MODs and Resale Value

[m85476585]

Background: I have a 2007 V8, and it's finally old enough that I'm comfortable making some changes to make it more capable off-road. And since it's not my daily driver, I don't mind having it out of commission to do some work on it or if I damage it. My daily driver is a Prius, so the 4runner sees 90% pavement and 10% off-road, instead of 99% pavement and 1% off-road when it was also my daily driver.

My question is, how do off-road mods affect resale value? Are there any that help? Or are there any that hurt? I know I would be extremely hesitant to buy a modded vehicle, because I don't trust anyone to do it right. Right now mine is all stock (and I take pride in the stock-ness of it!)

I'm planning on keeping it for a few years, until either Toyota or Ford comes out with a plug-in hybrid 4runner or Bronco. When that happens I'll sell both vehicles and buy that. I don't mind spending a bit to increase off-road capability of the 4runner in the meantime, but I don't want to waste money either.

I'm in Colorado, so I would think there would be a good market for off-road capable vehicles, but I have no idea. There are tons of trails here, but with a stock vehicle I'm only comfortable doing easy and medium trails for the most part (which have still taken me a lot of incredible places).

Some things I'm considering, in no particular order:

• Larger All-Terrain Tires (have nearly bald highway tires now)
• Lift to allow for larger tires
• Rear diff locker
• C4 Fab low profile front bumper (or maybe not, if I don't need a winch)
• Skid plates
• Rock sliders

 

[JONBOY345]

Mods don't add value for 99.999% of buyers, so you should go in with the expectation that you'll never see that money back in resale. There's a very select few people who wind up looking for a turn-key rig and are willing to pay for it.

As long as the mods are tasteful and not over the top, generally, I don't believe it will hurt resale as long as you keep all receipts and complex mods (rear locker for example from your list) are done by a shop and those receipts are also kept.

If you're worried about recouping money from your mods, keep your OEM parts where reasonable (skids for example), and sell your aftermarket parts separately.

 

[Thebeastlives]

Even a mod fan like me avoids vehicles that have been modified because now any issues become my issue and since I didn't do them it because increasingly difficult to get stuff fixed or service. Plus there isn't 1 way to add aftermarket equipment and your route might not work for even someone who likes a modified vehicle.

 

[Flybynight]

My rig has all that and I am sure it would sell for 15K right now. BUT, what is 15K going to get me on the used market that isn't a value plummeting unreliable POS?

 

[inscarguy]

You build a car for you, not what someone else thinks or wants from it.

My grandfather who managed dealerships for years always said to me " a car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it".

If you want to build it, go for it. You are the one who has to enjoy it. If you do decide to sell it privately and you get no buyers, put the stock stuff back on.

 

[patkelly4370]

I bought mine used from a Toyota dealership.
That particular 4runner caught my eye because the previous owner leveled it and put good, oversized tires and wheels on it. Saved me the time and money of doing it myself (which I'd never end up doing. Something else will always come up. Like my sliders which are now new tires on Wifes truck).
I have added a couple of things a potential buyer (never selling) might appreciate. 'A' pillar handle and front recovery points.
I don't think full skids would be a deal breaker to a potential buyer (never selling).
The true cementing of our relationship will be installing a snorkle (vertical fresh air intake). Anything else can be undone relatively easier.
I was attracted by changes that were in the direction I want to go with my truck.

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