A body kit is an aftermarket accessory used to enhance the look of a car. It comes with custom-moulded components for some particular models, including front and rear bumper, side skirts, fender flares, and spoilers. This article will consider all the factors that determine the cost of a body kit installation, along with some tips on how one can get good deals on body kits and car accessories in Dubai.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Body Kits
Now, down to the nitty-gritty: how much does a body kit cost? The result of the analysis of the pricing for body kits is that their cost can differ considerably based on several factors, including:
1. Material
One of the largest cost determinants includes the material used by the body kit shops. Following are some of the most common options;
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a popular material for body kits since it is very tough-wearing, lightweight, and reasonably priced. However, quality-wise, there can be a huge difference in fibreglass quality, with good ones much pricier.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fibre occupies the top rung among materials for body kits, thanks to its twin virtues of superior strength and lightweight properties. But then, as with all good things in life, this premium material comes with its price in dollars and cents.Â
- Basalt: This component is based on basalt fibre, which is extracted from basalt rock; based on it, a composite material is made. In specialised facilities, basalt is melted at high temperatures and drawn to strands through platinum nozzles to create a fiber.
2. Brand and Quality
The body kit prices of cars can also be greatly influenced by the brand and overall quality, such as:
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: A body kit from an Original Equipment Manufacturer is usually highest in price because it is designed and made by a car’s original manufacturer. However, such kits do ensure a perfect fit and quality workmanship as compared to aftermarket body kits.
- Reputation and Craftsmanship: Even within the aftermarket realm, some brands have built reputations that reflect superior quality and attention to detail, which comes at a price.Â
- Certification: Certified kits are expensive, but they assure you of quality and that extra peace of mind.Â
3. Complexity and Number of Components
The complexity of the body kit and the number of pieces it includes are huge factors that make the price different.
- Kit Complexity and Components: The more elaborate body kits that come with a lot of different components, like front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fender flares, spoilers, etc., are naturally going to be pricier.
- Full vs Partial Kits: Full-body kits include all the pieces necessary to complete the renovation of your vehicle’s look. Partial kits may only contain two or three pieces, such as a front lip spoiler combined with side skirts.
- Number of Pieces: The more number of individual pieces a body kit has, the more costly it will be.
4. Vehicle Model and Year
The demand and availability of body kits for your vehicle model and year can also play a role in costs. Kits for more common or popular vehicles are probably the easiest to obtain and may, perhaps, cost less compared to a less popular or a not-so-common vehicle bathtub model because the production quantities of those may go down.
Additional Costs
You will have to add these into your overall rough costing estimate on top of the body kit purchase price:
Professional Installation: Professional body kit installation basic costs can range anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Painting and Finishing: Professional paint jobs can vary from a few hundred dollars for a no-frills, single-colour job to a few thousand dollars for high-quality, multi-colour, or custom paint jobs.
Shipping Costs: This could run into a large amount, depending on the size and weight of the body kit, particularly if it is to be shipped over long distances or across borders.
Tips for Getting a Good Deal
Although body kits are an expensive investment, there are ways through which you can save money. These include:
Buy from Reputable Sellers: Shopping for trusted sellers online or in-person should help you get a quality product and stay clear from possible fraud or replicas. Look for sellers who have rated positively and have a history of satisfied customers.
Shop Around for Prices: Don’t just rush to buy the very first body kit you come across. You need to conduct a little research; look at the prices being quoted by the various retailers so you can ascertain that you are getting the best price.
Consider Mid-range Body Kits: Mid-range options may strike a good balance between cost and quality, especially when you have a more modest budget. Keep in mind, however, that investment in a high-end body kit has the best quality, customization options, certification, and warranty.Â
Consider Used or Secondhand Options: Although purchasing an entirely new body kit is no doubt the best, it would be good to take secondhand or used one into consideration to save on the cost.Â
DIY Installation: If you have experience in car modification and all the required tools and space, then doing it yourself can save you money on professional installation. However, bear in mind that if the installation goes wrong, this could lead to issues with the fit and might render your warranty null and void.
The Bottom Line
A body kit is indeed a very good investment, one that can surely transform your car’s overall look and maybe even its performance in some aspects. By learning and applying some shopping smarts about the several factors affecting its cost, you will get one that will suit your needs and budget.
It all starts with the right body kit supplier and the journey to the new stunning look. CarVision is a leading provider of car body kits, throttle body spacer, multimedia solutions, and services in the UAE. They specialize in providing top-of-the-line audio and visual systems for vehicles and offering expert installation and maintenance services.Â