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How to make my car look "newer"

rictus123
rictus123 Posts: 2,560 Forumite
1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Name Dropper
I have just bought an S reg 206 in pretty good outside condition and also drives well, only thing is i could do with sprucing it up a bit....done fair high miles so steering wheel is a bit worn so im going to get a cover for it, maybe leather seats from a 206 gti, maybe just leather seat covers il see what i can find. Also on the look out for some shiny alloys(steelies on it just now)..anything else i can do to make it look and feel better than a banger?
Work in progress...Update coming July 2012.
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Comments

  • steveo3002
    steveo3002 Posts: 2,731 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    good clean and polish helps inside and out

    wet vac the carpets ..as you say replace any worn trims with better ones from a scrapyard
  • Hintza
    Hintza Posts: 19,420 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Agree with the above concentrate on the paintwork and chrome on the outside. T-Cut and polish and a good clean inside.

    Don't waste money an anything else. Elbow grease will work wonders.
  • FATBALLZ
    FATBALLZ Posts: 5,146 Forumite
    Put a big sheet of metal on the front that nearly touches the ground like on race cars. Install lexus lights on the back. Put a big drainpipe over the exhaust so it sounds louder. And always drive in 2nd gear. Also put those alloys on that keep spinning after the car stops. Then the girls will feel weak at the knees.
  • THIZ IS TEH WINNAR!!!11!
    FATBALLZ wrote: »
    Put a big sheet of metal on the front that nearly touches the ground like on race cars. Install lexus lights on the back. Put a big drainpipe over the exhaust so it sounds louder. And always drive in 2nd gear. Also put those alloys on that keep spinning after the car stops. Then the girls will feel weak at the knees.

    A rotary polish works wonders, leaves it shining like a new penny.
  • WTTM
    WTTM Posts: 177 Forumite
    At the end of the day, the car is still a banger at that age.

    Keep money from doing it up towards your next decent car.

    Mods will also increase your insurance.


    MOMENT:D
  • steveo3002
    steveo3002 Posts: 2,731 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    yeah halfords tat will just make you look like a tool and ruin your insurance

    nothing wrong with a older car thats minty clean and well taken care off though , try not to live to impress other people all the time
  • motorguy
    motorguy Posts: 22,604 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    rictus123 wrote: »
    I have just bought an S reg 206 in pretty good outside condition and also drives well, only thing is i could do with sprucing it up a bit....done fair high miles so steering wheel is a bit worn so im going to get a cover for it, maybe leather seats from a 206 gti, maybe just leather seat covers il see what i can find. Also on the look out for some shiny alloys(steelies on it just now)..anything else i can do to make it look and feel better than a banger?

    Ebay is your friend!

    If your car has the older orange indicators etc, check out ebay for clear lenses. These should only be a few £'s.

    If your budget wont stretch to new alloys, then see if anyone is selling used GTI / XSi alloys on ebay, or check with your local scrapyards. If you're really strapped for cash, a set of the latest genuine peugeot wheel trims will make a big difference too.

    Leather interiors will always be in demand, and will command a premium. Leather seat covers will look naff. Look for an XSi or GTi cloth interior, that way you'll get the side bolstered sports seats and wont have to spend too much.

    A non genuine replica GTi boot spoiler wont set you back much either.

    Later type rear chrome badges help too - or de badge your car totally.

    I had a '97 306 D Turbo some years ago, I bought it with naff alloys faded badges and a circa 1970's red and silver stripe up the side of it. Removed the stripes and swapped the alloys for genuine D Turbo ones. Replaced the badges with the latest chrome ones and gave it a really good polish. Bought it for £1700, spent £150 on and sold it for £2700 six months later....

    Good luck!
  • Al1x
    Al1x Posts: 1,653 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    not all mods will increase your insurance but make sure you tell them everything you have done to your car or your insurance could be invalidated.

    Lockwood stainless steel door sills are good to cover up scratched door sills.
    Richbrook do a great range of styling products like steering wheels and gear knobs etc
    you can get some nice head lights/tail lights
  • Try the Autogylm claybar kit too, it makes the paintwork feel like glass. Takes a long time to do but is worth while
  • jammin_2
    jammin_2 Posts: 2,461 Forumite
    Consider changing the registration number to one from Northern Ireland. This will hide the car's age.
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