Why are some people so against modified cars?

[300bhp/ton]

And when I say modified, of course I mean anything that is a notable change from factory specification.

This could be an engine swap, cams, bigger carbs, alloys or whatever.

But mention modified cars and as rule you'll get a load of people looking down their nose at you. So why is it like this? Even more so when many car makers actually offer dealer fit modifications which in reality are not hugely different to many aftermarket parts?



Oh and BTW - how many people are going to misread the title and now post a picture of a chavved up mess as an example of all modified cars?

[Carfiend]

Well my good man you see if you were a powerfully build company director slash worked in the city you could just buy a car that had all the toys and power you wanted from a dealer.

Buying a cheaper car and spending money to make it faster over time is no different than buying a more expensive car on finance. I think you should leave immediately in fact... Charles be a sport and escort this oik out I am trying to enjoy this fine port and a flavoursome cigar.

[Caulkhead]

I can't see the point of cosmetic mods but love performance mods. Most mods I see these days are cosmetic, hence I don't like most mods I see.

[bebee]

I just like factory standard, always have, I've only bought two modded motors in 34 years of driving, I don't mind them, I find them interesting but I like the idea of driving something the way the designers intended.

[TommyBuoy]

^

Because the most common modified cars people see are spotty yoofs charging around knocking down kittens and not tastefully modified cars that alot of people don't even register.

Or they see it as a waste of money in the vein of, you could have bought X instead of spending £X on your st X

Ironically, I just started a topic in the Honda forum about the best mods people have done to their S2000.

[Johnnytheboy]

Modified these days seems to mean doing almost anything except increasing the performance.

This has probably given the whole idea of modifying a bad name.

[300bhp/ton]

bebee said:

I like the idea of driving something the way the designers intended.

I guess the irony there is.... as a rule most designers are firstly limited by what components they have available, then by the expanded market segment the company wants to place the vehicle in and finally the financial restrictions imposed by the bean counters.

Not too mentioned that an ideally designed car is unlikely to be suitable for mass production or even the most accommodating for the masses in general use.

[300bhp/ton]

The Crack Fox said:

I think it's just you, 300, sorry !

Not a prime example, but an example that is in GG today.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 27th January 14:31

[HorneyMX5]

It's because most people treat a car like a white good, they'd think you were mad for modding your washing machine to spin slightly faster or make loud gurgling noises as it consumes water.

Nick

[Marf]

Don't know, don't care

My last car had enough mods to fill two pages of A4 when the insurance company asked for a definitive list, the only visual mod being wheels.

Frankly I couldn't give two flying f--ks if someone is against modded cars.

[Baked_bean]

I don't really see the problem with it at all, i have been known to perform some light modifications to my cars.

the whole appearance thing although subjective is just making the car look better to the owners eyes. No different from like Car A over car B because it looks abit nicer, we all partly buy cars on looks.

[LotusOmega375D]

You're better off spending any extra cash you've got on getting a better model of car in the first place, rather than flushing your hard-earned down the toilet on after-market mods at "I saw you coming Motorsport".

[toys]

300bhp/ton said:

... bigger carbs ...

Where are you from, the 1970's ?

[Marf]

LotusOmega375D said:

You're better off spending any extra cash you've got on getting a better model of car in the first place.

Useless generalisation is useless

My car cost £3500. I've spent around £1500 to take it from 245hp to over 300hp.

I could not have bought a "better model" of mid engined turbocharged car for £5000.

[300bhp/ton]

toys said:

300bhp/ton said:

... bigger carbs ...

Where are you from, the 1970's ?

lol, but actually no... 1980.

[EDLT]

Johnnytheboy said:

Modified these days seems to mean doing almost anything except increasing the performance.

This has probably given the whole idea of modifying a bad name.

+1

Look at all the crap in the decently modified cars thread with broken suspension, badly fitted tyres and shiny wheels.

[bebee]

300bhp/ton said:

bebee said:

I like the idea of driving something the way the designers intended.

I guess the irony there is.... as a rule most designers are firstly limited by what components they have available, then by the expanded market segment the company wants to place the vehicle in and finally the financial restrictions imposed by the bean counters.

Not too mentioned that an ideally designed car is unlikely to be suitable for mass production or even the most accommodating for the masses in general use.

I see what you're saying, I've had four TR7's two were V8's one was a 3.9efi the other two were factory standard, I'd rather have the V8 modded car as it's only an engine upgrade/mod and if it had gone well at BL we would have got the V8 in all TR7's anyway.
I wouldn't mod my Lotus or my MINI 30, they are as factory.
Let me ask this, would a classic like say a Capri that's factory standard be more appealing than a modded Capri of the same value/age?

[DoubleSix]

There's a balance surely....

Most people wouldn't notice my cars are modded, but when they go into have work done proper petrol heads appreciate the subtle touches, high quality lug bolts, spacers, little things you know.... I like mods that make non-petrol heads think "damn that car looks nicer than the one I saw parked on my street, but I dont know why??"

For some engine modding isn't an option if your under warranty.

I've found BMW's Performance range to be pretty good as long as you don't get carried away and start sticking CF mirrors on a 120d or something.....

[300bhp/ton]

LotusOmega375D said:

You're better off spending any extra cash you've got on getting a better model of car in the first place, rather than flushing your hard-earned down the toilet on after-market mods at "I saw you coming Motorsport".

But that's not always possible or the case though.

e.g.

If you want something better off road than a standard Defender (which many do). What would you buy that wasn't modified?

If you wanted something with 500hp... how cheap could it be achieved in the after market vs how much for a newer factory car with that power level?

[JonnyFive]

EDLT said:

Johnnytheboy said:

Modified these days seems to mean doing almost anything except increasing the performance.

This has probably given the whole idea of modifying a bad name.

+1

Look at all the crap in the decently modified cars thread with broken suspension, badly fitted tyres and shiny wheels.

But, some of us can't really insure something for more power as insurers crucify you as it is.. But want it to look better (In our opinion.. Not everyone will like it, but you modify for yourself - Not others), thus exterior modifications.