Modified cars are one of the hobbies and automotive trends that never subside because they have their own fans. Some people really like to modify or make changes to the condition of a car (whether it’s adding or replacing some parts with more unique and interesting ones) for several reasons, such as feeling easily bored with the car’s mediocre appearance, the desire to look different, or the desire to be different. gives a personal touch to the vehicle that is used every day. In essence, many modifications have been made to make the vehicle suit the owner’s tastes. Not infrequently, a person can have more than one custom or modified vehicle .
If you are interested in modifying a vehicle, it helps to know the ins and outs of a modified car first. The reason is, even though it looks cool, having a modified vehicle cannot be separated from its advantages and disadvantages. Especially, if you intend to sell it again. The following information will assist you in making decisions regarding vehicle modification.
Before modifying a car or buying a modified car, you should find out about the function of these modifications. Keep in mind, modification does not only mean changing the condition or appearance of the vehicle in a big way. Just attaching accessories, changing wheels , or shortening the vehicle’s suspension can be called a modification. However, there are modifications that involve major changes, such as in engine parts. In short, there are at least five parts of the car that are often targeted by car owners, namely interior, exterior and engine modifications, car legs, and audio. You don’t need to change these five sectors as a whole if you want to have a modified car. However, you can just choose a certain part that suits you and your modification budget.
As a place to express yourself, car modification trends also have several kinds of flow. Each genre has its own appeal and fans. Some even have forums or communities. Automotive lovers may already know what the various styles of modification are, especially those that are often found in Indonesia. However, if you don’t understand enough, here’s a list and an explanation. You can determine which one best suits your personal taste and make it a reference so that the results of vehicle modification are more focused.
1. Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)
The first type of car modification flow is JDM. JDM or short for Japanese Domestic Market is a type of car modification using components or spare parts that come directly from Japan and are not sold in Indonesia. There are two types of JDM, namely Pure JDM (all components are imported directly from Japan) and JDM Style (there are still components that do not come from Japan). This flow is suitable if you still want to use the car for daily activities because the results are still relatively simple, not excessive, still easy to see, and it is okay to use it every day.
2. Retro
Retro is a flow of car modification that is suitable for you lovers of classic style. Because it prioritizes originality, the modified car conditions resulting from this flow will return to the same as when it was first produced. Therefore, Retro modifications are usually applied to classic or old era cars.
If you want to make modifications like this, don’t forget to prepare more costs. The Retro genre is one of the most costly modification streams. Of course this is due to the scarcity of the components needed.
3. DUB
One of the hallmarks of this type of modification is the use of 20-26 inch chrome alloy wheels that make the vehicle look “sleek” when viewed. In addition, cars modified by DUB usually use bright paint and a wet look , complete with airbrush strokes that make the car look more shiny and luxurious. If totality, the car interior will also be made more elegant and added with a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) type sound system . With a sound system like this, the driver and people around the vehicle can hear a stronger bass boom . Overall, the DUB flow is perfect for those of you who want to highlight the luxury of a car.
4. VIP
Almost similar to the DUB stream, the VIP stream also aims to highlight the luxury of the vehicle. The difference is, DUB focuses on exterior luxury and VIP focuses on interior luxury. Examples of VIP modification are the addition of a sofa or minibar in the car, the use of high-quality leather as upholstery, or a reduction in accessories to create an elegant impression. Meanwhile, it is different from the sound system on a car modified by the DUB flow which makes the bass boom sound more optimally, the type of sound systemon cars modified by VIP flow, it is usually in the form of Sound Quality (SQ) which actually makes the sound sound more comfortable and spoil the ears. This flow modification should be chosen if comfort and luxury in the car are your top priorities.
5. Hellaflush
Hellaflush modification flow will change your vehicle to look more aggressive because it focuses on changing the legs of the vehicle. The principle of this flow is to make the car low, as low as possible until it is close to the ground. In this flow there is an assumption that the lower, the cooler your car. Therefore, usually the car will be modified by choosing very wide wheels so that the distance between the body and the legs of the car will be very low. The offset is also so wide that the tires look tilted as if they were about to come off. Sounds familiar, right?
Although widely applied by modifiers, Hellaflush is a school that is prone to causing problems. Some of the problems that might occur if you make this kind of change to your car are difficulty getting through bumps and climbs. This is caused by the distance between the car and the ground that is too low or even touching.
6. Street Racing
If you are happy with racing cars, you will definitely be tempted by the flow of this one car modification. Modifications are usually applied to the exterior is the use of body kit style race car, adding stickers nuances of racing in the body of the car, the replacement of wheels and brake discs into a model of racing , as well as the addition of wings on the back. In the interior, the modifications made are usually the replacement of the seats, steering wheel and dashboard to have a racing nuance . From the engine side, cars will usually be modified by adding components or upgradingmachine. Even though it is similar to a racing car, cars that are modified by the flow of Street Racing can usually still be used for everyday mobility.
7. Sleeper
Sleeper is a modified flow that only focuses on changing engine parts. The rest of the car will be left or made to look like an ordinary car. At an extreme level, the engine will usually be replaced with technical specifications that are so big that it actually doesn’t match the car’s capacity anymore. Modified cars of this flow can usually be found at night in an illegal drag race arena . No wonder there are pros and cons to this flow. Some countries, such as the United States, prohibit them because apart from being considered illegal, a car that exceeds the manufacturer’s limits is also considered dangerous for other drivers and drivers.
Modified Cars That Have Added Value
It is clear that car modification can not only just plug and replace components. You also have to think about the future appearance of the car and consider the ability or capacity of the car to accept the modifications made. After all, if done properly, car modification can add value to a vehicle so that later when it is about to be released the selling price will be high!
Modifications that can add value to a vehicle in general are modifications made to the outside of the engine. In addition, the value of the vehicle can also increase if the modifications made are in the form of upgrading or replacing car components with components of better brand or quality. With a note, these components are still in accordance with capacity and do not change the essential function of the car or other components. Examples are the use of high-end after-market wheels , upgraded head units , use of leather seats, addition of coil cover suspension , use of audio or sound systems with the latest technology, and so on.
In luxury cars, additional modifications (additional modifications) can also increase the selling value. The reason is that many potential consumers think that changes to luxury cars actually add to the exclusive impression of the vehicle. Especially if the modification uses components that are guaranteed brand, price, and quality. Not infrequently, there are people who even just want to buy modified components in a modified car.
Can not be separated from the risk
Although a car can look cooler according to taste and increase its selling value, having a modified car also has its own risks. If not done properly, modifications can even lead to high losses.
First, you can get a ticket by the police or even face legal trouble if the modifications you make are against the rules. In Indonesia itself, some examples of car modifications that are often deemed to violate the rules are the installation of sirens or strobe lights for private cars, changing the color of vehicle lights, to changing the engine or body with a version that does not match the vehicle documents. Such modifications are considered dangerous by local authorities because they can interfere with traffic comfort and safety.
Second, certain modifications can invalidate the valid vehicle warranty. Usually, a modification that invalidates the warranty or warranty of the vehicle is a modification that changes a crucial part of the vehicle. This guarantee can be lost instantly just because of taste or desire to be different. It is unfortunate if you have to experience this kind of risk.
The third risk is the decrease in the value or selling price of the vehicle. This risk mainly threatens modified cars that have undergone changes in engine parts. Based on the information from used car sellers, engine modifications can even reduce the selling value of up to IDR 10 million! This is understandable because modifications to the engine make the actual engine condition difficult to know. Enough engine components were affected by the changes so that an estimate of its condition was difficult to make. Even if the modified part is not a machine or just a minor modification in the design or interior, there are also types of potential buyers who don’t want to appreciate the modified components. Thus, the car is still purchased at the general market price.
Do not stop there, there is still a final risk that is no less severe. What is the risk if it is not a decrease in buyer interest, making it difficult to sell or sell. Not a few people are reluctant to buy a used car with a lot of renovations here and there because they are worried about damage or reduced car comfort. Some prospective buyers even feel that they do not need a modified vehicle at all. However, modified cars are not the taste of all markets. Only certain markets are eager and seeking. The main or majority market is still held by original cars.
How to Sell Modified Cars with More Profit
So, considering the many risks that are potentially detrimental, does that mean you are prohibited from modifying your vehicle? Certainly not. As already mentioned, car modification still has its positive side. After all, there was still a way to sell modified cars at a better profit.
There are two ways to make a profit when you want to sell a modified car. First, of course you can choose to offer the car directly to the community or fellow modification enthusiasts. This method is suitable for those of you who want to maintain the modified results, but do not want their car to be bought cheaply. Second, you also have the option to restore the used car to its original condition, including re-ensuring the originality of the components. This will help you make a profit in the more common used car buying and selling market.