As Sakimano so aptly described another users project car, I have always planned to go ‘full retard’ on my 2002 S6. I purchased it for a few thousand, and have, so far, put about $13k CAD into it:
H&R coilovers installed ($2000)
Brembo/JHM brakes ($2000)
Timing belt and water pump ($1200)
Enkei NT03 and snow tires ($2500)
Magnaflow cats installed ($500)
Rear hatch cover ($300)
Transmission replacement ($2500)
Rear ECS rotors and pads ($500)
Complete front control arms ($1000)
Rear wiper motor ($500)
For a total of $13k CAD.
My future plans were:
Custom paint w/ RS6 bodykit $10k
Summer wheels $3k
Custom Supercharger $7k
Headers and Exhaust $5k
6speed swap with JHM rebuilt trans $6k
Engine rebuild $4k
Miscellaneous $1k
Total $36k
I was all gung-ho for this project for a long time. However, when I added up the numbers, I started to get second thoughts. I am sure if I did all the above mods, I would absolutely love the car. However, if I ever wanted to sell, I would be lucky to get $18k. Right now, I can probably get around $10k, plus $3k for the bodykit that I already have. So, I would essentially be out $30k the second I finished. If I ever got in an accident that totaled the car, then I could potentially lose $35k.
So, as much as I would love to follow through on this project, financially it doesnt seem to make sense. I havent ruled it out yet, but here are some of my other options if I sell the car for $10k
2014 Allroad with body painted fenders
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb11016353/p4pb11016353.jpg
B8 Avant
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb11016352/p4pb11016352.jpg
BMW 535 xdrive (rare to find in white with body kit)
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb11016351/p4pb11016351.jpg
keep car and go Full Retard !!!
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb11016354/p4pb11016354.jpg
In the end, Ill have to work this out on my own. I know on previous projects, and my recent home reno, it doesnt make sense to go half way. Either go Full Retard, or dont even start. I recently talked to a buddy of mine who went full retard on a 700hp B5 S4. He is about as skilled as they come when it comes to cars (he runs one of the most respected tuning shops in Toronto). I asked him if he regretted the project, and I guessed the number at $30k. First, he told me it was much more than $30k. And yeah, he said he would have been better investing in real estate. I said, but the car project was more fun… his response was that it was more of a pain in the ass, and never really ran properly.
I guess when you mod a car, you can’t expect it to be an investment. As soon as you buy the coilovers, consider the money gone. But when you are thinking about going full retard on a 12 year old car, you have to think if it makes financial sense.
Anyway, like I said, Ill figure it out on my own. But welcome to hear about any comments or experiences. Come on… I know I cant be the only retard out there