New cars are our everlasting addiction. We never can seem to get enough of them. We work hard and save up money just so we can buy a new car, in the mistaken hope that it is a wise investment. Actually, new cars are never an investment; they lose value the moment you drive off away from the car dealer shop.

Cars can only be investments if 1. You use them for your business, for transporting products perhaps. Or 2. If you're entering your custom car in a car show and win a price, then that's an investment. Otherwise, if you're just buying a new car to have something to drive to work or show around, then you're just wasting your money. And you're better off just sticking with your old car.

Re-evaluate your wants and wishes and consider repairing and upgrading what you already have. You can add and stamp your own personality to your basic car, by just investing in a few fresh innovative ideas.

How to Spruce Up Your Old Car

First, go online. Car classified sites let you know the latest in car customisation and some wonderful examples of car ?makeovers?. You might like to have a look at uniquecarsandparts.com.au where you can join the forum, ask questions, and learn a lot about refurbishing your car.

Checking out what is online will also help you keep updated in car prices, car models, and car trends. OzFreeOnline for instance has a comprehensive used car section, where all you have to do is register, log in, and search by category. You will find thousands of used cars for sale, car articles and information on Australian and European cars. You can even check out motorcycle classifieds.

Visit Your Favorite Car Repair Shop/Mechanic and Car Dealer

The vehicle enhancement options available are vast. Anything goes these days.

New products on the automotive accessory and customising market at present are not only functional but also can be a cosmetic improvement. You might even consider overall vehicle design, total vehicle enhancement.

The cost of equipments and trappings ranges from a few dollars to a small fortune. However you can have them installed for much less than the price of a new car.

The cost of equipments and trappings ranges from a few dollars to a small fortune. However you can have them installed for much less than the price of a new car.

Interiors. Air-bag, sound and entertainment system, colour instrument dials, silver or colour stitched leather gear knobs, sports pedals, spoilers, body kits, engine covers, interior upgrades in many styles and materials, even in wood grain and of course, custom seats, grille guards, window tinting.

Wheels. Most good shops have a selection of quality tyre brands from which to choose, and can be complimented with any number of attention-grabbing styles of genuine alloy wheels. Think about what your car would look like with a new set of wheels and tyres

Body. You may opt for part to full restoration or just standard to custom repairs and resprays to all stages. Full or part custom or standard panel and paint service. Maybe you would like clear tail-lights or euro style headlights in chrome or black. You could invest in a Body kit, air bag and lowered springs suspension. But, whatever you do make sure you buy exactly what you want and not what the sales person wants to sell to you.

Here's a few others that might spur you on:

Air dams and spoilers

Anti-theft devices

Bug deflectors

Carrier racks

Instrumentation

Keyless entry systems

Personal breath alcohol testers

RV and towing accessories

Special shock absorbers

Stereo systems

Striping and/or decals

Sunroofs

Vehicle navigation systems

So if you're considering trading-in your present car, do your sums first. You might find you would be just as pleased, and a lot richer, with a few particular improvements and spruce up your present car to make it part of your personality and stand out from the crowd.

Of course, don't get too caught up with just a gorgeous car. Make sure it performs well too, and that safety standards are also met. You're not just after driving on the road in good taste. You also want to get there safe and sound. Have a good time customising your ?new? car.