Mods and resale value ?

[mcfly777]

Interesting responses, thank you.

I guess more than the mods themselves, it gives the buyer a glimpse into how the previous owner looked at the car. On one hand, it shows that the previous owner enjoyed his/her car. However, it may also show that he/she pushed the limits of the car, perhaps by autocrossing, track racing, or even underground racing...

Personally, I'd prefer to buy a car with fewer mods, if any. I'd be ok with small cosmetic ones (side markers, clear light assemblies), perhaps wheels.

I am just trying to make sure that I have a plan when I want to sell this car, and also when deciding what mods are worth, given that some will need to be removed....

thanks
Leo

[Topless]

A nearly stock car is usually the easiest to sell because it appeals to the most buyers. Well executed mods of highly sought after parts may add some value to some buyers. 50% max. Mickey moused mods will make a car very difficult to sell. Examples:

*Knockoff GT3 seats added, now airbag light is always on.

*Swapped dash instruments for a Boxster S and now some of the gauges or ODO doesn't work.

*Added aftermarket intake and now CEL is always on.

*Added headers and car won't pass smog test.

*Added lowering springs or coilovers and created serious bump steer issues.

* Shoddy looking "aero enhancements" of any kind.

[Mark_T]

I'd walk away from a car that had performance engine mods done to it, but I would consider it a big bonus if the IMS upgrade had been done by a reputable shop. That, in my mind, would add value to the car. I wouldn't care one way or the other about non-permanent cosmetic mods, nor would I pay extra for them unless it was something really cool like a Zeintop.

[thstone]

I just bought my 1999 Boxster and I wanted a car that was totally stock in regards to the engine, suspension, interior, etc. A few cosmetic mods are fine like painted brake calipers and drilled brake disks, a new top, a nice wheel/tire setup or something like that.

Engine and suspension mods are a clear indication that the previous owner drove the car very hard or even raced it - definitely not a car I'd want to buy. Also, there is the total unknowns regarding the quality of the work and the parts used.

So from my perspective, mods greatly reduce the value of the car.

[eightsandaces]

I'm with topless on any mods like that, however, if someone were to challenge me about say the underpulley mod, or correlate it's existence to the car being whipped, I'd say they were off base. Let us not forget boys that there is an expansive contrast in shifting ability out there. At the dealership, one customer would get 60K from a clutch another might get 30K, same vehicle. Someone who thinks they are not mistreating the car might be using the clutch like a sanding wheel, holding a hill with it instead of the brake or worse yet occasionally doing the "if you can't find em', grind em' to the gearbox". I didn't mod my car for future investment, it came to me with a spider crack on the bumper cover, now it wears a GT3 cover, I made those changes to enjoy the car myself. For most of us on here these cars are our hobby not just our rides, when the time comes to sell it, I won't worry about the residual value. AND if I ever buy a GT3 or a Boxster Spyder and I feel like modding either one, I will! Remember you spend a long time in the dirt boys...

Hell even the '71 Fiat has an oversize webber carb and a taller gear differential, like father like son. I'm sure the Fiat is still worth considerably more than what is in it as it sits.

[Johnny Danger]

Anyone who modifies their vehicle for reasons other than their own personal satisfaction and enjoyment, I suggest is a fool. Anyone who thinks that a vehicle that has been modified by means of a thorough and well executed plan has somehow been compromised, I suggest is an even bigger fool.

[mikefocke]

Tasteful low key mods like pulling post-'03 lighting into a '01, a plus. Deambering a plus.

Litronics and glass window top well fitted a big pluses worth perhaps $500 and $250 to me if I'm buying

Aero kit, spoilers, zeintop all minuses to me.

Engine mods...it all depends who did them and are they for reliability (IMS, RMS, spin-on oil filter, drain plug, etc) or for "speed". The former would be pluses and could total $6-800 in added value to me.

Headers, mufflers would be a big question mark for me. Did they add or detract from the driving experience? Help or hurt the MPG? Can you live with the sound for hours? Hear the radio? Talk with your friend in the other seat? Not too loud if you value your ears for later life. Zero value to me.

Suspension mods I'd have to try them and see what my ride impression was. Do they go over speed bumps? Probably wouldn't pay extra.

Wheels...nice 17s or 18s could be a plus if to my taste, if not a big minus. 19s would have me not even look at the car. Great new tires could be a $500-600 plus.

My personal car is not exactly stock but there are no mods that would not appeal to someone who wanted the classic 986 look. None but the most knowledgeable would know they were even done.

Note that in no case would I value the mod when buying a car at what the mod cost to do. I've seen 10% cited as the typical return on investment. And some mods detract from the saleability or received-price of the car! Just as some colors are more desired than others.

Each persons opinion will be different.

[ekam]

Wouldn't touch a heavily modified car with a stick. There's usually a reason why they're selling it.

Mods add no value to the price of the car, in fact it takes away values in most cases.

I bought the car, I'll mod it to way I like it. It's MY car, not something I'm preserving for the next owner if that day comes.

But this is all a moot point as our cars are not worth much in today's market anyway.