By: Brian Lin

There are those who can afford to splurge on their car's appearance and performance, and those who would like to do the same thing but with limited budget. Tuning enthusiasts can still modify their cars to create that special car that is totally unique to them, even with or without deep pockets. This guide is ideal for those who want to create a special car on a budget, and as well for those who do not wish to spend too much on their car as they have other priorities in life. This guide is based on my recently-purchased Lexus IS300 but it can be applied to all car makes.

New Looks
Giving your ride a new facelift is perhaps the most common practice among all tuning enthusiasts. You may consider white indicators, new grille, new badge, stickers, window tints, etc.

Color-Code Bumpers
The first step to creating an attractive Lexus is to color-code your bumper/spoiler for cars that do not come with color-coded bumpers as standard. Color-coded bumpers make the car look fuller, lower and much more pleasing to the eye. There is nothing less attractive than a Lexus with such attractive colors but has a gray underside (bumpers). Especially if you have a light color car, you will find huge improvements to the look of your car just by color-coding your bumpers. However, if you are thinking of changing your spoilers in the very near future, skip this step to save you the cost of painting.

Low-Down
Lowering you car is another step to any modification. Even a car without any body kit on can look mean and cool with lowering springs. Other than looks, your car's handling can also be greatly improved. To drop a vehicle's height, you don't have to spend your hard-earned cash on new modified suspension kits. Factory springs will do the trick. But be careful not to go too low or you will spoil the overall dynamics of your factory suspension setting.

Exhaust Muffler
When on a budget, you don't have the luxury of shopping for big-brand exhaust mufflers, such as Remus, Sportec, HKS, TRD, AC Schnitzer, etc. However, you can still change the overall appearance of your standard rear tip by simply adding a new one. And by this I mean using "add-on" exhaust tips which is basically for cosmetic purpose only (no performance gained whatsoever), and yet this simple mod costs only a fraction of those performance mufflers offered by major tuning suppliers.

Alloy Wheels
Again, those things will cost you a fortune if you opt for big-brand rims - BBS, OZ, Enkei, Work, HRE, etc. Your ideal solution is to shop for a used set, either through the internet, friends, or classified ads in various tuning magazines.

Body Kits
You don't necessarily need to have deep pockets to shop for modified body kits. You can get "rip-offs" from second-hand stores, or OEM-style body kits which are basically made from fiberglass - a much cheaper alternative to PU and ABS.

By now you've probably accomplished much of the car's exterior. In conclusion, always remember to plan well, set a budget and use the steps laid out here as your guide to modifying your Lexus car.