40 Cheap Upgrades That Will Make Your Car Feel Like a Luxury Vehicle
They say you are what you drive. But if you drive a cheap car, it doesn’t have to say you’re cheap (let’s call it “brilliantly frugal” instead).
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There are quite a few ways you can make your car look more expensive than it really is for less than $100 — sometimes for even less than $20. You probably won’t have to pay an installer either, since minimal to no mechanical skills are required, saving even more money.
Add a Steering Wheel Cover
A steering wheel cover increases the interior’s flair. Choose from an array of materials, including leather, cotton, microfiber, silicon, faux fur, or carbon fiber. You can choose colors and themes, too, such as your favorite sports team or your car’s brand. Add a touch of whimsical color to your car’s interior with a tie-dyed steering wheel cover. Or choose a neon, glow-in-the-dark cover for an ’80s throwback style.
A steering wheel cover isn’t just a cosmetic change. It can be more comfortable, cooler to the touch after your car has been baking in the sun or grippy, adding a layer of safety. Plus, it protects your steering wheel from dirt and oils on your hands to keep your steering wheel looking new when you sell your car. We found steering wheel covers on Amazon starting as low as $10. Putting one on is as simple as cleaning the existing surface and putting the cover in place.
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Wax Your Car
A healthy serving of elbow grease can give your car a shiny, new look. A good wax job also will protect the paint from exposure to damaging elements and could save you a new paint job. Wax products range in price from around $7 up to $40, but will last for many applications.
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Put On a Car Bra
There are ways to make a cheap car look not cheap, and that includes keeping it in pristine condition, free of body and paint damage. Adding a bra helps to protect the paint so it continues to look like new and remains scratch- and chip-free.
The bra also prevents dirt, road salt, dust and bird droppings from making direct contact with the paint, thereby protecting the finish. If you go with a clear version of the protective-film bra, you can apply it anywhere, and it’ll be discreet. Pro installers could charge a few hundred dollars to apply a clear bra over the entire vehicle, but you can get a roll starting at $10 on Amazon and do it yourself.
Get a Trunk Organizer
Even the neatest people might find their trunks becoming an unruly mess as things pile up and shift as you drive. A trunk organizer helps keep this often disorderly part of your car looking nice and neat. You can find trunk organizers for as little as $10, although you can pay as much as $60 for ones with features such as a cooler and multiple pockets and dividers.
Shine Your Tires
Want tires that glisten in the sunlight? Simply use a tire shine spray to get this aesthetically pleasing effect. You can find cans of tire shine coating for less than $20.
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Install a Backup Camera
A backup camera is now government-mandated equipment on new cars, but you’re not out of luck if yours is without one. This safety feature will modernize your car, help with blind spots and allow you to see what’s happening behind you. Adding a backup camera can get expensive when it comes to installation and the type of screen your car requires, though. However, you can find kits for about $40 that are plug-and-play, connecting to your car’s reverse lights or power point, making for easy installation. Sometimes, good enough is better than nothing.
Add a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The federal government required that a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) be standard equipment in new vehicles in 2007, but what if your car is older than that? Keep your older car on the road and add an element of safety with a TPMS kit. A TPMS kit will keep an eye out for low tire pressure. It can be expensive to add if the TPMS is a more complex series of sensors and wiring, but there are wireless Bluetooth-based setups starting at around $40.
Add Seat Covers
Spruce up your car’s interior with comfortable and on-trend seat covers. Seat covers add comfort, protect your seats from wear-and-tear, and can completely change the look of your older car. They are also easy to clean. Choose from basic, camo, sheepskin, cushioned and more. And if you’re really into this idea, aside from the zillions of colors and designs available, you also can get custom covers with a photo you submit. Seat covers are easy to install. Prices vary widely, but we found a full set for front and back seats on Amazon for as little as $32, although you could pay more than $100 for leather seat covers that fit popular truck models.
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Repair Your Paint
Quality paint jobs or even touch-ups from a professional can be costly, so here’s a completely affordable way to hide minor, superficial chips and scratches in your car’s paint: a repair pen. Typically available for around $10 to $20, a paint pen masks scratches and chips in just seconds. Bonus: pens are available to color match to the factory paint color. You might want to check your local car dealer if you are looking for an exact match to your make and model vehicle.
Add Floor Mats
Everything you step on outside becomes a layer of crud on the floor inside your car, whether it’s dirt, rocks, snow or mud. If you have kids, you know anything they eat or drink in the car will eventually make its way to the floor.
Floor mats provide an easy-to-clean protective layer — and also hide existing stains in your car’s carpeting. You can pick up floor mats in a style to match your carpet or reflect your personality. You can even create a theme in your car by matching car seat covers, your steering wheel cover, and your car mats. Car mats are manufactured of rubber or carpet and start as low as $17 per set for basic black carpet floor mats, although you can pay $50 or more for higher quality mats. Installation is as simple as dropping the mat into place. Be sure to check the dimensions or look for vehicle-specific products for a perfect fit.
Replace Your Shifter Knob
Another simple way to make an interior look a little more refined is to replace your shifter knob — if you’re tolerating the current one popping off in your hand while shifting, it’s making everything about your car seem cheaper. But changing the knob isn’t only for a better appearance — some have a more comfortable grip and that can even equal quicker shifts and better performance. It should be a straightforward swap, too. No matter what color or how weird of a design you can think of, that knob probably exists and likely for less than $25 on Amazon.
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Update Your Grille
You have options when it comes to your car’s grille. You can give your vehicle’s front end a completely new look with a grille insert, overlay or replacement. An insert goes in the center of your current grille, while an overlay goes over the existing grille. A replacement is used in place of your factory grille. Prices start just under $100, but can exceed that, depending on how fancy you want to get. If you’re looking for the cheapest, easiest-to-install option, go with the overlay.
Enhance Your Pedals
Switching to aluminum or another type of cover for your accelerator and brake pedals adds a one-of-a-kind look but also can have some perks: you’ll gain a nonslip, scratch-resistant and comfortable surface for your feet as well as the illusion that your cheap car has racing genes. Don’t want to spend a lot of money to improve your interior? This can be done for as little as $10 and should be a quick DIY project.
Add Bluetooth
If your car doesn’t have Bluetooth that allows you to stream music or use your cellphone hands-free, a few options exist. You can use a universal kit that stands alone — such kits don’t need to interact with your car’s stereo — or you can use an adapter that connects to your stereo. We found Bluetooth receivers on Amazon for under $20.
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Stick On a Spoiler
A rear spoiler affects your car’s aerodynamics, and in the process, it can give a slight boost to your miles per gallon and help the car handle better at speed. The wing-thing also can scream “sporty car” (not to be confused with “sports car”) with a quick-add installation. You have a choice when it comes to the type of spoiler, too, from ones that stick on via adhesive to others that require drilling. Design options are aplenty, including flush mount, but this is also where the cost starts to climb. The price of a spoiler also depends on the type of car you have, so keep that in mind if you’re hoping for a custom or adjustable spoiler. Also, they aren’t just for cars; truck spoilers exist, too. You can find a variety of spoilers for under $100, with several choices under $50.
Switch Your Fuel Door
Turn heads on the highway with a stainless steel, chrome-plated or carbon fiber gas cap cover or fuel door. You can even get one that locks. Many covers are brand-specific, so make sure you choose one that fits your vehicle. You may even want to check your local car dealer. Prices range from under $25 to more than $100, so you can get as fancy as you’d like without spending a fortune.
Add a Hood Protector
Who doesn’t love products that do double duty? In this case, a hood protector gives your vehicle a minor makeover and shields the hood and windshield from bugs and road debris. There’s also an aerodynamic advantage, too. You shouldn’t have a problem finding one for less than $100. Between the instructions and included mounting hardware, you shouldn’t need to bring in a pro for the installation.
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Add Fender Flares
Maybe you can’t afford new tires and wheels, but that shouldn’t stop you from adding fender flares to make your car stand out while also protecting it from road debris. Various styles exist, and they can be put on without drilling. You can choose from a wider/aggressive look to a mild aesthetic change. The price will depend on the cool factor, so if you want to spend less than $100, expect to see fairly basic choices. If you can open your budget up a bit, you might be more satisfied. Again, many fender flares are brand specific so check with a local dealer for the accessory that will fit your make, model and year of car or truck.
Add Tailgate Protection
Once again, this is an upgrade that not only customizes the look of your truck, but also protects the paint and body from scratches and dents when you load and unload items into the bed or cargo area. A tailgate protector (or tailgate cap) should go on easily with some form of included tape, without drilling into the sheet metal. Tip: You might be able to find a kit that’s a hood and tailgate combo package. Bundling could save some cash, as you could be looking at $40 to $60 or more for the tailgate cap alone.
Add a Step
Truck drivers can add style and convenience to their ride with a step. A step makes it easier to reach inside the tailgate or cargo area, or fills the role of running boards without the high price tag. Some steps attach to the hitch receiver while others mount underbody. You can find them for around $40, but if you feel like blowing a bunch of cash, look for a retractable version.
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Swap the Center Console
A new center console could reinvigorate your interior. Most models run for slightly more than $100, with a locking console costing more than $250 on Amazon. But we also found nice ones with added storage and dual cup holders for $40 to $60.
Apply a Wrap
Why go to a pro when you can do it yourself for a lot less? That’s for sure the situation when it comes to adding a vinyl wrap to your car. It’s less permanent than paint — it’s a peel-and-stick proposition, but just be careful not to get sloppy and leave bubbles or make it crooked. The more creative and custom the wrap, the more it costs, but $10 can get you started with a variety of colors and styles, including a carbon fiber look or rainbow metallic silver.
Screw In New Bulbs
Brighter headlight bulbs of the LED or Xenon HID variety are the norm now, but you can upgrade your dim lights or replace a dead bulb for $70 to $100 for a pack of two. Note: If you are replacing a dead bulb, the other bulb is likely near the end of its lifespan, too. Replace both bulbs at the same time for a consistent look and to save yourself the trouble of a second trip to the auto parts store.
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Put On an Exhaust Tip
Give your car a unique look with an aftermarket exhaust tip. Oval, square, round and rectangular exhaust tips are available, and you can choose from chrome, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and more. We found options on Amazon ranging from $10 up to $43. You won’t see a performance boost with an exhaust tip, but you will see a style boost to your car’s exterior. If you’re looking for easy installation, avoid any exhaust tips that require welding.
Replace the Valve Stem Caps
If you’re not driving around with a valve stem cap on each tire, you’re missing out on an important upgrade that doesn’t cost a lot. That little cap keeps dirt, dust and moisture out of the valve stem. Whether you need to replace one or more, or even if all are intact, new caps are a super cheap and easy upgrade. We even found florescent tire valve caps that glow blue in the dark as your wheels turn on Amazon. If you prefer basic black or chrome, expect to spend around $6 for a set of four.
Apply Pinstripes
Give your car’s exterior a refresh by repairing existing pinstripes that have faded or applying new ones. You also can add pinstripe graphics. Pinstripes will give your monotone car a splash of color, create an optical change depending on where you place them or distract from something awfully ugly, such as a dent. There are kits available for basic pinstripes as well as ones with special brushes and templates inspired by the famed pinstriping master Steve Kafka. Doing it yourself is as simple or complex as your skills allow. You can find rolls for as little as $8, although you will pay more for intricate designs and details.
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Install a Short-Throw Shifter
A short-throw shifter is “one of the easiest and least expensive performance upgrades that you can perform,” according to CJ Pony Parts. This upgrade, which is suitable for manual transmission cars, reduces the lengths of your throws — or shifts — by shortening the distance between your hand and the pivot point of the shifter. This upgrade creates tighter, shorter gear shifts.
You can install a short-throw shifter yourself by purchasing a kit on Amazon. Be sure to buy a kit that is specifically designed for your make and model. You can find highly rated short-throw shifter kits for around $40 to $60, although some run for over $100.
Apply a Dashboard Cover
If your dashboard has been looking a little worse for wear or you simply want to switch up its appearance, a dashboard cover makes for an easy upgrade. You can find velour and vinyl wrap kits for your car that you can adhere yourself for under $40.
Add a Phone Mount
No GPS, Apple Carplay or Android Auto in your cheap car? No problem. A phone mount allows you to easily see your phone and use its map apps to get around. You can find phone mounts that attach to your dashboard or air vent for around $10 on Amazon. You can pay a little more for one with Qi charging capabilities.
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Add a USB Charger
Speaking of phones, it’s easy to add a USB phone charger to your car if it doesn’t come with one. These chargers plug into your car’s cigarette lighter, and many have dual ports (or even more!) so you can charge more than one device at once. Don’t worry about your phone dying while you’re on the road when you grab a few USB car chargers. Prices range from $20 for a 5-pack up to just over $20 for a USB car charger with 4 ports and colorful LED lights.
Use a Spare Tire Cover
Spare tire covers come in hard and soft form in a variety of styles, colors and designs. Show off your personality while protecting your spare tire from sun damage, dirt and dust. It can get more costly if you go with one that’s lockable, and overall pricing depends on the make and model of vehicle. You can even get a custom cover with your own logo or photo starting at $15 on Amazon.
Install Door Lock Covers
If you have a classic car and you’re looking to add some eye-catching detail to the interior, door lock covers are one of the cheapest upgrades you can make, starting at under $7 for a pack of four. Choose rhinestone, basic black, or fashion colors to match your car’s exterior.
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Add Window Deflectors
Adding window deflectors will allow you to enjoy some fresh air no matter what the weather — they enable you to keep the windows cracked, even when it’s raining. Window deflectors also “help keep the sun out of your eyes, reduce interior wind noise and fogging, and can also help reduce interior heat,” according to AutoZone. A four-piece set of window deflectors costs around $60.
Add Car Door Light Projectors
This surprisingly inexpensive upgrade will add some flair to your vehicle, with two-packs of car door light projectors selling for around $15. You can choose to have the projector display your car logo or another logo of your choosing on the ground each time you open your car door.
Replace Your Hubcaps
Replacing your hubcaps or wheel covers can give your car a whole new look. You can choose to go all chrome or go for covers with color accents for a sportier look. A set of four wheel covers will cost you around $50, although you can pay more for higher quality sets.
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Add a Hood Ornament
As long as you choose tastefully, a hood ornament can add an air of luxury to your vehicle. The cost will depend on the ornament you choose, but you can find a wide selection for under $100.
Upgrade Your Emblem
Upgrading or adding an emblem to your car is another easy way to improve the exterior of your car. This is an upgrade you can make for around $10. You can even customize your car with emblems like the Transformers logo, American flags, wolf heads and more.
Replace Steering Rack Bushings
It’s likely that your car has a rack and pinion steering setup, in which the steering wheel is directly connected to a steering rack that helps the wheels move with your input. This rack is attached to the body with rubber bushings that can deteriorate over time, Jalopnik reported. Replacing these rubber bushings makes the steering input more direct, which results in a sportier and more precise feel. The cost of steering rack bushings depends on your car model, but many are under $30.
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Install a Strut Tower Bar
Strut tower bars are more than just an aesthetic upgrade. These bars control chassis flex to improve your car’s handling and prevent fatigue cracking of the strut. You can buy a strut tower bar for around $80, and they are fairly simple to install yourself with just a socket wrench.
Install a Boost Controller
Boost controllers allow you to increase the performance and response from your engine by changing the amount of pressure going to the wastegate. You can grab the Turbosmart Boost-Tee for Boost Controller for under $100 on Amazon.
Gabrielle Olya and Tori Tellem contributed to previous versions of this article.
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