Buying standard v modified

That's assuming a standard one has been properly maintained as well though.

Modified can sometimes be cheaper to start with.

A lot can depend on what it is your after though

I bought modified for the first time last year, VXR8 with modified 6 litre LS2 engine.

It ended in disaster when a valve spring snapped and wiped out the engine (performance cam is related to the failure), I'm currently building a new engine but making better choices of components that the previous owner did.

I would never buy modified again, I'd do it myself and know that its done properly.

Have a think about how high your standards are too, I have some attention to detail where needed, sometimes it turns out that other people don't have the same attention to detail and it can be worrying when you don't know how far that went and what you need to put right.

Unless you arent willing or able to DIY to a high standard, then go for DIY.

I do all my own mods and wouldn't dream of buying one someone else had done, not because I mistrust the engineering so much as it wouldn't be MINE! Not my vision, not my dreams, not my hard graft! Mine say "Built, not Bought!" with pride!

OTOH I have built a couple or 3 cars for customers who don't have time/facilities/knowhow to do it themselves. I don't see anything wrong with this, even though it's not MY style! Not everyone is a brilliant engineer with a handy triple garage full of tools and years of practice - good job too, or i'd be out of work!

A few tips for both sides of the argument, if buying ready modified, look for a car that has been on the road for a year or two and PROVEN it's reliability, a fresh build could have any number of hidden problems. If you're doing it yourself and planning an engine transplant, buy a car that's already got a blown motor or similar problem, much cheaper. Also buy a donor CAR rather than just the engine, you're bound to need lots of other little bits that you'd otherwise have to find or buy that will come free with a donor car. Another good start is an abandoned project, but this CAN be a double edged sword, ask WHY it was abandoned, inspect it with a VERY jaundiced and critical eye and be prepared to unpick it entirely and rebuild to your own satisfaction! It's still a cheaper way to get what you want than starting with a blank canvas of a standard car!

Steve

Usually always works out cheaper to buy modified, and if you like what's been done to the modified one then it can be the perfect way to get exactly what you want, but as others have already said, it all depends on the quality of the work, i've bought modified before, and found it to be full of bodges (mk2 golf with a vr6 conversion) and ended up having to redo the majority of the work again.

Both have their pro’s and cons...standard doesn’t exclude a car from bodges along the way!

When I bought my Arosa, part of the reason I got such a good deal was that the mods (coil overs, LOTS of stickers...) were putting off buyers (as it was advertised on autotrader)