carflipper.org car repair for fun and profit

Skip the ripoff: Do small repairs yourself

When reconditioning a car for resale, there are ofen a few small things that need repair, (window switches, knobs, handles etc). There is usually no need at all to have a mechanic do this work, and fixing those little details can make a huge difference in the sale price and turnaround time of the car.

Buying from a 'dying' car brand

People dont want to buy names that are no longer manufactured - if you want maximun profit on a 'flip' avoid Oldsmobiles and any other cars that are no longer being produced - or if you want a good deal on a car to drive, pick one up, the only difference is in the badges.

Oldsmobile *dead*
Daewoo *dead*
Isuzu *on its way out*
Plymouth *dead*

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Used Car Sales, Repair Services Keep Sector Afloat

Used car sales are up!

“What we’re hearing is that used car sales are improving and that’s probably logical. Most may be relatively inexpensive when compared with a brand new car. Folks who are trying to make tough economic choices can afford 2005 vehicles, whereas they might not be able to afford a 2008 vehicle,” said Brian Maas, director of government affairs for the California New Car Dealers Association.

Gas prices have drivers seeking older cars that get good mileage

Don't even bother trying to flip a SUV or gas hog. As gasoline marched toward $4 a gallon this spring and summer, consumers began changing their buying habits in a big hurry, seeking cars that could help lessen the trauma at the gas pumps. The higher prices drove buyers away from large vehicles, especially trucks and traditional SUVs, to more fuel-efficient small cars and crossover utility vehicles.

Top 11 secrets of auto detailers

Taking care of your car's appearance is smart vehicle ownership

If you hire detailer, ask for references, sample work and quote price

Use a buffer to apply product, a towel to remove, expert says

Tip: Dry the inside of your glass in one direction, outside in another

Taking care of your car's appearance doesn't qualify as vanity, it's smart vehicle ownership. You can hire a professional auto detailer to care for your car for $100 to $500 -- or you can swipe their secrets, do it yourself and save some dough

replacing wheels affordably

Finding the right wheel size - there are some suprising matches out there- by matching the offset and lug spacing you can use wheels regargless of their original application. Check out the complete wheel info for most US cars

Mexico bans imports of most used cars. 1998 models just went up!!

Some are dented, scratched and rusty. Others rattle and belch under faded paint jobs. But the "'98" soaped onto their windshields and a surprise change in Mexican import rules have turned a single year's worth of used cars into pick of the used-car lot. Beginning Monday March 2nd, only cars built in 1998 -- none older and none newer -- can be legally imported into Mexico. Car dealers were given notice only a month ago. This means big money lost and gained - 98 hunting season has begun!

How to detect odometer rollbacks

Even though it hasn't received much press in recent years, odometer fraud is just as prevalent, if not more prevalent, than ever. Its the cheapest way a car flipper can increase the value of a vehicle. Odometer fraud can cost the buyer thousands of dollars in the long run, by causing them to pay more than the car is worth in the first place and for added mechanical repairs that wouldn't otherwise be needed.

Exterior condition inspection - used car buying

When shopping for a used car, keep the following rule in mind: "Always beware the first impression." Typically the dealer or owner of the used vehicle has gone to considerable lengths to make it look as clean and dazzling as possible. You'll need to take a careful look at a number of indicators to make certain that the eye-catching appearance goes deeper than a coat of cheap wax and some tire dressing. A close look at some of the following factors may influence your purchase decision, or may at least give you added bargaining power when it's time to negotiate price.

Be careful when buying car parts on ebay

Buying car parts on ebay can be very tempting. It often seems that you can get a lower price and avoid hassle. This is not always the case. The inability to physically evaluate the part can lead to big problems, additionally items bought on ebay are always more of problem to return than locally bought items. Check out this giude to buying auto parts and accessories on ebay and avoiding the headache. Here are a few tips. UPDATE!! Watch Out for Counterfeit Auto parts!!