The phenomenon of modifying cars is something we see being done by friends, neighbours or we drive past some of them occasionally.
But l know that not many among the motorist and car enthusiasts really understand the facts around these modifications.
In reality, car modifications can be for cosmetic or performance reasons which come in all shapes and sizes.
Some of them are beyond the classic stereotypes and can actually enhance your automotive experience.
A modified car is any car that doesn’t conform to its original specification, according to how it was manufactured originally.
People choose to modify their cars due to a number of reasons, which include the cosmetic and performance factors, improvement, enhancement and to stand out from the crowd, and of course, create something to their own personal taste.
One can modify the car’s brakes or add parking sensors - both of which will enhance safety and will not really stand out to most onlookers.
A modified car could also be a classic car enhanced with more modern parts and upgrades.
- Advice on car modifications
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Modifications sit under cosmetic or performance modifications. Cosmetic change the car’s standard look, whilst performance modification enhance the car’s standard specification.
Performance modifications can also change the car’s standard look too. Examples are listed below:
-Cosmetic
-Vinyl wraps, window tinting, colour changes
-Wheels - different styles, sizes
-Body kits
-Spoilers
-Performance
-Remapping
-Brakes
-Suspension - lowering etc
-Exhaust - stainless steel, louder
-Stereo/technology - Enhancing sound performance, or a car’s infotainment
Some of the above could also fit into both categories. For example, a spoiler will change the look of a car (cosmetic) but will also aid downforce on the right car, such as a high performance track car.
Elsewhere, suspension lowering will tend to make a car handle better (performance), but also make the car look better (cosmetic) to enthusiasts and the like.
Does modifying a car affect its value?
In most cases modifying a car will negatively affect its market value here in Zimbabwe and in other markets too.
It looks all good at the time when you are adding accessories to make your car feel more personal or stylish but in reality they tend to harm your pocket when selling it.
So let me share the list of accessories that can cost you money down the road;
Oversized aftermarket wheels and rims
Big, flashy wheels might look cool to you. But most buyers see them as a red flag. Oversized rims can mess with your car’s ride quality and even damage the suspension.
They also make tires more expensive to replace. Many buyers worry about repairs or extra costs.
Dealers often knock down the price or refuse to take cars with extreme wheels.
If you want to keep your resale value high, stick with the original wheels or choose upgrades that match the manufacturer’s specs.
Loud exhaust systems
A loud exhaust might make your car sound powerful, but it’s a turn-off for most buyers.
Many people want a quiet, comfortable ride. Modified exhausts can also break local noise laws and create a nuisance with neighbors.
When it’s time to sell, you’ll find fewer interested buyers, and dealers may offer less money.
If you want a sportier sound, look for options that keep noise levels reasonable and don’t break the law.
Custom paint jobs
Bright colours, racing stripes, or custom graphics make your car stand out.
But most buyers want a car that blends in, not one that screams for attention.
Custom paint jobs are hard to match if the car gets scratched. Even if you love the look, the next owner probably won’t.
Cars with unusual paint or graphics often sit on the market longer and sell for less.
If you want to personalise your car, try removable vinyl wraps or subtle accents that are easy to take off later.
Lowered or raised suspensions
Changing your car’s suspension—either lowering it for style or raising it for off-roading—can cause problems.
Lowered cars scrape on speed bumps and driveways. Raised trucks can feel unstable and use more gas.
Both changes can wear out parts faster and make the ride less comfortable.
Most buyers want a car that drives like it did from the factory. If you plan to sell, keep the suspension stock or make sure any changes are easy to reverse.
Interior modifications
Custom seats, steering wheels, or colored lighting can make your car feel unique.
But most buyers want a clean, neutral interior. Racing seats or bright lights can look out of place and make the car harder to sell.
Some mods, like removing airbags or changing seat belts, can even make the car unsafe. If you want to upgrade the inside, use covers or add-ons that you can remove before selling.
Keep the original parts so you can put them back when it’s time to move on.
Buying a used car with modifications
If you’re looking at a modified used car, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand what has been changed on the car.
It is better to use an expert to verify things for you.
Unfortunately, many modified cars use stolen parts which can be a risk for the car to be impounded if the police track it because of a report.
On the other hand, when you are selling a modified car it tends to stay for a long time before getting a buyer for it.
In conclusion it is my assessment that some people enjoy buying a car and keeping it standard and keeping their insurance premium pretty reasonable.
Of course, the scope for modifications is huge and there is no denying some modifications can improve a car’s appearance or performance.
But it is important to understand that you will not recover those expenses and the car may take much longer to be sold.
I, however, admit that some modifications are a necessity, especially with older cars whereby a specialist company or tuner has developed a stronger, or better performing part.
There is no denying that modifying cars is big business, and when it’s done properly, it can be incredible but one has to look on both sides on of the scenarios when making the decision to modify or avoid the modifications.
*Stanley Makombe has 25 years of experience in the motor industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, the UK, and South Africa into African countries. He is writing in his capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: [email protected], www.stanleymakombe.com
