Question about mods

[They Call Me Whatshisname]

Well it's about that time. This car has given me 2 and a half years of reliable transport. I have a few questions about selling the vehicle.

Mods done so far: Tanabe nf210 lowering springs, AEM CAI, custom 2.25 in catback exhaust with a crappy generic ebay muffler, 17x7 in wheels with 4.5k miles on them, aftermarket stereo, 35% tint with transferable warranty, debadged and some other minor things.

The CAI has been throwing up a CEL and makes the car idle strangely (barely noticeable) so I plan on putting the stock one back on before I sell it. I want to put the stock muffler/resonator back on also before I sell it because I'm pretty sure 98% of the population doesn't want to hear that in a daily driver/commuter. The wheels currently do not have the TPMS sensors in them so it throws up the light (which funny enough is required to be off for 2008+ models in Hawaii or you can't pass safety inspection).

My questions are

1. Would a shop be able to put on the resonator/muffler on the 2.25 inch piping without much of a problem?
2. Would a dealer immediately see this if I were to get it appraised for a trade in?
3. If I were to take it to a dealership should I put the stock wheels/springs back on?
4. Should I invest in getting the wheels fitted for tpms sensors and just take the one's out of my stock wheels and put them in?
5. A local credit union back home has the lien on my car. If I were to sell it to a private party instead of a dealership would it be immensely easier/harder or about the same?


I have some other questions I can't think of right now but i will add them. Thank you for your help.

Btw the car is a 2009 1.6l base sedan with 14,500 miles and all maintenance up to date.

[Athikerguy4life]

I can answer two of your questions at least partially. As far as a dealership checking your trade in, anything that isn't stock will probably stick right out. I know that subs and after market HU's will lower the value, but I'm not sure how much the rest of your mods will affect it. If a credit union has a lien on the car, they will require a payoff. At a dealership, they take care of everything for you, but they might give you a low offer. If you go private sale, you're more likely to get more cash for the vehicle, but things are going to be harder to set up and arrange. The credit union will need cash from the buyer, whether it comes in cash or it comes wired from another bank. This route takes a lot longer (I know form experience). I hope this helped!

[williamk10]

True, the dealer will take anything, but their offer will be lower than a private sale. Where are your stock parts? Return it to stock and sell the parts to get as much money back as possible

Modifications never add to a value of a car.

[gtrisfun]

-was just going to suggest returning the vehicle to stock as much as possible, whether trading in at a dealership or selling outright, unless you have a buyer lined up who wants those specific mods.
if you needed a recon sticker or was borderline, that would make it harder for a dealership to accept the car at a fair price. i'm not certain of the recon requirements, some say it's exhaust, sometimes it's lowering, there's too many conflicting stories about it that dealerships and some private buyers may be apprehensive about buying a modded car.

however, if you do decide to part some of those accessories, please lemme know. can PM me or better would be email at [email protected]
local, no shipping, can meet up, cash money.