On your search for modified cars, you’ll find they are typically sold by private sellers. For a number of reasons a lot of dealerships don’t like getting involved with modified vehicles. What this means is you will need to be extra careful when buying a used modified car. Below you’ll discover the top things to look out for and what you need to consider before parting with any money.
Avoid over-modified cars
Modifications can improve the speed and performance of a car. However, too many can actually have the opposite effect. It is easy for an owner to get carried away and modify practically every part of the vehicle. The trouble is, over-modifications can cause issues with road handling. Above all else, you need to be sure the car is safe to drive and it meets all necessary safety laws. If it doesn’t, not only could you find yourself in trouble with the law, but it could also cause issues with your insurance.
Be prepared to pay higher insurance costs
Insurance is generally more expensive for modified cars. Before you buy one, be sure to check exactly what the insurance costs will be. Can you afford it? Confused.com has an excellent guide on the price of modified car insurance and the different factors that can bump up the cost.
Who did the modifications?
One of the most important things to look into is who actually made the modifications on the car? Was it the owner or was it taken to a specialist garage? If the owner fitted the parts you cannot guarantee how well they were fitted. You could end up buying a car that has the wrong parts, making it unsafe to drive. Always ask for proof of modifications so you know it was done professionally.
Asking the right questions
When buying a modified car, you need to ask the same questions as you would if you were buying a standard model. Why are they selling? How much mileage does it have? When was the last time it had an MOT? If you are buying the car privately you are usually relying upon the owner’s word that the car is ok. Therefore it is often a good idea to take a mechanic with you or take it to a garage for a service or check over, such as this dealership in Middlesbrough. They will be able to look the car over and pick up on any work that may need to be done. Modifiedcars4sale has a checklist of questions you should ask when looking for a modified car.
Overall there are many factors you need to think about before you part with your hard earned cash. Buying a car that is already modified can save you a lot of work. However, it is a lot riskier than buying a non-modified model. Keep the factors above in account and ideally look for a dealership that offers modified cars. They will be a lot more reliable than a private seller.