Effect of recession on tuning scene

[CSquared]

Basically I'm looking to write an article about the effects of the recession on the tuning scene. Obviously there are probably different interpretations of the recession's effect (such as someone actually getting laid off due to the recession compared to someone else blaming the recession for getting fired when they were just a crappy employee).... but I'd really like to get a good general idea and hopefully some general statistics.

Please vote on the poll and feel free to post your individual experience below. I am especially interested in folks that have sold or gotten rid of their projects entirely since the recession began.

Me for example: I am voting option 2 because I graduated June 2009 from Georgia state and got laid off from a retail job in the same month. I continued to work in retail for about 10 months until I landed a corporate based job in April. The car sat stagnant during that whole time (thank god for a daily).

[Nemesis]

I personally have not been affected by the recession, primarily being employeed by a company that benefits from such thing with companies cutting down on cost. As a result, I havent been laid off and my pay has steadily increased since the start. However, what has hurt me the most I would say is the prices of labor at most general shops. I would say that this has lead me to do things myself or go to an actual point of contact that doesnt have as much inflation in their labor rates due to being a smaller business. Either way, I know a lot of people that just dont "mod" and go out as much as they used to. Other than the 6 grand I spent last year on a blower setup, I really havent done much else.

[GGPIS3]

^^ time to bring yo bitch to Zen Motors!!!

[civic gsr]

can i come ^ lol

[David88vert]

I personally have not been affected by the recession, primarily being employeed by a company that benefits from such thing with companies cutting down on cost. As a result, I havent been laid off and my pay has steadily increased since the start. However, what has hurt me the most I would say is the prices of labor at most general shops. I would say that this has lead me to do things myself or go to an actual point of contact that doesnt have as much inflation in their labor rates due to being a smaller business. Either way, I know a lot of people that just dont "mod" and go out as much as they used to. Other than the 6 grand I spent last year on a blower setup, I really havent done much else.

X2 - Same here. I haven't made less, but in general, I have been saveing and investing more, spending on the house, etc. I've also noticed that prices are a little higher on daily items, in general. I haven't spent much on my cars or bikes in a while, and when I have, it's been just basic stuff that is needed, rather than modifications. I also haven't had as much time to use the cars or bikes, so my focus has been on other things.

[Elbow]

I've noticed no difference. I also rarely spend money out of my own pocket though on parts. However the work I do I've noticed no change so really my income hasn't changed. I'm lucky.

[BanginJimmy]

Like the smarter people here, I havnt noticed a huge difference in my finances, but instead of blowing money on luxury items like mods, I have spent the money on major home improvements, paying down debt, and building savings.

[RL...]

I haven't modded as much lately but only because I've spend several thousands on photography equipment the last 6 months. With that said I've still spent a little more than 3k on my car this year lol.

[CSquared]

well I'm going to call the poll ended as of this post and it's 50/50. I'll post up the article probably in a week or two. It's a side project at the moment.

[blaknoize]

The recession has helped me in a way I suppose. Without the recession my "under-educated" heavily experienced resume would not of been useful. The pay I receive is well above what I would of expected for this type of job. In turn, I've been able to pick up a car that I will soon mod a bit. But I dont spend it all on my car, I make it more reliable and as mentioned before. I'm spending more on my debt to remove it (I dont have a home) but if I did I would. I DID however downgrade to a cheaper apartment.

[japan4racing]

buying a house effected my modding habits but the recession.....not so much