What customization provides the most bang for the buck?

If someone wanted to make some after market modification to their car that gave the most performance for the dollar, what would you recommend? Whether it's a change that gives enhanced acceleration to the vehicle, or something that improves handling tremendously, what do you think is the best deal in performance?

I realize that this probably changes depending on the vehicle, of course, so if you're not sure then feel free to talk about your own car!

 

Thanks for the welcome!

Yeah, I thought that suspension might do it. I used to drive a much sportier car than the one I have now (I went from an Audi TT to a Toyota Matrix, when I was buying a condo and wanted to cut back on expenses quite a bit). I can remember how much of a difference a much firmer and higher-performance suspension can make, and I'm not sure that the TT's was even that fantastic.

I guess I should have mentioned that I was generally talking about for getting an enjoyable and high-performance ride for street driving, but it's interesting to get all perspectives anyway

 

I see you did limit the thread, but when I first read it I thought about aesthetics and not performance or ride. I think you are right as to suspension but if it was looks, I say nice (tasteful not overly done) tires and wheels can make a big difference in a car. Now that I think about it looks, as well as it can effect the ride and handling.

 

I think most people nowadays look for the decors and designing of the car thus I would advise someone who's basic reason for upgrading their car is to make more profits to add more aesthetics and decors to the car and they might be able to gain more profits. In the other hand you can also modify the type of engine, if it is a subaru that uses huge amounts of fuel you can modify it to fit a Toyota car engine which would only consume a low late of fuel.

 

I previously had 2 cars I modified. I noticed when I buy performance parts, a rear sway bar gave me the best performance for the dollar. Once you install it, you will noticeably feel a difference when you turn. It will feel more stable, and less body roll. Depending on what car you drive, some people say adding just a sway bar will make your car feel like a BMW. You can always buy some coilovers after for better handling.

In terms of faster acceleration, an intake and exhaust should be fine. Although, the acceleration increase will be very minimal and people usually get intake and exhaust for the sound.