When is the best time to mod your car after you buy it?

Depends on the mod...and the owner.

If you're going to be changing out things like rims/tires, doing some de-badging or painting your brake calipers?
You can probably do that just about any time. Anything that's not going to involve cut and paste to wiring, motor, or suspension pieces/parts is probably fair game. Same with tint...if you're so inclined.

Just a few words of advice:

1. Warranty.
No.....the dealer can't say that the pink LED accent lights caused your motor to suck a valve and thus they're not going to honor the warranty claim...
However (comma!) if your car looks like a bag of a$$ then they're going to more carefully examine any warranty claim that you do submit.....and you know what? Even though the burden of proof is on them they can still make a simple process very painful.
2. How long you're going to keep your new baby?
Most people are four years or less and out when it comes to cars. Keep your OEM bits as you mod so that you car return your car to stock condition before you sell it. Not everyone likes the same mods that you do and a car that hasn't been....ah (* *) "tinkered" with is usually more desirable (and more valuable) when you fall in love with the next car that you're going to drive until the wheels fall off (in a year or two...)
Besides.....you can sell the carbon fiber butt scratcher and the neon green door handles to some other sa...(*!) er...I mean "enthusiast" if they don't fit your next car.


Good Luck!

 

strike while the iron is hot!

 

Nuke?

 

I would say that after buying it is the perfect time to start the mods.

 

no time like the present!

 

F8L is looking to trade his 17's for pip 15's.

 

I would suggest holding out as long as you can. Get to know the car better then start making changes. I agree with ETC(SS). Mods will usually reduce the value of your car when you go to sell it, especially if you want to trade it in.

If you are not strapped for cash and you have a healthy retirement fund then have fun with the mods.

 

I already traded for PIP wheels. Thanks though!

 

Probably mileage.

SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 ? 2

 

I'm going to have to agree w/the above and ETC(SS)' advice. I'm not one that's into modding. My Prius approaching 7 years old and has no mods other than the now defunct yellow CA carpool lane stickers.

OP, I am curious since you seemed to have buyer's remorse/regret about buying a PiP at I bought a plug in. Might not have been worth it... | PriusChat and the advanced package which is even more $ (I wouldn't pay that kind of price), are you going to have similar regrets about dumpi.... errr spending even more money into mods? The mods themselves aren't likely going to appreciate in value and yes, it might reduce the value of your car too, when selling it.

Is that a good idea? Is it "worth" it?

 

mod it all day, everyday

 

Fuel economy and comfort. With the 15" wheels I have the option of using the Energy Saver A/S tire. This tire is 2-3mpg more efficient than the OE tires on the Prius. The 17" wheels with the best low rolling resistance tire cause a loss of 2-4mpg vs. the OE 15" tire. So with the best 15" tire vs. the best 17" tire I lose about 6-8mpg. If I didn't drive 30-35k miles a year I wouldn't sweat it. The CT wheels looked awesome and I already miss them but fuel economy and the fun mpg competition with my PC friends make the loss in appearance worth it. The PIP wheels look decent enough anyway.

I also enjoy the ride much more with the 15" Energy Saver A/S. They are a lot better than the crummy OE Yokohama and Goodyear Fuel Max tires.

 

hey F8L, any good winter tires you can recommend on 15' oem rims ?

 

Basic mods like wheels won't cause you problems unless you are unlucky enough to get defective wheel or tire.

Ohh and if you hate rattles then stick with the more cushy 15" tires. Harder low profile tires will make rattle worse!

 

Yup. Michelin X-Ice Xi3! Get them while they are on sale with the $70 rebate. They are LRR and offer excellent traction as well as road manners and comfort.

 

for my snow tires, should i get them on 15' oem rims or 17' FRS rims, still debating

 

Ok... just wanting to make sure. I mean... you seemed to feel that spending "$41K" (I think you're eligible for some tax credits and incentives like the CVRP) "might not have been worth it", yet it's "worth it" to spend even more $ on something that you won't get any return on and might even reduce your return?

The mods aren't going to help you get free charging or significantly better mileage. And, if you change wheel sizes and tires, you might end up paying more for replacement tires.