New research has revealed that modifying your car can take an average of £380 off its selling price. The figures showed that cars without any modifications sell for 97% of their initial valuation on average, whereas those which have been modified sell for just 94% of their valuation. Based on the average valuation of £14,077, this is equivalent to a £380 loss due to mods.[1]

The figures come from online car-changing marketplace Carwow, which reviewed its internal data to determine the impact of mods on sale prices. It then applied its average valuation to find they sell for almost £400 less, highlighting that those considering mods should think twice if they are planning to sell in the future.

As part of the study, around three quarters (74%) of drivers named at least one mod that they hate, while 89% said they wouldn’t buy a car if they saw certain modifications fitted to it.[2]

Cars with wonky wheels (or “extreme negative camber”) are the most likely to deter a buyer. Over two-thirds (69%) of those asked said they wouldn’t buy a car with this modification. Close behind is a modified exhaust, which was a deal breaker for 65% of respondents, while 64% said they wouldn’t get a lowered car.

Other modifications which can deter buyers include novelty horns (58%), neon underbody lights (56%) and novelty decals such as flames and stripes (56%).

Despite this, not all drivers said that mods would stop them from buying a car. Under 25s are the least likely to be deterred, with a fifth saying that none of the modifications listed would stop them from making a purchase, compared to around one in 10 of all other age groups.

The only mod that was more hated by under 25s than over 54s was spoilers, which were picked by a quarter of under 25s and around a fifth of over 54s.

Ian Reid, head of editorial at Carwow, said: “Modifying a car can be a fun way to add a bit of personalisation to your vehicle, but you should consider how this might impact things in the long run before you make any changes. Not all mods are legal and some can invalidate your car insurance, so be sure to check the legislation around your preferred mods and whether they’ll be covered.

“If you plan to sell your car at a later date, remember that your modifications will probably deter a few buyers, likely having a negative impact on its value. Some modifications are worse than others for this, so consider checking our list before deciding whether making the change will be worth it.”