[Clark_Kent]

You don't modify your car because you expect a return on your "investment". A vehicle by no means is an equitable asset so this should be common knowledge. As Tortfeasor mentioned, its an investment in fun. I get satisfaction every time I inset the key in the ignition and turn it. I am passionate about my car but I know where to draw the line to not put myself in a financial bind over a hobby. You mentioned that you don't understand why people modify cars because they are not gaining any solid values, money and etc, out of it. Many people modify cars for the wrong reasons. There are many out there that enjoy the ego boost from compliments and respect that is garnered on the street/track or on an Internet car forum. I can honestly say that I LOVE THIS. I love what I do. As for my personal goals, I don't have lofty aspirations for the car. I just want to build a very capable street car. I would say that I will go a bit beyond Stage II ProTune but nothing over the top. Built motor, VOLK Racing wheels, GT35R, Hydra EMS. etc. is just more than I plan on spending. If you can't rationalize with ease the reason to modify your car then you are better off saving your money or buying something else.

[WOR440]

It's all in what you want

[Peleg]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

You don't modify your car because you expect a return on your "investment".

+1. It's really about what you want, but whatever it is, it will cost money, that money can't be recovered in most cases.

If you don't want to spend alot, just get stage 1 or 2.

Performance = money that you can't get back.

[blindfold]

Good investment= a house

Good fun= a kickass STi

[STiSubyMan]

Im pretty sure Modding is a big hobby, and to make your car different from all the rest.

[DragonXero13]

Like I said fellas, to each their own. Everyone has their own reasons to modify their cars. It's the limit of how far you're willing to go. Thanks for responding.

[Crewchief]

Originally Posted by yakmasterjack

and for me they simply aren't worth the money. Cars are a terrible investment, and mods are even worse

If you wanna mod your car but your worried about losing money, than this is DEFINITELY not the right hobby for you. I would try the stock market.

[Neanderthal Racing]

youre asking exactly the right question. if you can't stand the pressure, the expense or the depreciation - don't do it.

how to plan a big project build (if you are not an expert, yourself)

[yakmasterjack]

Originally Posted by Crewchief

If you wanna mod your car but your worried about losing money, than this is DEFINITELY not the right hobby for you. I would try the stock market.

Eh, look at the context of my original quote. I was saying extensive mods simply aren't worth the money for me personally, and to the OP if he was worried about the money, why did he get into a car such as the STi in the first place. Thanks though!

[traction_issuez]

You like firecrackers? Fireworked?, It's the same basic concept. Burning fireworks is like burning money. Building up a car does the same - I have two rides, 88 civic with LS motor in it as a daily driver for the most part and a STi. But things change as I get older and wish maybe I should have got a smaller turbo for the streets, since I already have a gt35R I wish I gone BIGGER!@

[Crewchief]

Originally Posted by yakmasterjack

Eh, look at the context of my original quote. I was saying extensive mods simply aren't worth the money for me personally, and to the OP if he was worried about the money, why did he get into a car such as the STi in the first place. Thanks though!

Just about any mod you do to the car is not going to yeild a loss financially. You buy a APS CAI even in new condition, never opened, your still not going to get what you paid for it. All modding is a loss of money, but it brings me happiness, so I dont have a problem with it.

[Grunt]

I think modding is ok, but I think where people typically go wrong is when they personalize their car way too much. Adding flatscreen monitors, extensive audio components, numerous gauges,crazy color schemes, stickers(<-to some degree) and whatnot. I just don't see how these people plan on selling these vehicles in the future. Me personally, I would do some minor mods to the engine only, but I refuse to "invest" 15K into a 30k car. That's just me.

[twiSTies]

Strictly speaking in terms of finances, ANY hobby will look bad.

So why have hobbies?

Enjoyment, fun, relaxation, excitement, etc.

Everyone will have different limits as to how far they want to take it with their hobby. Some will become obsessed by it and drive themselves insane trying to get everything they want. Others will be fine with one or two small changes, while others will do all the basic things and call it quits.

It's all dependent on what you want your car to become and how much time and money you are willing to put into it. To some, a 20g is a tiny turbo that is a waste of cash. To others, its the logical step up from a stg 2 and perfect for a daily driver.

Some want to have the baddest STi out there and money isn't an object in attaining that status. Others put their hobby before their real-life obligations and overspend themselves to try to reach this ever-changing dream.

So in summary, in order to justify the worth of something like this in a hobby, its important to remember how personal hobbies are and how different people will choose to experience them.

You can't always do that with the stock market.

[trbolvr]

I am looking to sell a car that I have put the purchsing price worth of mods into and I am having a hard time letting the car go because I know how much money I am loosing. So now with the STi I will only do Stage 2 and some springs/swaybars. At least I keep telling myself that!

[addicted2AWD]

Originally Posted by twiSTies

Strictly speaking in terms of finances, ANY hobby will look bad.

So why have hobbies?

Enjoyment, fun, relaxation, excitement, etc.

Everyone will have different limits as to how far they want to take it with their hobby. Some will become obsessed by it and drive themselves insane trying to get everything they want. Others will be fine with one or two small changes, while others will do all the basic things and call it quits.

It's all dependent on what you want your car to become and how much time and money you are willing to put into it. To some, a 20g is a tiny turbo that is a waste of cash. To others, its the logical step up from a stg 2 and perfect for a daily driver.

Some want to have the baddest STi out there and money isn't an object in attaining that status. Others put their hobby before their real-life obligations and overspend themselves to try to reach this ever-changing dream.

So in summary, in order to justify the worth of something like this in a hobby, its important to remember how personal hobbies are and how different people will choose to experience them.

You can't always do that with the stock market.

^^ I agree. ^^

Obviously we can all agree a car is not a good investment, even ones that are worth money. Cars are meant to be enjoyed not collected. It would be great to have a 1996 Porsche GT2 or 1970 LS6 454 Chevelle (my dream muscle car), and yes I would drive either till the tires fell off.

I have never had a car I really liked/wanted to mod (except my '86 Monte Carlo RIP), so I don't really know how the mod bug will affect me.

Do I throw caution to the wind and try to out gun my friend who wants to supercharge his Cobra or do I do some lite mods and still enjoy it as a daily driver? I guess only time will tell.


^_^_^