Post-Valentine's Day Syndrome: Should You Buy a Modified Car?

A modified car is often regarded as a car that has been altered in a variety of ways, in order to enhance key aspects such as power, handling and/or visual appeal. To ignite your initial thought process, OneShift presents a couple of arguments for, and against why your next purchase should, or should not involve a vehicle that has been through the modification route. Imagine a scenario where a decked-out JDM machine with a full-blown exhaust system and spoiler that doubles as a picnic table pulls up beside you by the lights, and you deliberated the possibility of owning one in the near future. Consultations with car owners of varying opinions might even end up back to where you started - sitting on the fence!

We reckon that the following might help you to streamline your thoughts, to make a more informed decision.

Modified cars will most likely be owned by car enthusiasts, which means they will do their utmost to make the car perform or look better. But it will be wise to shortlist owners who modify their cars, and also take extremely good care of them. They might go the extra mile to service their cars more regularly than recommended servicing cycles, or even sign up for premium car grooming packages - worthwhile investments that will reap benefits should you decide to take over their prized possession.

A trusted source is best left to your own interpretation - it could be a good friend, a family member or a fellow car enthusiast. These often provide good avenues for you to dig deeper into the car’s history. Some modified components are not the easiest to identify, unless informed and installed by the owner. It could be upgraded spark plugs or suspension systems, or even fuel additives that are near impossible to identify.

Even if you purchase a modified car from a trusted source, there is no guarantee that it will function as smoothly as anticipated. The warranty from your local dealer, if still applicable, might even be void if it is found that an issue is caused by a modified component. And you might even encounter issues with insurance claims. It is up to the insurer’s discretion even if modified parts are installed and passed LTA’s inspection standards.

If the budget that you set allows for new car options, you will most likely be charting a less risky route as a new car purchase will come with at least a couple of years of warranty, and a vehicle with no wear and tear. And not forgetting that scent in the interior only new cars can brag about! Both cater to different markets of course, but you might eventually revel in the fact that vehicle ownership can also be fun when there are less issues to ponder.

Regardless of your decision, the car buying process is one that is filled with joy, passion and even occasional frustration. So long as you have spent sufficient time to research your next big purchase, we have no doubt that modified car ownership can also bring about plenty of smiles per mile.

Find thousands of cars for sale on Carousell here.

Credits: Gerald Yuen