What is the typical cost for a paint job for a small sedan?

[pinkypop]

Hi,

Would you guys have any idea as to how much the following jobs would cost at a reputable body shop? I drive a 2002 Honda Civic.

entire body repainting (nothing grave, just clearcoating coming off)

a tail light dent (with a gap of about 1 inch x 2 inches between the tail light and the sheet metal); the metal inside the trunk where the tail light screws are attached was slightly pushed forward because I backed into a solid post.

rust starting to form from the front end of the hood -- would it be better to replace the entire hood (after market replacement costs $263) or have it sanded and repainted?

I plan to sell the vehicle in late 2008 or early 2009, by then the resale value for the car (still under extended warranty) would be in the $6-8k range I believe. The vehicle is mechanically sound though there are problems with slight rusting on the hood and some dents

Would it be worthwhile to have these work done at a body shop? Honda dealerships estimated the cost at $2400 but other shops would probably charge less. Any suggestions as to which body shops to visit?

Or would it be better to leave the repairs to the buyer?

Thanks for the advice.

[TrevorK]

Anything under $2000 and it's probably not a quality job (Or you're finding those ever so rare shops where they charge a fair price, and do amazing work).

Remember, you want to paint it and have it last. It's no good if the clear starts to fade in a year or two.

[actng]

Goto maaco.
Get a quote.
Take that quote and times 2.
That will be the amount it would cost anywhere else for a semi-decent paint job.

never goto maaco.

[climacus]

Why do you want to repaint the whole car? When it comes time to selling, most people will not touch a car that's been completely repainted. It just sounds too fishy.

[pandaharo]

I was quoted 3500 for a RAV4, a small sedan would probably be around 3000.

[pinkypop]

thanks guys for all your input. It seems that it's not going to be worthwhile to have the car repainted figuring my car will sell at most $6-7k in 2-3 years' time.

I'd appreciate it if anyone can let me know the cost for dent repairs as well.

[ericssonboi]

What color is the car?

Its much more difficult to paint match certain colors when just "touching" up specific spots.

I've been recommended even by people who do body work that its better to just fix specific "rust" spots rather than repaint the whole car. Nothing beats original paint. Also, if your thinking of selling the car in a few years time, dumping anything over 3k into the car is not worth it.

For a decent paint job (give that its the same color), your looking at at least 2K.

So it boils down to how much money you want to spend and whether if its a temp fix (to hold you over until you sell it) or to make it look pretty.

Another word of advice is that "you pay what you get" especially in the Auto industry. Cheap body shops can cut corners in so many ways... by not sanding down properly, applying proper amounts of primer coats, base coats, clear coats, etc.

[d_16_85]

well u get what u pay for basically, quote usually goes around $1200 starting just for paint alone, got my painted 2 years back and payed $1500 including some major rust issues, and with regular well maintenance I maintained the quality of the paint with no rust spots. As long is not a quick fix type job it should last a lot longer with regular maintenance. Again u get what u pay for... and no matter how much money u spend on your car u will never get it back

[Amuthini]

2002 and clearcoat already peeling off? you must be neglecting this car badly. but ya 2000 would be the cheapest for a good paint job

[kloan]

2002 and clearcoat already peeling off? you must be neglecting this car badly. but ya 2000 would be the cheapest for a good paint job
or it's a GM.... :lol:

[climacus]

2002 and clearcoat already peeling off? you must be neglecting this car badly. but ya 2000 would be the cheapest for a good paint job

The paintjob on the 7th gen Civic is pretty bad. Orange-peel galore, paper-thin clearcoat, etc.

[pinkypop]

2002 and clearcoat already peeling off? you must be neglecting this car badly. but ya 2000 would be the cheapest for a good paint job

Haha, I actually got it from a small used car dealer in London. I think it was repainted but was not done properly as paint on the front bumper and hood are starting to chip/peel away.

[dgmorr]

Get Macco the week before you sell it.

[bunga]

any fool can spot a poorly repainted car from a mile away, if you're going to repaint it, spend at least a couple thousand and do it decently