Ride pimping is value spoiler

Every self-respecting boy racer likes to make their ride stand out from the crowd, but they may be denting its value.

So in order to keep customers coming back, accessory retailers would do well to brush up on the styling products that add value and those that lose it.

According to British Car Auctions, even adding alloy wheels to the wrong car could take £200 off the resale price, while body trim, skirts, spoilers and wheel arches could lose the seller as much as £500, although a professional modification could boost the value by £250.

A BCA spokesman, said: “The majority of motorists are wary of upgrades that are retro-fitted, particularly on younger cars where there are concerns that this might void any warranties.

“Of course there are exceptions such as professional aftermarket body kits from approved suppliers such as AMG or Alpina, or bespoke rebuilds by Project Kahn. But generally, if it isn’t a factory fit, it is unlikely to add value and may cause even steeper depreciation.”