Does customization impact resale
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 11
From: CA
A mod'd LS430 will attact a smaller pool of potential buys -> lower resale value.
Can you imagine how few people in the general population would even consider buying, say, a UL car that has had it's air suspension removed and replaced with coilovers (even stock non-UL suspension)?
Can you imagine how few people in the general population would even consider buying, say, a UL car that has had it's air suspension removed and replaced with coilovers (even stock non-UL suspension)?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
Modifying a car has to be done knowing the risk. That said, if you want to mod, mod out, just understand the window of resale closes with every added change or alteration. There will as many members have said be a small group out there looking for a car with mods already done so, dont panic if you are among those who have modified your Lexus.
Less is more if you do mod but, heck if money isnt an issue, enjoy your car, LIFE is short and tomorrow as today isnt promised. L.G.N.M
Less is more if you do mod but, heck if money isnt an issue, enjoy your car, LIFE is short and tomorrow as today isnt promised. L.G.N.M
A mod'd LS430 will attact a smaller pool of potential buys -> lower resale value.
Can you imagine how few people in the general population would even consider buying, say, a UL car that has had it's air suspension removed and replaced with coilovers (even stock non-UL suspension)?
Can you imagine how few people in the general population would even consider buying, say, a UL car that has had it's air suspension removed and replaced with coilovers (even stock non-UL suspension)?
a lot of people, not just in UL ls's. have to replace their factory air suspension's after going out,, like mercedes, cadilliac etc.. I know of two people locally that have had non air suspensions put back in and have since sold the vehicles with no issues.
'most' people wouldn't even know the difference in the air susp or non air susp. if and when i sold my car i would raise it up, put the stock wheels back on, make adjust the dampening to make it a little softer and just explain how after the air susp went out i had it replaced with regular suspension. i bet they don't even ask or care for that matter. 'most' people on this forum have stated how they wanted a UL but didn't want the worries of the air susp. now i have just the UL for them
Here is what I think of all my modded cars...===MONEY PIT!!!! Thats all it is. When you sell the car, you will never get the money back what you have put into it. Makes no sense to me but I will never ever ever learn as my ol lady tells me... LOL. She's right though. I will never stop!!!
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 11
From: CA
Actually, you did already make that bet if you ever want to sell your car. I am not talking about the people on this forum but the vast majority of general population of potential buyers. You believe they won't care, I believe they will care and wouldn't touch such a car with a 10foot pole. Sure, there will be the odd exception of a guy who sold his car to his buddy who's into the mod'd car but that will be rare.
Having said that, enjoy the car. It's all good just go into such a mod with your eyes wide open.
Having said that, enjoy the car. It's all good just go into such a mod with your eyes wide open.
yup ^ ^ ^, you are right for the most part... i still don't think many people will even know about the air. i have probably told 100+ people outside of this CL forum about my UL and only about 3 of them had even heard of a UL or even knew about it, maybe 1 knew about the air susp the other 2 just knew about the back seat amenities. i may have issues if i tried to sell it back to a dealership, who know they even might think its a blessing cuz then they don't have to worry about the air susp needing to be replaced.
so you really think that the average informed used car ls430 perspective buyer would have the knowledge that the UL should have air susp???
so you really think that the average informed used car ls430 perspective buyer would have the knowledge that the UL should have air susp???
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Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Yeah that 1 guy from VA always says it,, I finally asked him one time after googling it and asking a few people to no avail,, like alexus said, love god not money
Last edited by sojah; May 21, 2010 at 07:48 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
L.G.N.M means.....
So I use the initials to avoid confrontation with those who disagree with me. I always apologize to those who oppose my view and use of GOD because they get highly offended. So let me say again as I always do. I in no way am trying to offend anyone with the use of GOD and apologize for it. Sorry please no attacks I am not trying to preach nor talk religion. Sorry to any who were offended. L.G.N.M
I always find it amusing that some people find the littlest things offensive. I guess its because they can,, there are a lot of places on this earth where nobody cares if ur offended or not, and even some places where ur not even allowed to find something offensive, u just have to take it.. we are just spoiled that's all.
I find the word money offensive, I think it should be changed to love god not pesos...
L.G.N.P
I find the word money offensive, I think it should be changed to love god not pesos...
L.G.N.P
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
This is funny...
I always find it amusing that some people find the littlest things offensive. I guess its because they can,, there are a lot of places on this earth where nobody cares if ur offended or not, and even some places where ur not even allowed to find something offensive, u just have to take it.. we are just spoiled that's all.
I find the word money offensive, I think it should be changed to love god not pesos...
L.G.N.P
I find the word money offensive, I think it should be changed to love god not pesos...
L.G.N.P
Going back on topic, i think one should keep in mind that moding should only be for personal pleasure, not an investment. I think 9 out of 10 cases, modifications can only hurt the resale value.
Personally, i try to keep mods reversible so comes sale time, i can part out and sell. You can sell parts fast (if they are in demand) and the car will sell faster on the market as well.
Personally, i try to keep mods reversible so comes sale time, i can part out and sell. You can sell parts fast (if they are in demand) and the car will sell faster on the market as well.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: IL
I bought my LS430 about 3 months ago and I wouldn't have even considered a Lexus that has been modded to any significant degree nor would I pay any extra if it had been modded. Let's face it folks, the LS is a luxury car, not a sports car. Where I live, if people want a sports car, they get a MB AMG, a BMW or a Mustang GT. People who buy the Lexus LS want to be pampered but also are practical - they don't want to have an intimate relationship with their dealer's service center (if they do, they buy the Audi A8 or the 7 series BMW). To this crowd, the only mod that they would tolerate would be replacing the cigarette lighter box or maybe putting on some elegant but also custom wheels. Tinted windows are a definite minus and would decrease the resale value considerably.