Calculating car resale profit, costs and margin

Information guide — no real offers or live market prices on this page.

Include the full cost

Calculated cost includes purchase, repairs, transport, fees and preparation. If applicable, add insurance, financing or storage to a suitable cost field. Avoid counting an expense twice. Taxes or expenses you omit are not calculated automatically.

Distinguish profit from margin

Estimated profit is expected selling price minus the entered total cost. Profit margin is profit divided by selling price, multiplied by 100. This differs from return on the purchase price or invested capital.

Understand the maximum purchase price

The calculator uses a fixed 15% target margin: selling price multiplied by 0.85, minus other expenses. This is a calculation assumption, not a recommended market price. Also test lower sale proceeds and higher repairs; a positive result does not guarantee profit.