Coming from an the Evo world... Do not buy a modified car unless you know the owner. Even then be cautious.
Other than a Cobb AP flash or similar, which is extremely reputable product, but not available for NA engines generally. Hell, even then, buy a stock one and be the first person who flashes it.
You are probably buying someone else's problem. After dumping nearly 20K into my Evo X and having everything installed and tuned by a reputable shop I brought it to be traded in praying it didn't blow up (as it had 3 times before) until I signed it over.
The problem with modified cars is you have to stay on top of them constantly and know what to look for. I started with the basic plumbing (intake, upper intercooler pipe, downpipe, and full exhaust and tune for about $5K). A short while later with spirited driving the ceramic around the spark plug broke and went into my engine.
$12K later I had a new engine with forged pistons and the car was awesome for the next 5,000 miles. Then the car wouldn't turn on. Apparently the timing chain stretched.
The car was one problem after another. After that whole experience I'm convinced (especially if you live in an area like New England with variable temperatures) don't buy a modified car unless you know what you are doing.
In my case, my peace of mind was gone. Driving a modified car wrecked the enjoyment because I never knew when something was going to go wrong.
The only thing i would say would be reasonable is a cat back exhaust only. Generally these require no additional tune and don't screw with the air fuel ratio going into the engine. It's just a nice noise without a tune. (Maybe minimal HP gains)
Sorry for the rant, hope this helps.
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