Guide
Recon costs explained for car flippers
Recon is where thin deals go to die. Price the work you will actually do — detail, tires, brakes, glass, sensors — before you congratulate yourself on a “cheap” ask.
Max Buy = Expected Resale / (1 + Target ROI) − Repairs − Fees − Transport. “Repairs” means recon you will fund, not a wish.
Common recon buckets
- Safety: brakes, tires, lights, windshield.
- Mechanical: battery, fluids, plugs, minor leaks.
- Cosmetic: detail, bumpers, wheels, interior wear.
- Compliance: emissions, inspection readiness where required.
Estimating without lying to yourself
Get real quotes from your shops for tires/brakes. Use a contingency line for surprises (many flippers pad 10–20% on older cars). If you cannot bound recon, the deal is Caution or Pass — see the framework.
Worked example
Expected Resale $9,500, target ROI 20%, tires/brakes $900, detail $200, fees $200, transport $100 → Max Buy = 9500/1.2 − 1400 ≈ $6,517. An $7,000 ask that “only needs a detail” is not a Buy.
FAQ
Is detailing recon?
Yes if you pay for it to sell the car. Include it.
What if seller agrees to fix items?
Get it in writing and re-inspect. Unfixed promises are not a discount until complete.
How does FlipDrive IQ help?
Full analyses estimate repair exposure alongside comps and Max Buy so you stop guessing in the driveway.
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.