I chose to get a stock car for the exact reason you said Brendan, i was *hoping* that would mean it hadn't been thrashed.
The only thing changed in the car was the stereo. Everything else was original...the interior was immaculate (except for a slightly worn steering wheel), it had the original Skylines mats, and even the flare....and the jack & spare wheel look like they've never been touched. So i guess I got what i asked for.
But, as GTR-80Y said, next time I would be looking for one with minor mods. Just a few things like an exhaust, maybe a body kit etc, stuff that adds up in $$$$ here, but doesn't really cost more when buying at auction over there.
One with heaps of mods, i would stay clear of, but that's just me