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MartinJ · 05-29-2006, 07:36 AM

I have repainted a couple of old cars the cheap way (Maaco...) less than $1000; it is a good way to make a daily driver better from about 10 feet away. I would NOT go that route for my Boxster unless it was old, looked beat up, had high milage and I was going to keep it until I drove it into the ground! At least that way the people you pass will see a nice car! This kind of paint job will probably decrease the value of the car if it is less than 5- 7 years old.

A complete strip and paint job will cost at least $6000 and could go to $8000 depending on the shop. Look around if that is what you want, for that kind of money expect a "better than factory finish". Probably not worth it either. I have never done this since I would never get your money back (I typically trade my cars at between 3 & 5 years old). It might be worth it for a classic that you plan to keep for 5 - 10 years!

If you want some limited repairs take it to a few body shops and ask what they would suggest. You will find the prices and the recommendations will vary. When you get the work done it will help if you can just leave them the car and give them a time window (it will not save you $, if there is no serious time pressure they often do better work). If the bad areas are low down on the car this will work quite well. Take the time to go over the car with the Body Shop and if it is a small shop try to meet the owner and take a little time talking about it, arrange an appointment so that you go there at a good time. I have done this on two of my cars and have been quite pleased with the results; they seem to be able to match colors very well these days. I have found smaller shops are better for this kind of work (avoid the larger collision specialists). You should expect a finish that is on par with the factory paint job. The front bumper cover damage (rock chips and front end parking lot scrapes…) can easily be repaired like this for about $500 (I have done this on two of my cars). The dings will be tough depending on size/location. I would expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 depending on how much work they do.

As in life when it comes to paint jobs you get what you pay for!

05-29-2006, 07:36 AM	#7
MartinJ Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CA, USA Posts: 40	I have repainted a couple of old cars the cheap way (Maaco...) less than $1000; it is a good way to make a daily driver better from about 10 feet away. I would NOT go that route for my Boxster unless it was old, looked beat up, had high milage and I was going to keep it until I drove it into the ground! At least that way the people you pass will see a nice car! This kind of paint job will probably decrease the value of the car if it is less than 5- 7 years old. A complete strip and paint job will cost at least $6000 and could go to $8000 depending on the shop. Look around if that is what you want, for that kind of money expect a "better than factory finish". Probably not worth it either. I have never done this since I would never get your money back (I typically trade my cars at between 3 & 5 years old). It might be worth it for a classic that you plan to keep for 5 - 10 years! If you want some limited repairs take it to a few body shops and ask what they would suggest. You will find the prices and the recommendations will vary. When you get the work done it will help if you can just leave them the car and give them a time window (it will not save you $, if there is no serious time pressure they often do better work). If the bad areas are low down on the car this will work quite well. Take the time to go over the car with the Body Shop and if it is a small shop try to meet the owner and take a little time talking about it, arrange an appointment so that you go there at a good time. I have done this on two of my cars and have been quite pleased with the results; they seem to be able to match colors very well these days. I have found smaller shops are better for this kind of work (avoid the larger collision specialists). You should expect a finish that is on par with the factory paint job. The front bumper cover damage (rock chips and front end parking lot scrapes…) can easily be repaired like this for about $500 (I have done this on two of my cars). The dings will be tough depending on size/location. I would expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 depending on how much work they do. As in life when it comes to paint jobs you get what you pay for!