Body Kit Value Impact Calculator
Enter your car's details to see if your body kit helps or hurts your resale value. Based on the latest Carfax data and industry analysis.
Your Estimated Impact
When you slap a body kit on your car, you’re not just changing how it looks-you’re making a statement. But that statement might not be the one you think. Many people assume adding a body kit automatically lowers a car’s value. Others think it’s a smart upgrade. The truth? It’s messy. And it depends on a lot more than just whether the kit is flashy or subtle.
What a Body Kit Actually Is
A body kit is a set of aftermarket parts-like front lips, side skirts, rear diffusers, and spoilers-that replace or modify the original factory panels. They’re made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, or polyurethane, and they’re designed to either improve aerodynamics or just make the car look more aggressive. Some kits are factory-approved. Most aren’t. And that difference matters more than you’d expect.
Take the Subaru WRX is a performance sedan with a factory-designed widebody option. Also known as Subaru WRX STI, it was first released in 2004 and has since become a favorite among enthusiasts. The factory widebody kit was engineered to work with the car’s suspension, cooling, and aerodynamics. That’s a whole different ballgame than a $600 kit off eBay bolted onto a 2010 Honda Civic.
When a Body Kit Lowers Value
Most used car buyers aren’t tuning enthusiasts. They’re everyday drivers who want reliability, comfort, and clean lines. If you’re selling a car with a wild, mismatched body kit-say, a neon green spoiler on a silver sedan-most dealers and private buyers will see it as a liability. Why? Because removing it costs money. And they don’t want to deal with it.
A 2023 study by Carfax is a vehicle history report provider that tracks modifications and accident records. Also known as Carfax Vehicle History Reports, it has been used by over 100 million consumers since its launch in 1984. found that cars with non-factory body kits sold for an average of 8-12% less than identical models with stock exteriors. The drop was even steeper for older cars-up to 18% on vehicles over 10 years old.
Why? Three big reasons:
- Repair costs-if the kit is damaged, replacing it isn’t as easy as swapping a fender. You need a specialist.
- Fitment issues-poorly installed kits warp, crack, or leave gaps. Buyers notice.
- Perception-if it looks like a "tuner car," it scares off conservative buyers.
When a Body Kit Adds Value
Now flip the script. If you’ve got a rare model-like a Mazda RX-7 is a rotary-engine sports car produced from 1978 to 2002, known for its lightweight design and high-revving engine. Also known as FC or FD RX-7, it was discontinued in 2002 after over 750,000 units were sold worldwide.-and you add a factory-style widebody kit that matches the original design language, collectors will pay more. Same goes for cars like the Nissan Skyline GT-R is a high-performance Japanese sports sedan, famous for its all-wheel-drive system and racing pedigree. Also known as R32, R33, R34, it was produced from 1989 to 2002 and remains one of the most sought-after JDM models.. A well-executed, period-correct body kit can turn a $30k Skyline into a $70k collector’s item.
Here’s the catch: the kit has to be:
- From the same manufacturer (or a licensed replica)
- Professionally installed
- Matching the car’s original color and finish
- Documented with receipts and photos
There’s a whole market for "resto-mod" cars-stock interiors, factory body kits, upgraded engines. These cars often sell for 20-30% more than stock versions. Why? Because they’re rare. And they’re not trying to look like a street racer. They’re trying to look better than factory.
Factory vs. Aftermarket: The Real Divide
Not all body kits are created equal. The difference between factory and aftermarket isn’t just about price-it’s about trust.
Factory body kits are parts designed and sold by the original car manufacturer as official accessories. Also known as OEM body kits, they are engineered to fit perfectly, integrate with sensors, and maintain warranty eligibility. Brands like Porsche, BMW, and Audi offer them. They’re expensive, but they don’t hurt resale. In fact, they sometimes increase it.
Aftermarket body kits are third-party parts made by companies like APR, Vossen, or RSR. Also known as non-OEM kits, they vary wildly in quality and fitment. A cheap one might look great in photos but warp in the sun. A good one can last a decade. But buyers don’t know which is which unless they’re experts.
That’s why dealerships avoid cars with aftermarket kits. They can’t guarantee quality. They can’t certify safety. And they can’t easily resell them.
What Buyers Really Care About
Here’s what actually moves the needle on value:
- Condition-a $2,000 body kit on a rusted car? Still a $2,000 loss.
- Fit and finish-gaps, paint mismatches, and loose edges scream "DIY disaster."
- Original parts-if you still have the stock bumper and fenders in the garage? You’ve got a safety net.
- Documentation-receipts, installation records, and photos of the original state help prove it wasn’t a wreck.
One guy in Ohio sold his 2016 Ford Mustang GT with a $4,500 Roush body kit. He kept the original parts. He showed the installer’s invoice. He had before-and-after photos. He sold it for $3,000 more than a stock GT. Why? Because he made it easy for a buyer to believe it was a smart upgrade, not a gamble.
What You Should Do
If you’re thinking about a body kit:
- Ask yourself: Who’s going to buy this car in five years? If the answer is "a teenager with a YouTube channel," you’re probably fine. If it’s "a retiree looking for a weekend cruiser," think twice.
- Stick to factory or OEM-approved kits if you care about resale.
- If you go aftermarket, make sure it’s from a reputable brand (like RSR, Vorsteiner, or Stillen) and installed by a pro.
- Keep the original parts. Always.
- Take photos of the car before and after. Store receipts.
And if you already have one? Don’t panic. If the kit looks clean, fits well, and the car’s in great shape, you’re not losing value-you’re just limiting your buyer pool. That’s not the same as devaluation.
Bottom Line
A body kit doesn’t automatically devalue a car. But it can. It depends on quality, fit, and who you’re selling to. For most people, it’s a risk. For collectors, it’s an opportunity. For everyone else? If you’re doing it for fun, enjoy it. Just don’t expect to make money when you sell.
Do body kits affect insurance?
Yes. Most insurers require you to report modifications, including body kits. If the kit changes the car’s aerodynamics or weight distribution, it could raise premiums. Some companies won’t cover cars with aftermarket kits at all. Always check with your provider before installing one.
Can I remove a body kit and restore the original look?
Yes-but it’s not always simple. Some kits require cutting or drilling into factory panels. If that happened, you can’t fully restore the car to stock without replacing entire body panels. That’s why keeping original parts is critical. If the original parts are still intact and you didn’t cut into them, restoration is possible.
Are carbon fiber body kits worth the cost?
Only if you’re keeping the car long-term or plan to sell it to a collector. Carbon fiber looks premium and is lighter, but it’s expensive to repair. For daily drivers, fiberglass or polyurethane kits offer better value. Carbon fiber only adds value if it’s factory-correct or from a high-end brand like APR or HRE.
Do body kits make a car harder to sell?
Generally, yes-unless it’s a popular model with a well-known kit. For example, a Subaru WRX with a factory widebody sells faster than a stock one. But a Hyundai Elantra with a neon green spoiler? It’ll sit on the lot. The more niche or extreme the kit, the smaller the buyer pool.
What’s the best body kit for resale value?
The best one is the one that looks like it came from the factory. OEM kits from the manufacturer, or licensed replicas that match factory design, are safest. For example, a BMW M Performance body kit or an Audi S-Line kit often increase value. Avoid anything that looks like a "tuner" or has oversized spoilers.