FAQ’s
We have compiled a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you have any questions which are not covered, please get in touch with us at info@tunerdealer.com
What is TunerDealer?
TunerDealer.com is a specialist automotive marketplace that exclusively showcases tuned, bespoke, custom, Restomod cars for sale that have been designed and manufactured by professional tuners that modify cars. We connect buyers and sellers of these vehicles together via our online platform. TunerDealer showcases tuners who modify cars to a global audience of vehicle enthusiasts who are searching for special, bespoke, limited edition and rare cars.
What is a tuned vehicle?
That’s a very good question and it can depend on who you ask. We define a tuned vehicle as a vehicle which has been tuned or customised or modified by an aftermarket tuner or vehicle manufacturer. Essentially these vehicles have been modified beyond the standard specifications that a vehicle manufacturer provides. Typically these modifications may include higher performance, enhanced driving dynamics and customisations in the aesthetics and design of a vehicle. There are different types of tuned vehicles; those from aftermarket tuners and those which have been factory tuned. A factory tuned vehicle is one which is enhanced by the original vehicle manufacturer such as AMG for Mercedes Benz. Today, AMG is an integral part of Mercedes (however it used to be a separate company altogether that specialised in modifying Mercedes vehicles, but that’s another story.) Other examples to name a few include; M Division for BMW, SRT for Dodge, Abarth for Fiat, Special Vehicle Operations for Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren’s Special Operations for McLaren or S / RS (Sport / RennSport) for Audi. This list is not exhaustive and there are many more. Almost all original vehicle manufacturer’s have an in-house tuning / performance division that modify cars. So what is an aftermarket tuner….?
What is an aftermarket tuner?
Aftermarket tuners are company that modify cars beyond the original manufacturer’s specification. A tuning company will take a factory specification vehicle (and in a lot of cases and already factory tuned vehicle) and modify it to produce a much rarer, highly customised, usually limited edition vehicle that is simply not viable to produce by the larger automotive manufacturers. These tuned vehicles are special, rare and usually produced in very small quantities, making them highly sought after and collectable. In some cases a vehicle may be specifically modified for a specific customer, making the vehicle completely unique. A few examples of some of the aftermarket tuners include; Brabus for Mercedes (and now for Porsche, Land Rover and Rolls Royce), Overfinch for Land Rover, RUF for Porsche, Shelby for Ford, ABT for Audi, RWB for Porsche and Hennessey Performance for various American makes – there are many many more. Some aftermarket tuners will specialise in one particular vehicle make, whilst others will offer tuning programmes and packages for a variety of makes. Alpina is one of the most well known aftermarket tuners for BMW and as of March 2022 it was acquired by BMW. We saw this happen with AMG and Mercedes in 1999 and we also saw it more recently with the purchase of Bowler (a Land Rover tuner and off road racing specialist) by the Jaguar Land Rover Group.
Does TunerDealer specialise in aftermarket tuned cars rather than factory tuned cars?
Yes we do. Whilst we also like factory tuned vehicles, our aim is to showcase more aftermarket tuner cars as there are many tuners who professionally modify cars that people do not know about.
Why do tuners modify cars?
Everyone has their own reasons. E.g. Sometimes it is done in the pursuit of higher performance or it may be done to achieve a certain look / aesthetic or both. Either way, it ultimately comes down to the desire to create vehicles that are refined, enhanced and upgraded versions of what a standard vehicle manufacturer provides, in order to deliver a more exclusive, special or bespoke driving and ownership experience. Often tuned vehicles push the boundaries of performance and design and give buyers the chance to own and drive a vehicle that stands apart from other vehicles.
Do Tuning companies modify cars to compete in motorsport?
What is a Restomod? and do you list these?
Yes, we do list Restomods on TunerDealer. A Restomod is usually a classic car that has been completely restored and upgraded with modern components to make it drive, handle and stop better. Restomods are an increasingly popular way to restore a classic car – the original design of the vehicle is usually retained, whilst the engine and running gear are upgraded with new and modern components to provide a car which has the best of both worlds – all the beauty and character of a classic car, but with the reliability, driveability and performance of a modern car.
What about electric vehicles?
We do feature electric and hybrid vehicles on TunerDealer and many of the world’s top tuners are already offering modified electric and hybrid vehicles to their customers.
Do you only list tuned & modified cars on TunerDealer?
Why buy a tuned / modified car over a standard vehicle?
- You get the opportunity to drive a vehicle that has been produced to a very high standard of craftsmanship and quality with a specification that is over and above what a standard manufacturer offers.
- Vehicle from tuners who modify cars often command premium prices and re-sale values due to their specialist and limited nature.
- Many tuners will often customise a vehicle directly for the requirements of a specific customer (alongside offering a broader range of customisation options) enabling the driver to acquire a vehicle which is more uniquely customised to his/her needs.
- Tuners that modify cars often offer better performance, enhanced driveability and a more premium look and feel over standard vehicles.
- Because tuned vehicles are produced in small volumes and limited quantities, you’ll be driving a special, unique and rarer vehicle that you are less likely to find elsewhere on the road.
- A tuned vehicle is the ultimate form of automotive self expression and individualisation for enthusiasts and drivers that want something different from the norm.
Do you only list modified cars from Dealers and not from Private Sellers?
Yes, at the moment, we only list vehicles from vehicle manufacturers, dealers and traders. We don’t currently offer a facility for private sellers to list their cars, however, we do plan to offer this service to private sellers in the future.
Where is TunerDealer based?
We are a based in London, United Kingdom. TunerDealer.com is owned and operated by Tuner Automotive Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 14774121.
I am a dealer, can I list vehicles on TunerDealer?
Yes ofcourse you can, as long as they are tuned vehicles, which have been modified by an official tuning company. If you are not sure, please drop us an email at info@tunerdealer.com and we’ll be pleased to review any vehicles.
I know of tuning companies who modify cars that aren’t listed on your website – can you add them?
Sure, get in touch with us at info@tunerdealer.com and we can get them added to our database.
Does TunerDealer get involved in the sale of vehicles or any after sales enquires?
No, we simply list the vehicles for sale on behalf of the dealers. It is the buyers and sellers who are responsible for arranging the terms of the sale. In the case of a dispute, a buyer should communicate directly with the seller and vice versa. TunerDealer is not responsible for the content and or accuracy of any vehicle listings on this website. TunerDealer is not liable for any errors or omissions within the information provided on this website, nor shall we be responsible for the content of any web images or information linked to this website.