Does modding increase value?

[pullingpower]

Just wondered what effect something like an engine rebuild or modification has on resale value?
Would it make no difference at all or could you add roughly the cost of the modification?
Only ask as just spent around £5K on engine rebuild, cam and new heads so would be interesting to know how it affects the value?
Are these cars more desirable after engine rebuild?

>> Edited by pullingpower on Thursday 22 September 16:23

[parrot of doom]

People will be asking why you had the engine rebuilt, usually thinking "uh oh sounds like trouble".

I'd just tell them you've had various parts replaced due to age, unless you've had a serious problem in which case please be honest about it

[pullingpower]

My rebuild was essentially optional. It's done 60K and the cam was getting worn plus I had high emissions on MOT. I'd been saving towards a rebuild for a while so decided to get new heads also. There was no major engine issue.

[griffter]

pullingpower said:

My rebuild was essentially optional. It's done 60K and the cam was getting worn plus I had high emissions on MOT. I'd been saving towards a rebuild for a while so decided to get new heads also. There was no major engine issue.

The problem is you reduce the potential market because insuring modified cars is more hassle and more expensive than standard cars. Also while modifications can be attractive, loss of originality can be perceived as less so.

[Flintstone]

Afraid I wouldn't buy a modified car.

[GreenV8S]

I would say the mechanical / performance mods do not increase the value at all (may even reduce it, depending on the mod) but makes it harder to sell. Cosmetic mods I guess will be more subjective.

[Plotloss]

GreenV8S said:

I would say the mechanical / performance mods do not increase the value at all (may even reduce it, depending on the mod) but makes it harder to sell. Cosmetic mods I guess will be more subjective.

[pullingpower]

I understand the cause for concern re: insurance and also I would want to know more details if a car has had an engine rebuild. I actually expected no change in value or possibly less. However, if I was buying a car with a higher mileage, I think I would feel happier knowing that the engine has had a professional rebuild and is known to be in good order as this will potentially save future £££'s.

>> Edited by pullingpower on Thursday 22 September 11:58

[parrot of doom]

I agree with that. Mine will need a cam change in the next 10-20 thousand miles.

The trouble is, there are just so many Chims out there, and some of them won't have been looked after, its those ones that push the prices down for the rest of us......

Try telling a prospective buyer that the 1997 Chim with 20000 fewer on the clock, at £1000 less than yours might not be the bargain it appears......

I've got a couple coming to see mine later today, but I'm doing myself no real favours by being entirely honest with them about the car, so I'll tell them about the cam change, and the engine mounts that are starting to crack, and the stepper motor chamber that wants replacing (back order, bah). I can't imagine most car sellers doing that, unless they love the car as much as I do.

[pullingpower]

This is an extreme example I suppose. I'm talking about an engine strip and rebuild by V8 developments, a new cam and stage 3 heads. That all. Everything else is standard. Engine bay looks standard as it's got the original plenum, no extra shiny or carbon fibre bits, and so on and so forth. I'd buy it again!

[pullingpower]

I agree I'm unlikely to make back the money but I'm not too fussed about that as I now have a kick-ass vehicle. It's interesting the split between people who would go for a rebuilt/modded car and those who steer clear.
I personally think it is better to go for the rebuilt/ modded car as you know someone has cared for it and been prepared to spend money on it.

[Derek Smith]

griffter said:

. . . insuring modified cars is more hassle and more expensive than standard cars.

T'aint necessarily so. See October's Sprint.

[MAC5]

I think having a 2001 Y Chim with more than 60k miles would have a greater effect on its value.


Mac5

[pullingpower]

MAC5 said:

I think having a 2001 Y Chim with more than 60k miles would have a greater effect on its value. Mac5

Why should this be so?
Cars that have been driven are better sorted and more reliable than those that are driven rarely. If someone has taken time to treat the chassis, look after the body and service it regularly (plus engine rebuild) then what is there to be worried about?