Modifying v buying another car
Discussion
Having one of those pondering moments, as we do, and todays debate in my head are the pros and cons of buying a car to modify or just enjoying it as it is, saving the money, and putting it towards a proper, genuine upgrade.
For example, I've just bought a JCW F56 Mini, and am very happy with it, but the daft petrolhead mind seems tempted to modify the hell out of it. I think I partially blame places like PH and social media for this, as you always see posts from people who've just done that. For example, the article on the limited edition Cooper S with the LSD, 290bhp etc, other people on facebook going on about modifying etc.
On the face of it, they don't generally seem to regret their choice, at least, not initially, until you read later on that they'd spoiled one or more elements of the car, or the car was faced with reliability issues, or worse, a blown engine. Even if you don't have any problems, the money for those mods is gone.
In my case, if I decided to modify my Mini, I'd most likely go down the remap route, while adding wheel, brake, suspension, LSD, cooling and intake upgrades, all of which would add up to a pretty penny really.
Would the car be better afterwards? Debatable for my use case - I only use it as a runabout and a toy to hoon about in at the weekend, a fun daily driver if you will; the ride over rough country roads could end up being worse, and the times when I could use or deploy the extra power would be limited. I'm not generally on a track but feel like the standard car would be up to occasional track use anyway.
In the end though, I'm not sure doing those mods would make it a keeper in my eyes anyway, as I don't seem to be wired up that way. The other day, I saw a GR Yaris and thought that it would be the perfect car for the UK roads. Maybe a car like this would be a keeper, and the fact that I'm even thinking it seems to suggest I'd be better off just keeping my JCW the way it is, and if I absolutely *had* to do something, maybe a safe remap from a reputable tuner and leave it there, as the expenditure isn't huge and the difference will be marked.
If I go whole hog, by the time I spend £12K on the car, and £5K on mods, I'd have been better off just waiting, enjoying the car for what it is, and then just upgrading to another car. I can understand people who intend to keep cars forever ploughing in the money, but when I'm probably going to keep something for maybe 3 or 4 years max, I don't really know if it's worth going mad on it. Not just that but the mods just make it a faster version of the same car, and I kinda like the novelty of something completely different from time to time.
For further context, I ain't a rich person by any stretch so spending cash on things (mods) that will instantly lose value seems unwise?
I've most likely answered my own question here, but thought I'd post it as I'd be interested in the general consensus
For example, I've just bought a JCW F56 Mini, and am very happy with it, but the daft petrolhead mind seems tempted to modify the hell out of it. I think I partially blame places like PH and social media for this, as you always see posts from people who've just done that. For example, the article on the limited edition Cooper S with the LSD, 290bhp etc, other people on facebook going on about modifying etc.
On the face of it, they don't generally seem to regret their choice, at least, not initially, until you read later on that they'd spoiled one or more elements of the car, or the car was faced with reliability issues, or worse, a blown engine. Even if you don't have any problems, the money for those mods is gone.
In my case, if I decided to modify my Mini, I'd most likely go down the remap route, while adding wheel, brake, suspension, LSD, cooling and intake upgrades, all of which would add up to a pretty penny really.
Would the car be better afterwards? Debatable for my use case - I only use it as a runabout and a toy to hoon about in at the weekend, a fun daily driver if you will; the ride over rough country roads could end up being worse, and the times when I could use or deploy the extra power would be limited. I'm not generally on a track but feel like the standard car would be up to occasional track use anyway.
In the end though, I'm not sure doing those mods would make it a keeper in my eyes anyway, as I don't seem to be wired up that way. The other day, I saw a GR Yaris and thought that it would be the perfect car for the UK roads. Maybe a car like this would be a keeper, and the fact that I'm even thinking it seems to suggest I'd be better off just keeping my JCW the way it is, and if I absolutely *had* to do something, maybe a safe remap from a reputable tuner and leave it there, as the expenditure isn't huge and the difference will be marked.
If I go whole hog, by the time I spend £12K on the car, and £5K on mods, I'd have been better off just waiting, enjoying the car for what it is, and then just upgrading to another car. I can understand people who intend to keep cars forever ploughing in the money, but when I'm probably going to keep something for maybe 3 or 4 years max, I don't really know if it's worth going mad on it. Not just that but the mods just make it a faster version of the same car, and I kinda like the novelty of something completely different from time to time.
For further context, I ain't a rich person by any stretch so spending cash on things (mods) that will instantly lose value seems unwise?
I've most likely answered my own question here, but thought I'd post it as I'd be interested in the general consensus
Like anything know your objective and rationale. If you are modifying with the aim of more power but don't need or want more lower then what is the point? If you are modifying just for the fun of it then carry on. Modifying covers all sorts from some cosmetic trim and a stereo to full on engine transplants or restorations.
Personally I always say just buy a new car.
There are obvious exceptions to the rule especially when it comes to hardcore track toys.
My experience is very much the BMW/Audi/VW world where people tune modify their M-lites or S-line in the belief they are getting an M or RS for less. In reality I’ve yet to ever experience a car where it’s been worth while in terms of effort or cost. The cars are inevitably shifted over the next 12months and they get the M or RS tell you how much better it is and they never look back.
Some cars it’s been worthwhile but they are usually the top model set up for the track. Particular standouts to me have been a Megane RS Trophy and a Focus RS that had raided the Mountune store. However these were manufacture plus on what was already smashing cars.
A stage 1 remap from a well known tuner is usually fine and all I’d do now apart from brakes, pads, fluids and tyres. I use to remap all my cars but recently the amount I personally know going boom I don’t bother.
There are obvious exceptions to the rule especially when it comes to hardcore track toys.
My experience is very much the BMW/Audi/VW world where people tune modify their M-lites or S-line in the belief they are getting an M or RS for less. In reality I’ve yet to ever experience a car where it’s been worth while in terms of effort or cost. The cars are inevitably shifted over the next 12months and they get the M or RS tell you how much better it is and they never look back.
Some cars it’s been worthwhile but they are usually the top model set up for the track. Particular standouts to me have been a Megane RS Trophy and a Focus RS that had raided the Mountune store. However these were manufacture plus on what was already smashing cars.
A stage 1 remap from a well known tuner is usually fine and all I’d do now apart from brakes, pads, fluids and tyres. I use to remap all my cars but recently the amount I personally know going boom I don’t bother.
SFTWend said:
I'd upgrade to a better car every time, rather than trying to improve the current car.
Exactly.Spend £17k on a car that's then worth (say) £10k and is a struggle to insure and resell.
or
Spend £17k on a better car.
£5k spend on a £12k car is a BIG chunk of money on modifications. Untimately though, up to you.
Modified all my minis, no regrets
Mainly because I have kept them for many years and miles and enjoy the upgrades myself.
Taken on track occasionally but not ruined for the road.
Only regret was selling my r53 after 140,000 miles “ owned from new” with upgraded engine suspension and brakes.
F56Sd, brakes need upgrading, but mostly based on phenomenal stopping power my previous car had.
Mainly because I have kept them for many years and miles and enjoy the upgrades myself.
Taken on track occasionally but not ruined for the road.
Only regret was selling my r53 after 140,000 miles “ owned from new” with upgraded engine suspension and brakes.
F56Sd, brakes need upgrading, but mostly based on phenomenal stopping power my previous car had.
Edited by blue al on Sunday 24th December 05:37
If your going to keep the car for 3+ years id say crack on.
You're a long time dead and 3 to 5 years driving around in a car you want to improve but don't is a long time.
I've just spent 3k on a honda accord I paid 2.2k for....refreshing, improving and modifying but I plan to keep it for a very long time. Its painful spending the money now vs what I just paid for the car but it ensures its long term reliability and the modifications will make it much more fun to own.
You're a long time dead and 3 to 5 years driving around in a car you want to improve but don't is a long time.
I've just spent 3k on a honda accord I paid 2.2k for....refreshing, improving and modifying but I plan to keep it for a very long time. Its painful spending the money now vs what I just paid for the car but it ensures its long term reliability and the modifications will make it much more fun to own.
I've modified cars in the past and probably will in the future to varying degrees, most of my track cars have been modified but that was for the specific purpose of using on track where I was prepared to sacrifice comfort for the performance.
My last daily car a BMW M240i was remapped with a stage 1 map and that for me was all that car needed in terms of modification, it wasn't a track car and the additional power was a nice upgrade for daily use.
My current car, an M4 will remain standard as for me it doesn't need anything more but there are plenty of people in the owners groups modifying them to within an inch of their lives and I can respect that too,
My last daily car a BMW M240i was remapped with a stage 1 map and that for me was all that car needed in terms of modification, it wasn't a track car and the additional power was a nice upgrade for daily use.
My current car, an M4 will remain standard as for me it doesn't need anything more but there are plenty of people in the owners groups modifying them to within an inch of their lives and I can respect that too,
Ive always struggled to comprehend why you would want to modify something like an M4, are they that bad from the factory or did the engineers get something that wrong?
Im probably going to look at an M2 next and leave it totally standard but i do see a lot of people changing the suspension etc.
I appreciate some cars like the M140 for example do benefit from changes but the full fat M cars?
Im probably going to look at an M2 next and leave it totally standard but i do see a lot of people changing the suspension etc.
I appreciate some cars like the M140 for example do benefit from changes but the full fat M cars?
I modify every car/bike I've owned to a certain degree or another, for example my new daily is getting mapped/lowered better brake pads & fluid new alloys & a bit of exhaust work.
It's more about how far you go modifying your Mini, there's a wealth of new & used parts out there so you don't have to spend the earth, also I do my cars to suit me & have never struggled to move them on.
It's more about how far you go modifying your Mini, there's a wealth of new & used parts out there so you don't have to spend the earth, also I do my cars to suit me & have never struggled to move them on.
Thanks for the replies. Some takes on it that I'd not necessarily thought of. I reckon a good middle ground in the short term will be to reach a middle ground since realistically I'll be keeping it at least 2 or 3 years.
I reckon a decent remap will be fine, I already think the suspension is fine stock for what I use it for - rides decently and handles well enough. I guess if I wanted an LSD I should fit one once I need a new clutch, and that might be ages away. Brakes should be up to the job but if not, cheap enough to upgrade. Wheels to save unsprung weight - possibly not really that important for the type of driving I do, and I like the way they look anyway (which seems to be a slightly unpopular opinion in the owners clubs!).
We never seem to be able to resist the urge to tinker though do we?
I reckon a decent remap will be fine, I already think the suspension is fine stock for what I use it for - rides decently and handles well enough. I guess if I wanted an LSD I should fit one once I need a new clutch, and that might be ages away. Brakes should be up to the job but if not, cheap enough to upgrade. Wheels to save unsprung weight - possibly not really that important for the type of driving I do, and I like the way they look anyway (which seems to be a slightly unpopular opinion in the owners clubs!).
We never seem to be able to resist the urge to tinker though do we?
I'm having similar indecision with a 2019 Fiesta ST I've recently bought, really impressed with it as a standard car, it's a Performance Pack so already got an LSD and launch control but very tempted to take it to Mountune for a stage 1 remap and a few other minor mods, should be less than £1,000 in total.
I won't be lowering it, I live in the Essex countryside and our local roads are bumpy, rough and full of potholes, the standard suspension works really well and previous lowered cars have struggled.
Also a bit worried about insurance, won't be a problem for me as I'm old but I recently had difficulty selling a stage 2 2016 ST as several potential buyers couldn't insure it. At least a remap with little hardware changes can be flashed back to standard easily.
I will also probably go with Mountune as they are best known in the Ford world so hopefully most likely to be looked on favourably come resale time.
Of course the alternative is to enjoy it as it is, save the pennies and hope BMW M2/M4s are under £20,000 in a few years time!
I won't be lowering it, I live in the Essex countryside and our local roads are bumpy, rough and full of potholes, the standard suspension works really well and previous lowered cars have struggled.
Also a bit worried about insurance, won't be a problem for me as I'm old but I recently had difficulty selling a stage 2 2016 ST as several potential buyers couldn't insure it. At least a remap with little hardware changes can be flashed back to standard easily.
I will also probably go with Mountune as they are best known in the Ford world so hopefully most likely to be looked on favourably come resale time.
Of course the alternative is to enjoy it as it is, save the pennies and hope BMW M2/M4s are under £20,000 in a few years time!
Slightly different angle here, but still related I feel.
I consolidated two cars into a Golf GTD earlier this year, simplifying my life a little and dropping the need for a rented garage. It was a slightly convoluted route to getting that car, though it was instantly popular with the wife and - because it was also hugely under budget - I decided to invest in a map and some personal touches.
The thing is, it’s still an 8 year old car and so I’m finding myself faced with semi-optional decisions like whether to renew its suspension. We also have an heirloom of a family van, approaching its twelfth year and therefore well into midlife maintenance needs.
The alternative is to simply buy a newer car, or even to split it into two again. I can well afford to, but either option makes a few modifications / upgrades to the existing Golf look hugely cheaper.
Bah. I’ve got no idea what to do!
I consolidated two cars into a Golf GTD earlier this year, simplifying my life a little and dropping the need for a rented garage. It was a slightly convoluted route to getting that car, though it was instantly popular with the wife and - because it was also hugely under budget - I decided to invest in a map and some personal touches.
The thing is, it’s still an 8 year old car and so I’m finding myself faced with semi-optional decisions like whether to renew its suspension. We also have an heirloom of a family van, approaching its twelfth year and therefore well into midlife maintenance needs.
The alternative is to simply buy a newer car, or even to split it into two again. I can well afford to, but either option makes a few modifications / upgrades to the existing Golf look hugely cheaper.
Bah. I’ve got no idea what to do!
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