In need of advice.

I'm not going to say "Don't modify the car, it's expensive and devalues it" - I've already started modifying a 2024 JC74, and in fact, even before I took delivery of the vehicle I had a three year "modification path" that will see me spending at least 25% of it's purchase price and possibly more.

What I will tell you is that you cannot recoup the cost of those modifications when it's time to sell and depending on the nature of those modifications, it may be more difficult to sell the vehicle.

We modify our vehicles for many different reasons, some people do it to alter the appearance, to be different, some people do it to "improve" specific aspects of the vehicle's performance, and generally speaking, these modifications will improve one aspect of performance, whilst compromising another aspect.

I'll spend my money to modify my vehicle as I see fit, to improve the aspects of it's performance that are important to me

Small, cheap, rear wheel drive and easy to modify. I think you're describing the mx5 aren't you?

Actually I am having a very close look at the 453 smart forfour. 9 turbo. It's essentially a ready-made hot jimny with tuning capacity and 4 seats. But it would be bought not built!