Why does this seem to be the norm????
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 14
Why does this seem to be the norm????
Let me start off by saying - If I am going to do something it has to be as close to perfect as possible. That being said - I see many cars with great mods, low miles, and in great shape with, based on mods, a realistic price that either don't sell or are forced to de-mod back to stock and then sell.
Can't base this on factual information but in many cases it appears the same buyer is willing or will spend thousands of dollars more to mod the car.
Is it because of the "forum" or just because of greed, or well let me know what you think. I know if I saw someone beating the car or they sounded like a real jerk - OK - but many of the cars I see for with great mods seem to not sell. THOUGHTS?
Can't base this on factual information but in many cases it appears the same buyer is willing or will spend thousands of dollars more to mod the car.
Is it because of the "forum" or just because of greed, or well let me know what you think. I know if I saw someone beating the car or they sounded like a real jerk - OK - but many of the cars I see for with great mods seem to not sell. THOUGHTS?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,969
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Cruise-In IX Veteran
One person's project in body mods or engine mods are not in the taste of every buyer. To be honest some of the mods done to these cars are in bad taste and other mods are down right horrible. When these owners decide to sell those cars the mods done to them is what hinders the sale so the only option is to turn it back to stock or trade it in and take a big loss.
At the end of the day...one guys project while is awesome in his eyes is horrible in the eyes of others
At the end of the day...one guys project while is awesome in his eyes is horrible in the eyes of others
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Mililani Hawaii
Unfortunately your "perfectionism" cannot be measured. People see mods as a deterrent, not a complement. Thus you either get what the base car is worth or you get less, more is not a very likely scenario.
There is a perfect example of this on my local craigslist. Someone is selling a STS corvette and trying to get $30k with the belief that because he spent 10k on the kit it should add that to the value of the car. It hasn't sold, and probably won't until he either separates the kit from the car or decides to reduce his price. Fact of life, if its been modded its like buying damaged goods. No one wants someone else project/headache/problem.
There is a perfect example of this on my local craigslist. Someone is selling a STS corvette and trying to get $30k with the belief that because he spent 10k on the kit it should add that to the value of the car. It hasn't sold, and probably won't until he either separates the kit from the car or decides to reduce his price. Fact of life, if its been modded its like buying damaged goods. No one wants someone else project/headache/problem.
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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What may seem like very good mods to the seller may not be what a potential buyers wants at all. You really do take a chance when you mod your car then decide to sell.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
It's not unusual for a mod car to sit waiting for the right buyer. Most of what we do to our cars is what we think looks good or what we think might make it go faster. Most buyers won't touch a car that's been modded for performance...they would rather have a stock car and do their own mods.
As far as cosmetic mods, there's very few cars that appeal to many buyers, it's mostly a case of beauty in the eyes of the beholder. If a buyer likes a mod car cosmetically, he generally won't pay much extra money for your "mod masterpiece." That's why a lot of people de-mod their cars and try to sell off whatever extra mod pieces they can. Bottom line is you have to mod your car for you and not worry about the re-sale value on same. If you're worried about the next mod's re-sale value, you probably shouldn't do it.
Stock cars are still the easiest to sell.
Jerry
As far as cosmetic mods, there's very few cars that appeal to many buyers, it's mostly a case of beauty in the eyes of the beholder. If a buyer likes a mod car cosmetically, he generally won't pay much extra money for your "mod masterpiece." That's why a lot of people de-mod their cars and try to sell off whatever extra mod pieces they can. Bottom line is you have to mod your car for you and not worry about the re-sale value on same. If you're worried about the next mod's re-sale value, you probably shouldn't do it.
Stock cars are still the easiest to sell.
Jerry
Race Director
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Now this is just me. I feel that I wanted a stock car to mod the way I wanted it, That way I get the feel of accomplishment and it is the way I envisioned it and not someone else.
Mr.Bill
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Team Owner
Joined: May 1999
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From: Columbus Ohio
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St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
In many cases the mods can't be documented as to who did them, what quality parts were used, etc.
That would make me leery of buying a heavily modded car.
That would make me leery of buying a heavily modded car.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 179
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From: The USA Rocky Mountain Area
You pay your money and take your chances no matter if new, a garage queen, a daily driver, lightly modded or heavily modded. You could get a lemon in either case, so do your homework, evaluate the risk you are willing to take, etc.
With the that all said, I just bought a Z06 from a forum member, somewhat modified - sight unseen, for a good price. Flew in, drove home (900 miles) and have had some minor issues, such as fluctuating voltage - traced that to loose battery connections and was a $6-00 fix. Some minor cosmetics, will fix that....but I got a $54K (The original sticker is still in the glove box) american bad-azz sports car with about another $15K in engine and performance mods for a fraction of the original cost.
I'm happy with the vehicle and the mods, it has a cammed, 383 LS6, 2004 Z06 dyno at 430 RWHP and 440 ft/lbs torque and is exactly what I wanted....and still gets 28 MPG on the hi-way, and will smoke almost anything on the road.
It was a deal and think I got great value.
With the that all said, I just bought a Z06 from a forum member, somewhat modified - sight unseen, for a good price. Flew in, drove home (900 miles) and have had some minor issues, such as fluctuating voltage - traced that to loose battery connections and was a $6-00 fix. Some minor cosmetics, will fix that....but I got a $54K (The original sticker is still in the glove box) american bad-azz sports car with about another $15K in engine and performance mods for a fraction of the original cost.
I'm happy with the vehicle and the mods, it has a cammed, 383 LS6, 2004 Z06 dyno at 430 RWHP and 440 ft/lbs torque and is exactly what I wanted....and still gets 28 MPG on the hi-way, and will smoke almost anything on the road.
It was a deal and think I got great value.
Last edited by Piper250; Oct 15, 2010 at 10:27 PM. Reason: fixed some spelling...probaly not all.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn VA
I was able to buy my car the way I wanted it modded. Had to look for a while but finally found what I wanted. I did however refuse to pay what the seller was asking because of the mods. I got a modded vette with a cam and full exhaust and intake with Z06 chrome rims for what I would have paid for a stock vette. I feel like it was the best deal and I have had no problems with the mods preformed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 9
From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
I wouldn't buy any car that was modded, especially anything mechanical. I have seen many mods done by mechanic wanna be's. The car looks good from far but is actually far from good.
I find that people on forums just comment on members cars saying they look great when truthfully they hate them, just encouraging them to do more.
I find that people on forums just comment on members cars saying they look great when truthfully they hate them, just encouraging them to do more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Bottom line,,Modding has to be done by you ,,for you to enjoy.Generally modded cars that sit are overpriced!! It's a fact of life that people are not going to pay full price for mod that are on the car. The parts are expensive,,and if you had it done,,labor makes the tab even higher!! Especially in today's market you are going to be lucky if you recover 50% of your investment,,,and many can't accept that fact. They think 20K car + 10K in mods = 30K!! Reality,,LUCKY to get 25K!!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
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From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
First of all you gotta ask is the stock version selling? If not, then why would a mod version? Mods reduces the buyer base. Sure they may mod out a stock to their individual taste after purchase but that's after the fact.
Best to be very selective in what you do to em. And hope your potential buyer likes what you like. And be able to turn it back to stock to broaden your buyer audience. Or at least have stock parts go w/the car. Mine has mods that I would have wanted had it been 100% stock. I bought it knowing it was treated well. No regrets here. I can turn it back but don't want to.
I disagree w/silver99. When CF members post good comments on a mod they like what they see. It's the guys that don't comment. Are they the silent majority? Taking one to a large show will tell how it measures up. In the end, it's what the seller & buyer likes.
Best to be very selective in what you do to em. And hope your potential buyer likes what you like. And be able to turn it back to stock to broaden your buyer audience. Or at least have stock parts go w/the car. Mine has mods that I would have wanted had it been 100% stock. I bought it knowing it was treated well. No regrets here. I can turn it back but don't want to.
I disagree w/silver99. When CF members post good comments on a mod they like what they see. It's the guys that don't comment. Are they the silent majority? Taking one to a large show will tell how it measures up. In the end, it's what the seller & buyer likes.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I bought mine about as stock as stock could get.. The only MOD was the plastic mats over the factory carpeted mats..
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 316
From: Sparks, Nevada
Along with many things already said, another reason could be money. A buyer may only afford the stock type price and figures he'll get mods as he wants and can afford them later on.
Many here have done that I'm sure. We see things being done as the budget allows all the time.
Many here have done that I'm sure. We see things being done as the budget allows all the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
Everyone has different ideas of what they want in a car. The C5 is a great platform to personalize. I am not worried about the future value of my car because I have no desire to sell it. If that urge hits me, I ask myself "what more can I do to make the urge go away?". It's much cheaper to through a few bucks into modifying these cars then it is to buy a new(er) one (at least that's what I tell my wife
).
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
Maybe before I owned one, but now I wouldnt shy away from a car if it had nice wheels, a cat back, or an intake. I mean those are pretty much straight forward, either they are in good shape or they arent. So while I dont think Id pay what the car is worth plus the price of those type of mods, I wouldnt not buy it because it wasnt "stock".
Engine mods might be another situation though.
Engine mods might be another situation though.