Best cars to modify
Perhaps you want to customise the look of your car. Or maybe you’ve been watching some Fast & Furious films and have an urge to release the girl or boy racer inside. If you’re looking for the best cars to modify, we’ve compiled some things to consider.
A modified car is a vehicle that has been altered in some way from the manufacturer’s original specifications to improve its performance and appearance. Common modifications include:
- Tinted windows
- Loud exhausts
- Enhanced sound systems
- Alloy wheels
- Spoilers
- Body kits
- Lowered or raised suspensions
- Neon lights
If you’re considering selling your current car to help you buy one that’s better suited for modding, we can help. At Motorway, you can get a hassle-free, quick way to sell your vehicle. Giving you more time to find that perfect model for modification.
Top 10 cars to modify
Honda Civic
The versatile one
Price
RRP £35,005 – £39,805
Pros
👍 Delight to drive
👍 Nice and efficient
👍 Plenty of boot space
Cons
👎 Interior’s a touch dull
👎 Bit more expensive than others
Summary
Whether you’re diving into performance upgrades for more power from the engine, fine-tuning suspension mods for tighter handling, or simply adding a custom flair, the Civic handles it all with ease.
From street racers to show cars, this hatchback (or saloon) offers endless potential.The Honda Civic has long been a legend in the car modification scene, and for good reason. Its versatile platform, accessible aftermarket parts, and reputation for reliability make it one of the best cars for enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The dream project
Price
Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X RRP: £35,999 – £50,000
Pros
👍 Brilliant handling
👍 Packs a punch
👍 All-wheel-drive capability
Cons
👎 High maintenance costs
👎 Low fuel economy
Summary
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or Evo as it’s affectionately known, is a dream project car for modification fans. With rally-bred roots and an already potent turbocharged engine, it’s a prime candidate for engine upgrades that can push performance to jaw-dropping levels.
Its robust all-wheel-drive system and adaptable chassis make it one of the most exciting modified cars on the road or track. Whether you’re chasing horsepower records, refining handling, or crafting a street-ready beast, the Evo offers unlimited tuning potential.
Ford Fiesta ST
The tuner’s choice
Price
RRP: From £19,350
Pros
👍 Great fun to drive
👍 Decent standard equipment
👍 Cheap to run
Cons
👎 Not that practical
👎 So-so interior quality
Summary
The Ford Fiesta ST is a pocket rocket that’s one of the most often modified cars. Known for its punchy turbocharged engine and sharp handling, it’s perfect for tweaking performance and style.
The engine bay is a playground for upgrades, from larger intercoolers to turbo enhancements, while exhaust systems are often swapped out for sportier sound and improved airflow. Its lightweight chassis responds brilliantly to suspension tweaks, perfect for track days or spirited drives.
Affordable, fun, and endlessly customisable – the Fiesta ST is a tuner’s delight.
Subaru Impreza
The rally icon
Price
RRP: From £26,890
Pros
👍 Sharp handling
👍 Sticks to the road in the wet
👍 Unbeatable reliability
Cons
👎 Expensive to buy
👎 Not the best fuel economy
Summary
The Subaru Impreza is an icon of modded cars. It’s loved for its rally heritage, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and turbocharged engines.
The Impreza offers endless possibilities, whether you’re aiming for more speed, better handling, or a throatier growl. Exhaust upgrades are a popular first step, unleashing that signature burble while boosting airflow.
The Impreza’s robust platform easily handles power increases, making it perfect for improving performance without sacrificing reliability. From aggressive body kits to fine-tuned suspensions, the Impreza is a go-to for those wanting to make a statement on the road or track.
Toyota Supra
The fun one
Price
RRP: £40,171 – £46,474
Pros
👍 Lots of fun to drive
👍 Top-notch performance
👍 Quality infotainment system
Cons
👎 Cramped interior
👎 Limited outward visibility
Summary
The Toyota Supra is a stalwart of the modding scene, celebrated for its legendary driving experience and rear-wheel drive layout. In earlier generations, it was known for its robust 2JZ engine, which can handle staggering amounts of power with relative ease.
Whether adding bigger turbos, refining suspension modifications for track precision, or tweaking the exhaust for that unmistakable growl, the Supra is a playground for mod fans. Its sleek design and tunable platform make it a staple in car culture, proving time and again that this machine is built for speed and limitless potential.
Mini Cooper
The cult classic
Price
RRP: £23,270 – £36,570
Pros
👍 Great around town
👍 Fantastic-looking interior
👍 Relatively affordable
Cons
👎 Minature boot
👎 High maintenance costs
Summary
The Mini is undoubtedly a cult classic, blending iconic style with excellent handling and endless customisation potential. Whether you’re tweaking it for tighter cornering, squeezing out extra horsepower, or adding some visual flair, it’s a dream project for enthusiasts.
The Mini’s reasonable price makes it accessible to first-time modifiers and seasoned tuners. Plus, there’s something undeniably special about being the proud owner of a tricked-out Mini!
It’s a car with a character that shines even brighter when personalised. Compact, agile, and bursting with character, it’s a canvas for your creativity.
Nissan Skyline
The performance monster
Price
Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R RRP: From around £50,000
Pros
👍 Powerful performance
👍 Easy to tune
👍 Advanced technology
Cons
👎 High maintenance costs
👎 Drinks up fuel
Summary
The Nissan Skyline is a stone-cold legend of the modding community. It’s celebrated for its robust engines, tunable chassis, and iconic design.
Whether you want to increase power with bigger turbos or refine handling with upgraded suspension, the Skyline takes mods in stride. Its cosmetic mods scene is equally vibrant, with widebody kits, custom paint jobs, and aggressive aero designs, making each Skyline a head-turner.
This Japanese icon offers endless potential for enthusiasts, from track monsters to show cars. With a loyal following and endless aftermarket support, the Skyline isn’t just a car – it’s a benchmark of automotive creativity.
Mazda MX-5
The cool compact
Price
RRP: £28,015 – £34,835
Pros
👍 Efficient engine
👍 Handles like a dream
👍 Top value
Cons
👎 Limited interior space
👎 Prone to rust
Summary
The Mazda MX-5 is a global favourite among people modifying cars, and it’s easy to see why. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and brilliantly balanced, it’s a tuner’s dream straight from the factory.
Whether you’re upgrading the suspension, squeezing more power from the engine, or adding eye-catching body kits, the MX-5 handles it all with flair. From the classic NA to the modern ND, each perfect foundation for tuning across various models.
Known as one of the most modified cars in the world, it’s proof that sometimes the best projects come in small, roadster-shaped packages.
Jeep Wrangler
The rugged one
Price
RRP: £61,125 – £63,125
Pros
👍 Loves off-road
👍 Plenty of standard equipment
👍 Lots of options
Cons
👎 On the costly side to buy
👎 Not so great on the road
Summary
The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road icon and a dream to modify. Known for its rugged design and go-anywhere attitude, it’s the perfect canvas for adventure enthusiasts.
Whether you upgrade to bigger wheels, tweak the suspension for improved ground clearance, or fine-tune the engine for more performance, the Wrangler takes mods in stride. With countless model variants and aftermarket options available, personalisation is practically limitless.
Every tweak, from roof racks to snorkels, transforms the Wrangler into a unique off-road beast. The Wrangler is ready for your creative touch if you’re looking for a car that thrives on customisation.
Ford Mustang
The one that’s all about horse-power
Price
RRP: £55,725 – £69,995
Pros
👍 Tremendous engine
👍 Exciting driving experience
👍 Iconic design
Cons
👎 Not fuel efficient
👎 Not that comfortable
Summary
The Ford Mustang is one of the best car models for modifications, blending raw power with iconic style. Its muscular engine bay welcomes everything from cold air intake upgrades to supercharger kits, unlocking even more thrilling performance.
Known for being incredibly fun to drive, the Mustang easily handles tweaks to its suspension, exhaust, and styling. Whether you’re building a track monster, a drag racer, or just refining its aggressive growl, this pony car delivers.
With an endless aftermarket scene and a global fanbase, the Mustang isn’t just a car – it’s a statement of speed and style.
FAQs
Which car modifications are illegal in the UK?
Beware. In the UK, certain mods can land you in trouble. New exhausts that exceed noise limits, excessively tinted windows, and illegal number plates are all on the no-go list. Be cautious with aftermarket alloys – if they stick out too far, they could be deemed unsafe.
Mods like neon underglow or loud horns that distract other cars are also a no. Always check legal requirements before giving your vehicle a makeover.
How much does a basic body kit cost?
The cost of a basic body kit can vary depending on the models of cars you’re customising. For most, you’re looking at anywhere between £300 and £1,000 for a simple setup.
Installing it can be incredibly easy if you’re handy with tools, but professional fitting adds to the price. Keep in mind that higher-end kits or unique designs can cost much more – so be prepared to shell out if you really want your car to stand out.
Considering selling your car?
If you’re thinking about selling your vehicle to buy one a car to modify, we’re here to help!
Enjoy a free, instant valuation. With 7,500 certified dealers ready to bid to buy your current car, you’re bound to get their best price. In fact, 84% of our customers make more money when they sell with us.If you’re keen to read more of our ‘Best of’ guides and other insightful articles to level up your car game, you can check them out here.
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