I have a Desert Sand Mica (read: extra boring tan) '09 Corolla base model. It looks like a car my grandmother could drive. I do like the styling, but the color, not so much. There's a photo attached in case you need an example.
I also have little to no money. So here is my challenge to you. I'm looking for things I can do that will make me feel more like 23 (actual age) and less like 83 (perceived age) while driving this car. I'm considering lowering springs (eibach/trd) and a short shift with the new bushings. Maybe some light tint. I'd also like some pretty cheap possibly used rims if I can find them. I've seen someone who was able to switch out the red LED's behind the gauge cluster for blue ones. Looked pretty sexy, cost about $15 plus some man hours. Are there cheap body kits?
Key words here include cheap, performance, appearance. Bonus points to suggestions that match more than one of those criteria, the cheaper the better. Under $500-750 for mods is what I'm looking at. All I've done so far is move the intake tubing for a pretty ghetto (but surprisingly effective) cold air intake w/ K&N drop in.
Looking forward to opinions and ideas. I beg of you. Pimp my ride?
You could add a bunch of lights to your car. (Requires some tools and knowledge in the electrical field)
I added cold cathode fluorescent lights to my trunk. It cost me about $20, but I have a bunch of leftover stuff. If you can buy the items needed in small amounts you will probably spend around 15$.
I also added four interior lights (2 under the dash, 2 under front seats) for 39$. Paid 37$ for lights and 2$ for a pack of 10 pin connectors.
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Selling my aftermarket touchscreen head unit. Check it out!
This is what I have done:
31mm led festoon bulb for dome lights blue (or color of your choice). So when you are unlocking your car at night the interior lights up to the color of your choice. Cost: Less than $8 http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=31m...toon&_osacat=0
Window tint: I got mine for $140 with windshield strip from reputable company with lifetime guarantee
Eonon factory look In Dash DVD, bluetooth, etc... $289 check my thread
Harman Audio (makers of infinity and JBL) have their own ebay store for remanufactured products - http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/harmanaudio/
I got 3 Infinity Kappa Perfect 10"d VQ for about $70 each and a JBL 1200.1 amp for $130 and they beat!
Key words here include cheap, performance, appearance.
= RICE... but seriously...
Here's my car with rims, H-Tech lowering springs, and tinted fogs. Thats all I've done exerior-wise. You could also paint your engine and calipers. Paint cost $5, springs $200, Tint for fogs $5, Rims $1000. Also search, there's a whole thread on cheap upgrades... Here's some examples:
Maybe a sub-question... TRD or Eibach springs? Both look about the same price, I know the TRD have 0.5"/1.5" front/back, and the Eibach is something like 1.5"/2.0" front/back?
I was thinking a spoiler would be the easiest way to make it look slightly sporty for the lowest price, but I would welcome other opinions. I wanted to repaint it at first, but I'm not trying to add $1200 to the sticker price just because I got a good deal in a bad color from the dealer. Also considered the much-debated headlight mod, though I have no plans to actually do this. I saw cheap tint on ebay, but maybe it was crap. Never tinted before, but then never modded before and don't really know where to start anyway...
Also since I'm in the lovely state of Ohio, I am required by law to have a front plate which effectively kills any hope of the front end looking good. I signed a petition to eliminate the required front plate, hah. No hope in that happening soon though. Anyone selling one of the S body kits for cheap? haha
Last edited by PhatRoyale; 09-14-2009 at 09:39 AM.
Where can I findthe eibach springs? I've tried googling for them, but can't find them for genten's.
You won't believe this but Sears automotive carries Eibachs
For the full total of 500 you should be able to tint and lower the car. Now if you are will to make a few payments you could get a tire credit card and buy rims for it as well.
Now if you are will to make a few payments you could get a tire credit card and buy rims for it as well.
A tire credit card you say? Please go on, I've never heard of such a thing. Just some extra discounts on rims or something?
I was looking at rims on Craigslist actually, but I'm not sure whether I'd risk picking them up from there. Of course I'd check the bolt pattern first.
I know it's kind of lame to start a thread on how to mod a car for as little money as possible, since it's almost impossible to avoid spending a grand or two if you're serious about upgrades anyway... I'm determined though, haha.
Last edited by jlauden; 09-14-2009 at 07:01 PM.
Reason: added comment
A tire credit card you say? Please go on, I've never heard of such a thing. Just some extra discounts on rims or something?
Oh its a credit card but one tied to a specific business they can offer special payment plans that way. It's how I afforded new tires and rims. Word of warning it is a credit card so you will want to pay it off as soon as possible. I made double payments on mine. Talk to Discount tire or Precision alignment for details
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