kboesky

I am considering purchasing a low mileage 97 cab with Gemballa body mods. It has widened fenders, a turbo "S" scoop and aero kit. The mods were done by Gemballa at their shop, but I was wondering whether I should be concerned about the purchase. Also, I am not buying the car as an investment, but don't want to **** away money either. What do you think about resale value on a modded car?

Nollie

If the mods are done right and tasteful to the lines of the car I wouldn't worry about them. In fact I'm the kind of guy that would appreciate them, many times you can get mods you'd want anyway for pennies on the dollar. That said always get a PPI to make sure the car runs strong so you don't get surprised down the road.

Rinty

I would be concerned about resale.

Floodj

Gemballa styling is either love it or hate it.
I would be cautious about selling the car in general. I think it would take time to sell.

1996993C4S

In general I feel that mods may limit your resale audience (but not necessarily the final price). Meaning you will need to find someone who likes the mods and is willing to pay for them. A stock car will likely appeal to a broader set of persons.

CorrdoBrit

Some of the Gemballa mods eg rear fender brake ducts, require the original bodywork to be chopped. IMO any mod that can't be reversed to factory is going to negatively impact value or decrease the pool of prospective buyers. I almost bought the car in this thread. The comments are worth a read to give you some informed perspective.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ferrerid=70244

RonCT

For the same reasons you are questioning this any future buyer would act the same. Me, I would not buy a modified (like that) 993, but there may be others that would.

Linnm

Gemballa cars are a hard sell

kboesky

Wow, that was quick.

Thank you all very much for the quick and thoughtful responses. Very helpful.

I really want to replace the 993 I never should have sold and the low mileage (16k) on this one was appealing. However, I went to look at it and the receipts for the mods included a total repaint. That and your advice make it a pass.

IXLR8

Resale aside, I don't touch modded cars.

I'd sooner buy them original and leave them that way...but that is my preference.

And if I was going to own a modified car, I'd find one that is original and mod it so that I have control over how its done and the quality control.

Ish993

If you like the look AND you are buying it at a substancial discount go for it !
It may sell for less in the end, but if you bought it well ..... good for you !

RAPID

Modded cars are a special market: take a Ruf modded car, it will always sell...Gembella is not quite in the same league, however if the modifications are well done and if you like it, buy it, and you may/will find another buyer who likes it as well in a few years...

77'3.6vram

If it's the black cab that was up on EBay a month ,or so,ago I would stay away.If it's the car I am talking about it has rocker panels with the air inlets.It is not a wide bodied car.It has rockers and a tail,but the rear fenders are not flared.Does the guy claim it has 50k in body mods?That black car belongs in Miami only and is strictly for posers.

CorrdoBrit

Agreed. Exhibit A.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gemba...#ht_514wt_1167

So much wrong here and its got a face only a mother could love....

e9stibi

If you like it and the work is done properly, I would have a closer look. It will be your car and not the car of another forum member. I find it all ways interesting when people worry about the next buyer. You should only do this if you want to flip the car quickly. there are so many things that can happen that can influence resale. I just ran into a full spare wheel and need to rebuild the floor pan and bumper. I will use this to "modd" the front to an Euro bumper. Does this hurt resale? I could keep the car in the garage to not hurt resale value but I want to drive my car and it is modded to MY liking. I am glad that the previous owner already did some investments like a better suspension and 3 spoke steering wheel.

GL finding the right car for YOU.