🚗 Car Flipping Deal Evaluation Checklist

Use this checklist before purchasing ANY vehicle. Successful flippers make their profit when they buy — not when they sell.

1️⃣ Vehicle Basics

☐ Year, Make, Model:
☐ Trim Level:
☐ Mileage:
☐ VIN Verified (matches title & dashboard):
☐ Clean Title (No salvage/rebuilt unless intentional strategy):
☐ Number of Previous Owners:
☐ Service Records Available:

2️⃣ Market Research (Before You Make an Offer)

☐ Average Market Price in Your Area:
☐ Lowest Comparable Listing:
☐ Highest Comparable Listing:
☐ Average Days on Market:
☐ Demand Level (High / Medium / Low):
☐ Seasonal Impact (SUV in winter? Convertible in summer?):

💡 Rule: Only buy if you have at least a $1,500–$3,000 profit margin buffer.

3️⃣ Mechanical Inspection

☐ Cold Start Test (engine smooth?):
☐ No check engine light
☐ OBD Scan Completed
☐ No transmission slipping
☐ No overheating issues
☐ Brakes in good condition
☐ Suspension quiet (no clunks)
☐ No major fluid leaks
☐ AC/Heat functioning properly

Estimated Repair Costs:

Parts: $__________
Labor: $__________
Add 20–30% Contingency: $__________

Total Estimated Repairs: $__________

4️⃣ Cosmetic Evaluation

☐ Exterior condition acceptable
☐ No major rust
☐ No structural damage
☐ Tires have good tread
☐ Interior clean or easily detailable
☐ No smoke or heavy odor damage

Detail Cost Estimate: $__________

5️⃣ Financial Breakdown (The Most Important Section)

Purchase Price: $__________

• Repair Costs: $__________
• Detail Costs: $__________
• Registration/Title/Taxes: $__________
• Advertising Fees (if any): $__________

= Total Investment: $__________

Expected Resale Price: $__________

Projected Gross Profit: $__________

💰 Minimum Target Profit: $1,500–$3,000 (standard vehicles)

If projected profit is below your minimum — WALK AWAY.

6️⃣ Risk Assessment

☐ Is this a high-demand vehicle?
☐ Can I sell this within 14–21 days?
☐ Is this my target buyer demographic?
☐ Am I emotionally attached to this car?
☐ Would I buy this deal again tomorrow?

If you hesitate on multiple answers, reconsider the deal.

7️⃣ Exit Strategy

Primary Selling Platform:
Backup Selling Platform:
Minimum Acceptable Price:
Maximum Holding Time:

🔥 Pro Flipper Rule

Never buy a car hoping it works out.

Buy it because the numbers make sense.

Use this checklist before every deal to reduce risk, protect capital, and maximize profit margins.

Successful car flipping is about discipline — not luck.