Pimped Ride: This Auburn student’s car has been modified, or as Xzibit would say, “pimped.” College students are a part of the demographic of 18-34 year olds, who are most likely to modify their vehicles. Modifications can include changes to tires, sound systems and b
A 2006 Consumer Reports survey found Americans spend more than $700 on average on vehicle accessories. Of vehicle-owning Americans, 73 percent have modified their vehicle in some way.
Vehicle accessories include anything from floor mats, alarm systems and fuzzy dice on the mirror.
Those falling in the age group 18-34 are the most likely to enhance their vehicle in some way, with 78 percent participating.
Madison Whittemore, a junior in finance, said he has added a Valentine 1 radar detector, new front lights, W7 subs, new front speakers and amplifiers, Dynamat soundproofing, window tint, an Auburn University decal, a fraternity decal and new side mirrors to his vehicle.
“Looking tacky is not necessarily about how much people put into their car or how much money they put into it,” Whittemore said. “It’s more about what they actually do to it.”
Steven Glover, a senior in sociology, falls into the 73 percent who modify their vehicle.
Glover said he added low profile tires with 18-inch wheels, window tint, an Auburn University decal and a JL audio amplifier and speakers.
“When you buy things from places like Auto Zone or Wal-Mart, that’s tacky,” Glover said. “I would never have anything done to my car that wasn’t by a professional.”
Although Shelley Stewart, a junior in education, has not put much money into modifying her Xterra, she said she has personalized it with a Dave Matthews Band decal, a George Bush decal and an Auburn University decal.
“I added things that reflect my personality to my car to make it more personalized,” Stewart said. “I support Auburn, Bush and DMB, so I let people know it.”
According to Consumer Reports, 44 percent of people modify their vehicle to enhance comfort, and only 11 percent add to the exterior to make their car “look better.”
A study on Motor Trends’ www.TruckTrends.com found that vehicle owners modify their cars for many reasons including to enhance performance, safety, comfort, resale value or appearance.
Most vehicle accessories are harmless, but there are some unsafe modifications.
For example, neon lights can be distracting to other drivers, or dark window tint allows for little visibility into, and sometimes out of, a vehicle.
Some drivers install television screens in their vehicles, which can be extremely distracting.
Others install loud speakers which could cause them not to hear outside noises such as another car’s horn.
Of course there are modifications that wouldn’t harm anyone, such as Auburn decals, so don’t be afraid to show support for the Tigers everywhere you go.
