Selling a modified car in 2025 explained

What counts as a car modification?

Any intentional change to your car’s looks or performance can be considered a modification. We’ve listed some of the most common car mods in the table below:

How much is a modified car worth?

When it comes to modified cars, the usual car valuation factors come into play (e.g. make, mileage, condition, and market demand). Additionally, any modifications can also positively or negative affect resale value.

If your car only has minor alterations (e.g. debadging), you can enter your registration number and mileage into our free car valuation tool to get a quote in under 30 seconds.

If your car has more significant changes (e.g. body modifications), we recommend emailing wbac-valuations@webuyanycar.com with details and clear photos of the car and its modifications to ensure an accurate valuation.

Is it harder to sell a modified car?

Yes, it’s often more difficult to sell a modified car.

Aesthetic modifications might limit the vehicle’s appeal, as they are highly subjective. Radical cosmetic changes may reduce the resale value and pool of potential buyers, as the brand and model recognition will be reduced.

Extensive tweaks with aftermarket parts may also raise concerns about safety and reliability.

How do I sell a modified car? (step-by-step)

You can sell a modified car through the same channels as any conventional model. However, there are a few extra considerations. We’ve broken down the steps for each selling avenue below:

Selling a modified car to webuyanycar

1. Enter your registration number and mileage into our free car valuation tool. Don’t forget to declare any modifications.

2. Book your appointment at any of our 500+ UK branches.

3. Travel to your appointment. If you’re happy to sell, we’ll send the money to your bank.

Selling a modified car privately

1. Follow our tips to prepare your car for resale to maximise its appeal and value when selling privately.

2. Take good quality photos of the interior and exterior of the car in clear daylight.

3. Create listings on car advertising websites and online forums. Remember to include the photos and details of the car’s age, mileage, and condition. If your car is heavily modified, it’s best to target niche enthusiast sites and communities whose members are likely to appreciate it.

4. Remember to declare all modifications on your listings, including details and photographs for each one wherever possible.

5. Arrange viewings and test drives and ask a friend or family member to accompany you to ensure everything goes smoothly.

6. Be prepared to haggle to close the sale.

Selling a modified car at a dealership

1. Prepare your car for sale and gather the documents needed before selling it at a dealership.

2. We recommend contacting a few dealerships in your area to find out their stance on modified vehicles and whether they may be interested in buying yours. This will help you avoid disappointment, as some dealers won’t buy cars with significant modifications.

3. Visit any dealers that have shown an interest and be prepared to negotiate to get the best possible deal.

Where can I sell a modified car?

What to consider when selling a modified car

If you’re still thinking of selling your vehicle privately or to a dealership, there are a few things you should consider:

Will reversing upgrades increase my car’s value?

If the upgrades have reduced your resale value, reversing them might help to restore some of that lost value, providing the work is carried out to a high standard.

While there are some upgrades that are easy to reverse, many modifications that are considered reversible are surprisingly difficult to remove. For instance, paint jobs and wraps are notoriously tough to remove – and often leave behind marks and scratches, so you might need a respray as well.

If you’re looking to reverse modifications, we’d always recommend getting the job done professionally at a reputable garage. Remember to keep paper or digital records to show to prospective buyers.

Disclose all known modifications

When listing your car for private sale or taking it to a dealership, make sure you have a full list of the modifications carried out, including key details such as the brand names of any upgraded parts.

Get an accurate valuation

Always get an accurate valuation before selling so you can make an informed decision on how and where to sell your modified car. This will also give you a clear picture of what is (and isn’t) a reasonable offer for your motor.

Does remapping a car devalue it?

Your car is likely to lose value if the remapping voids the warranty, or the work has not been carried out to a professional standard.

Modifications of this nature are highly subjective. Many manufacturer dealerships won’t buy cars that have had significant modifications, as it can be difficult to tell whether their safety or performance have been compromised.

Niche private buyers will sometimes pay a little extra for a remapped car, but this will depend on the model.

Considerations before modifying your car

Modifications don’t just affect your car’s resalste value. They can also have implications for various aspects of car ownership including:

• Insurance policies: Your car’s insurance agreement is only valid if the car remains as it was when you took out your policy. If you modify your car, you’ll need to tell your insurance company and may face increased insurance costs. If you don’t tell your insurer about the modifications, any insurance claims you make will likely fall through.
• Servicing costs: Some modifications can increase the cost of having your car serviced, as you’ll need a bespoke service rather than a standard one. Some garages may even refuse to service your vehicle if the modifications could complicate repairs.
• Warranty: Your car warranty could be voided if you make certain modifications.
• Car tax: 123

Illegal car modifications

Certain car modifications are illegal in the UK, including:

• Exhausts purposely modified to exceed 74 decibels.
• Lights that emulate or resemble blue lights from emergency vehicles.
• Tinted headlights.
• Neon lighting (except underglow lighting).
• Excessive window tints: Front windows must allow at least 75% of light to pass through (and front side windows at least 70%) in most vehicles.

Making any of these modifications to your car won’t just drastically reduce its market value; it could also land you in hot water with the authorities. This list is not exhaustive, so check any planned mods are legal before you proceed.

If you’re caught driving a car with illegal modifications, you could be fined £1,000 or more.