Guide
Selling a modified car
Sell your modified car quick with our top tips. Create your car advert today or sell directly to a dealership for free on Autotrader.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 20 August 2025 | 0 min read
Is it finally time to say goodbye to your car you spent hours personalising? Worry not, we’re here to help. In this guide, we explain how to sell your modified car and tips on how to make your advert stand out for a quick sale.
Selling a modified car
Selling a modified car can be slightly harder as you need to find the right buyer for your car who'll be okay with the customisations. Some buyers actively look for modifications that make their car stand out or improve its performance or safety.
So when selling a modified car, make sure your advert clearly explains what has been modified and how it affects the way the car drives, so you attract the right buyers.
So when selling a modified car, make sure your advert clearly explains what has been modified and how it affects the way the car drives, so you attract the right buyers.
What counts as a modification on a car?
There are two main types of car modifications:
1. Cosmetic modification – this includes changes made to the car’s appearance. These changes include interior updates like dashboard or LED lighting customisations, or exterior updates like changes to the car’s paintwork or the rooftop vents 2. Performance modification - this includes changes that improve the handling, fuel efficiency, power, or speed of the car. For example: modifications made to the engine, steering or filtration system. Whenever you modify your car, you should ensure it’s legal in the UK. Modifications like neon lights, headlight tints, window tints and excessively loud exhausts are illegal in the UK as they can be unsafe for the driver and other road users. Driving a car with illegal modifications can land you with penalties and fines. If your car has any illegal modifications, you should contact a professional to reverse the changes as soon as possible. We recommend holding onto your receipts when you get any modifications. You can use these receipts for insurance purposes. They can also help you sell your car quicker as they prove the modifications are legal and have been done by a professional. When selling your car, make sure you mention the type of modification that has been made, which part of the car has been changed and when was the car modified.
1. Cosmetic modification – this includes changes made to the car’s appearance. These changes include interior updates like dashboard or LED lighting customisations, or exterior updates like changes to the car’s paintwork or the rooftop vents 2. Performance modification - this includes changes that improve the handling, fuel efficiency, power, or speed of the car. For example: modifications made to the engine, steering or filtration system. Whenever you modify your car, you should ensure it’s legal in the UK. Modifications like neon lights, headlight tints, window tints and excessively loud exhausts are illegal in the UK as they can be unsafe for the driver and other road users. Driving a car with illegal modifications can land you with penalties and fines. If your car has any illegal modifications, you should contact a professional to reverse the changes as soon as possible. We recommend holding onto your receipts when you get any modifications. You can use these receipts for insurance purposes. They can also help you sell your car quicker as they prove the modifications are legal and have been done by a professional. When selling your car, make sure you mention the type of modification that has been made, which part of the car has been changed and when was the car modified.
How to sell a modified car
List all the modifications
When advertising your modified car, make sure your advert lists all the modifications that have been made to the car – no matter how small or big.
Be detailed
Provide as much detail about the modification as possible.
For example, if you’ve modified your car’s tyres, mention the tyre and rim size, the load capacity of the modified tyres, the brand and tyre type. If the modification helps improve the car’s performance or safety, mention that in the advert. If you’ve added a tyre sticker then take a close-up photo of how the tyres look.
For example, if you’ve modified your car’s tyres, mention the tyre and rim size, the load capacity of the modified tyres, the brand and tyre type. If the modification helps improve the car’s performance or safety, mention that in the advert. If you’ve added a tyre sticker then take a close-up photo of how the tyres look.
Manage your expectations
We know that modifying your car takes time and money, but it doesn’t mean that potential buyers will be willing to pay the same amount as how much you splashed out on modifying the car.
For example: If a modification costs you £1,000, buyers may not value it as that price. Mention how the modification helps improve the car’s performance or how it changes the car’s look to help get you some money back for it, but it may not be the same amount as what you spent. Use our Valuations tools to find out how much your car is worth, and price your car accordingly.
For example: If a modification costs you £1,000, buyers may not value it as that price. Mention how the modification helps improve the car’s performance or how it changes the car’s look to help get you some money back for it, but it may not be the same amount as what you spent. Use our Valuations tools to find out how much your car is worth, and price your car accordingly.
Be honest
Being open and honest about your car’s history helps build trust. If your car’s got any scrapes or if you’ve had any damages fixed in the car then let it be known in the advert. Also highlight it in the advert if you have your car’s records for its service history and any receipts about the car’s modifications, as this reassures potential buyers.
Should I reverse my car’s modifications before selling it?
Car modifications can affect the value of your car.
• If a modification improves safety or performance, it may add value. • If it lacks broad appeal, is poorly executed, or reduces reliability, it can devalue your car. Speak to a professional car modifier to assess whether reversing the changes made to your car might help you get a better price.
• If a modification improves safety or performance, it may add value. • If it lacks broad appeal, is poorly executed, or reduces reliability, it can devalue your car. Speak to a professional car modifier to assess whether reversing the changes made to your car might help you get a better price.
Can I sell a modified car to a dealership?
If you want to sell your modified car quickly, you can sell them directly to a dealership for free on Autotrader.
When selling to a dealership, always disclose all modifications. Once you’ve given us all the details and photos of your car, we will list your car in our daily auction. After 48 hours, we will send you the highest bid made by our trusted dealers. You can choose to accept the offer or reject and wait for another offer. Ready to sell your modified car? Create your car advert today or sell to a dealer directly for free on Autotrader.
When selling to a dealership, always disclose all modifications. Once you’ve given us all the details and photos of your car, we will list your car in our daily auction. After 48 hours, we will send you the highest bid made by our trusted dealers. You can choose to accept the offer or reject and wait for another offer. Ready to sell your modified car? Create your car advert today or sell to a dealer directly for free on Autotrader.