Guide
Facebook Marketplace car flipping playbook
Most independent flippers live on Marketplace. This playbook covers sourcing, messaging, inspections, pricing, and exits — with Max Buy as the spine.
Source like a pro, not a scavenger
Save searches for 2–3 liquid models. Filter by your radius and price band that clears Max Buy after recon. Sort by newest — speed beats perfect when the math already works.
Message templates that get replies
- Be specific: year/model, ask if available, propose a time window.
- Ask for title status, lien, service records, and reason for selling early.
- Do not negotiate hard in the first message unless the ask is absurd vs comps.
On-site: inspect before you fall in love
Cold start, test drive, undercarriage glance, tire date codes, OBD if you carry a reader, VIN vs title, flood/salvage clues. Recon surprises belong in the offer — see recon costs.
Price with Max Buy, not hope
Run Expected Resale from local solds + KBB/Edmunds context. Compute Max Buy = Expected Resale / (1 + Target ROI) − Repairs − Fees − Transport. Then use Buy / Negotiate / Caution / Pass.
Listing to sell fast
- Daylight photos: corners, interior, odometer, tires, engine bay.
- Honest miles, options, and known issues up front.
- Price to move inside your target hold window; refresh responsibly.
- Meet safe, verify funds, complete title paperwork correctly.
FAQ
Is Marketplace safer than auctions?
Different risk. Marketplace has title/fraud/meet-up risk; auctions add fees and as-is dynamics. Pick the channel you can underwrite.
How fast should I reply?
Fast on cars that clear Max Buy. Slow ghosting loses liquid deals.
Should I lowball every seller?
No. Lowballs that ignore comps waste time. Negotiate from Max Buy with a walk-away.
Do this next
Run the free calculator with your real numbers. When you want market comps and repair exposure instead of guesses, run a full FlipDrive IQ analysis.
Related guides
FlipDrive IQ is decision-support software, not a vehicle inspection, appraisal, or guarantee of resale value. Price ranges in this guide are illustrative — verify with KBB, Edmunds, Manheim MMR, and local comps before you buy.