The psychology behind customisation – from playlists to laptop specs – is simple: we want to be in control, express our personalities and stand out (a little) from the crowd. We crave the extraordinary over the ordinary and the unique over the generic. And when it comes to the motor industry, personalised car modifications have been around for a while.
But when you make the decision to sell your car, that pedestal spoiler may now not look so good on paper when crunching the numbers. And when considering the scope of car personalisations, you are unlikely to add any discernible value as dealers tend to be reluctant to put a modified vehicle on their showroom floor. (Their target audience is slightly more generic and most buyers want a standard spec vehicle in good condition).
Obviously, it depends on the modifications and that is why you are asking the right question: “Which vehicle modifications will actually add value when I need to sell my car?”
The discussion is nuanced as car modifications fall into 3 broad categories:
- Cosmetic
- Performance enhancing
- Functional
The bottom line, however, is always the bottom line. Adding value should play a role in the decision-making process before you splurge on a dropped suspension, tinted windows, a mega spoiler or metallic body wrap.
Car modifications that are likely to add value:
Before you regret your decision to ‘upgrade’ certain aspects of your vehicle, let’s consider the customised modifications that are likely to make you smile all the way to the bank when you sell your car. (These will generally fall into the functional category).
A towbar is considered a car modification, but the jury is split on this one regarding the resale value. In some circles, buyers find a towbar an attractive add-on when buying a second-hand car as it is an additional financial outlay and is usually part of their nice-to-have utility wish list. In other circles, some buyers are cautious as their assumption is that a car with a towbar has done a lot of towing which may have impacted the car’s long-term performance.
Alloy wheels are considered a value-add as they are lighter than their metal counterparts, increase overall handling and can reduce fuel consumption.
Infotainment systems. Technology has changed our lives and our vehicle’s bespoke options. Installing a basic integrated infotainment system (which should include Bluetooth capability, WiFi and voice-activated technology) will always increase your car’s value when you sell.
Leather seats always add a functional and luxury factor to a car. If well looked after, they are worth the investment – to you and to potential buyers.
Car modifications that are likely to leave you short-changed:
Cosmetic vehicle modifications are the perfect example of the dictum: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
You (and your friend group) may love the full monty of aesthetic or performance-enhancing mods, but the majority of buyers out there don’t share the love. Of course, if a dealer has such a ‘pimp my ride’ buyer in his back pocket, you will be in luck, but generally, dealers and buyers prefer a more standard specification, so don’t expect to get the best deal if you’ve ‘pimped your ride.’
Think twice before you add the following:
- ‘Wonky wheels’ (splayed-out wheels that achieve a negative camber) raise safety concerns and could invalidate your car insurance.
- Spoilers – especially oversized ones.
- Lowered suspension (unless we are talking sports cars)
- Raised suspensions (only helps with off-road driving but makes a bakkie susceptible to tipping and does not offer a comfortable ride)
- Modified exhausts
- Custom paint jobs or body wraps
- Tinted windows
- Underbody neon lights (made famous by Vin Diesel in the ‘Fast and Furious’ only look great on drag cars)
- Spinning rims
Car modifications that are illegal in South Africa:
The entire conversation becomes moot if you have gone rogue and invested in a car modification that is illegal. These would include excessive speed enhancement devices such as nitrous oxide cylinders, modified exhaust systems that exceed the regulated decibel noise limit and windows that are tinted beyond the legal requirement of allowing at least 35% of visible light through the window.
Not only will these additions get you into trouble with the law, but you are really going to struggle to sell your car.
Here’s the deal: If you love it, do it.
For as long as you drive the car, you will get the enjoyment, performance enhancement and satisfaction you have every right to. It is just worth realising that when you want to sell your modified vehicle with its extreme makeover, you will have a reduced buyer pool. But, for any car modification enthusiast, that is probably a non-issue.
