What’s more fun than adding a personal touch to your car? Making modifications to your ride can help you stand out from the crowd and express yourself on the road. And did we mention modifications and upgrades can make your vehicle more attuned to your needs while driving?
If you’re wanting to make modifications to your ride, read on to learn whether your vehicle is primed for mods. Or, search our list of the easiest car models to modify so you can choose a mod-ready option.
The Best Cars to Modify
You can make modifications to all sorts of cars, but some models are more equipped than others for changes. We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best cars for aftermarket modifications.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Supra
Legends never really die. The Toyota Supra might not be produced anymore, but it remains an iconic ride, and models from 1984 to 1987 are some of the best cars for modifications. Its 3.0-liter 7M straight-six engine responds well to modifications, and its rear-wheel drive layout is ideal for performance enhancements. Turbocharged Supras are the cream of the crop since they can handle power upgrades and increased boost levels.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long been an ideal choice for aftermarket modifications and upgrades. If you’re lucky enough to come across a pre-2000 model, you’ll benefit from features like the non-VTEC D-series engine that make these early models ready to handle all kinds of modifications. There are also countless products and a supportive community of tuners who can support you in fixing up your Honda.
Ford Mustang
Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A staple of American car culture for decades, a Ford Mustang is one of the best cars to modify. Whether it’s the EcoBoost V6 engine or the Modular V8, the Mustang engines were designed with ease of maintenance in mind. You can easily upgrade the engine or make other mechanical modifications and have fun while doing it!
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI has many devoted fans. Its all-wheel drive and turbocharged 2.5-liter box engine have great potential. You can work both power upgrades and mechanical improvements into the mix to create your custom WRX.
Nissan 240SX
This sports car has been discontinued, but if you can get your hands on it, you can ride swiftly in style. Its rear-wheel-drive layout is ideal if you’re a drifting enthusiast, and it makes performance upgrades simple. Meanwhile, its lightweight chassis makes it more responsive to modifications than some of its peers.
Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Another lightweight ripe for modifications is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Its four-cylinder engine is unlikely to have problems with modifications, and its suspension and brakes are easily upgraded. You could join a big community of Mazda lovers who love to make cosmetic enhancements on their cars and kick back and relax with their convertible tops.
Audi A4
M.rJirapat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Car enthusiasts have long loved modifying the Audi A4, and with good reason. The right modifications can significantly increase the power output of this German car. Its turbocharged engine is known for tunability and ease of increasing power without major changes. [/two_third_last]
BMW 3-Series
Modifying a BMW 3-Series is a bit trickier than some of the others on this list, so it’ll require a skilled eye to do an upgrade. However, this car’s well-engineered chassis, rear-wheel drive, and famous tunability make it a great choice for mods. For example, lots of people choose to add high-quality lightweight alloy wheels.
Thomas doerfer, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
VW Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a favorite among car modifiers. It’s built on a flexible architecture that’s easy to adapt. For example, VW drivers love to swap engines and install different suspension setups, and they don’t break the bank doing it.
Scion tC
Tabercil from Canadian, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A relatively new favorite among tuners, elements of the sporty Scion tC like its four-wheel drive platform and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine are giving models like the Honda Civic a run for their money. Its manual transmission is also a reason tuners flock to it, as it gives them greater control over how the engine’s power is transmitted to the wheels.
Ideas for Car Modifications
People around the world love modifying cars, so there’s no shortage of products on the market that can help bring your ride to the next level. Here are a few ideas.
Air Intake System
If you’re a Honda Civic lover, you can enhance the airflow to your engine with a high-flow air intake system like this one from K&N. With a 10-year limited warranty and easy maintenance and installation process, this can let more air into the engine, causing more efficient combustion and boosting power production.
Front Brake Pads
If you’re a member of the Subaru lovers club, you might be interested in making brake improvements. From new brake pads to brake rotors, there’s no shortage of products out there for the taking. For example, this StopTech Street Performance Front Brake Pad can help make significant improvements. They virtually eliminate pad-vibration noise and ensure consistent performance over time.
Backup Camera
Your car can never be too safe. If you’re revamping an older model, consider making changes that keep you and your passengers safer. For instance, this wireless backup camera can make parking a lot easier and help you spot obstacles that your eyes couldn’t catch.
Traction Devices
If you drive in the snow, you need to be extra focused on safety. These Escaper Buddy escape tracks can help you if you get stuck in the snow. They’re also handy for a sticky situation in mud or sand. The shark teeth texture (that comes in many colors) prevents spinning wheels so the situation doesn’t spin out of control.
Front Bumper
If you’re revamping your Scion tC, you might consider adding elements like side skirts, rear diffusers, and front bumpers. For instance, this Scion tC glossy black front bumper lip from IKON MOTOSPORTS is a small add-on that can make a big difference in your time on the road. Not only can it give your car a more aggressive, sporty look, but a front bumper like this can also redirect airflow to reduce drag, giving you better fuel efficiency and stability. This high-strength product also protects your car from the unforeseen elements of the road, like debris or speed bumps.
Make Your Car Stand Out
You can also enhance your experience on the road (and keep your passengers happy) by adding products that keep your car clean and organized.
Storage Boxes
Some people avoid storage boxes out of fear that they’ll skid or smell in bad weather. Luckily these days are over! OEDRO’s storage boxes, like the under-seat storage boxes from OEDRO, are made of durable, non-slip material. These textured boxes also come with a 1-year warranty. They’ll help you designate a place for everything in your car, from your fishing rod to your tools. This one is for a Ford F150, but OEDRO has options for all kinds of cars.
Cooler
Going on a picnic? Going camping with the family? Driving on a hot day? OEDRO also has an under-seat storage insulated cooler box that can keep drinks and food cool for 36 hours. The box can be seamlessly hidden and won’t get stuck under the seat, so you can easily access what you need.
Floor Mats
Bad weather can take a toll on a car, but with floor mats like the Armor All Weather Defender Floor Mats, you’ll have protection in all climates. Give the inside of your car the makeover it deserves by adding these clean mats that you can trim to fit any car.
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Steering Wheel Cover
Interior enhancements also let you put a personal touch on your vehicle. For example, you can pick out new seats or steering wheel covers that let you have a more comfortable ride, like this steering wheel cover that comes in five colors. Not only is it stylish, but it also increases friction between your palm and the wheel so that it’s more slip resistant and more comfortable to drive. It’s also heat resistant, so it won’t get too hot during a heat wave.
Seat Covers
These Bitablue luxury car seat covers can also ensure you’re riding in style! With their smooth, breathable texture and wear-resistant material, you’ll be able to offer your passengers a high-class ride for years to come. You can adjust the base to fit your favorite car and choose the color that calls your name. These covers also come with a storage bag so you can keep track of any loose items in the backseat.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about jeopardizing your safety for style since these covers have no impact on the normal ejection of the airbag in the unfortunate event of a collision.
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Gear Shift Knob Cover
Another small but effective way you can personalize your car and make your driving easier is to buy a gear shift knob cover. Not only will they add a pop of color and a sporty feel, but they will make your gear shift faster and sharper. This bright red one from MOOTCOR is made out of top-quality, durable ABS plastic, so you don’t need to worry about scratches and abrasions. You can also install it in just a matter of minutes.
LED Light Strips
If you really want to stand out on the road, grab these LED light strips that draw passersby’s eyes with their one-of-a-kind rainbow glow. Made of rubber tubing that bends freely and stays safe from debris, these lights are an easy way to make your car shine. You’ll also get a remote control so you can adjust the brightness and mode to your liking.
They work in all cars, vans, motorcycles, and even boats. Plus, if you’re concerned about their impact on car safety, you don’t have to be. These lights are waterproof and shockproof. They are easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about risking an injury during setup.
More Ideas for Car Lovers
From major upgrades to small accessories that tell the world who you are, it’s never the wrong time to spice up your car. Check out our large collection of merch here at the Red Mountain Shop! From t-shirts to bumper stickers, you’re sure to find something that calls your name or makes an ideal gift for the car lover in your life.
I’m a kid at heart disguised as an auto researcher and business owner. I’ve always enjoyed providing insight in the form of reviews (anime, video games, autos, etc.) When I’m not researching, I’m spending time with my family, driving my Dodge Challenger, riding my motorcycle, and finding new entrepreneurial pursuits.
You can’t fully understand new car warranties and modifications without the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. Passed into federal law in 1975, this act forces consumer product manufacturers and distributors to provide clear and detailed information about warranty coverage. It also gives consumers an outlet to seek financial remedy for breach of warranty. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act has a clear provision prohibiting vehicle manufacturers from forcing buyers to only use name-brand vehicle parts.
