Feature article

A Nod to the Mod: 5 Ways Kiwi Make Their Cars Unique

A car is a canvas for personality. See how NZ owners use custom wheels, spoilers & more to make their rides stand out.

26 September 2025

By Jess Hickman (Motors Content Creator and Senior Designer)

A car is more than just a way to get from A to B; it's a canvas for personal expression. All across Aotearoa, owners are putting their own stamp on their vehicles, transforming them from factory standard into something truly one-of-a-kind.

In the spirit of celebrating that creativity, we're taking a look at five popular modifications that help cars stand out from the crowd, with real-life examples you can find right now on Trade Me.

1. The Statement Spoiler

This Toyota 86 is a classic example of a factory-approved design that adds a sporty edge.

Inspired by decades of motorsport, a bold spoiler is one of the quickest ways to give a car a performance-oriented look. It’s a statement piece that completely changes the car's silhouette and adds a touch of aggressive styling.

Inspired by this? You can browse thousands of spoilers and wings for sale on Trade Me.

2. The Custom Grille

American Trucks are famous for their bold front ends - this RAM has an undeniable presence.

The front grille is the face of a car, and a custom one can alter its entire personality. From aggressive blacked-out mesh to unique chrome designs, it’s a popular way to create a more assertive or luxurious look.

Ready for a new look? Check out all the custom grilles available on Trade Me.

3. The Signature Exhaust

The V8 in a Ford Mustang GT is famous for its rumble. An aftermarket exhaust brings it to life.

For some owners, a car's sound is just as important as its look. An aftermarket exhaust system allows drivers to give their vehicle a unique soundtrack, ensuring it announces its arrival with a signature note.Want to give your car a voice? Find the perfect performance exhaust on Trade Me.

4. Eye-Catching Wheels

For maximum visual impact, nothing beats the massive wheels and tyres fitted to a Hummer H2.

A new set of wheels can instantly transform a vehicle. Larger rims fill out the wheel arches for a more planted look, while a unique design can add a touch of personal flair that sets a car apart at a glance.

Thinking of an upgrade? Explore the huge range of alloy wheels on Trade Me.

5. The Sticker Story

This Suzuki Swift Sport owner went all-in with a full "Itasha" style anime wrap as a tribute.

For some, a car is a rolling scrapbook. Covering a car in a custom wrap or decals is a way to share your passions and create a piece of mobile art.

Feeling creative? Find inspiration from the hundreds of car decals and stickers for sale on Trade Me.

Find Your Next Project

Ultimately, modifying a car is about making it your own. It's a celebration of creativity and a huge part of what makes the car scene so vibrant.

Ready to start your own project, or find a car that’s a blank canvas? Check out the thousands of unique vehicles for sale on Trade Me Motors today.

Author

Jess Hickman

By day, Jess is a Senior Designer and Content Creator at Trade Me, turning car-selling into plain English and good design. By night, she’s usually wrangling fonts, children, or both. She loves helping Kiwi navigate the vehicle market with guides that are clear, useful, and occasionally even fun (yes, fun and cars can go together).