Investment Doesn’t Define a Project’s Value
This thought has been on my mind for a while — a topic I’ve been meaning to bring up in a column. It’s a genuine frustration I’ve felt in the world of automotive modifications.
As an automotive columnist and the owner of an off-road magazine, I’ve had the chance to meet passionate enthusiasts from all backgrounds and witness a wide range of vehicle builds — from extravagant high-budget projects to modest, creative ones.
What deeply bothers me is the discourse on social media that judges projects based solely on the financial investment involved. We hear comments like « complete junk » or « nice piece of trash » far too often, yet the amount of money spent doesn’t necessarily reflect the passion or performance of a build.
👉 DIY Builds Deserve Respect
Many enthusiasts choose to make their own modifications in order to reduce costs. This path requires enormous personal investment — hours of evening and weekend work, research, trial and error, adjustments, and yes, even the occasional curse word, bandaged fingers, cuts, bruises, and crushed hands. That kind of dedication absolutely deserves respect.
Doing your own work on a vehicle doesn’t just lead to deeper understanding — improving driving quality in many cases — it also builds a true sense of pride and accomplishment. When a handmade setup outperforms a much more expensive one, the satisfaction is incredible… and let’s be honest, it can stir a bit of jealousy too.
👉 Looks Can Be Deceiving
From what I’ve observed over time, aesthetics can sometimes mask the true quality of a vehicle’s upgrades. When the exterior design isn’t flashy or highlighted, it can be difficult for others to recognize and appreciate the technical improvements that were made. And truth be told, when we’re out on the trails and something breaks down, it’s usually those same resourceful DIY enthusiasts who are first to crawl under your vehicle to fix it — and at that moment, you’re very grateful they’re there.
👉 Passion Is Priceless
Naturally, not everyone who invests heavily in high-end equipment or brand-new vehicles deserves criticism. Some of them are highly skilled and modify their machines themselves. But I’m specifically calling out those who buy a new vehicle, slap on four tires and a few LED bars, nickname it “The Beast,” and then go on to belittle builds that are older, less shiny, or less expensive. Let’s be honest: when we’re out on the trail and something breaks, it’s usually those same resourceful enthusiasts who are the first to crawl under the vehicle and start fixing it — and in those moments, we’re incredibly grateful for them.
Passion Beyond Means
Personally, I hold great admiration for those who showcase their passion regardless of their financial means. Whether it’s by choice or necessity, these enthusiasts bring their projects to life with creativity, perseverance, and ingenuity — often under challenging conditions.
Their commitment embodies the very essence of passion: making the most of what you have, and turning limitations into driving force. It’s usually these builds, carried by human values and remarkable personal involvement, that inspire me the most.
Dave Daneault 4x4setupMagazine