Thoughts on heavily modded UrS4?

[ScottyCBoy at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/3/2003 7:02:11 PM Central Standard Time, 
JShadzi at aol.com writes:

> >I know there's a S4 list here, but I'd rather get the opinions of those 
> whom I've grown to trust here... Would you buy a heavily modded UrS4? I would 
> NOT sell the CGT, the UrS4 would be used for weekend driving with the wife &
> vacations...so it needs to be reliable enough for long trips.
> >
> >1992 S4 silver with grey leather 148k but motor was replaced at 90k with 
> new long block because the old motor sucked a plug. At the time the motor was 
> installed it also got an rs2 manifold, turbo, injectors, programming, 3" turbo 
> back exhaust, since then it got koni adjustables in all four corners, 10lb 
> flywheel, center force clutch, Six Speed out of an rs2, hid conversion in all 
> locations, e code lenses and markers, Porsche 993 bi turbo front brakes, 
> slotted rears, borbet 17's, a4 16's, stock 16's, car has had lots of routine 
> maintance and been loved but desperate measures are here please let it go to 
> someone who will drive it and appreciate the supercar it is. Asking 15k or b/o 
> should easily be worth that in parts alone.
> >
> >Now, I would have to get financing on this car, and I doubt the credit 
> union would finance the car for anything more than blue book, and he is asking 
> WAY over bluebook. So I would have to get him to come down quite a bit and I 
> would throw some cash in... Thoughts?
> >
> >Dave
> >87.5 CGT
> >SE Virginia

Typically banks won't go much higher than the average loan value simply 
because if you defaulted they would be having to sell the car  at auction and, car 
dealers don't care what mods it has and won't pay for all the extra stuff. 
Receipts or not, very few banks will give you the extra dough. To make up the 
difference you'll have to lower the price or put some cash in addition to the 
loan.

Another thing to think about is the insurance companies typically don't car 
about modifications done to a vehicle when discussing claims. Although there is 
some room to bargain, if the vehicle is totalled they will pay the retail 
value (7-9 grand) in this case and you'll be stuck with the rest of the note to 
pay off, and the bank will want their money promptly.

Then there is the issue if the modifcations were done properly and 
tastefully. I've seen several modified cars that ran like stink but were haphazardly 
assembled. 

It could be a diamond in the rough, or a cubic zirconia amongst diamonds.

Scott