Overhaulin'

Am I better off buying a pre-modified car or doing it myself (read description)?

So Im wanting to have a modified car (so have tints, alloys, exhaust, lexus lights), am I better off buying one thats already been modified so I dont need to do anything/partly done (so just like tints and alloys maybe), or buying a stock car and doing it myself. Obviously if money was no object Id do it myelf, but Ive got about £3500 for it. Ive worked out I need about 700-1000 of that for insurance, so the rest can be spent on the car. So either buy a pre done one for about £2500, or buy a car for about £1500 and then modify it myelf (Ive allocated about 1K for the modifications). I DONT WANT ANSWERS LIKE MODED CARS ARE SH*T OR STUFF LIKE THAT

Public Comments

1. I think it depends on a couple of things, like how proficient you are at doing any mod work yourself and if you can find one that is modded the way you want. If you do it yourself you can put your own personal stamp on the car and it may end up cheaper and you can do things as you go along when you have the time and money. If you buy one that is already done up then you will pay more at the time but save yourself a lot of labour.
2. Your under estimating insurance if your a new driver as by modifying the car it will be at least 2k. 1K will buy cheap alloys and tyres. Tints can be done on the rear side and back windows for around £100. Depending on the car your after the exhaust could be from £200 upwards. Forget the Lexus lights as they went out in the 90's they look cheap. Best option would to buy a car that has already been Chavved up as it will save you money in the long run.
3. You could buy a modified car, but take into consideration that the previous owner could have 'flogged the guts out of it'. better to do the mod. yourself. Also, you Must let your insurance know of every mod. you make ( or has been made ) to the car as this will raise the premium. A has been said previously, the insurance could cost you more than the car ! I would make enquiries first so that you do not get a shock. All The best.
4. All depends on the type of car you would like, coupe, hatchback, Saloon etc and any particular make/model and not just a modified one, Saxo's are an easy starter to mod cheapish, with Civic's a tad more, next would be BMWs/Audi's and finally cars that cost the most, not just because of the parts, Evos, Skylines, Rx7. but enough dreaming, out of your price range. Back to the question, buying a pre-modded car can seem all good and dandy but you must take in to account a few things, quality of parts, quality of fitting and legality of mods (tinted lights are illegal). on the plus side you can save alot (due to being used Parts basically). With doing the mods yourself, you know exactly what goes on, how it goes on (correctly) and to your taste and style. i went Standard and started from the engine out as looks are good but not if your out smoked by a 1.0 micra (embarrassing). but if your going for looks £500 alloys, £300 exhaust, £200 (set) Lights & £ Tinted £100-200 depending on quality. Hope this helps : )