Would having a unique car make you a target to criminals or crime

[u/SwimmingAir8274]

I dont own a car and cant even legally get my license for 2 years so this is just a post for fun/curiosity

I've seen really pretty cars on pinterest with unique designs and drawings on them but wondered if making your car and therefore you extremely identifiable is the greatest idea

I know the issue of if you dont have a garage or a house with gates where your car isn't easily seen it also allows for you address to be easily linked to you if someone knows your car

So I dont think I would even consider getting unique car unless I have a proper garage or private place to park it

But then at the same time, wouldn't having a more uncommon car in terms of brand prevent criminals lifting your tires or some shit since there isn't as much demand for them?

What would be the pros and cons of an unique car with a more uncommon brand be

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[u/mustafaaosman339]

More common cars do get stolen more. So yes, a unique care is probably safer.

Colour matters too, white silver Grey and black are more likely to get stolen than colour.

When they steal a car, it's gotta be able to be sold, in parts usually.

If no one has the car you have, no one wants parts for that car, so they won't make money.

The colour thing applies to body panels. Let people are going to need a green door than a white one.

[u/rollerblade7 → u/mustafaaosman339]

To add to that rare cars/colours are easier to trace - "did you see a bright yellow car driver past?"

[u/NotAnActuary1 → u/rollerblade7]

Bright yellow car drivers would indeed be rare

[u/Several_Cockroach365 → u/NotAnActuary1]

"Someone stole my car, officer."

"Make and colour?"

"Yellow Polo"

"...yellow?"

"Yes"

"Two crimes were committed here..."

[u/slanewolf → u/mustafaaosman339]

I've been wanting a green car for a while, and now i want it even more

[u/TheOtherRoom]

I suppose what does unique mean to you? B7 RS4 is unique, 500 odd in the country, high, high risk of targeting because of black market and scarcity of parts.

A Ssangyong though? Haven't seen one of those in like 8 years. No one with a mind for crime wants those fuckin things apparently

What brands do you have in mind? Biggest con of uncommon brands for me are scarcity of parts and resale demand, although importing with eBay always works if no one can supply locally.

[u/RyanGatesdj]

Having a unique car with colours will some how help for it not to be stolen as criminals do not want attention grabbing vehicles to do other crimes, but if they want to steal they will, but the other major fact not to get a unique car with colours, you are going to be a police magnet.

[u/SwimmingAir8274 → u/RyanGatesdj]

Are the police naturally drawn towards unique cars?

Why?

[u/Celestryia → u/SwimmingAir8274]

You could have money. But then again a lot of the cops I've interacted with have just found it genuinely cool

[u/Only_One_Kenobi]

A polo with a pretty paint job is still a polo, and will get stolen just like any other Polo.

Only things thieves will leave alone is what they can't sell. I had a '79 Merc SLC at one point. No hijacking risk ever. Good luck paying for petrol though.

Classic cars are great, if you can live with the low reliability and terrible fuel economy.

[u/Somlal]

yes they are less of a target, for instance signwritten company bakkies are targetted less often than an unmarked, but the general rule is that if theres a car to steal, a criminal will steal it regardless. But the chance is lower.

[u/newoldschool]

rare cars are harder to move on so no even insurance is lower , insurance on a R12 million Lamborghini is the same as a R1 million mercedes

[u/Celestryia]

Well, I'm in the mx5 community in my province and it's cool. Everyone has a slightly different car, and seeing other's on the road is the greatest feeling.

I don't really think of it getting stolen as an issue. I have a killswitch for power when I get out and leave the car, and it's a manual. It's also a 30 year old shitbox so I would be surprised.

I think there's a lot of other cars in the parking lot that can be sold/scrapped for more than my old car. Like the Polo headlights is a lot easier to steal than a whole car lol

[u/HappyShorti]

You trying to buy a Brabus or something? Lol

But on a serious note, they're not usually targeting for hijackings but may be victims of smash-and-grabs or robberies. A unique car draws attention and can also be easily associated with the driver and "watched/tracked". 

[u/jasinx]

Cars in demand over the border are certainly more risky. 

Fortuner. Hilux. Certain Nissan SUVs and Bakkies. I would avoid Fortuner, as much as I want one. 

Then there’s also criminals that steal cars to commit a quick heist or robbery and ditch the car as soon as their thuggery is completed. I don’t think these guys are fussy but they’ll certainly go for neutral colours I’m sure. 

[u/rtwrx2021]

No.

[u/teddyslayerza]

In addition to the car-related crimes others cover, consider that having a unique car makes your movements easier to track. People will notice it in parking lots, people will be able to stalk you, that guys you piss off at work will have an easier time keying you for revenge, etc.