Can I Sell A Car With Modifications?
If you’ve modified your car, you may be wondering whether the changes will make it harder to sell.
Modifications can range from simple cosmetic changes such as alloy wheels and tinted windows to more significant changes involving the engine, suspension or exhaust system.
The good news is that having a modified car does not automatically prevent you from selling it. However, the type of modification and the condition of the vehicle can affect how a buyer assesses it.
What Counts As A Car Modification?
A modification is generally any change made to a vehicle from its original factory specification.
Examples can include:
- Alloy wheels
- Lowered or upgraded suspension
- Sports exhausts
- Body kits
- Spoilers
- Tinted windows
- Performance upgrades
- Engine modifications
- Remapped engines
- Aftermarket lights
- Changes to the interior or audio system
Some modifications are relatively minor, while others can significantly change how the vehicle performs or drives.
Can I Sell A Modified Car?
Yes, you can sell a modified car.
A vehicle does not have to be completely standard to be sold. Many modified cars are bought and sold every day.
However, it’s important to be honest about any modifications when providing details about the vehicle.
If a modification affects the vehicle’s condition, performance or appearance, the buyer may want to know about it before agreeing to a valuation.
Do I Need To Tell The Buyer About Modifications?
It’s sensible to provide accurate information about significant modifications to the vehicle.
If you’ve made changes to the engine, suspension, exhaust, wheels or other important components, mention them when describing the car.
This gives the buyer a clearer picture of the vehicle and can help avoid misunderstandings later in the selling process.
Can Modifications Increase The Value Of My Car?
Not necessarily.
Although you may have spent a significant amount of money modifying your car, the cost of the modifications does not automatically get added to the vehicle’s value.
The effect can depend on the type of modification, the quality of the work, the condition of the vehicle and the demand for that particular type of car.
A modification that appeals to one buyer may not be attractive to another.
Can Modifications Reduce The Value Of A Car?
They can.
Some buyers prefer vehicles that remain close to their original factory specification. Certain modifications may also limit the number of potential buyers interested in the car.
For example, extensive performance modifications may appeal to a smaller group of buyers than a standard vehicle.
This doesn’t mean a modified car cannot be worth a good price, but the condition and type of modifications need to be taken into account.
What If My Car Has Been Remapped?
An engine remap is a common modification, particularly on diesel and performance vehicles.
If your car has been remapped, it’s worth mentioning this when you’re looking to sell it.
A remap can change the way the engine performs, so an accurate description of the vehicle is important.
You should also make sure that any relevant insurance and vehicle documentation requirements have been dealt with appropriately.
What If My Car Has Modified Suspension Or Wheels?
Changes to wheels, tyres or suspension can alter the appearance and driving characteristics of a vehicle.
If you’ve lowered the car, fitted different wheels or made other suspension changes, provide accurate information about what has been changed.
The condition of the modifications is also important. Damaged wheels, worn tyres or poorly maintained suspension components can affect the overall assessment of the vehicle.
Can I Sell A Modified Car If It Has Failed Its MOT?
A modified car can still potentially be sold if it has failed its MOT.
However, it’s important to be clear about the MOT result and any faults identified during the test.
If the modifications are related to the reasons for the failure, make sure this information is disclosed when discussing the vehicle.
If your car has failed its MOT, you can also find out more about selling an MOT failure rather than paying for repairs before deciding what to do.
Do I Need To Put The Car Back To Standard Before Selling?
Not necessarily.
Whether it makes sense to return a modified car to its original specification depends on the modifications, the cost of removing them and the condition of the original parts.
If you still have the original wheels, exhaust, suspension or other components, you can mention that when selling the vehicle.
There is no guarantee that returning a car to standard will increase its value, so consider the likely cost before spending money on changes purely to prepare the car for sale.
Should I Mention Modifications When Getting A Valuation?
Yes.
When requesting a valuation, provide accurate information about any significant modifications.
This allows the vehicle to be assessed based on its actual specification rather than its original factory specification.
It can also help make the valuation process more straightforward if the buyer knows about the modifications in advance.
Final Thoughts
Having a modified car does not automatically stop you from selling it.
However, modifications can affect how a vehicle is assessed, and their effect on value can vary depending on the type of modification, its quality and the demand for the vehicle.
If you’re thinking about selling a modified car, provide accurate details about the changes that have been made and the vehicle’s current condition.
If you’re ready to sell your car, We Buy Any Car Cash offers free valuations and vehicle collection across London and Essex. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.