I have the opportunity to buy and then flip for a profit a 2000 blazer 4x4. It needs an intake gasket because its leaking coolant. Buy it for $600, tow it home for $200, new gasket for $50, sell it for $2500? Would this work????

 

Depending on the miles, shape, it could be worth it... not much to go by...

 

118000 miles, no rust. Previous owner just replaced alternator, radiator, and water pump.

 

As long as the engine is not toast because of the coolant leak, might as well put your knowledge to work.

What are the local prices for such Blazers?

 

As long as there is no surprises, and there always is, it's worth it. Looking at 850 if you do the work. Looking at maybe 1000 with surprises, that's 1500 profit. If its clean no rust, with decently low miles... I dont see why not. A nice wash and hot wax, detail the inside, might go for 3k

 

Could always make a visit to the local salvage yard and pick up anything else the truck needs... i.e. worn out seats, arm rest, door panels, etc.

 

Blazers go for around $3400 in my area for ones with 235000km 2002 and close to that in year and mileage.

The only real problem I have is i can't test drive it for long due to the coolant leak. The owner said I'm okay filling up the coolant with water and driving it until it starts to overheat as my test drive. I want to make sure the transmission works and the engine works, since this car was previously owned by a mechanic and he changed out all these things listed above and the only reason he is selling it is because he doesn't have time to fix it and its parked at his shop.

 

I would throw water in it and take up and down the road. Depending on how long the drive it, should be able to get an idea of whatsup.

 

Mare sure 4WD is functional, tranny fluid isn't burnt, that SES light works KeyOnEngineOff, and that there are no codes stored. Use a scanner that reads more than powertrain codes.

Be advised that LIM gasket leaks can get coolant in the oil and this damages bearings. From personal experience I would never buy into a Blazer with a LIM gasket leaking unless I was willing to replace the engine. Mine was a creampuff, 65K miles. Paid a lot for it. Previously had LIM gasket repair and then SES light disconnected to cover P0304 due to bad bearings. I ended up replacing the engine.

In my younger days I tried to flip a few cars to make money. Is a lot of trouble for what you get out of it, if anything.