u/hstanekz

I started an automotive page end of last year where I basically learn DIY car stuff as I go: wrapping, tint, maintenance, etc.

I’m now at 150k+ followers across TikTok(90k), IG(30k), YouTube(30k) and Facebook(15k) and have made $25k+ in the last few months, mostly from views and sponsorships. I’ve had deals ranging from a few hundred to $1,500+ per video and one recurring deal around $3k/month.

I still work a full-time remote corporate job and handle everything myself - negotiating, contracts, filming/editing, posting, invoicing, etc.

I’m trying to figure out where to go from here.

At this size, does getting a manager/agent to find and negotiate deals make sense, or am I better off keeping that 10–20% and doing it myself?

Basically curious what you guys would do in my position to actually scale this into something bigger.

Looking for advice from Gen 2 owners.

I’m considering buying a 2017 Raptor (801A, ~80k miles) for around $39k private party in California. Truck already had:
- cam phasers replaced
- transmission replaced under warranty

Clean title with 1 reported accident but seller says no actual damage. Waiting on Carfax + records.

Main questions:
- If cam phasers + transmission are already done, are these generally solid afterward?
- What expensive items should I still watch out for around 80k+ miles?
- Would you trust a sorted 2017 long term or save for a 2020+ / Gen 3 instead?
- Anything I should specifically inspect before buying?

Appreciate any honest input from owners.