Would you ever buy a modified car?

[midsmike]

I would buy 1 most of the time u can tell in the first 5 min of meeting the owner if hes looked after the car with me my engine cums first like im driving wiv no back box because the middle section is rotton but in saving for full stainless yet my car has had 2 services since the bk box was hanging off

[KozmoNaut]

Like most here, before committing to buy any vehicle, I need to meet and talk to the owner. Do they seem like a sensible person? Any boy-racer/anger/personality issues? Are the papers in order? Do they keep a log of fuel usage and service history?

The list of "sorry mate, not interested anyway" reasons include:

• Any modifications to emissions systems other than those performed legally by an authorized brand garage, such as decatting, EGR removal or DPF removal. It's illegal and would likely cause me significant issues in regards to roadworthiness tests.
• Modifications to the engine, gearbox or differentials, unless the owner gives off a very very trustworthy impression. Even then, I want extensive paperwork to certify what's been done and by whom. This goes triple for any kind of performance-enhancing modification.
• Any sort of body kit that wasn't offered by the OEM on a different trim level, and that's still a huge "maybe" depending on my impression of the owner.
• Performance badges on a non-performance model. OPC badges on a lesser Opel, M badges on a lesser BMW, AMG badges on a lesser Mercedes and so on. Any such badges on the outside of the vehicle is an instant failure. I'll make an exception for OEM performance-badged steering wheels and gearknobs if they're tasteful and provide a benefit over the base unit. Steering wheel controls, better materials, that sort of thing. For instance, some BMWs came with absolutely hideous steering wheels on some models, that were replaced with much nicer units post-facelift.
• Gaudy alloys or alloys that are way too big for the car, for instance anything bigger than 17" on a 406. Aftermarket wheels are fine, as long as they're tasteful and appropriately sized.
• Debadged cars in general. Removing the name and engine size from the boot is OK, especially since BMW and Mercedes will sell you debadged cars from the factory. But removed brand badges from the grille and boot, and possibly fitting an angry-looking aftermarket grille? That's an instant failure, as well.
• Shaved door handles, "bad boy" bonnets, removed rear wipers, single front wiper mod, aftermarket front/rear lights, huge fart can exhaust, chrome skull gear knobs or other boy-racer type mods? Instant failure, but I wouldn't even be looking at a car like that in the first place.
• Super tinted windows. A good tint job with only a slight tint can be OK, if it's been professionally installed and uses good tint film from 3M or the like. Cheap purple-ish tint is not acceptable.
• Big stupid stereo or obvious signs of having had a big stupid stereo. A nice tasteful upgrade of stock components is fine, but no boot-filling subs, please.
• "Slammed" or significantly lowered cars. A small drop is ok, but only if the new components are of good quality, and probably only if the base car has a known suspension problem that was fixed by the mod. Like for instance the 2003-2012 Fiat Panda, which is oversprung and underdamped stock, and the stock Fiat struts have bushings that wear out quickly.

As you can see, I'm probably the most annoying buyer in the world. I don't like mods. I want paperwork, I want documentation. I want service records, at least for the last 2-3 services. I'm putting up a significant amount of money for a vehicle, I want it to be near-perfect and as close to stock as possible. Of course, all used cars will have wear and tear, but it all comes down to how the owner has handled said wear and tear.

For motorcycles, I take a slightly more liberal stance. Motorcyclists are almost always enthusiasts who keep their vehicles in good shape. A bigger exhaust, a Power Commander (ECU tuning box) or modified suspension/front forks generally don't scare me away, as long as the work seems solid and the owner seems trustworthy. Plus, on motorcycles, everything is more exposed and visible, it's very easy to spot a knackered chain or weeping strut seals on a bike.

For instance, take my 406. One owner, a sensible middle-aged man. Employed at a Peugeot dealership, had every scheduled service done on time regardless of mileage, only 122K km on the odometer. Stock everything, even the stereo. From looking at it and driving it, you wouldn't think it a 13-year-old car at all. Only things I've had to have replaced on it were the rear drop links and the speedo control box. And I paid about 10% less than the normal asking price for 406s that aren't nearly as well-maintained. It's all about the patience to wait until the perfect car comes along.