Modified Cars...

[tec]

When I was looking for a CLK and E-Series I noticed there were a lot of cars advertised that have what I would describe as boy racer/drug dealer modifications.

Maybe I am just getting old, but I would not even consider looking at cars with blacked out windows, larger than standard wheels, and bolt on exhausts.

It's the same story when looking at BMW's for sale, so have the Vauxhall Corsa brigade now moved up market?

I don't see the attraction of larger wheels as it increases tyre costs, and it's one reason I did not purchase a BMW, as most have 18-inch wheels.

I don't see any point in so called privacy glass/blacked out windows as what have you got to hide?

All these are mods that also need to be declared to the insurers which will further increase costs, so I just don't see the point. Rant over!

 

[Charles Morgan]

I used to have a similar view, but over time I've come to the conclusion that some mods, though not for me, really do make a car look good or fun (the slammed W115 that came to the Bicester meet last year was hilarious), but there is such a fine line between good and pants that I'd rather leave it to others!

 

[MancMike]

I fully concur.

 

[Giantvanman]

Some mods are good, some are rubbish but in the end, beauty is in the eye of the beholder or more accurately in this case, the owner. Why get worked up about what someone does to their car? Live and let live and quietly mock the afflicted (them) as they mock the boring (us).

 

[mat8n]

You're now officially old.

It's called fashion, nothing to do with drug dealers or boy racers.

When cost overrides style in your choosing of a car you are either past it or not a petrol head.


Obviously fashion is an individual choice but I dare say the 'boy racer' cars are as well as if not better looked after. The standard trim ones will just be a car that the dealer wanted to sell. (again obviously there are exceptions).

 

[Alps]

Mostly just modern cars or people trying to make older cars look more modern. Granted a few fail and look rubbish lol

before most cars were 15 " wheels - now standard is 18-19"

tinted windows come as standard or at least a factory option. (rears only now)

chrome exhausts are standard now on most models - before used to be bolt on.

 

[Tan]

Talking of upgraded exhausts, I remember a few years back people were being mocked for adding imitation twin exit exhausts, now I believe some W205 models have imitation exhaust trims on the rear valence.

In generally though, unless I could be assured that mods had been carried out professionally, I would steer clear of a modded car.

 

[Bellow]

Maybe I am just getting old, but I would not even consider looking at cars with blacked out windows, larger than standard wheels, and bolt on exhausts.

Not modified. Somewhere between this....

Mostly just modern cars or people trying to make older cars look more modern.

....and customised.
Modified (to me) is to make alterations that enhance the driving experience.

Privacy glass - make your car look like a van! Obviously, I just don't get it...

 

[AMGeed]

^ The real point of privacy glass is supposed to keep the car cooler in hot weather. Why anyone wouldn't want to be seen inside a car is beyond me

 

[AMGeed]

Talking of upgraded exhausts, I remember a few years back people were being mocked for adding imitation twin exit exhausts, now I believe some W205 models have imitation exhaust trims on the rear valence.

In generally though, unless I could be assured that mods had been carried out professionally, I would steer clear of a modded car.

Even MB would be mocked by the OP as one exit on each side of the quad pipes found on most 55k and 63 engines serve no purpose but to enhance the look.

 

[geraldrobins]

^ The real point of privacy glass is supposed to keep the car cooler in hot weather. Why anyone wouldn't want to be seen inside a car is beyond me

Isnt there a slight safety issue as well in that other traffic can see through the car at oncoming vehicles and other hazards. Following a car with heavily tinted winded windows can be like following a van.
But its just my opinion but I prefer only minimal tinting if at all.

 

[AMGeed]

Isnt there a slight safety issue as well in that other traffic can see through the car at oncoming vehicles and other hazards. Following a car with heavily tinted winded windows can be like following a van.
But its just my opinion but I prefer only minimal tinting if at all.

Good point and something I never thought about.
However, following a car with tinted rear window would be no different to following a van without back windows. Just be extra alert.

 

[Scott_F]

You're now officially old.

It's called fashion, nothing to do with drug dealers or boy racers.

When cost overrides style in your choosing of a car you are either past it or not a petrol head.

But sometimes "fashion" simply equates to "barry".

Having a bit of taste doesn't make someone old or preclude them from being a car enthusiast.

 

[mat8n]

But sometimes "fashion" simply equates to "barry".

Having a bit of taste doesn't make someone old or preclude them from being a car enthusiast.

Yes it does, but privacy glass and larger wheels and unnecessary extra exhaust pipes are a manufacturer trend these days.

That to me means the OP is out of touch with modern style(getting old).
Being an enthusiast doesn't make you a petrol head.

There's nothing wrong with liking what you like though.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I think the trend towards modding is also because of how cars seem to be all morphing into the same shapes/design so some people want to add a touch of individuality.

 

[gunning]

I'm with Charles M on this one, there is a fine line between what is good and bad! Age appropriate wheels is fine, some facelift features etc or with old school a good low ride and old school rims.

I'd happily run 19" amg 3's on a w211

I run factory 20" on my daily 300c touring with no loss of comfort at all. Looks better too in my opinion. If I cared about it enough id also put the startech body kit and exhaust on it as it gives it a better stance. I'm not a fan of non factory kits as they just look cheap and you often don't get a great fitment/ quality.

 

[gunning]

I think the trend towards modding is also because of how cars seem to be all morphing into the same shapes/design so some people want to add a touch of individuality.

Couldn't agree more, cars are just cardboard cut outs of each other now. The Americans have been modding properly for years, it's just not big over here (or as cheap)

 

[merc85]

Done in good taste

Here's my old Volvo 850 that i modified from the subframe up but i always tried to keep the car looking as original and as functional as possible.

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Power went from 225bhp to 297 bhp /256whp was great fun and made money on her when sold as it was all done well.

 

[John]

Here's my old Volvo 850 that i modified from the subframe up but i always tried to keep the car looking as original and as functional as possible.

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Power went from 225bhp to 297 bhp /256whp was great fun and made money on her when sold as it was all done well.

Definitely was one of the better looking and my preferred estates of the 90s.

TOCA made them cool as well as did Volvo's engineering and styling department...

 

[tec]

That to me means the OP is out of touch with modern style(getting old).

It's not that I am out of touch with the modern styling, I just don't want to buy a used car that is not in original spec as it left the factory.

In my opinion a cars value is reduced by adding parts that were not there when it left the factory.