I thought I was the only one that enjoyed doing this. My wife, family and friends think I'm crazy and retarded for doing this. Just like you, modding/wrenching on a car is actually relaxing and rewarding. Yes, we might get frustrated in the process but at the end the feeling of accomplishment is rewarding.

My last car (my 4th 1993 RX-7) was about the only one that I regretted selling... to a point. I was mad when I saw it being driven away. There was a lot of DIY into that car.

Now, I'm looking for my next car but my wife told me that I can not sell it. So she wants me to make sure it is something that will stick. I'm looking very carefully.


BTW OP, it isn't a new trend. I have been doing it since 1998.

 

Since you brought it up, it's not likely evolutionary insofar as humans are concerned. What population of females, over the past 20,000 years would favor a genotypic trait, direct or ancillary/linked, in a male that would lead to dissatisfaction with the status quo - particularly when that status quo was them in a patriarchal culture? Evolution, be it either in a Porsche design or in flora and fauna is not straightforward - but yours is good guess!

More likely, our big brains need input/diversions and mod'ing is a fun distraction.

 

the desire for something "different" Must be "better" also in my book.

never replace a stock part unless you're replacing it with something of higher Quality !

this is my motto when building cars.