So long, farewell

Sooner or later, you’ll probably want to sell your car. The modifications that

you add to your car will serve as a red flag to potential buyers, whether they

buy from you or the dealer with whom you will be trading in the car, that the

car has been abused or otherwise tampered with.

Ironically, most modified cars likely have been more meticulously maintained

than the leased cars that are treated like disposable cars. An enthusiast bonds

with his or her car and would never forget to fill up with premium gas or miss

an oil change. The same can’t be said of someone who figures that the car he

or she is driving today needs to stay intact only so long as the lease is in effect.

Reselling your car

To preserve the value of your car, keep the stock parts. For better or worse,

stock cars have a higher value on the open market. Even tuners shopping for

their next hot ride generally prefer to fix up a stock vehicle to their liking, and

not buy something that has already been enhanced.

Label the stock parts and document them with Polaroids or digital pictures

so that you (or your mechanic) know where they are and how they go back

together.

Reselling your parts

There is an enormous secondary market for automotive performance parts.

Online auctions like eBay and enthusiast boards offer free or inexpensive

classified listings.

Recouping losses on an unfinished project is easier if you can return the car

to stock condition and sell its hot rod goodies separately.