I have finally sold my second flip car(GX) this past weekend after working on it and dailying it for about 4 months. First was the IS which is my best flip so far, basically doubling my money. Have already owned the third car, the 4runner for a month or so. Excited to say that the gains from the first two flips have fully paid for this 4runner so far. Though whatever I decide to do to it next will be coming out of pocket so I am thinking carefully about my game plan.
It’s the RWD model and has 220K miles, but it’s a southern car that’s now in the Midwest and has practically no rust which is the main reason I picked it up while still finishing my other project. It most likely needs a timing belt, still have to confirm but 90% likely its due for it. I have a great mechanic who can do the work for $400-450 and the parts are around $250.
I bought it for $2700 and have around $3500 into it as i have already fixed a lot of stuff like the u-joints, replaced torn seats, spark plugs and wires, and a handful of other little things. If I can sell the car for at least $700 more with the timing belt replaced, should I do it? I think it would be worth it.
One, it would make the car much more marketable and two it would help strengthen the working relationship with my mechanic who really came through for me and saved my ass on my last project. I try to do as much as I can myself but I realize the importance of having a trustworthy mechanic on your side when doing this type of work. Even if I can just break even I would still be happy to throw some work his way. Maybe it could even allow me to ask upwards of a grand or so extra as opposed to selling it without that service. I tend to over do and over invest into these projects so maybe it’s not worthwhile but want to hear your thoughts.
Also, I spent way too much time trying to find a factory radio at the junk yard and think I should just throw in the most basic Crutchfield single din for around $100 and call it a day. It will add Bluetooth but I think won’t look as good as factory. It could also use better tires but I have the stock GX wheels which I may throw on it or if I find some good takeoffs for $250-350 I may pick some up too. It probably could also use LBJs like all of these but I really don’t think I want to get that deep into it, I think I will leave the suspension stuff for the next owner as it is something that people have a strong preference over if they’re going to build it up themselves.