A commonly asked question about why people go through the process of converting and facelifting a vehicle is, “why don’t you just buy the new vehicle?” The simple answer is, “because it’s cheaper”. Below is a cost comparison example of an approximation of what it can cost to either purchase a new vehicle or to facelift a used vehicle.
| Cost Comparison Chart | New Vehicle For this example, New Vehicle does not mean same year, it means current generation/body-style. | Used Vehicle For this example Used Vehicle means previous generation/body-style. |
| Vehicle Cost | $70k Prices will vary, for our example we use the cost of the cheaper current generation vehicle. | $15k |
| FaceLift BodyKit The cost will vary depending on which vehicle the kit is for and depending on the cost of installation and paint. | Not Applicable | $9k |
| Installation and Paint The cost will vary depending on cost of labor at the body shop that you choose to install the kit. | Not Applicable | $3k |
| Total | $70k | $27k |
VEHICLE DESIGN CYCLE CHANGES
Car companies typically design their vehicles in generations. Each vehicle model is a part of a generation, which means it shares the same chassis, engine, electronics and body-style. Companies typically have a 7 or a 10 year cycle of the same generation at which time they redesign the model making major changes and improvements. Companies also make minor changes, usually cosmetic, which is called a mid-cycle refresh at the 3 ½ and 5 year marks, this is to stay competitive in the market and keep buyers interested by included any updates and trends that may have occurred in the market.
The effects that these design cycles have on price is creating demand for the newly designed vehicles, making prices high and reducing the demand for the older vehicles, some customers always desire the lasted features and the newest design, so that’s where the demand grows.
Below is a timeline that illustrates the cycle advancement and the costs associated with each stage. (Prices will vary depending on type of vehicle and the condition)
| 2022 | 2018 | 2013 | 2008 | 2008 |
| $100K – $90k | $89k – $70k | $69k – $30k | $29k – $10k | $9k – $5k |
| Future Generation | Refresh | New Generation | Refresh | Old Generation |
If you are financially conscious and on a budget but also want the most updated and modernized look but for the best value than the objective is to spend the least amount of money to get a vehicle that includes updated features and style for your enjoyment. In the example above purchasing an old generation vehicle for around $10k and installing a facelift bodykit for about $12k (the kit cost about $9k and paint and installation are about $3k). This will result in a total cost of less than $25k for a vehicle that has the updates of the refreshed new generation ($70k) vehicle for less than half the price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRDm5nWvMtM State of increased car prices and auto loans.
BREAKDOWN OF TYPES OF VEHICLE BUYERS
Peace of mind is vital when it comes to vehicle ownership, so buying a vehicle that is reliable is of prime importance. Please see our article on maintenance LINK and visit our affiliates for useful maintenance products LINK and helpful extended warranties LINK
The reason some vehicle owners are interested in facelifting and modernizing their vehicles is caused by a couple main factors: (1) increased prices of new luxury vehicles, (2) depreciation and affordability of used luxury vehicles, (3) overall stagnant wage income growth, (4) a desire to have modern features and comfort during driving experience.
These 4
reasons effect vehicle owners differently along with a person’s individual
personality. Based on these factors we
have come up with 5 different types of vehicle buyers.
LEASOR
The first is the person who leases vehicles. Their decision to lease is primarily financial in nature. Their driving habit and lifestyle allow them to meet the terms of the lease, they enjoy convenience of not being responsible for maintenance cost, being able to take advantage of their credit and drive the latest vehicles without a long term commitment. They are comfortable with making monthly payments but they are able to avoid depreciation because they can trade the vehicle in for a newer model when their lease expires. They are indifferent towards vehicle customization and are attracted to the convenience and access that a lease agreement offers.
FUNCTIONAL
Second, functional drivers are “point A to point B” type of people. For a variety of reasons, some personal and some economic, they do not place any value on vehicle customization. Their primary focus is reliable transportation to and from work, transporting children to school and activities, enjoying hobbies and performing necessary errands.
HIGH INCOME
Third, high income drivers are the type of people who have a lot of disposable income. They have the cash to purchase a luxury vehicle for $100k or the ability to make the payments. They can afford to choose all the vehicle options from the dealership, the special paint, the larger rims, the designer grille and accent trim pieces are all easily within their budget. They like vehicles for the experience, status, speed and luxury; they enjoy customizing but since they are earning hundreds of thousands of dollars or millions, so they can afford to do all of their personalizing at the dealership and do not have to search for cheaper alternative on the aftermarket.
CUSTOMIZERS
Fourth, customizers are the type of buyers who put form over function. To them a vehicle must be reliable and functional but that is only the beginning. To them a vehicle is a show piece, an extension of their personality that they take pride in. Any vehicle they buy, they will put their personal touch on it, maybe minor or major but the standard stock vehicle is not complete to them until it has some custom options or features to make it cool to drive and to show that they have sophisticated taste in vehicles. Some customizers are also high income types and they have the ability to customize their vehicles with all the latest trends. Customizers who are not high income types but who still have the desire to upgrade their vehicle sometimes seek out less expensive alternatives that allow them to be also be financially responsible and live within their means, Facelift Bodykits LINK attempts to be an alternative for these types of customizers.
PUREST
Fifth, purest
are the type of buyers who do not like to change the identity of a vehicle or
to make a vehicle look like something that it is not. They have the philosophy that you should just
buy the original vehicle and if you cannot afford it then you should just wait. Some purist are also high income types as
well as customizers. When a high income,
purist is a customizer, they make their upgrades and modifications at the
dealership or on the aftermarket but they would never facelift or convert their
vehicle because they feel like it adversely effects the integrity of the
identity of the vehicle and that it is bad taste to attempt to look like
something that a person cannot afford. A
purist customizer that is not high income, would either purchase a vehicle they
cannot afford or not buy their dream car and wait until they can afford it in
its original state.
Ultimately it comes down to personal choice, personal taste, financial ability and what makes someone happy. Facelift Bodykits tries to provide an option for cost conscious customizers who choose to purchase used luxury vehicles within their budget but do not want to drive with outdated cosmetic features, the ability to modernize their vehicles. Please explore the different facelift bodykits that we offer for various luxury vehicles. LINK Also browse some of our affiliate products that help modernize, customize and maintain features of used luxury vehicles. LINK
1. Buyers who cannot afford newer luxury vehicles.
2. Buyers who can afford newer luxury vehicles but they are fiscally conscious and prefer to save money and seek value.
3. People who have owned their luxury vehicle for years, are attached to it, do not plan on selling it but enjoy customization and want to update what they currently have.
