 07, 2018, 08:50:01 PM
What's the fix for the coolant issue?
A new engine. The whole block has cracks in it.
Quote from: MrH on April 05, 2018, 06:15:18 PM
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/california-southern-california-s2000-owners-16/clutch-install-diy-779439/
No thanks.
Looks like a day's worth of work if you take your time, what's the big deal?
I saw an Outback here on Craigslist "worth $10k" that needs a new engine- selling for $3k.
I mean, sure you could tow it and pay for a new motor and probably only be out $5-6k. But seems like a lot of hassle, unless you're familiar with the process and as savvy as it as Kevin is...
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on May 08, 2018, 08:51:00 AM
I saw an Outback here on Craigslist "worth $10k" that needs a new engine- selling for $3k.
I mean, sure you could tow it and pay for a new motor and probably only be out $5-6k. But seems like a lot of hassle, unless you're familiar with the process and as savvy as it as Kevin is...
If it's just a new engine, you could probably do it for $2-3k (assuming you don't have an engine guy like Kevin does)
Quote from: CaminoRacer on May 08, 2018, 10:56:47 AM
If it's just a new engine, you could probably do it for $2-3k (assuming you don't have an engine guy like Kevin does)
Subaru engines are expensive.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 08, 2018, 11:03:47 AM
Subaru engines are expensive.
I got my (97) Legacy's motor replaced in 2012. When I first talked to a guy he said no problem, they were cheap. But later he said the price had been creeping up and he had some difficulty getting one for a lower price. I paid $2200 after taxes and all. It was a little tuner shop that I was kinda hesitant, but he did good work.
In 2016 we got (05) Impreza's motor swapped out, the dummies at Subaru Augusta GA didn't diagnosed head gaskets and it kept over heating. I was so mad!!! Car only had 75k miles on it. Dealership wanted $8k to do it, I think we spent under $3k and the guy said there was a guarantee on the engine for a year.
In both cases they swapped out the timing built, waterpump, any other belts that looked sketchy.
$8k for an engine swap? Goodness. You could almost LS swap it for that much.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on May 08, 2018, 11:33:14 AM
$8k for an engine swap? Goodness. You could almost LS swap it for that much.
Yeah, dealership prices. The motor was way expensive too, probably not a well-used one.
Yeah, my mechanic definitely specializes in Hondas. I dropped the car off Monday. He started on it Tuesday. He sent me a text Wednesday evening around 9:30PM that it was running, and he had driven it.
Keep in mind, he works from 7:30-4PM. So he did most of this after work. So roughly....8 hours from removal to install?
Holy shit that dude is fast.
Ask him how much for an s2k clutch job!
Quote from: MrH on May 10, 2018, 09:07:58 AM
Holy shit that dude is fast.
Ask him how much for an s2k clutch job!
Lol he said hes done one before. Idk what he'd charge. I'd have to ask.
Alright - I picked up the Civic today.
The motor, transmission, and suspension all feel great!
The bad -
Those shitty wal-mart Weslake tires are all bald, and at least two of them have shifted belts. The car violently shimmys above 55MPH, and they all sound like death.
The interior is in worse shape than I remember. The guy was a roofer, so it's got lots of dust and literal nails in the car.
That bumper crack looks worse than I remembered.
(https://s9.postimg.cc/876g9newf/CVCC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3lac1atd7/)
(https://s9.postimg.cc/px84up073/CVCC1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/j6rnl9d17/)
How does your detail guy price himself? Does he charge more for shit like that? I know what it's like to detail a vehicle used for work. Virtually every surface possible is coated in dust.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 10, 2018, 10:49:06 PM
How does your detail guy price himself? Does he charge more for shit like that? I know what it's like to detail a vehicle used for work. Virtually every surface possible is coated in dust.
I'm probably gonna pre clean this one
Quote from: 2o6 on May 10, 2018, 10:59:44 PM
I'm probably gonna pre clean this one
You the real MVP.
Alright! This is the first flip I've had to do paint and body work, but I found a place in on a budget.
OK
$875 - Car, Tax, Title
$322 - Engine + tax
$573 - Labor Install + accessory belts and fluids
$67 - eBay Bumper Cover
$18 - eBay wheel well liner
$350 - brand new 205/55/16 tires (with warranty). The tires on the car were all balding, and 3/4 belts shifted. Horribly violent noise and shimmy above 45 MPH. Used tires for a tire this small and common aren't really that cheap. I figured "New tires" would be a selling point, and it was only like $75 more for new tires versus going to a used store.
$225 - Painting of front bumper, mounting of front bumper and fender liner, rehanging of rear bumper
$80 - Interior Detail
Total Invested ~$2500.
KBB - $3350 - 4500.
I'm aiming for a 1K profit.
It looks like nothing ever happened! The eBay bumper is definitely not as good as the OEM one, but for a cheap car with 171K, it looks fine.
Before:
(https://s31.postimg.cc/9f0q0jqsr/PRE_1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/7zz5btppj/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/vqyitxi6z/Pre_2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/p0i1khv13/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/do5g2qox7/Pre_3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/v1fqhlk87/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/m6ew72nq3/Pre_4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/b6tovgxav/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/onqnebzwr/Pre_5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/e0wu8wrrb/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/krdbic77f/Pre_6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/mvxojf8tz/)
After:
(https://s31.postimg.cc/sk3zaaaln/Five.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/m6ew71dff/Four.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/7agczg9qj/One.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/fspt3udp7/Six.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/nlggvtjo7/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/hxa64wzwb/Three.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/k1uj6098r/Two.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Nice. Out of curiosity, do you use this money as income? Save/invest it? How do taxes work (or do you do it under the table)?
Great job! Amazing improvement.
Wow. Big difference.
What the hell was in that trunk? That car was nasty
Yeah, that looks great and. That year Civic has really aged well and still looks fresh. the 9th gen looks very cheap side by side to it.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 17, 2018, 03:49:44 PM
Nice. Out of curiosity, do you use this money as income? Save/invest it? How do taxes work (or do you do it under the table)?
I use it as income, or save it. Depends.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on May 17, 2018, 04:55:39 PM
Great job! Amazing improvement.
Quote from: Xer0 on May 18, 2018, 08:45:14 AM
Yeah, that looks great and. That year Civic has really aged well and still looks fresh. the 9th gen looks very cheap side by side to it.
Thx!
Quote from: MrH on May 18, 2018, 05:32:32 AM
Wow. Big difference.
What the hell was in that trunk? That car was nasty
The guy used to be a roofer, and he used this car to drive all over OH and get to job sites. Loads of building material dust in the car. Also, the driver's seat was caked in body soil and sweat, and the entire car smelled like a nasty sweaty man.
Quote from: MrH on May 18, 2018, 05:32:32 AM
Wow. Big difference.
What the hell was in that trunk? That car was nasty
Chicken slaughter house?
Might pick this up today or tomorrow for $750. Potential $2000+ profit. Just waiting for the guy to get back to me.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/belleville/2006-kia-sorento/1356481527?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Done. $750. Fuel pump & strainer ordered. Swapping out is easy peasy... pop the rear seat, pull the panel, in and out. This thing is in amazing condition for the year, and only 169k kms (105,000 miles). I might keep it as a winter beater. Yes, it's the 4wd model. :dance:
Damn, that is an awesome buy for $750. Keep that thing. :lol:
Oh, nice find.
I don't trust Kias. I'd put that fuel pump in (if that's the issue) and dump it.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 23, 2018, 02:17:25 PM
I don't trust Kias. I'd put that fuel pump in (if that's the issue) and dump it.
Why? I trust them more than any domestic of the same age. :huh:
Looks like a solid buy to me, Kev.
https://www.edmunds.com/kia/sorento/2006/consumer-reviews/
https://www.cars.com/research/kia-sorento-2006/consumer-reviews/
https://www.carmax.com/research/kia/sorento/2006/customer-reviews
I don't. Kia had notoriously bad tolerances on things like engines, valves, etc around this time of their life. They seem pretty low quality, but don't have the parts availability of a GM or Ford.
I generally don't start considering any Korean car until around 2009+, usually starting with the Soul.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 23, 2018, 02:37:07 PM
I don't. Kia had notoriously bad tolerances on things like engines, valves, etc around this time of their life. They seem pretty low quality, but don't have the parts availability of a GM or Ford.
I generally don't start considering any Korean car until around 2009+, usually starting with the Soul.
Can you back any of that up? If it had these issues, I'd like to read about it. Nothing I've researched so far indicates anything extraordinary, ie worse in any way than any other 2006 V6 4wd SUV.
Damn, I was way off. People are asking $6500 and up for similar examples. Shitty gas mileage is the only real negative I've found.
https://www.kbb.com/kia/sorento/2006/
1. Are they dealers?
2. Price it against your local market, private party. Also, asking is not always selling. I was CONVINCED I would get 6K for the Journey, and despite KBB being high, I was doing good to get 4K.
Maybe Canada is different. Those Sorentos don't always get what people are asking, as with most HK products. Most people in my particular area are asking around 4K USD, which means prolly around a $3500 selling price. That isn't too bad, but it's not $6500.
I THOUGHT I had a pending Civic sale. Two guys (a 19 year old and his dad) came to look at the car, they liked it, and even accepted asking price.
We agreed to meet at the bank the next day at noon to exchange money and title.
Of course, I get a text at 9AM saying they've changed their mind. :rolleyes:
Two days ago, I had a guy also enthusiastically like the car....only to disappear and never be seen again.
Could you net a profit with CarMax???
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on May 28, 2018, 07:43:37 AM
Could you net a profit with CarMax???
I don't think CarMax messes with cars that old. They would likely only offer him scrap/auction value since they wouldn't want to sell it on their lot.
I still have this Honda. This is the worst sale I've done in awhile.
Highlights:
About 50% have been dads looking for their Daughter. These are the biggest time wasters. They don't know dick about cars, nothing is ever good enough, and they have no money. I've been getting guys out of state saying "I need this for my daughter". They look at 40 different cars, and waste everyone's time. Usually these guys give up and take their daughter to a franchised car lot and have them pick out something from the budget lot.
I had one guy accept asking price. We agreed on a time to meet at the bank. I even took the listing down. He text me the next AM changing his mind. No reason given.
I had a lady (who looked like ms doubtfire) come out and drive it, ask me dumb questions. She kept saying it was a rebuilt title. (It's not.) She tried to imply I was lying when I said that this car is a timing chain, not a belt. Of course, she passed.
About 10 offers for $3500, five of them texting me literally after 12:15 AM. As a rule, I don't take text offers; come out and see the car in person you lazy fuck.
Offer for $3000. At 2:30 AM.
Offer for $3700, but didn't come out to see the car.
More people who don't believe it's a timing chain.
I fucking hate this.
About 4 years ago I once had a dickhead Hyundai service manager argue with me that my 2007 Sonata with 100,000 miles was due for a timing belt replacement (He tried to upsell everything. Tried to tell me my car needed severe weather more frequent service and I countered that it didn't snow yet this winter). After I insisted it had a timing chain he looked it up on his computer and then didn't say anything.
People just think to make sure the timing belt has already been replaced on an older high mileage car before buying. They're just going through their checklist.
Tell them you replaced the belt with a chain as a performance upgrade.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 09, 2018, 04:07:47 PM
Tell them you replaced the belt with a chain as a performance upgrade.
:lol:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 09, 2018, 04:07:47 PM
Tell them you replaced the belt with a chain as a performance upgrade.
:rockon:
Spoiled daughters :rage:
Here's a few examples
(https://s5.postimg.cc/zfwmtkblz/29543006_10211207327085532_1042491044953849856_n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/o3k1bsicn/35123508_10211207327325538_4758162012586901504_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/rn5z1ll2b/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/jhnx3fp3r/35243350_10211207327005530_5103905582834778112_n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/4ygs21bef/35246289_10211207327525543_3481580432363880448_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/o3k1bsq2b/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/6q9qwyhwn/35265791_10211207327685547_4390926043737751552_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ne18zgco3/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/dthmckfmf/35287246_10211207327765549_6345632296564948992_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/7fsj9baqb/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/c1onhnojr/35294568_10211207328045556_3294280950149545984_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/azegz45qb/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/pilm0jm0n/35295909_10211207328125558_1540288822690971648_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/85bbloqpf/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/teyxwjepz/35297229_10211207328285562_8883799368243609600_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/pilm0jtqb/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/uh94f3cyv/35297698_10211207327925553_3149299501529825280_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/yqduh9g83/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/60qykmrnr/35329619_10211207327405540_8296196809349398528_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/z358ngdxf/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/hd3k2ed7b/35330727_10211207327245536_5926256017447845888_n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/kwphs8as7/35357398_10211207327165534_5322449775306473472_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5b8689ytv/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ydmgb35o7/35359997_10211207326925528_6086851888391651328_n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
People are fuckin' bizarre, man. Who the hell texts a stranger at 4:38AM to ask about a Craigslist ad? :nutty:
tl;dr
Was that guy spamming a VIN check site? Looks like he added a referral code?
What's your bottom dollar is such a stupid question.
Quote from: Laconian on June 15, 2018, 11:23:11 PM
Was that guy spamming a VIN check site? Looks like he added a referral code?
This is a new common scam. They ask you "Hey, can you give me the carfax?" and use this weird 3rd party site that steals credit card info.
Quote from: TBR on June 17, 2018, 09:27:02 AM
What's your bottom dollar is such a stupid question.
It's literally the worst question ever.
My daughter has to sell her (slightly battered) 2010 Prius before she goes overseas. Not looking forward to all this fuckery. One issue is that none of us has a local bank account - so getting cash into it is going to be a pain.
Quote from: Morris Minor on June 19, 2018, 01:32:49 PM
My daughter has to sell her (slightly battered) 2010 Prius before she goes overseas. Not looking forward to all this fuckery. One issue is that none of us has a local bank account - so getting cash into it is going to be a pain.
You can use any ATM to deposit money. Then set up a transfer from your account to hers?
When I sold a car and had to deposit $2k cash it only let me do $300 per transaction. :confused: Took awhile..... AFTER we signed paperwork realized he had the same bank as me (USAA) we could have just transferred electronically. Cuz he had to withdraw a few hundred at a time..... :huh:
Yeah, all banks have ATM deposit/withdrawal limits. Prevents a mugger from takin all yo' cash.
"Empty it, bitch." :lol:
Also makes sure there's enough for everyone.
I was surprised at the deposit limit.
Last time I deposited cash at a Chase ATM it just said there was a 100 bill limit.
It's finally gone. I sold it to a friend's mom who had a 1997 Geo Prizm she bought when it was a year old, that finally rusted out. (Fuel tank rusted out)
I cut her a deal, because I like my friend and I know she needed a car.
$3500.
So I had $2512 invested, so it WOULD have been a nice $1000 profit. But....my dumb ass got the car impounded. I left it parked on a night where my neighborhood does street sweeping, and it got towed. So add $180 to my investment cost.....
:banghead:
Woof. Glad you got rid of it, though. Must feel good.
Another day, another Japanese hatchback. This one is kind of fun to drive
2007 Mazda 3 i, (2.3, 5MT) only 104k Miles!
I'm the 2nd owner.
VVT solenoid failed, which usually means tbh the motor was run on low oil. It's toast.
Purchase price $500
(https://s15.postimg.cc/5t73vcvtn/830_CFB0_B-72_A3-4_B91-_AAFA-3_F1_E9427554_A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/twxvjneaf/)
(https://s15.postimg.cc/gssb6yeiz/B15_D128_E-3039-4_FE2-9856-6310_E93750_F6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/yitzrzs3r/)
(https://s15.postimg.cc/z8cs4d82z/C15365_EE-_C223-4_D7_E-_A994-57786_E903_B1_B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/l1x194x7r/)
Looks clean......
IT GETS EVEN BETTER.
this car has nearly new Continental tires on it. The same size and width as the Sonic.
The Sonic's rear tires are needing replaced soon.
I'm swapping.
I basically got a free car.
Couple more pics in the daylight. Transferred title and registered car today.
(https://s33.postimg.cc/h2uy40kq7/6201_E231-916_D-4926-_BF5_A-_CEBE775_F88_E6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/fb1z941d7/)
(https://s33.postimg.cc/gdc5ro7bz/A0_B0_F3_FC-3_D08-41_D6-_AFF4-84_A36_C588_D6_C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3lxzl5xjv/)
(https://s33.postimg.cc/8klhzpgsf/AAE0_FE9_F-5_B93-45_C3-_B4_A6-56743_B78_AB54.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ovllw0ta3/)
As explained above, I'm already starting out ahead! These Continental PureContact tires are $125 a piece, and I have five of them. So I'm up $125 even from buying the car. These tires are definitely getting swapped for the on their way out Kumhos my Sonic.
What it needs
- a motor
- a transmission
Pricing for the Motor is around $1000, and the trans is around $300 ish. I should have a more accurate price guide when my mechanic tears into the car.
Trans is gone, too?
Quote from: mzziaz on July 12, 2018, 12:58:19 AM
Trans is gone, too?
Sort of.
Input shaft, the owner said was making noise. I'm not convinced. It might need a throw out bearing. I can't test it, because the car doesn't run
Throw out bearing is a lot more likely. Input shaft bearing is a possibility, but idk why a stock car would have a problem. That's what started making noise in my old transmission, but I'm making more power than it was rated for.
Fuck.
So the mechanic put the motor in, the car drove fine....
until it reached operating temperature and we discovered a terrible rattle and knock from the timing chain. Looks like this motor has to come out and go back to the scrap yard....
Water pump & new timing chain/tensioner? Oh well, no worries, once you sell the car it won't be your problem anymore!
Quote from: 2o6 on July 26, 2018, 05:57:07 PM
Fuck.
So the mechanic put the motor in, the car drove fine....
until it reached operating temperature and we discovered a terrible rattle and knock from the timing chain. Looks like this motor has to come out and go back to the scrap yard....
Quote from: HurricaneSteve on July 27, 2018, 11:31:09 AM
Water pump & new timing chain/tensioner? Oh well, no worries, once you sell the car it won't be your problem anymore!
Eww, no.
Also, it'll make an awful racket the second it reaches operating temp.
Also, taking the motor out and doing a chain is more work, rather than simply swapping out.
Finally got it up and running, but now the CEL is on for an O2 sensor.
(https://s33.postimg.cc/ubdwltm3j/38600558_249184962358975_5019059685018304512_n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/g4y5qlb8b/)printscreen (https://postimages.org/app)
Drives great! This may be the best driving flip I've ever owned.
Quote from: 2o6 on August 06, 2018, 11:19:30 AM
Drives great! This may be the best driving flip I've ever owned.
Go Mazder :rockon:
OK
Price breakdown
$500 - Purchase price
$750 - Engine
$900 - Labor (I had to pay twice, I got a bad engine)
$155 - Clutch
$180 - pads and rotors (all sides)
$90 - O2 Sensor
$50 - tax title
Total invested ~ $2650 ish
Wish I needed a good car.
It's been a month, and I still have the Mazda.
I've had
- a guy who loved it! Then text me the next morning sayin "oh, it's too nice for me. Good luck with sale!"
- a guy straight up ghost me after setting up a time
- dumb trade offers
- a guy who looked at it, and tried to "vet" the car, by making sure all the switches work, but not checking any fluids. After doing that, he wasted nearly a half hour of my time, and offered me $2800. I'm asking $4350, which is still below KBB "good" value. The next nearest Mazda 3 hatchback priced like mine is either a rusty heap, or has nearly 200k. He then randomly offered me $3300, but didn't bring any money anyways and he was going out of town for a week.
- a guy who wanted me to drive two hours for him to look at it.
- a guy who texted me asking for "more pictures" at 2PM and getting upset that I wasn't in front of the car at the moment
- a guy who asked me pics of the smal rust bubbles. It's a Mazda in OH; it looks good for the kind of car it is, but it's still the salt belt. He ghosted me.
This may be my last flip.
Well, that's part of the process. Not really so easy money.
However, I think you have a good feel for the business. With proper financing you could have several cars in play at the same time and it probably would be a sustainable business and not a bad way to make a living.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 19, 2018, 08:39:14 AM
It's been a month, and I still have the Mazda.
I've had
- a guy who loved it! Then text me the next morning sayin "oh, it's too nice for me. Good luck with sale!"
- a guy straight up ghost me after setting up a time
- dumb trade offers
- a guy who looked at it, and tried to "vet" the car, by making sure all the switches work, but not checking any fluids. After doing that, he wasted nearly a half hour of my time, and offered me $2800. I'm asking $4350, which is still below KBB "good" value. The next nearest Mazda 3 hatchback priced like mine is either a rusty heap, or has nearly 200k. He then randomly offered me $3300, but didn't bring any money anyways and he was going out of town for a week.
- a guy who wanted me to drive two hours for him to look at it.
- a guy who texted me asking for "more pictures" at 2PM and getting upset that I wasn't in front of the car at the moment
- a guy who asked me pics of the smal rust bubbles. It's a Mazda in OH; it looks good for the kind of car it is, but it's still the salt belt. He ghosted me.
This may be my last flip.
Is there any particular car/model that is an easy sell? Maybe stick with that. Seems like Mazda is not an easy sell used.
Sold! Finally.
Profit: ~$1500.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 22, 2018, 08:53:54 AM
Sold! Finally.
Profit: ~$1500.
:rockon:
What's next?
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on September 22, 2018, 10:13:09 AM
:rockon:
What's next?
In theory, moving across country. I'm interviewing for a job that looks promising.
Good luck!
Quote from: 2o6 on September 22, 2018, 10:51:03 AM
In theory, moving across country. I'm interviewing for a job that looks promising.
Good luck.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 22, 2018, 10:51:03 AM
In theory, moving across country. I'm interviewing for a job that looks promising.
Hope you land in warmer climates!!!
I didn't get that job. So instead, I'm angling for another tax-time flip:
2011 Chevy Cruze LS 1.8L 6MT, only 79k!
Needs a clutch. It's also GROSS inside.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rm9Nt85n/Cruze1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34dvsQSm)photo hosting (https://postimages.org/)
That exterior looks gross too.
Quote from: Xer0 on December 03, 2018, 04:05:25 PM
That exterior looks gross too.
It's been sitting since the summertime
Those Cruzes are great. It is what the last Jetta should have been.
Quote from: CALL_911 on December 03, 2018, 04:08:28 PM
Those Cruzes are great. It is what the last Jetta should have been.
wut
The Cruze is fine. In 1.8L trim with no options, it's not as impressive.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 03, 2018, 04:23:43 PM
The Cruze is fine. In 1.8L trim with no options, it's not as impressive.
You're looking for a job. i know it's not your goal in life, but have you ever considered selling cars? Many dealers pay $500+ a unit plus bonuses. We've got one guy here that's knocking down over $140K a year. He kind of lives here, though.
Quote from: shp4man on December 03, 2018, 05:27:57 PM
You're looking for a job. i know it's not your goal in life, but have you ever considered selling cars? Many dealers pay $500+ a unit plus bonuses. We've got one guy here that's knocking down over $140K a year. He kind of lives here, though.
I like having a 9-5 job and not having that much stress. Selling cars at a dealer is an awful job.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 03, 2018, 05:30:54 PM
I like having a 9-5 job and not having that much stress. Selling cars at a dealer is an awful job.
It takes a special personality type to sell cars. i sure as hell would suck at it. ;)
So, finally got towed out.
The interior is the nastiest I've ever owned.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5jxWB52/Cruze-4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5XYCGtvS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vZGv8Lb5/Cruze-5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qzZKjKt7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCQ5wGcS/Cruze2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/02YfqHR8/Cruze3.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Damn.
Was it used for smuggling live chickens or something?
Quote from: Soup DeVille on December 04, 2018, 12:32:11 PM
Damn.
Was it used for smuggling live chickens or something?
"Haha! Well I have two kids!"
Those were her exact words.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 04, 2018, 12:36:15 PM
"Haha! Well I have two kids!"
Those were her exact words.
I have four. None of my shit, even at its worst looked like that.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on December 04, 2018, 12:38:23 PM
I have four. None of my shit, even at its worst looked like that.
Also, kids don't sit in the drivers' seat, last I checked.
HOARDERS
Quote from: Laconian on December 04, 2018, 12:44:06 PM
HOARDERS
That's "just" slobs. A hoarder's car would be so full of shit the suspension would already be collapsed.
Ha, the first picture of the front seats didn't look all that bad to me, just looks like the driver spilled drinks a few times thus staining the seat, and that the floor hadn't been vacuumed/cleaned in a long time.
Dat back seat doe... o_o ---> O_O
Aaand the previous owner stole the cat/exhaust manifold.
People that use their kids as an excuse as to why their interior is dirty and they're a total slob can fuck themselves.
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 05, 2018, 03:46:18 PM
People that use their kids as an excuse as to why their interior is dirty and they're a total slob can fuck themselves.
I blame it on my FURBABIES.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 05, 2018, 02:30:16 PM
Aaand the previous owner stole the cat/exhaust manifold.
Didn't you look at it before you bought it?
Quote from: 2o6 on December 05, 2018, 02:30:16 PM
Aaand the previous owner stole the cat/exhaust manifold.
It was probably cracked, anyway.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 05, 2018, 02:30:16 PM
Aaand the previous owner stole the cat/exhaust manifold.
Hahaha...used cats are worth about 30- 40 bucks. We're talkin' a real tweeker/crackhead here. :lol:
Sorry, guess it's no so funny to you.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 05, 2018, 03:52:54 PM
I blame it on my FURBABIES.
I'm fine with dog hair. Dogs can't help it.
Quote from: FoMoJo on December 05, 2018, 03:53:46 PM
Didn't you look at it before you bought it?
Not closely enough. The manifold was off, but there was a lot of shit in the trunk. I saw a rusty pipe with an O2 sensor on it, but I didn't realize it didn't have any damn headers on it.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 05, 2018, 03:55:50 PM
It was probably cracked, anyway.
Quote from: shp4man on December 05, 2018, 03:57:55 PM
Hahaha...used cats are worth about 30- 40 bucks. We're talkin' a real tweeker/crackhead here. :lol:
Sorry, guess it's no so funny to you.
So, I got it off a guy who used to work at the shop where I got it from. The guy brought it to the shop, but either got fired or ran out of money. It's been sitting for a long while, half disassembled since at least June/July.
Not sure if the tech who was working on it "forgot" to put the manifold in the car, or the old owner was tweaking and sold it. (And the battery).
The manifold is cheap, and so is a battery, but im just like "what kind of crackhead steals a manifold".
Anything for scrap!
My goal is to stay under $3000 total invested.
Right now, after parts and (future) labor, I'm looking at around $2400 ish to get it running. That budgets like $650 to take care of the body issues and cleaning the interior.
KBB is $5750, but that seems optimistic. Maybe 5k.
omg are those STICKERS on the rear windows?? What kind of fucking monster...
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 05, 2018, 04:37:17 PM
omg are those STICKERS on the rear windows?? What kind of fucking monster...
Lock them up and throw the keys into a volcano.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 05, 2018, 05:06:40 PM
Lock them up and throw the keys into a volcano.
Or just throw them in the volcano and keep the keys.
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 05, 2018, 05:17:47 PM
Or just throw them in the volcano and keep the keys.
Rock solid logic.
Maybe throw the Cruze in there, too.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 05, 2018, 05:23:16 PM
Rock solid logic.
Maybe throw the Cruze in there, too.
:rolleyes:
I wonder how often that car has had its oil changed.
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 05, 2018, 03:46:18 PM
People that use their kids as an excuse as to why their interior is dirty and they're a total slob can fuck themselves.
Some messiness is justifiable with kids, like stains that are hard to get out.
But not that.
I've noticed with a few people that the insides of their cars look like garbage dumps, but their homes are spotless... compartmentalizing their gross-slovenly selves.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on December 07, 2018, 06:05:54 AM
Some messiness is justifiable with kids, like stains that are hard to get out.
But not that.
Yes, kids are going to make a vehicle a bit messy. Always a given. But there is indeed a threshold between normalcy and total slobbery.
I work on other people's cars. Most are reasonable. Some are actually nauseating to sit in.
Quote from: Morris Minor on December 07, 2018, 06:59:00 AM
I've noticed with a few people that the insides of their cars look like garbage dumps, but their homes are spotless... compartmentalizing their gross-slovenly selves.
I tend to be like that. My house, outside of the kid's playroom, is pretty clean I think for having two young kids. Wood floors definitely helps with that and not allowing the kids to eat/drink outside of the kitchen for the most part. My attached garage is a mess. It's a three car garage and one spot on the side is a hodgepodge of bikes, toys, sporting goods, portable generator, snowblower, hardware, cleaning supplies, garbage cans, recycling bins, etc etc. Can hardly move in there. Never bothered me. I don't keep the garage door open so it's hidden. Our cars tend to be pretty dirty inside although no food stains. Mostly dust, shoe grime, small leaves and pebbles. I should keep them cleaner inside. Just lazy about it.
Still, nothing like those Cruze pics.
Update:
Mechanic texted me some photos
- they also stole the 2nd cat underneath the car (And O2 sensors)
- the woman was so bad at driving stick the clutch and pressure plate actually melted to the flywheel.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fknXx0gV/5441-B2-FE-AB7-D-4-AB1-A81-E-BAAA556-B8137.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3jkKWKK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjkfj67X/64-A097-C7-37-A8-46-B0-AC34-3-E5-A22-F4-CD9-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxnqMbyj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsnDdCVd/7-ECEB5-EC-BB5-E-4270-A432-040-D98-D519-F6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FdQysfMk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsHVvRvh/E3-A17-EDA-68-B1-4-EA2-A212-E84-C01990405.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8JBhFpGK)
That is some beautiful clutch destruction.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 14, 2018, 12:30:12 PM
That is some beautiful clutch destruction.
She must have slipped literally everywhere all the time.
Jesus cripes. Will it still be profitable for you? Just nastier than you anticipated?
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 14, 2018, 12:40:23 PM
Jesus cripes. Will it still be profitable for you? Just nastier than you anticipated?
I've budgeted about $3000 give or take for all repairs and labor.
Right now, I'm at about $2150, but I still have to pay my mechanic, and there's a couple bodywork issues I wanna sort out.
Clutches are cheap, and so are flywheels.
OMG
Quote from: 2o6 on December 14, 2018, 12:24:30 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjkfj67X/64-A097-C7-37-A8-46-B0-AC34-3-E5-A22-F4-CD9-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxnqMbyj)
What is that thing that the hand is holding? Is it part of the car? :confused:
Quote from: FoMoJo on December 14, 2018, 01:05:11 PM
What is that thing that the hand is holding? Is it part of the car? :confused:
Exhaust....
In particular, that rubber piece is just a bushing to stop the exhaust from hitting the body.
You can tell from this pic where they cut it off and whats missing.
(https://www.buyautoparts.com/data/all_images/50544_COM_1.jpg)
I see.
Hey, with the money they got from scrapping those converters, they could get high a bunch more times!
Quote from: shp4man on December 14, 2018, 01:25:09 PM
Hey, with the money they got from scrapping those converters, they could get high a bunch more times!
Maybe once or twice. Good crack ain't cheap these days.
Probably whoever took the cats also took it out and beat the f$#+ out of it
Quote from: r0tor on December 14, 2018, 02:48:28 PM
Probably whoever took the cats also took it out and beat the f$#+ out of it
WHAT? I'm calling ASPCA
Quote from: r0tor on December 14, 2018, 02:48:28 PM
Probably whoever took the cats also took it out and beat the f$#+ out of it
No shit
I like to search craigslist for "needs" or "head gasket". There are so many good flip projects. A $450 PT Cruiser head gasket, a $1000 Escape head gasket, a $600 2wd Liberty with engine noise. I can do all of those in my front yard and piss off the neighbors some more. I'm not sure if I'd jump on any Cruze, though. SUV shaped things have more profit potential, and are often easier to work on.
Youd avoid a Cruze, but buy a Chrysler PT?
Quote from: 2o6 on December 18, 2018, 02:13:40 PM
Youd avoid a Cruze, but buy a Chrysler PT?
Good point, but only because I am already familiar enough with the PT nightmare.
Flipping is more of a numbers game rather than emotional game. A lot of people ask me "ew why would you buy that" when I'm in it to make money.
Some of the "cool" cars I've had made mediocre profit. Some of the "undesirable" vehicles made really good profit.
There are a few things I don't usually mess with, since I generally pay a mechanic to do work for me:
- Hyundai and Kia products. Any engine problem they have is usually shared thru the entire lineup and the supply of used motors and replacement components are expensive. Resale is also mediocre, sometimes worse than GM and Ford products.
Ex: I've seen a handful of Swoopy Elantra and Sonatas (2011+) come up oh my radar.
That engine is like $2400 (or like $1800 for the 1.8L GDI)
Even if I only pay $1000 for that car, I'd be in it 4K minimum. For a car that's worth maybe $5500 in perfect shape.
- Subarus. They eat head gaskets, but replacement engines are always 3K+. A Subaru shop would charge around 2k to rebuild the motor, but I gotta take it out. And Subaru buyers are persnickety.
GM, Toyota, Honda, and Ford have very cheap parts. Although this Cruze is rough, I haven't spent more than $750 in parts.
It's math.
I couldn't flip cars. I'd hate buying average boring cars that everyone else wants.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on December 18, 2018, 03:06:30 PM
I couldn't flip cars. I'd hate buying average boring cars that everyone else wants.
FTFY :lol:
Runs!
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QwnMw2F/Cruz-run.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Actually, it drives pretty good.
Turbo kit?
How much are you in for now?
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 20, 2018, 07:52:46 PM
How much are you in for now?
$2880.64.
However, I still have to get a small body issue fixed. (I was quoted about $450 to fix)
I started going thru the cruze's trash, and the few things left from the previous owner.
It's literally full of scratch off tickets, payday loan receipts, and pawn shop receipts in the two storage cubbies they forgot to check.
The Pawn shop has a 216% APR on whatever they pawned.
The payday loan is 121% APR.
This is actually kinda fuckin sad.
Super sad.
After six hours of work, copius amounts of degreaser, an extractor rental, and just plain elbow grease....
(https://i.postimg.cc/QMmc2yYF/ra.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9998qHv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gJB8J6Wd/ra1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dkrLN33S)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LXsj23GN/ra3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hJHX0TDd)
Remember, it looked like this
(https://i.postimg.cc/RFqJjVnY/image1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R650tmd1)free image uploader (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5jxWB52/Cruze-4.jpg)
Also, don't smoke in your car.
https://youtu.be/wAvFdEfF40Y
(https://i.imgur.com/adVOJDd_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
Yeah I legit got a little nauseous when I saw that video.
Welcome to my life... :lol:
Though I don't usually run into a vehicle quite as nasty as that. But yeah...any smoker vehicle? Shampoo the headliner? That's what you get. Spray the headliner and you get orange/brown gunk dripping down, especially right by the window where they hold it and ash. :huh:
You should make that car flipping a YouTube channel. Im sure it would be popular.
I'd watch it.
I've thought about trying to write an article for Jalopnik or something
I'd suggest a TTAC article but that site is a hot mess now
Quote from: Laconian on December 26, 2018, 10:36:23 AM
I'd suggest a TTAC article but that site is a hot mess now
Is Autoblog still a mess of squares? I haven't been back since they did that. Total fail.
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 26, 2018, 12:44:13 AM
Welcome to my life... :lol:
Though I don't usually run into a vehicle quite as nasty as that. But yeah...any smoker vehicle? Shampoo the headliner? That's what you get. Spray the headliner and you get orange/brown gunk dripping down, especially right by the window where they hold it and ash. :huh:
I thought headliners were impossible to clean without ruining them
Quote from: Morris Minor on December 26, 2018, 10:59:34 AM
I thought headliners were impossible to clean without ruining them
Who told you that...? :hmm:
Quote from: giant_mtb on December 26, 2018, 11:26:27 AM
Who told you that...? :hmm:
I think because old style headliners were fabric glued onto fiberboard that would prolly sag if the glue got wet.
But new headliners aren't made the same way. Mine feels like a singular piece of hard felt
Quote from: 2o6 on December 26, 2018, 11:30:46 AM
I think because old style headliners were fabric glued onto fiberboard that would prolly sag if the glue got wet.
But new headliners aren't made the same way. Mine feels like a singular piece of hard felt
Ah, yeah. Old school ones, that could certainly be the case. Modern headliners are quite stout in that regard.
Quote from: 2o6 on December 26, 2018, 11:30:46 AM
I think because old style headliners were fabric glued onto fiberboard that would prolly sag if the glue got wet.
But new headliners aren't made the same way. Mine feels like a singular piece of hard felt
Yup that what I'd been thinking - stuck in the past.
Ok, so the Cruze is running pretty good. I actually have this insured (instead of abusing the grace period) and have it registered with Lyft, so I can keep miles down off of the Sonic.
So, the bottom of both front doors had been repaired (or damaged) and shittily repaired and thus, with this being OH, I shopped it around a few body shops. I had a friend who has a guy who does things "under the table" but he seemed too sketchy; he quoted me "Minimum $450" to fix both sides, just from a pic via text. I had a craigslist guy kind of threaten me, when I told him I wasn't sure if I was comfortable dropping my car off with him.
With those being a bust, I took it to a 3rd bodyshop, and after I explained that I was a car flipper, he honestly said "Replace the doors. It's cheaper and easier, and not hard."
So, then I had to find two black doors for a Chevy Cruze, which wasn't super hard. The Passenger door was in town; the driver's door I had to go to down to the OH/KY border to a random junkyard to get a reasonably priced one that was color matched.
I had bought a fender weeks ago, and replacing the doors ($300) saved me $150-200 minimum. And replacing them (with a friend's help) was not very hard. It was actually quite satisfiying. The bolts come off easily, and it's pretty straightforward. We did have to swap the wiring harness on the passenger door. The Passenger door is from a 2013+ LT model, and thus it's wired for power mirrors and the redundant door lock switch that are not present on the 2011-2012 cars. (Notice the RS glue outline in the pic)
I've been Lyfting in the Cruze, and its doing well.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WbkMXsDc/49454897-10212423094798965-3987721952872628224-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yxw0sbbG/Cruze-dent.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8zgLYxWJ/cruze-disassemblr.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGKyD6pM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7Pc335ZN/cruze-rust.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Things I have left to do
- Trunk pad is broken ($9.00 for a china ebay replacement)
- TPMS Sensor in front driver's side wheel is broken ($12 for a china ebay replacement)
- That front passenger side reflector/signal is broken ($11 for an OEM replacement)
- the rear tires are OEM. :mask: (maybe $50 for a cheapo set of used tires)
I wish I had half of your energy.
Did you go to Bessler's in Hebron?
How many miles on that? Sounds like you actually like that car, must be a good driver, eh?
Well done. I've had them as rentals a few times and they're pretty decent cars for their class.
My Mom has a Cruze, redline version, which is a factory appearance package and looks real cool without being over the top. Black grill, black bow tie, black side mirrors, and black wheels with red accents (the car is white). I like driving it.
One little detail item I like to take care of is to scrub clean the pedal rubber caps. If really worn, they're usually cheap to replace. Not much money or effort to remove a visually detracting negative.
It's gone.
Profit ~ $700 ish.
The shifter cable broke, and I had to get that repaired.
You should look for a diesel pickup truck that just needs something like a transmission to flip. The profit margin is yooge.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 27, 2019, 03:12:57 PM
You should look for a diesel pickup truck that just needs something like a transmission to flip. The profit margin is yooge.
Cost of entry is also huge.
Have you got something else lined up? Waiting for you to do a Focus or a Fiesta.
Quote from: FoMoJo on February 27, 2019, 04:40:06 PM
Have you got something else lined up? Waiting for you to do a Focus or a Fiesta.
Fords have bad resale and the automatic cars have real bad trans issues.
With that said, a friend of mine is letting her 2011 Fiesta go. It's an auto with 90k.
I'm letting my Ranger go. :popcorn:
I might pick this up tomorrow. It's a real grandma survivor.
1999 Camry LE, 4cyl automatic. Only 122K miles.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzP2ySFB/camry.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/brHzfb1s/camry1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
That's a good flipper right there. Heck, that's a keeper.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 20, 2019, 03:58:29 PM
I might pick this up tomorrow. It's a real grandma survivor.
1999 Camry LE, 4cyl automatic. Only 122K miles.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzP2ySFB/camry.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/brHzfb1s/camry1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Do it!!
Quote from: 2o6 on March 20, 2019, 03:58:29 PM
I might pick this up tomorrow. It's a real grandma survivor.
1999 Camry LE, 4cyl automatic. Only 122K miles.
(https://i.postimg.cc/brHzfb1s/camry1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I'd make sure that the car wasn't responsible for that big wet spot underneath at the back.
Quote from: FoMoJo on March 20, 2019, 04:54:28 PM
I'd make sure that the car wasn't responsible for that big wet spot underneath at the back.
It definitely is. That engine is ruined.
A new engine is $350.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 20, 2019, 05:00:12 PM
It definitely is. That engine is ruined.
A new engine is $350.
Sludge?
Quote from: 2o6 on March 20, 2019, 05:00:12 PM
It definitely is. That engine is ruined.
A new engine is $350.
That's cheap, and I'd only charge $300 to install it.
Best looking Camry ever.
Quote from: mzziaz on March 21, 2019, 01:44:36 AM
Best looking Camry ever.
I'd have to agree. After that, they just got stupid.
The Camry models before this had an exhaust pipe that looked like it would scrape the road. I hated that. This model didn't and so I liked it.
Quote from: veeman on March 21, 2019, 08:16:11 AM
The Camry models before this had an exhaust pipe that looked like it would scrape the road. I hated that. This model didn't and so I liked it.
I thought all of them did.
Without question, that Camry may actually be the most boring car on Earth. This could be good or bad, depending.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 21, 2019, 08:50:05 AM
I thought all of them did.
I could be wrong. If this Camry also has a low hanging exhaust, I take it back. I don't like it.
Anyways, the engine they gave me was so out of time, my mechanic couldn't start the car without unplugging the MAF sensor.
Good news, 5SFE engines are non interference, so just needs retimed and go.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 16, 2019, 06:55:10 PM
Anyways, the engine they gave me was so out of time, my mechanic couldn't start the car without unplugging the MAF sensor.
Good news, 5SFE engines are non interference, so just needs retimed and go.
Did that work? and why?
Quote from: Soup DeVille on April 16, 2019, 06:55:59 PM
Did that work? and why?
It did, it ran long enough for us to realize it runs like dogshit and use the timing light to see its really far out of time. Compression is OK, but it's about 11-12 degrees too advanced.
I think unplugging some sensors put the car in a "default" mode of sorts and at least let it turn over.
Weird but cool
Anyways, it's in time now and running great.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yN8J2yc2/2-E222192-67-CE-4303-BF3-F-10-E79-EAC2721.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1nTmJWk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTDsNv94/611-CCBCA-D1-FE-40-B9-9-B8-C-B989-C65-EC31-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJNsFm2c)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FFML1cXJ/D5818472-94-CE-4-B79-BEFC-AAD5-D08-F3-E41.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wt73Hd32)
Ok, I drove it a little this morning. Everything works, no real vibration even at 75MPH. AC is cold, even. Only thing I really need to do now is go to pick and pull and get a new driver's side mirror, and do a light detail.
The battery may be on its way out, but not sure yet.
That's too clean
Needs a dent on the back bumper.
That's still such a clean and handsome design.
Quote from: Xer0 on April 18, 2019, 01:08:19 PM
That's still such a clean and handsome design.
Really is. Especially that gen's ES300 (particular the facelifted ones). Still look great today IMO
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/mountain-view-2000-lexus-es-miles/6864153959.html
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 18, 2019, 01:12:24 PM
Really is. Especially that gen's ES300 (particular the facelifted ones). Still look great today IMO
An inch or two larger wheels to fill the wheelwells out and those would be stunnerz.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 18, 2019, 01:12:24 PM
Really is. Especially that gen's ES300 (particular the facelifted ones). Still look great today IMO
That link HurricaneSteve posted was very classy. Contrast that to the current ES which looks pretty much just aggressive and not really handsome.
That gen ES was great looking. I especially liked the frameless doors on those early generation ES300s.
Quote from: Xer0 on April 18, 2019, 01:08:19 PM
That's still such a clean and handsome design.
A very slick bar of soap, c'mon. :huh:
Interestingly enough, I'm going to check it out tomorrow for my uncle who recently lost his car in a hit & run. I had my eye on a few RX300's since he likes SUV's more but sellers are either not responding or refuse to budge on the price and his budget is very strict. The ES300 owner replied right away and as some of you have probably noticed, it's in tremendous shape (at least in photos).
Quote from: Xer0 on April 19, 2019, 02:55:02 PM
That link HurricaneSteve posted was very classy. Contrast that to the current ES which looks pretty much just aggressive and not really handsome.
Quote from: FoMoJo on April 19, 2019, 06:50:25 PM
A very slick bar of soap, c'mon. :huh:
I'm with FoMoJo on this one. :lol:
Nearly done.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4xKjdxMs/15-FAD8-AC-A2-E1-4-BB9-8-F9-D-C2491-A048-CA9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXJ3SppP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0K87b4Y/269-E3003-B5-F4-4061-92-BF-8-CB480-F7749-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtx0H2t5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KzbWJrY8/43-A7451-E-929-F-4-A17-85-C7-43-D8-C4-C6-C099.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bG6Lvnb7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/NMxzV9y7/7852-C17-A-7-D11-4449-A872-B84-CA862-A033.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwLcnj4L)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dtVzbBj7/8-EA97-B29-53-BB-40-DC-9-D78-0731803-D77-B6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/14bC6DTP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjSZsd8J/98503-CFC-065-C-41-B3-A79-A-A50192-AA9-F74.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXG06gLc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T1Y4Xdg8/D7-F05-BB5-6-AFE-4-E53-A088-10-BDBBE19375.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ygtPmzLn)
closest gas station to my current location (https://gasstation-nearme.com/)]
The EGR vacuum solenoid died so it's running a little off. Otherwise it's solid.
It can be yours for only $3995! :muffin:
Sold.
$2250.
Any profit?
Wow, that went for way less than I expected.
Quote from: MrH on June 06, 2019, 07:24:46 AM
Wow, that went for way less than I expected.
It's a 20 year old Toyota.
Anyways, just purchased this.
It's a 2009 Mazda 6 i. 2.5L, Six-speed.
Motor went out!
$1100.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5VSFYRf/3-CEEB541-D471-4-C32-BD84-D1-E56-E437536.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/682gBXCR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YqBMtyZx/AF0-A6-E3-E-112-E-4576-8-BA7-7774217-D7143.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cd7WNJFZ)
Here's an easy flip. $900 Element needs an axle. $200 later, sell it for $3500. https://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/d/columbia-2005-honda-element/6917576445.html
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on June 27, 2019, 05:11:57 PM
Here's an easy flip. $900 Element needs an axle. $200 later, sell it for $3500. https://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/d/columbia-2005-honda-element/6917576445.html
God no fuck anything body damage related
Quote from: 2o6 on June 27, 2019, 05:13:14 PM
God no fuck anything body damage related
But dude, you can hear it and press the gas!
Funny they didn't mention the body damage.
Your Mazda should sell pretty quick.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 27, 2019, 05:13:14 PM
God no fuck anything body damage related
Oh shit, they covered it with a tarp. Fooled me!
And it's a rebuilt title! No thx
It doesn't sound great.
It runs worse when cold, and it misses on cyl 4. You can unplug coil 4 and nothing changes. There's an insane amount of blow back out of the oil cap. Rings are likely destroyed from shit oil
https://youtu.be/5Lf3MPcLBF4
Now you and the mad scientist need to rip apart the block and replace the piston rings they fried!
Quote from: 2o6 on June 28, 2019, 12:44:39 PM
It doesn't sound great.
It runs worse when cold, and it misses on cyl 4. You can unplug coil 4 and nothing changes. There's an insane amount of blow back out of the oil cap. Rings are likely destroyed from shit oil
https://youtu.be/5Lf3MPcLBF4
Quote from: HurricaneSteve on June 28, 2019, 12:52:12 PM
Now you and the mad scientist need to rip apart the block and replace the piston rings they fried!
Ring jobs aren't cheap.
I'm just gonna replace the motor
That shouldn't be too bad, the Fusion 2.5L should fit with some minor mods so the cost of the motor should be cheap.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 28, 2019, 12:55:28 PM
Ring jobs aren't cheap.
I'm just gonna replace the motor
Quote from: HurricaneSteve on June 28, 2019, 02:26:04 PM
That shouldn't be too bad, the Fusion 2.5L should fit with some minor mods so the cost of the motor should be cheap.
That's also a waste of time; mounting points other issues aren't quite the same between those cars. I'm just gonna put in another 2.5L from another Mazda 6.
I love and hate how direct and uncreative you have to be about these flips
But profit is the goal
This is why I'm starting to become even more wary of CL cars. I'm glad this is a solid source of income for you but I'm glad I'm not a prospective buyer.
Quote from: HurricaneSteve on July 02, 2019, 12:28:03 PM
This is why I'm starting to become even more wary of CL cars. I'm glad this is a solid source of income for you but I'm glad I'm not a prospective buyer.
....why? I'm doing literally anything any used car lot would do, and arguably better. Do you want me to spend 3x the cash on rebuilding a worn out motor, new rings, rod bearings, et al? And spend money on the labor to not only take the engine out, take the motor apart, send assorted parts out to a shop, and put it back together?
Or, would you rather drop in a low-mile equivalent motor from a running insurance wrecked car, one that's got a warranty, and have the car back on the road in a day, versus several weeks on the above.
Every fucking used car ever likely has had issues or replacement parts. I've found that learning about cars and how they work has allayed any fears. A replacement engine or transmission would not deter me; hell, it's not impossible to get a CPO used car with a replacement engine. (I've definitely seen new cars grenade themselves due to manufacturing defects, to get replacement parts and then sold new like nothing has happened)
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on July 02, 2019, 07:14:34 AM
I love and hate how direct and uncreative you have to be about these flips
But profit is the goal
Eh, the being creative is the best way to lose money.
Also...it's a ten year old Mazda with nearly 100k miles. I feel like you're kind of a dick if you're complaining about a potential replacement engine or transmission with a car that has that kind of mileage and age. I'm not selling $10000 cars. I'm selling >$5000 cars.
I will say, I don't touch salvage title vehicles (except that Jetta guy where I didn't read the title).
A motor blowing up isn't really a safety concern. Possible structural damage and bending/repairing frame and sheetmetal damage is more complicated and more at risk for both me and the buyer. It's very easy for a salvage repair to look ok, only to learn the hard way that it could get someone killed.
I don't doubt your knowledge and experience but I have owned exactly one car whose engine died and that was a 1978 Ford Fairmont that I owned when I knew nothing about cars and was due to neglect. Chances are if an engine goes, it's due to owner negligence (or abuse) which tells me there are likely other issues lurking. And for the record I'm not dissing your choice to replace the motor--if I was in the business of flipping cars, that's what I would do, but I'm just saying I wouldn't trust a car that had major components replaced. New master cylinder and brake lines or a power window that's wonky? Sure, no problem. Blown motor and/or transmission at 100K? Hard pass.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 02, 2019, 01:09:01 PM
....why? I'm doing literally anything any used car lot would do, and arguably better. Do you want me to spend 3x the cash on rebuilding a worn out motor, new rings, rod bearings, et al? And spend money on the labor to not only take the engine out, take the motor apart, send assorted parts out to a shop, and put it back together?
Or, would you rather drop in a low-mile equivalent motor from a running insurance wrecked car, one that's got a warranty, and have the car back on the road in a day, versus several weeks on the above.
Every fucking used car ever likely has had issues or replacement parts. I've found that learning about cars and how they work has allayed any fears. A replacement engine or transmission would not deter me; hell, it's not impossible to get a CPO used car with a replacement engine. (I've definitely seen new cars grenade themselves due to manufacturing defects, to get replacement parts and then sold new like nothing has happened)
Eh, the being creative is the best way to lose money.
There are different levels of salvage titled cars but yes as a general rule of thumb I would avoid those like the plague (unless it's super cheap and being used to occupy a parking spot).
Quote from: 2o6 on July 02, 2019, 01:16:01 PM
I will say, I don't touch salvage title vehicles (except that Jetta guy where I didn't read the title).
A motor blowing up isn't really a safety concern. Possible structural damage and bending/repairing frame and sheetmetal damage is more complicated and more at risk for both me and the buyer. It's very easy for a salvage repair to look ok, only to learn the hard way that it could get someone killed.
Other issues like what, though? Cars aren't boxes of witchcraft - especially the basic mainstream cars I sell. What else could go wrong? Transmission? Suspension members? Sometimes these cars are neglected, but honest to goodness, sometime shit just breaks because it's not well made.
Also, I'd be far more weary of a car that has a new master cylinder and brake lines - sounds like it's got serious rust issues.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 02, 2019, 01:13:09 PM
Also...it's a ten year old Mazda with nearly 100k miles. I feel like you're kind of a dick if you're complaining about a potential replacement engine or transmission with a car that has that kind of mileage and age. I'm not selling $10000 cars. I'm selling >$5000 cars.
Yeah! In that price range you cant be picky!
I buy all used cheap cars. I drive them for a remarkably long time. I've made bad decisions a couple times (should have trusted my gut to walk away) but I'll keep buying cheap used.
I think once you are settled you should treat yourself. Get the ND you deserve
You nailed it, transmission, suspension and who knows what else in the electrical, exhaust, etc? How much do you spend taking cars to a mechanic to diagnose things? Sometimes things break due to poor quality, yes, but I'd much rather take my chances on a used car with a more known history that didn't have any major components replaced than one that did. Sure, things happen but sometimes anecdotal evidence matters and in my lifetime, it was incredibly rare for something to go wrong when people did what they were supposed to.
Again I'm not criticizing your line of work, I'm sure you have a number of happy customers who bought from you but all I'm saying is that if I was looking for a used car for around 5 grand, I would not trust a flipped car as much as I would one from a first or second owner.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 02, 2019, 01:37:41 PM
Other issues like what, though? Cars aren't boxes of witchcraft - especially the basic mainstream cars I sell. What else could go wrong? Transmission? Suspension members? Sometimes these cars are neglected, but honest to goodness, sometime shit just breaks because it's not well made.
Also, I'd be far more weary of a car that has a new master cylinder and brake lines - sounds like it's got serious rust issues.
Actually out in the Bay Area you can find quite a few rust free cars with 100K miles or less for around 5 grand. How much would something like this fetch for where y'all are at?
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/1999-toyota-camry-le-v6-75-miles/6925575363.html
In case it gets sold it's a 1999 Camry LE V6 with 75K miles for $3000. Original owner too!
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on July 02, 2019, 02:19:00 PM
Yeah! In that price range you cant be picky!
If you have a cheap mechanic like me, it's not that expensive to flip a total pile of crap. I work on a crap ton of Dodge Malibus and Chevy Avengers that come in totally neglected and beat to hell. Add a few wheel bearings, sway bar links, and timing chains, then pour a bucket of Armour All on it and sell it for $4995.
Admittedly I don't know any mechanics personally and my knowledge/ability is pretty minimal (brakes, plugs, oil, tranny fluid, window regulators, etc) so if it's something I can't figure out within an hour or two I just take it to the nearest shop. I'm sure the profit margins can be pretty solid though.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on July 03, 2019, 04:04:53 PM
If you have a cheap mechanic like me, it's not that expensive to flip a total pile of crap. I work on a crap ton of Dodge Malibus and Chevy Avengers that come in totally neglected and beat to hell. Add a few wheel bearings, sway bar links, and timing chains, then pour a bucket of Armour All on it and sell it for $4995.
I don't have overhead except for tools and basic supplies. I work in the dealer group's shop as an independent contractor, amd generally at a flat rate per job. For example, I just did oil change, front pads/rotors, some light bulbs, and a GPS/kill box on a Fjord Escape. It took me two-hours and cost them $140 in labor. Well, I get half of that in my pocket, because the other half goes to "renting the shop, etc." ... that's just how the gig works :nutty: :banghead: ... anyway, it's still $35/hour for some really easy work, so whatever.
Quote from: HurricaneSteve on July 03, 2019, 03:48:53 PM
You nailed it, transmission, suspension and who knows what else in the electrical, exhaust, etc? How much do you spend taking cars to a mechanic to diagnose things? Sometimes things break due to poor quality, yes, but I'd much rather take my chances on a used car with a more known history that didn't have any major components replaced than one that did. Sure, things happen but sometimes anecdotal evidence matters and in my lifetime, it was incredibly rare for something to go wrong when people did what they were supposed to.
Again I'm not criticizing your line of work, I'm sure you have a number of happy customers who bought from you but all I'm saying is that if I was looking for a used car for around 5 grand, I would not trust a flipped car as much as I would one from a first or second owner.
I buy cars from people who do take decent care of their vehicles, and shit still breaks. Cars aren't rocket science, and even if a motor/trans is replace does not mean other things like suspension or electrical issues are more liable to break on my flip car versus one that's been "taken care of". They're machines, and they have points of failure and wear related issues. To me, it's like saying you wouldn't buy a used phone that's had a replacement touch screen because you think the processor might be shot.
Those things just don't have correlation. Especially since I'm usually dealing with mainstream economy cars, and those cars generally will eventually need work anyways due to age/wear. Once again, it's a $5000 car. If a car is in good working order, holds all fluids, and runs well at the time of purchase, who cares if it's had work done in the past?
Honestly, you sound like a buyer who pissed me the fuck off awhile back; I was selling a car and he really was upset at me that I had replaced and lubricated the tie rod ends, and had replaced pieces of the exhaust.
I've worked at several dealers over my life - I will just say this, the "little old lady" stereotype of someone maintaining their car is bunk. Personal trade ins were generally always sent to auction due to simply not being in as good of shape or desirable as lease turn ins or ex rental cars. (Not to say those cars were bad, just not up to the standard of a an "A" level car).
Quote from: HurricaneSteve on July 03, 2019, 03:58:31 PM
Actually out in the Bay Area you can find quite a few rust free cars with 100K miles or less for around 5 grand. How much would something like this fetch for where y'all are at?
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/1999-toyota-camry-le-v6-75-miles/6925575363.html
In case it gets sold it's a 1999 Camry LE V6 with 75K miles for $3000. Original owner too!
It would go for what it would out there, the same here. It's a 20 year old Toyota. There's limited worth despite miles and condition.
Actually I would never buy a used phone because I have no idea how many times they dropped it, how much water or moisture got into it, if they tried to modify it, what kind of apps were run, etc. But if I had to, I would trust the person who minimized drops, put a screen protector and case on, and is upgrading because their contract is up or got a smoking deal on a new one as opposed to one who buys and sells phones for a living. That's not a knock on you specifically, but your business is reliant on buy low, fix low and sell for as high as possible, right?
The thing is most decent economy cars, if taken care of (and driven) properly, should never need an engine or transmission replacement. If the previous owner took care of the car, then there's a stronger likelihood that they didn't drive it like a maniac and took it in for service on time. And if I'm taking a chance on a used car, I'm going to go with the one a person owned for multiple years and made an attempt to take care of since it was likely their primary vehicle and it had to be in good shape versus the one someone threw a few parts into it and tried to sell it as quickly as possible within a few weeks.
Sorry a potential buyer pissed you off but honestly I don't blame him. If I'm looking at a used car and the seller is upset that I'm asking so many questions or being picky, I would walk since there's always a chance that they're hiding something. Not saying that you were, but a lot of used car buying guides would point out the same thing and even for a car, 5 grand is not a small amount of money.
What was the average age of a personal trade in? Most lease turn ins are within 2-3 years and if there is any damage on them, isn't the customer responsible? I would also say the same of rental cars--their business relies on cars that look presentable and are less prone to breakdown so I would imagine they maintain their vehicles as well as possible.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 03, 2019, 04:25:08 PM
I buy cars from people who do take decent care of their vehicles, and shit still breaks. Cars aren't rocket science, and even if a motor/trans is replace does not mean other things like suspension or electrical issues are more liable to break on my flip car versus one that's been "taken care of". They're machines, and they have points of failure and wear related issues. To me, it's like saying you wouldn't buy a used phone that's had a replacement touch screen because you think the processor might be shot.
Those things just don't have correlation. Especially since I'm usually dealing with mainstream economy cars, and those cars generally will eventually need work anyways due to age/wear. Once again, it's a $5000 car. If a car is in good working order, holds all fluids, and runs well at the time of purchase, who cares if it's had work done in the past?
Honestly, you sound like a buyer who pissed me the fuck off awhile back; I was selling a car and he really was upset at me that I had replaced and lubricated the tie rod ends, and had replaced pieces of the exhaust.
I've worked at several dealers over my life - I will just say this, the "little old lady" stereotype of someone maintaining their car is bunk. Personal trade ins were generally always sent to auction due to simply not being in as good of shape or desirable as lease turn ins or ex rental cars. (Not to say those cars were bad, just not up to the standard of a an "A" level car).
It would go for what it would out there, the same here. It's a 20 year old Toyota. There's limited worth despite miles and condition.
You honestly sound like you aren't that familiar with how cars work. And also what was the point of your initial post, then?
Tie rod ends are wear items, and the car was a 1998 Honda from a rust-prone state. Being upset at a car for having replacement parts when it has nearly 200k is silly. There are plenty of older high miles cars that simply just give up and have critical parts wear out; sometimes due to neglect, but more often than not shit just isn't built well and made to last.
Used car buying guides and the whole automotive journalism segment as a whole also don't have much experience with mechanical repairs, and it shows in most buyers guides and articles written by places like Jalopnik, and even car and driver. You're asking questions about shit that kind of doesn't matter. These are cheap cars; the vast majority of the public doesn't care about past history, just if it's in good shape and runs well at the moment of sale.
Not to mention, most used car lots in many states are legally prohibited from giving you service records (at least those that wouldn't show up on, say a car fax report or any vin check) because they generally contain personal information.
————-
Anyways, I'm done with that conversation. I just bought the engine for the Mazda today, and it should likely be running in a few days.
You should put a turbo kit on the engine and sell it as a replica Mazdaspeede. It won't add any resale value, but it would be cool.
(https://i.postimg.cc/brWwGpx3/2-B6-D11-BC-E16-A-4-A55-99-E4-9-FFCA02658-B9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8fdS98n6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKTmdhm3/35-A3-DDD9-DA1-E-4328-A770-1-BB54698-C90-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qt6WWVNv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XvLNfwKZ/4-A111-DFF-865-E-4-F7-D-A808-64-F1-F8-A077-EF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLLkhvRh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/q7J4vNfp/CE3-CDB8-A-35-BB-4-C21-B435-8-C61-E2-CD8-CAB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWDjPVVY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJhbLxrv/DB90-BB69-A56-E-42-C1-99-F8-CD94-BF6-BB263.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7GgdY3Mv)
To do:
- wheel alignment
- AC recharge
Nice car
Someone should snap it up pretty quick.
Quote from: FoMoJo on July 13, 2019, 08:48:19 AM
Someone should snap it up pretty quick.
Lol no
I finally sold it today.
$4000, profit of around $1400.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 18, 2019, 12:54:49 PM
Lol no
I finally sold it today.
$4000, profit of around $1400.
That's pretty good.
It's been a long time, but I'm back.
COVID has had me scared to buy anything too expensive or risky, but the car market is HOT. I spent $650 and bought this 2000 Toyota Echo Automatic with a seized alternator. Only has 131K miles, and although Echos don't have a hell of a lot of value, for $650 not much ventured or gained, right?
This woman bought this car NEW.
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_800/ag7zlbrovrlz32q3i52y.jpg)
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_800/cu1w7k6wsbwymncskn0l.jpg)
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_800/z1ejbkikjlss15ou4i5z.jpg)
How much are you hoping to sell it for once it is fixed...?
$2269
Looks pretty good for 20 years old.
A headlight polish kit could help raise the perceived value a lot.
I thought about just buying new lenses for my Mazda6 but found out I'd have to remove the front bumper to swap them out. Too much work.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on August 11, 2020, 02:00:10 PM
A headlight polish kit could help raise the perceived value a lot.
I thought about just buying new lenses for my Mazda6 but found out I'd have to remove the front bumper to swap them out. Too much work.
That and some back to black stuff for the plastic trim would sharpen it up nicely.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on August 11, 2020, 02:00:10 PM
A headlight polish kit could help raise the perceived value a lot.
I thought about just buying new lenses for my Mazda6 but found out I'd have to remove the front bumper to swap them out. Too much work.
Pffffffff ... just spray WD40 on it
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2020, 12:42:36 PM
It's been a long time, but I'm back.
COVID has had me scared to buy anything too expensive or risky, but the car market is HOT. I spent $650 and bought this 2000 Toyota Echo Automatic with a seized alternator. Only has 131K miles, and although Echos don't have a hell of a lot of value, for $650 not much ventured or gained, right?
This woman bought this car NEW.
Good to see you back in the flippin' game. I bet it will clean up really well.
I find cleaning/fixing/detailing really therapeutic.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on August 11, 2020, 01:13:41 PM
How much are you hoping to sell it for once it is fixed...?
Any decent running car is worth at least $1500-2000. Echo parts are dirt cheap, and this is the 5th car I've owned with this engine. They're easy to work on.
Quote from: Morris Minor on August 11, 2020, 05:04:45 PM
Good to see you back in the flippin' game. I bet it will clean up really well.
I find cleaning/fixing/detailing really therapeutic.
Quote from: FoMoJo on August 11, 2020, 01:46:18 PM
Looks pretty good for 20 years old.
Thanks! :cheers:
You ever talk to an elderly person whose is losing their concept of time? The couple I bought the car from said "Oh we took it to DC last year!" and the oil change sticker sticker said the car's last oil change was 2/23/2015. It still had 2K miles to go on it's oil change.
The tires are from 2008. The gas is basically varnish.
Still, I was able to pull the accessory belt and get the car started. It runs generally fine; there's a slight miss, but once again, this car has been sitting five years. I think some new plugs and other stuff will fix it up.
Cost Analysis:
The purchase price, tax, title, plates: $769
Front pads and rotors: $55
Spark plugs: $9 Guy gave me a box marked "echo stuff" and in it I found a cabin air filter, and four unopened iridium NGK spark plugs.
Used alternator: $45
Accessory belt: $3
Wiper Blades: $9
Air filter: $3
Cabin Air filter: $3
Cheapo tires because these tires are from Obama's first term: ~$170, mounted and balanced
Total invested: $1066, before fluids. I plan on doing all fluids - but I can get toyota fluids on the cheap. My roomie is a hoarder for his gen 1 xB.
I MIGHT buy a cheapo DUAL brand car radio, but not sure yet. I'm also missing a front hubcap.
https://youtu.be/dOoNCqdggyc
Sounds like a good flip project. Timing chain?
Quote from: mzziaz on August 11, 2020, 11:27:28 PM
Sounds like a good flip project. Timing chain?
Yep, all 1NZFE engines are timing chain.
Nice!
So, a $1500-2000 potential?
I have always hated the looks of those Echos but sounds like a good used car for someone- after you fix the neglect.
Nearly done, I just need to detail the interior.
It had a weak coil I replaced, but the budget should be OK - a friend of a friend says I owe him a pan of brownies in exchange for mounting my tires. These tires are hard and loud, but they're not from 2008, and they're actually circular!
The AC smells like cat piss. I suspect an animal or mouse got in the HVAC - some HVAC cleaner spray helped immensely. I think after an extraction of the seats we should be OK!
I wired in a cheapo Bluetooth DUAL radio from Crutchfield, since the old Toyota stereo wouldn't fit anymore.
The car is quiet, AC is cold, it tracks straight and true, and stops well. I have had no less than five people ask me if it's for sale and I'm not done yet!
Price Analysis:
Purcase price, tax, title, registration - $753.75
Tires (Westlake RP18, 175/65/14) - $149.24
Used alternator $45
Spark Plugs (because I had to buy them in person, the plugs the old man gave me were NOT new) $25
Wiper blades, Alternator Belt, Brake Pads/Rotors, Air filter - $90.48
Two ignition coils (used, DENSO brand) - $42.05
One matching hubcap $19.95
Associated fluids (HEET to get water out of gas, synthetic oil and filter) - $14.38
$1139.85 - My goal is to get about $1700 or so out of it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKDvVLcP/IMG-0237.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rd078zfW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2yBfY9tJ/IMG-0393.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3BGXjsX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wxtt3qYK/IMG-0399.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7jRMHgD)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RCjWHkvW/IMG-0401.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CdsMy6B0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PNsn5zsq/IMG-0419.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgTbyPsd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCZSWV6M/IMG-0420.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ftYF9pnR)
Don't under value it
The market is hot
$2150
Sold. I made $500 or so.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/a-long-writeup-about-the-toyota-echo-sale-and-review-1844923202
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_1600/hilvcsqchlxrwo7sjunw.jpg)
Quote from: 2o6 on September 01, 2020, 07:18:07 PM
Sold. I made $500 or so.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/a-long-writeup-about-the-toyota-echo-sale-and-review-1844923202
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_1600/hilvcsqchlxrwo7sjunw.jpg)
Nice report.
Good read.
"The woman eventually started buying Priuses, but the Echo was paid off, so they kept it"
I'm just imagining a professor hoarding Priuses now. Like that guy in the Carolinas with a hundred T-birds or whatever.
:ohyeah: Junky car owners/sellers are sometimes wacky as hell.
Quote from: shp4man on September 02, 2020, 10:55:37 AM
:ohyeah: Junky car owners/sellers are sometimes wacky as hell.
Sometimes?
Quote from: 2o6 on September 01, 2020, 07:18:07 PM
Sold. I made $500 or so.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/a-long-writeup-about-the-toyota-echo-sale-and-review-1844923202 (https://oppositelock.kinja.com/a-long-writeup-about-the-toyota-echo-sale-and-review-1844923202)
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_1600/hilvcsqchlxrwo7sjunw.jpg)
Congratulations on a successful flip. And you write
very well.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on September 02, 2020, 09:24:40 AM
"The woman eventually started buying Priuses, but the Echo was paid off, so they kept it"
I'm just imagining a professor hoarding Priuses now. Like that guy in the Carolinas with a hundred T-birds or whatever.
lmao, no she just started doing the thing where you buy and trade in cars every couple years. They had a new AWD Prius, and Tacoma in the driveway.
Quote from: Morris Minor on September 04, 2020, 10:43:16 AM
Congratulations on a successful flip. And you write very well.
Thx sir! One positive of the quarantine shit is that my writing has started to gain traction, so I have been getting paid to write for a few local outlets.
Thanks everyone! :cheers:
I guess I updated this thread, to NOT update this thread since the flip car stuff will become content at Car Bibles. Just know that I bought these two things (the Vibe is already gone)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mkvLxzm5/El-WH-PXg-AECJYH.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSvnmLnc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RCyVJyvL/Ep-Pgv-WRXYAAp78m.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1PRtnQM)
Car Bibles?
Damn I haven't seen one of those Tiburons in a long time
If that Tib has the 2.7 V6, it sounds awesome with the exhaust opened up. Still slow, though.
Quote from: CALL_911 on December 15, 2020, 07:56:26 AM
Damn I haven't seen one of those Tiburons in a long time
I never realized how good looking they are.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 15, 2020, 08:50:12 AM
If that Tib has the 2.7 V6, it sounds awesome with the exhaust opened up. Still slow, though.
2.0L, sadly. Manual, though.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C7 on December 14, 2020, 09:06:23 PM
Car Bibles?
Yep! It's a new car website I write for.
The original Tiburon looked so pathetic- especially compared to how nice the latter ones looked!!!
Quote from: 2o6 on December 15, 2020, 10:38:17 AM
I never realized how good looking they are.
Agreed
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on December 15, 2020, 07:50:24 PM
The original Tiburon looked so pathetic- especially compared to how nice the latter ones looked!!!
lol so true. This is bad:
(https://i.imgur.com/C0ojcAj.jpg)
That's actually a decent shot. Other angles were so much worse!!!
facelift was worse
(https://s.aolcdn.com/commerce/autodata/images/10HYGEE1.jpg)
Kinda hard to look at.
Like spider eyes
Quote from: 2o6 on December 16, 2020, 08:23:29 PM
facelift was worse
(https://s.aolcdn.com/commerce/autodata/images/10HYGEE1.jpg)
I like that one :mask:
The blob era
Quote from: 2o6 on December 16, 2020, 08:23:29 PM
facelift was worse
(https://s.aolcdn.com/commerce/autodata/images/10HYGEE1.jpg)
Ouch, I forgot they got worse! :confused:
Here's the start of a series to be posted at the new site I write for.
https://www.thedrive.com/news/39061/why-i-bought-a-600-hyundai-tiburon-that-somebody-ditched-in-a-parking-lot
I enjoy reading your articles and always finish them...which says a lot.
"I've got my work cut out for me."
Yup! Lol. Although I think cleaning the interior will be harder work than most of the mechanical stuff. Your engine guy seems pretty good,
Quote from: CaminoRacer on February 02, 2021, 03:28:59 PM
"I've got my work cut out for me."
Yup! Lol. Although I think cleaning the interior will be harder work than most of the mechanical stuff. Your engine guy seems pretty good,
Spoiler alert: I'm already over budget by a lot. :banghead:
I still think those look pretty good. They've aged well.
What's pushing you over budget so much so far ?
Quote from: MrH on February 02, 2021, 05:04:20 PM
I still think those look pretty good. They've aged well.
What's pushing you over budget so much so far ?
It'll be content coming soon on Car Bibles, but basically, this car needed a lot more work than I thought. Still, it's pretty much done.
Also, I bought this little thing for not too much.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8czHtkRw/Eu-XK8q-JXMAEVa-GQ.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BLRHv0w1)
Ah, a dolled-up London Cab
In laws had a Fiat like that, yellow. Not terrible.
That thing is the biggest piece of shit I have driven, in recent memory.
But it would be a decent Ubermobile- would u consider keeping it?
Quote from: CALL_911 on February 20, 2021, 11:34:01 AM
That thing is the biggest piece of shit I have driven, in recent memory.
But it would be a decent Ubermobile- would u consider keeping it?
I don't uber anymore
I'm whoring out my articles, but here's the first of a few updates on the Tiburon. The tib is done, but here's how i've started to get there.
https://www.carbibles.com/heres-what-it-took-to-get-my-600-hyundai-running-and-driving/
I guess I'm a fiat guy now? I bought this Abarth yesterday with a questionable engine for $1500.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tJYpMJBr/IMG-1484.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sGdkBjdS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nzdn2BGj/IMG-1486.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8y0hBNd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zn24tmgJ/IMG-6330.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3mwcMsG)
Only if you keep it. :lol:
That would be a fun one to keep for awhile, if you can make it reliable.
Why does the shift lever shaft look like wood, or is it rust?
Yeah how is that shifter rusty; is it a flood car?
LOL! It has a trailer hitch.......
This is your best pickup to date. :clap:
Quote from: Rockraven on March 11, 2021, 04:17:14 AM
Yeah how is that shifter rusty; is it a flood car?
No, and I have no clue. I'm not super concerned about it, I've def seen surface rust on plenty of shifter rods in my lifetime. Could be as simple as a window left down in the rain.
Quote from: MrH on March 12, 2021, 08:00:20 AM
This is your best pickup to date. :clap:
:ohyeah: :ohyeah: :ohyeah:
But yes, the deets:
2013 500 Abarth 5MT, 125K, $1500. It runs, but the guy says it has a "blown engine". He took it to firestone where they said there's oil in Cyl 4. The car is misfiring at revs above like 2500 RPM, but idk it was good enough for me to limp it across town to my mechanic. I have a 500L I need to finish before I try and tear into this 500 Abarth.
If you've ever wondered how I get a baseline to figure out how much engines are and what I'm in for, read about it here.
https://www.carbibles.com/how-to-buy-a-used-engine-without-getting-ripped-off/
Very informative and entertaining!
Quote from: 2o6 on March 16, 2021, 01:54:26 PM
If you've ever wondered how I get a baseline to figure out how much engines are and what I'm in for, read about it here.
https://www.carbibles.com/how-to-buy-a-used-engine-without-getting-ripped-off/
After reading this I finally got around to googling where the nearest pick n pull is. I had a good one in Kentucky that I went to all the time, but never in Utah. I could use some small pieces for the Mazda6 that are hard to find online.
Btw, at the end of the article there's 1 small editing error: "A simple 22mm socket plus a long socket
wrench would have told me in 30 seconds if the engine was worth saving. "
Unfortunately, my favorite pick n pull lot closed down several years ago.
Another update:
https://www.carbibles.com/how-a-few-tiny-plastic-chips-almost-had-me-junking-a-perfectly-good-engine/
Hyundai's gone!
https://www.carbibles.com/i-actually-did-make-money-on-that-wretched-600-hyundai-i-flipped/?fbclid=IwAR0FewBUeyagVQPa55keI6KfmaywzQWg4VSz46v5WrvZQFnpxWFe-qQOy-Q
Hey guys, here's some updates about my 500L and 500 Abarth.
(https://www.carbibles.com/app/uploads/2021/04/06/IMG_1224.jpg?width=1440)
"I Really Traversed a Snowstorm to Buy an Ugly Broken Fiat 500L"
https://www.carbibles.com/i-really-traversed-a-snowstorm-to-buy-an-ugly-broken-fiat-500l/
(https://www.carbibles.com/app/uploads/2021/04/05/IMG_1486.jpg?width=1440)
(https://www.carbibles.com/app/uploads/2021/04/05/BBQ-1-1024x576.jpg)
I Bought a Fiat 500 Abarth for About the Price of a Stimulus Check
https://www.carbibles.com/i-bought-a-fiat-500-abarth-for-about-the-price-of-a-stimulus-check/
Enjoy!
Nice story. The Abarth face kind of looks like the face of a French Bulldog. Ugly, but in a cute way.
The Abarth is the most exciting flip you've done I think. High risk, high reward, more drama.
Quote from: Laconian on April 07, 2021, 12:07:03 PM
The Abarth is the most exciting flip you've done I think. High risk, high reward, more drama.
I'm prolly going to keep it and dump the Sonic.
Quote"Hm, it's probably an Easy, not a Pop," I said to nobody. "Definitely not a Lounge or Trekking." Jeez, Fiats have goofy-ass trim names.
:lol:
Some updates:
Abarth Update 1 - "Fixing My $1,500 Fiat 500 Abarth Has Actually Been Joyfully Easy So Far"
https://www.carbibles.com/fixing-my-1500-fiat-500-abarth-has-actually-been-joyfully-easy-so-far/?utm_source=spotim&utm_medium=spotim_recirculation
"......I showed the Abarth no mercy with redline shifts and 100 percent throttle. It rewarded me... by turning its check engine light off. The idle smoothed out. The misfire at lower RPMs had mostly disappeared, and it was completely gone from the upper rev range."
(https://www.carbibles.com/app/uploads/2021/04/15/IMG_1553.jpg?width=1440)
Fiat 500L Conclusion - "This Ugly Fiat 500L Made Me More Than $2,000" https://www.carbibles.com/this-ugly-fiat-500l-made-me-more-than-2000/
"....I'm a car flipper, I do this to make a bit of change on the side, and have fun doing it. In mid Febuary, I spent $1,900 on this 2015 Fiat 500L with 123,000 miles that wouldn't start. The ignition was completely disassembled, and a code reader showed that nearly every computerized system was reporting multiple trouble codes. After towing the vehicle home, my roommate and I ran power directly to the starter motor using jumper cables and got the car to start."
(https://www.carbibles.com/app/uploads/2021/04/21/IMG_1547.jpg?width=1440)
Abarth Update 2: "Lots of Research Really Paid Off While Fixing My $1,500 Fiat Abarth's Broken Axles" - https://www.carbibles.com/lots-of-research-really-paid-off-while-fixing-my-1500-fiat-abarths-broken-axles/
"....Turning the wheel to one side, I looked underneath the car and was greeted with Nutella-like grease flung all around the passenger side suspension members. The axle boot on the transmission-side axle joint was torn, and the grease had all been flung out."
(https://www.carbibles.com/app/uploads/2021/04/21/IMG_1562.jpg?width=1440)
"......I showed the Abarth no mercy with redline shifts and 100 percent throttle. It rewarded me... by turning its check engine light off. The idle smoothed out. The misfire at lower RPMs had mostly disappeared, and it was completely gone from the upper rev range."
Sounds like a typical "Italian Tune up."
Good article.
Interesting articles on the Abarth. Sounds like a lot of work to a person who isn't mechanically inclined though. :lol:
These flip articles are fantastic. Much better than most internet car content these days.
Agreed. Very interesting stuff. Well done!
Yeah. I feel like Car Bibles is a good fit. This is all good automotive content that you don't need to be a millionaire to really experience. It's refreshing and basically allows you to do what you were already doing. Now you get paid to tell the internet about it. Really enjoying it so far.