It's common to upgrade, modify, and customize cars. Whether it's updating a shifter knob or installing a body kit and some wheels, it seems like virtually all automobiles have undergone some kind of modification. The main issue with altering an automobile from its original specifications is that, should the time come, it may be challenging to sell. The rules of the game are different when trying to sell your car than when trying to sell an ordinary car. Whether selling to a dealer or privately, we've come up with a few tips.
What does the term "modified car" mean?
At least according to insurance companies, a modified automobile is one that has undergone any alterations to its original specifications after it leaves the manufacturer. Therefore, fitting a specific performance or handling package option when the automobile was bought new does not constitute modifying the vehicle.
While some changes are drastic, others are not. The value of your automobile will be impacted by anything that changes how it looks from how it was originally built. Here are a few automotive modifications that individuals make:
- Painting
- Changing the upholstery or dash hardware
- Replacement brake discs
- Using body armor kits
- The installation of a supercharger
- The installation of a sunroof
- Putting in alloy wheels
Private plates and other removable components shouldn't pose any issues when selling your automobile. No matter if your automobile has new or old license plates, the majority of dealers will buy it. Even better, you can take the plate off and put it on a different vehicle.
Also read: Selling Your Car Privately or Dealership
Some alterations, like automobile wraps, may seem momentary at first, but they may prove to be challenging to remove. Car wraps are a fantastic way to alter a vehicle without affecting the factory paint job. When you wish to get rid of them, it might be challenging. If you don't want to wind up hurting your automobile and lowering its value, you'll need to seek expert assistance.
Do not have these Illegitimate Modifications!
Knowing some examples of illegally changed automobiles is crucial now that you are aware of what constitutes a car modification. This will prevent you from decreasing the value of your automobile. These unlawful alterations comprise the following:
- Neon lighting is prohibited (apart from non-visible, softly lighted neon tubes at the base of the automobile).
- Headlights that have been tinted
- Nitrous oxide use in engines
- Imitations of the blue light used by emergency vehicles in lights or bulbs
- Altering spoilers such that they aren't securely secured
- Exhausts that are too loud, exceeding 74 decibels.
- More than 25% of the windshield is tinted.
Steps To Follow Before Selling A Modified Car
Step 1: Detail
First, detail the entire vehicle. Any automobile you're advertising, modified or not, must comply with this. A car's value may frequently increase by several hundred dollars with professional cleaning. Clean the windows, detail the wheels, then wash and wax the exterior. Degrease the engine bay, then thoroughly dry the area. Put vinyl waterproof coating on every single plastic surface to complete the engine bay. Detail the inside as well as steam clean the carpet. A well-kept automobile conveys the idea that it was cherished and well-cared for.
Step 2: List modifications
When describing the automobile in any classified or online listings, list all of the updates and adjustments. List every component that has been improved or added to the automobile, if there is room. Even though many buyers may prefer an original automobile, you will have an easier time selling the custom car if you portray the changes as increasing the vehicle's worth.
Step 3: Sell along original parts
Sell it along with the original parts. If you still own the components that were taken out of the vehicle so that aftermarket or customized components may be fitted, sell them together with the vehicle. For instance, if you kept the original wheels but updated them, you might include them in the vehicle's purchase price. In this manner, the buyer has the choice to return the vehicle to its initial condition if he so chooses.
Step 4: Prepare paperwork
Have the invoices handy to show that the repair was completed, especially if it involved adjustments to the engine or suspension that were difficult to see when the car was visually inspected. If you had a high-performance motor developed for your car, this might increase its value, but you'll need to provide invoices for the components and labor used to execute the job to demonstrate that the work was done appropriately.
Also read: Paper Requirement Before Selling a Car
Step 5: Sell Online
On online enthusiast forums, sell the vehicle. There are forums for every automobile ever produced, and many of the users there are interested in customizing and enhancing their cars. As opposed to someone who is looking through the newspaper for a standard, unmodified automobile, CashforCar is the perfect location to find a supportive audience of possible buyers who understand why you customized your car in the first place.
How is the price of a customized automobile calculated?
Traditional pricing guidelines only provide you with a price based on a basic automobile, with the option to add certain popular factory-installed objects, because the breadth of changes may be so broad. These are only a starting point.
Be realistic, even if your modified automobile could be your pride and joy. You might not get back what you invested in it. The majority of historic automobile repairs never recoup their costs. However, you can get the most from selling your modified car at Cash For Car.
Which Is The Best Place To Sell A Modified Car?
There might not be many dealerships for the automobile if the alteration is substantial. Therefore, selling such a car privately is your best bet. Regardless of the troubles, you may have with your modified automobile, selling it shouldn't pose too many challenges. Not with CashForCar, of course.
With our service here at Cash For Car, you can quickly and conveniently sell your automobile to us (irrespective of its condition). We can buy your automobile from you, whether it has modifications or not, or if you just want to sell it for junk. Just make a list of all the changes you've made to the vehicle (both visible and invisible modifications).
We buy any sort of automobile, regardless of customization. Because of this, selling to Cash For Car is simple. To begin with, get in touch with us for a quote on your automobile. We only require the registration number of your vehicle. Once you've done that, sit back and wait for us to contact you with an estimate of how much your car is worth.
Selling a customized automobile takes more time and consideration than selling an unmodified one. You must determine if you are prepared to deal with the strain of restoring your automobile to its original form, or whether you should keep it in its modified shape and put up with your car being on the market for a longer period of time and sell it for a significantly lower price.
Also read: Can I Trade in Car on Finance
