Car Flipping Repair Cost Estimator Worksheet
🔧 Car Flipping Repair Cost Estimator Worksheet
Use this worksheet to accurately estimate repair costs BEFORE buying a vehicle. Underestimating repairs is one of the biggest profit killers in car flipping.
1️⃣ Vehicle Information
Year: ____________
Make: ____________
Model: ____________
Mileage: ____________
Purchase Price (Target): $____________
2️⃣ Mechanical Repairs
| Repair Item | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Priority (High/Med/Low) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Work | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Transmission | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Brakes | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Suspension | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Cooling System | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Electrical Issues | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Check Engine Codes | $________ | $________ | ______ |
| Other: __________ | $________ | $________ | ______ |
Mechanical Subtotal:
Parts Total: $__________
Labor Total: $__________
Mechanical Total: $__________
3️⃣ Cosmetic Repairs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Paint Correction | $________ |
| Dent Removal | $________ |
| Bumper Repair | $________ |
| Interior Cleaning | $________ |
| Seat Repair | $________ |
| Windshield | $________ |
| Tire Replacement | $________ |
| Other: __________ | $________ |
Cosmetic Subtotal: $__________
4️⃣ Detailing & Reconditioning
Full Detail: $__________
Oil Change: $__________
Filters/Fluids: $__________
Inspection Fees: $__________
Miscellaneous: $__________
Reconditioning Total: $__________
5️⃣ Repair Cost Summary
Mechanical Total: $__________
Cosmetic Total: $__________
Reconditioning Total: $__________
Subtotal Repairs: $__________
Add 20–30% Contingency Buffer: $__________
✅ Total Estimated Repair Cost: $__________
6️⃣ Profit Protection Calculation
Target Resale Price: $__________
Purchase Price: $__________
- Total Repair Cost: $__________
- Title/Registration/Taxes: $__________
- Advertising Costs: $__________
= Total Investment: $__________
Projected Gross Profit: $__________
Minimum Acceptable Profit (Set Your Rule): $__________
If projected profit falls below your minimum → DO NOT BUY.
🔥 Pro Flipper Rule
Always assume repairs will cost MORE and take LONGER than expected.
If the deal only works when everything goes perfectly — it’s not a good deal.
Disciplined repair estimation is what separates professionals from beginners.