paint jobs (best, chip, lights, average)

[brownbagg]

how much are paint jobs running now, nothing fancy base coat ,clear coat, same color. no body work. just faded paint

[Hemlock140]

The "budget chains" like Maaco are advertising $299 for single stage with just basic preparation. For a basecoat/clearcoat at a respected body shop more like $4,000 minimum. For your case, however, have you tried rubbing it out? Often it's just oxidation, and a good rubbing compound cuts it to the paint below, then wax, and it looks like new.

[Electrician4you]

In my area
Cheap Maaco earl Sheib 200-500
Real body shops 2500-3500 for a real paint job. I got a quote to do a reg cab short bed take out all dents holes nicks chips etc, primer paint clear $2700 bucks.

[rbohm]

i have seen paint jobs go from $200 up to $30,000 depending on what was done and what materials were used.

for what you are wanting, seemingly, you can get a decent paint job for around $600-800.

[Checkered24]

Depends how nice you really want it. Thousands for a high quality job using high quality paint and all the prep work to make it look showroom when done. Hundreds if you want a quick tape and spray. Then all levels in between.

[rattle axis]

You can cut a big chunk off the bill, if you are so inclined.
Remove all your trim, lights, handles, mirrors, emblems, grille, etc. yourself at home then give it a good washdown with detergent and a brush. Keep all of your parts and fasteners organized then call a rollback to drop the car off at the body shop.

[V8 Vega]

1 day paint is the best of the Maco, Earl Schieb type, I'm pretty sure their western states only.

[M3 Mitch]

IMHO a really cheap paint job can just ruin a car - if you won't spring for a good job, I would think you are not going to get that for less than $2K - just rub out the paint that's there and otherwise leave it alone.

[brownbagg]

i wasnt talking cheap or high dollar show car quality , just the average paint job, the clear coat is peeling off like all american cars after a while

[SoCalCpl2]

When is the last time you ACTUALLY got a cheap Maaco paint job.. I have been there with 2 of my cars and with friends and they all said they can't do the cheapo paint job because of this or that, etc, etc.... Then gave us quotes around $2400 to $3200....

The average for a decent actual body and paint shop around here is about $4800 to $5200.... This is where they take all the doors and hood and hatch/trunk lids off and bumpers, lips, etc....