I have been driving for 35 years and I haven't even thought about modding a car since high school. I just thought that you did your research, bought the best car you could find, lived with its faults, and didn't worry too much about being different. Until now. I've been judicious about my mods. I've shopped carefully and have done only the ones that made a big difference in looks or performance. But still I've put a couple of grand into my V6 since I bought it 18 months ago. Here's the reasons why I have modded:

1) The V6 is a promising platform but has some obvious flaws that are easily fixed. People don't mod G37s because they don't have to.
2) There's a ready supply of cheap but high quality GT takeoff parts. I've added dual mufflers, sway bars, wheels and tires, and front bumpers and have spent very little on it.
3) Mustangs are a specialty car and we want them to stand out from the crowd. That's why we bought them in the first place. It never even occured to me that my Toyota should look any different than the 10 other ones in the parking lot. I bought the Mustang because I wanted to have a little fun.
4) There is relentless pressure from other 'Stang owners to mod the car. This is a true story: Exactly 30 minutes after I bought my car on the way home from the dealer, another 'Stang owner pulled up next to me at a stoplight and yelled, "Dude, what have you done to it?"
5) The biggest reason: This &#+@^* forum! Every time I log on I add more stuff to my wish list.

 

My 08 GT is my tenth Mustang. All have seen from minimal mods to complete drivetrain transplants. I guess its a lifestyle of sorts.

 

Are either of them paying for any of the mods? If not, then who really cares what anyone thinks of what you do to your car? Your thread doesn't fall into this category, but the constant threads on this forum of people asking for opinions on mods crack me up. I pay for my mods, I couldn't care less what other people think, period.

 

I do it for the speed, sound, and sheer fun of the hobby..when I get older and make more money I want to start racing on weekends, maybe SCCA, who knows...we don't need to justify our choices, the enjoyment of driving is fulfilling enough