Mods and resale value ?

[mcfly777]

Hello

I am considering a few mods, none of them permanent, but it might be labor-intensive to remove them when it comes time to sell.

How do you feel about buying a car with mods ? The ones I have in mind particularly are suspension (lowering and sway bars) and exhaust. I don't expect it to increase the resale value, but does it lower it, or make it more difficult to sell ?

many thanks
Leo

[DFW02S]

If I'm a buyer, those mods are a definite + for the car.

I expect to do the same things in the not too distant future to mine. I expect that coilovers will improve the ride.

I apologize in advance for stating the obvious ... just don't expect to get your money back on the mods. If you get 50%, you've won.

Mike

[JTP]

When I'm shopping for a car I usually look for an unmodified car. If I see a modified/altered car I pass over it and go to the next one.

[schnellman]

I wouldn't touch a modified car.

[eightsandaces]

I used to feel like you schnellman but now I realize for me it depends on what mods and how well they have been executed. We have all seen the Lambox but on the other end of the spectrum, the techart kit for the 986 was pretty sweet, I would not automatically discount it. I have never driven my car with anything but respect for it, it's only been overnight outside about five times since I owned it. The point is I would be swayed by the car's keeper more than the mods unless said mods were hideous I saw a GT3 without it's factory wheels for sale, now unless he put HRE's on there after an accident, I don't see that mod as anything but gravy for the next purchaser.

[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.