Overhaulin'

Selling a modified car to a dealer?

I currently own a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. I have made some modifications to the car, such as: lowering springs & custom wheels. I am in a pinch now & need to sell my car quickly. I would like to sell it to a dealer so that I can purchase another car that is more suitable for families. My question is: can I take the car "as-is" to the dealer? Or should I put the factory springs/wheels back on the car before I trade it in? Any answers are appreciated! Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Take it as is. I turned my old car in with lower springs, coldair intake and several other mods. There is no need to undo it at all.
2. well the dealer never gives you what it's worth but they will take it either way.
3. dealers will take anything in trade, its not gona get you any more or less i dont think. I would put the original eqpt back on the car, trade it in, then sell the custom parts in the trading post or on ebay good luck.
4. Most Car Dealers are anxious to buy used cars at the lowest price possible. A good looking, good running car that appeals to a would be buyer will more likely pay a little extra for the modifications. Other big dealers with lots of cars to sell may be required by management policy to return the car to its original condition before taking it on a trade or when buying outright. I think you should ask the dealer which set-up will bring the most $$ return to you. If you think you could sell the lowering springs and custom wheels privately, the car should probably be returned to stock.
5. Generally, It is a good idea to try to return a car to original 'stock' before trying to sell it. Dealers usually do not give additional money for modifications to a car. Reason being is that when people are looking for a car, alot of the time they will want to by something they can modify in their own way. Modifications could actually cause some people to view the car as less valuable compared to a 'stock' car. Dealers know this. Wheels are sometimes (and I stress sometimes) the exception, especially if they are replacing original hubcaps / steel wheels. Either way, your custom parts will sell for more on their own (even the wheels). So, if you have the proper parts and time to take it back to stock, do it. And throw those custom parts on ebay!