We love cars, just like many of you, but we especially love cars that stand out from the crowd a little bit. Adding custom touches to your vehicle has become more popular than ever before, as restyling has evolved into a much more creative and effective process than merely slapping a spoiler on a Saxo or adding a metal gear knob to a Fiesta.
Modern cars have advanced in both quality and design, and so have the customization options available. Today, you no longer have to have the same car as your fellow model owners.
Welcome to our curated list of the top 16 cheapest car mods. This compilation highlights affordable yet effective options for restyling, performance upgrades, and protection for your vehicle.
These modifications are available either as DIY projects or as professional services offered by accredited suppliers. It’s important to clarify that by “cheapest,” we are not referring to shoddy or ineffective options—especially with professional services.
Going with cheap can end up being costly if you have to pay for a second repair or professional service in the future because the first attempt didn’t work out.
Before you go on any vehicle modifications, always check with your insurance provider to confirm that the changes are allowed under your policy. This will help ensure you avoid rejected claims down the line.
1. Headlight Tinting
Headlight tinting is often misunderstood as illegal, but when done within legal parameters, it is completely safe and legal. We’re not advocating that you block light from your headlights—this is a styling choice designed to enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
Tinting your headlights not only offers a stylish and aggressive stealthy look but also adds a layer of protection. A specialized film applied to the headlight cover can protect it from fading and chips over time.
Headlight tinting is a quick job that can be completed in minutes, and you can do it yourself with the proper tools and film. However, if you’d prefer, you can pay a small amount to a local professional supplier who can provide legal advice, expertise, and a professional installation to ensure it’s done right.
2. HID4 Upgrade
Are traditional headlights cutting it anymore? HID lights may still seem like a novelty when you see a set coming toward you on a dark night, even though they’ve been in use for many years now.
The HID4 upgrade is more than just a cosmetic change—it’s a functional performance upgrade because HID lights are significantly more effective than standard halogen bulbs.
The upgrade is affordable, and installation is relatively straightforward and quick. In fact, it’s a DIY option you could likely tackle yourself.
HID kits are widely available online at great prices and come with excellent support if you encounter any issues during installation. For those less confident in their DIY skills, professional installation is always a solid option.
3. Engine Remap
Although we’ve mentioned DIY projects a few times, engine remapping is something you should absolutely leave to the professionals. Attempting to do this yourself could result in damaging your car, potentially in very costly ways. Fortunately, remapping is affordable and relatively quick when handled by experts.
Engine remapping involves editing pre-written software code and uploading it to your ECU (engine control unit). Most modern ECU maps can be uploaded in less than an hour, though certain vehicles can be trickier due to the location of their ECU.
Essentially, the process involves changing factory settings that are designed to ensure cars conform to emissions, safety, and speed regulations in different regions.
What are the benefits of remapping your ECU? There are two main perspectives: improving fuel economy or improving performance in terms of power and torque.
Most people choose the latter. By overriding the factory settings, your engine can perform much closer to its full potential, which usually results in noticeable performance gains.
You can use our price calculator to get an idea of the costs for remapping your specific car or request an instant quote from local professionals nearby. If you’re considering this option, give it a try.
4. Roof Wrap
Applying a vinyl wrap to your car can be an expensive process. This is largely due to the cost of high-quality materials, the time required to complete the job, and the expertise of skilled installers.
These factors ensure that the standards of quality remain high across the industry, which means prices are unlikely to drop dramatically anytime soon.
That said, roof wraps are a fantastic way to restyle your vehicle without committing to a full-body wrap, which would involve using significantly more material and time.
Roof wraps are typically less costly because they use less vinyl and take less time to install, yet they can transform the aesthetic of almost any car.
Due to the shape of a car roof, it is easy and quick to wrap using a single sheet of vinyl, which makes this option both affordable and visually impactful. If you’re looking for an effective way to give your car a fresh and bold new style, a roof wrap is an excellent choice.
5. Wing Mirror Wrap
Wing mirror wraps are another stylish yet affordable way to personalize your car without having to commit to a full-color change wrap.
While similar in concept to a roof wrap, wing mirror wraps are a bit trickier to execute properly because of their shape. This means you should expect to pay at least £100+ for a professional service using high-quality vinyl products like 3M or Avery.
Although subtle, wing mirror wraps can really elevate a car’s aesthetic appeal. Audi has used contrasting wing mirrors in their S-line models to great effect—though those are not wraps, their silver finishes pair beautifully with darker primary paint colors.
If you’re considering a wrap for your wing mirrors, options like orange gloss wing mirror wraps can give your car a unique and standout look. They’re stylish, practical, and a great way to give your vehicle an updated vibe without spending a fortune.
6. Window Tints
Window tinting has become one of the most popular car customizations in recent times, and for good reason. Not only does it add a sleek and stylish appearance to your vehicle, but it also has practical benefits, including:
- Blocking UV light to protect your skin and interior materials.
- Reducing heat in the car, especially in hot weather.
- Adding privacy by preventing others from seeing into your vehicle.
- Increasing security, as thieves are less likely to spot valuables through tinted windows.
Window tints are relatively simple to fit and can be applied as a DIY project in some cases.
Vinyl materials used for tints are also typically less expensive than the premium vinyls used in full vehicle wraps, making this an affordable way to enhance both the look and functionality of your car.
If you’re unsure about how to proceed, it’s always a good idea to get a professional quote or use a price calculator to determine the cost and see if tinting is a feasible option for your car.
7. Interior Lighting Kit
We spend a lot of time in our cars—probably more time in them than we spend simply admiring their exterior designs (for most of us). So why not make the inside as visually appealing and comfortable as possible?
Just as we decorate our homes with ambient lighting and design touches, you can do something similar in your car with interior lighting kits.
These lighting kits can transform the interior of your car by adding lit foot-wells, backlit trim, or other creative visual elements.
The effect can make your vehicle feel much more luxurious and unique. Interior lighting kits are surprisingly affordable, and if you have a bit of DIY skill, they are simple to install.
When used creatively, they can completely change the atmosphere of your vehicle’s cabin, turning it from an ordinary setup into something truly special. For such a low cost, they are a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to enhance the ambiance of their vehicle’s interior.
8. Seat Covers
While fully customizing or restoring interior trim and upholstery can be an expensive undertaking, seat covers are a fantastic alternative. They are a low-cost, high-impact way to transform your car’s interior while offering additional protection for your seats.
Modern seat covers are available in a wide range of styles, designs, and patterns. Many are custom-designed to fit a variety of vehicle models, and they can even include options like unique stitching or brand logos.
They look almost indistinguishable from new upholstery but come at a fraction of the cost.
The process of installing seat covers is simple and quick, often taking just a couple of hours to fit. If you’ve been considering a professional reupholstery job, you’ll quickly find that the costs can be astronomical. Seat covers offer the same transformative effects at a much lower price.
If you’re curious about exploring this option further, why not try using our price calculator? It can help you find the most affordable options and connect you with solutions that can breathe new life into your car’s interior without breaking the bank.
9. Interior Trim Wrap
This is one of our absolute favorites on the list and, honestly, an often-overlooked customization that deserves far more attention.
Have you ever come across a car on Autotrader and been instantly turned off by its interior? That dated, ugly wood trim… yes, we know the feeling. Thankfully, there’s an easy and effective solution: an interior trim wrap.
These wraps come in a virtually endless array of finishes, from leather look and carbon fiber to high-gloss options—the only real limit is your creativity and imagination. In most cases, the interior trim pieces such as dashboards and door panels are removed first, allowing a high-quality vinyl wrap to be applied.
The benefits of interior trim wraps are numerous. Not only do they introduce fresh new colors and finishes to your vehicle’s interior, but they also act as a protective layer to shield the original surfaces from damage and wear.
This can significantly help maintain the car’s value over time. It’s truly a win-win option, offering style, protection, and added value with relatively low effort.
10. Racing Stripes
The classic racing stripe has stood the test of time as a symbol of style and performance—and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Racing stripes remain a popular choice on premium vehicles such as Porsches and Mustangs and are still commonly seen on iconic vehicles like traditional Fords and Minis.
A racing stripe consists of a simple strip of quality vinyl, known as a car decal since it is essentially cut vinyl.
This is then carefully applied along the length of the car, over the bonnet, or across the roof. They’re a fantastic way to break up the monotony of a single, full-body color with a contrasting color or finish.
For example, a white stripe on a red car creates a bold look, while a more subtle option could include matte black against a gloss black car.
Racing stripes are affordable, and the materials themselves are relatively inexpensive. They are also easy to apply for a skilled professional. If you’re considering taking the DIY route, it is technically possible to do it yourself if you can source the material.
However, we must caution you: if you make mistakes during application, you’ll likely find yourself redoing the process within a year. A professional wrapper ensures a proper finish and minimizes the risk of costly mistakes.
11. De-chrome
Also known as chrome delete, de-chrome is one of the latest popular wrap modifications. Modern vehicles are often shipped with metal chrome trims on windows, doors, and grills. While these shiny accents are fine for some, they can look out of place or outdated on many vehicles.
De-chrome involves replacing these chrome trims with vinyl options in a clean black color—whether gloss black or matte black. This simple change makes a massive visual difference and completely updates the appearance of a vehicle.
While the de-chrome process itself is somewhat fiddly, it works similarly to other vinyl wrapping methods. The process involves carefully covering the chrome surfaces with vinyl to not only alter the aesthetic but also protect the underlying material.
Like other wrap modifications, this isn’t a quick or dirt-cheap option, but the phrase “pay cheap, pay twice” applies here. Spending a little extra on quality work upfront ensures that the job lasts for years, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Pro Tip: A Mercedes de-chrome exterior trim wrap is one of the most popular examples of how effective this change can look.
12. Car Stickers/Decals
When we mention car stickers or decals, we’re not referring to the type of joke bumper sticker you might slap on your vehicle. Instead, we’re talking about carefully applied, high-quality designs that can become a striking visual feature at a low cost.
When done right, decals can transform the look of your car and make it stand out for all the right reasons. However, if applied poorly, they can become an eyesore—so precision and quality matter.
One of the best options is to combine decals with a full vinyl wrap. Gloss black decals applied to a matte black finish, for example, create a sharp and eye-catching contrast.
These decals are cut using computer-controlled plotters and made from specialized automotive films that are designed to last for many years without peeling or fading if installed properly.
Decals can range from creating iconic race-inspired liveries to simply adding subtle design elements or promoting your business.
Considering their affordability, they can be an economical way to give your car a unique and personal touch. For just a few hundred pounds, you could bring iconic race styling to your car, create a minimalistic design upgrade, or even turn your car into a mobile advertising platform.
When it comes to car customization, decals offer a lot of versatility, style, and creativity—all without breaking the bank.
13. Rim Protection
You might not have given much thought to rim protectors for your alloy wheels, whether because you’re unaware of their existence or simply haven’t considered them since you first saw them.
However, their benefits are undeniable—they can save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
For instance, a close contact of ours managed to scratch his McLaren 12C wheels, and the cost of alloy refurbishment was… let’s just say it wasn’t inexpensive.
For only a few pounds, you can ensure that any alloy wheel stays protected, and that’s a no-brainer.
You might be wondering if rim protectors count as a modification or customization—well, we say yes.
Keeping your vehicle in pristine condition is just as vital as adding style, and for those who want to take it up a notch, rim protection options come in all sorts of colors—bright yellow, for instance. These not only add a layer of functionality but can give your wheels a fresh, bold look too.
14. Car Mats
Let me take you back to my first car—a silver Ford Orion. I spent many trips visiting Halfords, wandering around, dreaming of finding the cheapest and coolest accessories to make my car the envy of every college car park.
Unfortunately, I never succeeded. What I did manage to do, however, was get new car mats. Not that anyone, including myself, ever paid much attention to them.
Luckily, things have improved significantly since 2001, and now there are some truly stunning examples of custom car mats available. These aren’t just any mats.
Our online store features some of the best options, made from laser-scanned vehicle data to ensure a perfect fit and cut with computer-controlled precision. These mats are padded, stitched, and feel luxurious—trust me, they’re a far cry from the plain mats of yesteryear.
Okay, okay, we admit this isn’t the cheapest car modification option at £200, but even then, these are a bargain when you factor in their quality, craftsmanship, and the way they completely elevate the footwell experience. They’re not just mats; they transform your car’s interior into something magical and refined.
15. Boot Liners
As cars have grown larger over the years, so have their boots. For most of us, this is great news, offering more space for trips, shopping trips, and unexpected necessities.
But let’s face it—who hasn’t had the odd loose wheel nut, a spare tire, or even a stray petrol can rolling around in the back of their car? Not exactly the image of a pristine and well-kept vehicle.
Luckily, there’s a fantastic solution available: boot liners. These liners, produced by the same company that produces those fantastic custom car mats mentioned earlier, give your car’s boot a finish that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Pagani showroom.
They’re affordable, practical, and have an impressive, premium finish that works wonders, especially when you consider the size of a modern car’s boot.
They’re an inexpensive way to keep your boot clean and tidy while adding a touch of luxury and style. For the price, they’re an absolute bargain and well worth the money.
16. Car Door Lights
These lights are a relatively recent addition to the car customization world, and we must admit—we’re big fans of them. While the branded versions from companies like Audi are genuinely cool, we’ve come across a variety of options that offer the same effect but with different styles and designs.
Car door lights are affordable, easy to install, and an awesome way to light up your car’s presence on a dark, winter’s night.
Imagine stepping out of your car and seeing the ground illuminated with your car’s logo or another cool design. It’s subtle, stylish, and will surely bring a smile to your face.
While some might call this feature unnecessary or even a little silly, let’s be honest: those people are just jealous. Car door lights might be small and simple, but they add a sense of cool sophistication that is both functional and unique.
So that wraps up our list of 16 affordable and awesome car mods that we think everyone should consider.
If you manage to have all 16 of these modifications on your car, reach out to us—we’d love to feature what would undoubtedly be one of the coolest cars on the planet.