So you’ve got the feeling that your used car lacks panache, and this only intensifies as it gets longer and longer in the tooth, with newer models outshining it and the industry moving on without you. With a little design ingenuity, you can transform that reliable but ordinary vehicle into a ride that turns heads and functions like a dream.
We’re not suggesting you go all-in and end up with something that looks like Xzibit and the crew at West Coast Customs had a field day with it. Instead, here are some small but significant changes to make that fuse personality with efficiency, making every mile a statement.
Interior Touches That Speak Volumes
Revitalizing your vehicle’s interior can both elevate its aesthetic appeal and rekindle your love for the journey. We can start by sprucing up elements that you interact with every time you slide behind the wheel:
Start with the Seats
Replace or reupholster your seats with fresh materials. Think durable leather, breathable mesh, or even eco-friendly options like cork leather or natural leaf leather. And why not add a pop of color? Go bold, so long as it still matches the rest of the interior color scheme. Or if you’re more into classic elegance, black or tan never goes out of style. And while you’re at it, detailing the interior will give it a new glow, even if you don’t go in for any of the more intensive makeover options.
Control Center Makeover
Upgrade the dashboard and console with modern finishes. You can wrap or repaint surfaces for a custom look, and also install new knobs and buttons to refresh the tactile experience. And don’t forget about the option to upgrade the old head unit to one with modern features.
Clever Storage Solutions
It’s a good idea to maximize your car’s interior space with imaginative organization hacks. So for instance, seatback organizers keep essentials tidy, and keep useful items at arm’s reach – so why not sew your own! Meanwhile, collapsible bins in the trunk flexibly manage cargo, from groceries to golfing gear.
Enlightened Illumination
Consider updating your lighting for ambiance and utility. LED strips can add a modern glow and are energy-efficient. Also, there are even smartphone-enabled lighting products you can control with your device of choice for even more control.
Steering Wheel Revamp
A new cover or full replacement can enhance both grip and style. Keep an eye on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or even the local scrap yard to see if there’s a version available which is compatible with your car.
Enhancing Your Vehicle’s Exterior
An attractive exterior is a bare minimum for any vehicle, and when browsing the second hand options at a Houston car lot or a dealership in any other part of the country, potential buyers will want this element to be on-point. But there’s a fine line between tasteful changes and tacky modifications. Here are several suggestions to consider:
Pick your Palette
Begin with a new paint job that breathes life into the body of your car, choosing a color that resonates with your personal brand — something that screams ‘you’, while also going well with whatever interior design changes you’ve made. Green paintwork and a tan interior is always a hit, for example – but it might not be for everyone!
Wrap it Up
If you’d prefer a reversible, protective option that allows for vibrant graphics and patterns without permanent commitment, then a vinyl wrap is the go-to exterior mod of the moment. You can buy what you need to handle the work yourself online, although the actual wrapping process is one that takes time to master – so ensure you’ve got enough material to hone your abilities and make mistakes, before committing to the final thing.
Go on, Spoil It!
Attach a rear spoiler or front splitter to add downforce and flair, subtly implying speed even when parked. This typically involves drilling holes into exterior panels, which can create the possibility for water ingress and rust – so be savvy about sealing the anchor points for these mods to avoid this scenario.
Wheely Cool
Consider upgrading to alloy wheels which provide both aesthetic pleasure and performance improvements due to their lighter weight compared to standard wheels. Also look into aerodynamic wheel covers, which minimize drag and give you better MPG, even from older engines.
A Light Touch
Upgrade your headlights to LED or high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps for better visibility at night and a modern look. Whether this is possible will depend on the headlight units and your car’s battery, so it’s not usually just a case of switching bulbs. Consult the manufacturer’s handbook for more info.
Key Takeaways
While you might previously have thought of car transformations as an insalubrious and undesirable thing, hopefully we’ve proven that it can be a change for the better. Design fans and DIY devotees with cars that are no longer looking their best should definitely give this project a go.