The modification most car owners regret
For most car owners across the world, the thought of upgrading and modifying their vehicle is genuinely exciting. There’s something satisfying about making your motor truly yours, whether it’s improving its performance, appearance, or handling. But according to one automotive expert, there’s a single upgrade that leads to more buyer’s remorse than any other.
William Fletcher MBE, CEO of Car.co.uk, the UK’s comprehensive automotive platform, says he’s lost count of how many drivers come to them wanting to sell cars they’ve modified, only to discover they’ve actually made them less valuable and less enjoyable to drive. And there’s one modification in particular that consistently tops their regret list.
Through years of vehicle inspections and valuations, Fletcher has witnessed firsthand which upgrades add value and which ones become costly mistakes. Now he’s sharing his insights about the modification that can turn your pride and joy into a daily headache.
The suspension trap that catches most drivers
The modification Fletcher warns against? Aftermarket suspension kits. While they promise improved handling and a sportier look, these popular upgrades often deliver more problems than performance gains for the average driver.
The appeal is obvious – lower your car, stiffen the ride, and suddenly your everyday hatchback looks like it belongs on a racetrack, says Fletcher. But the reality of living with modified suspension tells a completely different story.
Daily comfort becomes daily misery
The first shock comes when drivers realise their once-comfortable commute has turned into a bone-jarring ordeal. Speed bumps become obstacles to navigate carefully, and every pothole sends shudders through the cabin.
We see it time and again: people who were perfectly happy with their car’s ride quality suddenly find themselves dreading their commute. They’ll spend months trying to convince themselves it was worth it, but deep down they know they’ve made their daily life worse.
Cheap kits come with expensive problems
Budget suspension kits often promise the same results as premium setups but at a fraction of the cost. The reality is far different. Poor-quality components wear out quickly, leak, or fail completely.
We regularly inspect vehicles where cheap suspension modifications have created more problems than they’ve solved. Components that should last years are failing within months, and the replacement costs often exceed what the owner paid for the entire kit.
Insurance and installation issues
Modified suspension can complicate insurance in ways drivers usually never consider. Some insurers refuse to cover modified vehicles, while others impose hefty premium increases. Even quality suspension kits can become disasters in the wrong hands.
We’ve inspected cars where botched suspension installations have created serious safety issues. Poor installation affects wheel alignment, causing uneven tyre wear and unpredictable handling.
Your car’s value takes a hit
Perhaps most surprisingly, suspension modifications typically reduce rather than increase resale value. The modifications that excite enthusiasts often put off mainstream buyers.
Modified cars often sit on forecourts longer and sell for less than standard examples. You’re essentially paying to make your car less desirable to most buyers.
When it actually makes sense
Fletcher isn’t completely against suspension modifications. For track day enthusiasts building dedicated weekend cars or off-road adventurers, they can make sense.
If you’re building a weekend toy or a specific-purpose vehicle, modified suspension might work. But for daily drivers, the negatives usually outweigh any benefits. Be honest about how you actually use your car, not how you imagine you might use it.
Car.co.uk is the UK’s all-in-one automotive platform, offering services like vehicle inspections, car finance, insurance, warranties, MOT history checks, valuations, and scrap car options. Their pre‑purchase inspections range from basic 72‑point checks to comprehensive 318‑point assessments including road tests, full interior/body analysis, and MOT history reporting. As a loan broker regulated by the FCA, they provide guidance but do not directly lend money.
