Running Cost Of Modifications?

[Whistler]

Hi Guys,

I'm planing to modify or buy modified IS250. Would like to ask you what is the cost of having the modified car, I mean insurance, tax, mot. Have this increase much? No engine modification, just the look, bumpers, spoilers, grill, Xenon lights, exhaust tips, shorter springs (35mm possible) and 19 inches wheels.

Also because of the 19" wheels, would it affect petrol consumption? Any other costs?

Is it much harder to sell it?

Many thanks

[jamesm182]

Tax and MOT will not change in cost.

Insurance will no doubt increase a little when you declare your mods but the amount will depend on many factors.

Yes, it will be harder to sell as you are limiting your market to only those people wanting a modified one with similar tastes to you.

[CustomIce]

When changing the wheels you ideally need to keep the rolling radius the same as stock, so bigger wheel means lower profile tyre (usually) this also means the speedo will show the same as per the stock setup.

The fuel thing comes down to unsprung weight, lower weight alloys means less effort to turn them thus less fuel used, but this is likely to be in the meters per gallon range of difference.

Call your insurer, and run through a hypothetical change with them, there are a number of modified specialist insurers, I've used Adrian Flux before for some good deals on a mildly modded Generation 4 Celica (1989)

Means if you have an accident you'll get the broken non stock bits covered, and it won't invalidate you policy unlike not telling them!

When I've modded cars in the past i tend to keep the stock bits for reverting to original spec where possible.

[ColinBarber]

wheels can make a big difference to mpg. Normally people tend to go wider along with bigger wheels so you have more weight and more rolling resistance. Moving from 17" to 18" on my old GS430 made around 2 to 3 mpg difference (getting on for 10%). The current IS300h official figures show a 4 mpg difference in 17" to 18" (7%).

[Whistler]

Thanks for your answer guys.

ColinBarber is it positive MPG difference?

[ColinBarber]

No, going bigger is worse.

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,

If you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line. If you wanted to PM me some contact details I'd be happy to arrange for one of my quotes team to give you a call.

Regards,

Dan.

[hamj267]

my mpg actually got better with my 19's and lowered etc

[Whistler]

I've bought new car Friday and it is amazing. It is lowered by 35mm, 19" wheels sport exhaust and ISF body-kit. Insurance went up £28 for the remaining 6 months. With the consumption I will probably know more, next moth. So will let you know guys.

Dan, I already have insurance with Admiral, but will try Adrian Flux in January. Thanks

[CustomIce]

So did you go from an IS200 to a 250 with mods declared? If it only went up £28, good deal matey!

Good luck with the new car! any pics?

[Whistler]

yes from is200 to is250 with all mods declared. I will put some pictures Saturday when I finish polishing and waxing :)