Does customizing a car detract from the value?

Question

Or is that just a myth?
Just bought a new car, and would like to do some customizing,
however, I don't want the value of the car to depreciate any more than it already will. Suggestions?

Answer 1

Depends on what you do to it.

Some simple improvements that make the car look better will probably be OK but a full customisation job is going to make it attractive to a smaller audience when it comes to sell.

Any work should be of a high standard.

Be careful about modifying the car if it means you have to inform the insurance guys.

Answer 2

Customizing a car could void your warantee. But it does not detract from the value. I traded in a highly modified car, and they told me that they would value it like it was stock. They did not give any extra money for all the cool accessories, but they definitely did not take any off the price.
So if you are worried about voiding your warantee I would hold off with the mod's for a while. If not, then go for it. You just need to realize that if you bought a car for 20,000 dollars, and the put 10K in aftermarket parts, if you brought it to the dealership they would not add an extra 10K to their price, so you are out a lot of money.
Another thing to consider is selling it as a private party sale. This way you can get customers that are interested in the aftermarket parts you have installed and will be willing to pay a little extra for them.
Good Luck, what knid of car did you buy?

Answer 3

Your idea about what looks good limits the people out there who want a stock car clean low miles. Once you start putting performance items and body kits on the car you should expect to own it until it wont run any more. 1949 Mercury sedans there are almost none of those that haven't been customized. So it is up to you to do what you want.

Answer 4

If you personalize your vehicle with after market add-ons and fancy paint, don't think you're increasing the car's value. Customizing a car will usually reduce its value.

Sometimes we see people putting upwards of $10,000 worth of after market options and personalization into a vehicle and it's likely they'll never get it back.

Other things that can hurt resale value are garish colors, custom modifications and lack of popular options.

Answer 5

It will severely affect your resale value,
Fit removable mods and keep your OE parts to refit at time of sale.
That way you can bundle them with the car or sell them on subsequently.
Things like a Blu-Fin chip remap system are a good investment for example, and replaceable body kits.

Answer 6

it does depreciate the value of the car if your going to trade it in to a car dealer if you sell it private it probably would not matter

Answer 7

It can. Your taste in customization may not appeal to anyone else.