Car modifications could see drivers lose £400, break Highway Code rules and impact insurance
Car modifications would put off drivers from buying models
GETTY
Drivers can lose out on nearly £400 by making small changes to their vehicles which can cause the overall selling price to plummet.
Experts have warned that modifying a car can risk taking up to £380 off its total selling price with data showing that cars without any modifications sell for 97 per cent of their initial valuation.
The figures found that around three-quarters (74 per cent) of drivers named at least one modification that they disliked while 89 per cent said they wouldn’t buy a car if they saw certain modifications fitted to it.
Cars with wonky wheels or extreme negative camber were highlighted as the worst modification which would likely deter a buyer, with over two-thirds (69 per cent) saying they wouldn’t buy a car like this.
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Car modifications can decrease the value of cars
GETTYModified exhaust systems were a deal breaker for 65 per cent of respondents, while 64 per cent said they wouldn’t get a lowered car.
Other modifications that can put off buyers include novelty horns (58 per cent), neon underbody lights (56 per cent) and novelty decals such as flames and stripes (56 per cent).
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.”
Drivers under 25 were also highlighted as the least likely to be deterred by upgrades to a car with a fifth stating that none of the modifications would stop them from making a purchase on a car.
Reid added: “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.”
As more car modifications enter the scene, drivers have been warned of changes to a vehicle which will see them slapped with hefty fines.
Changes to the exhaust system to improve performance or produce a distinctive sound could see drivers fined £50. There are legal limits to how much noise an exhaust can create, and exceeding them may result in an offence.
Another restricted change includes having neon lights fitted under the car which must not be visible to other road users.
Mark Trimbee CEO of Regtransfers said: “Illegal modifications not only put you at risk, but they also pose a risk to the safety of other road users and pedestrians.
“If you’re planning to make any changes to your car, it’s important not to miss the step of researching restrictions to make sure your car remains legal and safe.
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Drivers can risk breaking Highway Code if they make certain car changes
PAAnother illegal change includes making car horn modifications. Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that vehicle horns should only be used to warn another road user of a car’s presence.
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