The primary reason for customizing your car is to enhance its appearance and performance. But if you have an interest in selling your car in the near future, then some customization work can also boost the vehicle’s resale value. The key is moderation: Don’t make drastic changes to the car’s appearance and, of course, make sure to maintain its on-road capabilities. Vehicles with the best resale values do not deviate too far from stock.
Here are a few suggestions for mild modifications to help you enjoy your vehicle while you own it while giving you a competitive edge when it comes time to sell.
Vossen CV3-R Graphite Wheels
Wheels and Tires
Plus-size alloy wheels and performance tires enhance a vehicle’s handling by providing a more stable base for the suspension and a fatter footprint for high-speed driving. Opting for a lighter alloy wheel has the additional advantage of reducing unsprung weight—the weight below the car’s suspension.
But extreme plus-sizing can make the car’s ride too rough, and flamboyant wheels could turn some prospective buyers away. Stay away from wheel fads such as spinners, all-white, all-black, and bright chrome. These styles may reduce resale value. On a similar note, choose tires that do the same thing for the treads. For example, don’t swap from all-season to summer performance tires. Instead, opt for a performance all-season tire such as the BF Goodrich Comp 2-A/S.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Suspension Kit
Aftermarket Suspension
Some automakers offer aftermarket suspension kits that enhance performance (with validation by factory engineers). For example, Toyota TRD produces sway bars and shocks that improve the vehicle’s cornering capability, while Mopar offers several suspension upgrade kits for Dodge, ranging from mild to full-out track packages. If you are going to use suspension parts from third-party manufacturers, stick with well-known high-quality brands such as Bilstein, KONI, and Eibach.
Lowering kits will enhance your car’s track performance and make it look cool. But they won’t necessarily translate to better resale value. However, upgraded shocks and struts that improve all-round performance will boost value. Ditto for a strut tower brace that enhances the car’s torsional rigidity for better steering response.
New Baer Brakes
Brakes
Upgrading a vehicle’s braking system adds an extra margin of safety on the street and gives you more confidence on the track. However, a good conversion involves the entire braking system, from the master cylinder to the brake lines, pads, rotors, and brake fluid. Baer is a company well known for its high-performance braking systems. If you aren’t familiar with braking system function and installation, consult an ASE-certified technician to recommend the best components for your vehicle and how to install them correctly.
Lift Kits
Will a lift kit deliver the best resale value for your pickup truck? The answer depends on the type of lift kit, how it was installed, and the buyer’s preferences. Lift kits are tricky because they can change the vehicle’s suspension geometry—and not always for the better.
Using bump rubber to raise the vehicle up will do nothing to enhance performance. To work properly, the lift kit must include replacement suspension components that raise the vehicle while maintaining its off-road capabilities. One of the advantages of installing a lift kit is bigger wheels, but wheels that exceed manufacturers’ homologation guidelines do not improve performance and can make it more difficult to negotiate tight turns on narrow off-road trails.
Borla S-Type Cat Back Exhaust
Exhaust
A cat back exhaust system reduces back pressure to increase engine power while maintaining the vehicle’s emissions system. A good custom exhaust can increase your vehicle’s resale value. A poorly installed system or unit that doesn’t fit properly will not. If you don’t have experience installing aftermarket exhaust systems, seek out a shop with expertise. A qualified technician will recommend the best options for your vehicle. They will know whether or not a Helmholtz resonator is necessary to prevent exhaust drone, an annoying rumbling sound.
Keep a Paper Trail to Achieve the Best Resale Value
The value of any customizing work depends in large part on the workmanship. A good paper trail documenting who did the installation work as well as the technician’s qualifications assures buyers that the car you are selling is in top shape.
See Car & Truck Accessories for sale on eBay.
