Interior Exterior
Q:
hi im thinking of adding stripes to my car. (Phantom Black) and my question is what do people think of this mod? Is it ultimately going to add value to my car, depreciate it, or be neurtral? thanks in advance
A:
Who cares, just do what makes you feel good. You'll find someone to buy it when the time comes.
A:
who cares. Do them in vinyl. If it doesn't add value to the next owner- then they can remove them. No Problem. If it adds value to them, then you are good to go. Personally I like stripes but I don't see them adding or taking away any value. Well unless they are of particularly low quality
A:
There are enough Elises with stripes, including many special editions from the factory, that I think it's a fairly 'accepted' look. I think worst case, it'll have no effect on the value of your car, especially if done in vinyl (a prospective owner could look at them and view them as someone that could be removed and thus not a big deal if they don't like it).
A:
Also, I think for a Phantom Black Elise like yours, it might actually look good to add a silver or white stripe.
A:
I wouldn't worry about what others think. If you want them, do it. I've had stripes on several cars, some people love them, some people don't.
A:
I think that they add visual width to what is a very narrow vehicle. Go for it. Then again, I am a bit biased.
Frank--
A:
thanks for voting. unlike other mods, i am not 100% sure that this mod is completely reversible. although they are stickers, i read that removing the starshield actually damaged paint. so i am inclined to think that the stripes will depreciate the car. even if they don't depreciate the car, you can't get any money back if your put the car back to stock (as in the case of a suspension or CAI) im thinking about doing the stripes although im not sure that i like them. i guess i'll have to just keep on thinking about them
A:
Remember, vinyl or not, when removing the stripes after several years on the car, it will create some kind of color fading, with the paint covered by the stripes is darker than the one not covered by the stripes.
Just something to think about when thinking of adding the stripes and removing it later on.
A:
Maybe the better poll questions are:
I have stripes
I don't have them but would like to have them
I don't have them and hate them
eh, I can take 'em or leave 'em
This will let you know what current owners like, thus answering your question if it will help or hurt resale. If a bunch have them, or would like to have them, and you want them, then go for it. If 80% hate them, then don't do it; if of course you are that worried about resale.
I'm guessing though that based on your poll questions, owners voting that have them said it does not hurt resale, and those that don't may have gone with it does hurt or not sure; unless they plan to get them in the future.
A:
The only stripes I've seen that I like are on Shinoo's exige. Everyone elses suck.
A:
The only stripes I've seen that I like are on Shinoo's exige. Everyone elses suck.
Don't hold back there!
But I agree
A:
Meh. Life is too short to pussy foot around.
A:
Meh. Life is too short to pussy foot around.
I like your response.
I voted that it hurts the value of the car though I want to add silver stripes to my Nitefall blue Loti. I've wanted to for almost a year now but haven't goten to it or the Ohlins, or the spliiter, or the Ipod jack.............
I haven't done squat.
Woe is me.
A:
Stripes? For me, they're only good on Shelby Cobra (427SCs), Viper GTS, Ford GTs (new and old), and perhaps the occasional classic Mustang or Camaro.
On the Elise? Evidently some folks like 'em. But...... if you're worried about resale, leave 'em off, as others have mentioned, they're not a mod to be taken lightly if you're going to own your car for a while (e.g. Paint Fading issues) and then resell.
Closer to stock (yes, I know the Lotus Sport Elise has stripes) = more value at resale time.
A:
My guess is that is wouldn't necessarily depreciate the value of the vehicle, however, I believe that fewer people would be interested in purchasing it with stripes.
A:
Stripes add speed in the straights.
A:
Stripes add speed in the straights.
ah damn, You beat me to it.
A:
It's a personal choice. I think they look great on the Lotus as long as the colors are right. They add character.
That's my 2 cents worth. The Lotus of Greenwich site has a bunch of photo examples.
Check lotusofgreenwich.com
2006 Elise Sport #46
A:
usually changing the car from stock does not add value, it takes away value.
it may look cooler, and work better, but i have been learning the hard way that buying a car that is unmodified is best, unless its for racing, and then its lost allot of value from its street price anyway.