6G Celicas Forums

So I need a paint job because my car is looking like a rainbow. I heard Maaco offers $250 paint jobs. I went to a local car shop and to mix the paint it would be $215 for 2 quarts of paint and everything I need. My question is for the price/quality what would I be better of doing? I have access to paint tools and a buddy that can help me paint as well. I have no experience with Maaco or painting in general, so any info or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

This post has been edited by Nartanian: Aug 5, 2009 - 9:35 AM

If you have alot of time and patience and money for errors then learn as you go. If you don't then take it to a pro. I tried doing it myself but was not satisfied with my results, so ended up taking it to the shop. I've heard good and bad about Maaco - mostly bad, but if you know some one there then they can make sure the job gets done right. For a good paint job expect to spend around $2k - for a great paint job about $3-$4k - for an ok job about $1k -- Not mentioning any body repairs you want to have done.

I've never used Maaco, but I've heard horrible things. But some people here seem to have success with them. If I were you, I would spend a little extra money and have a professional do it.

I know, but I don't have that extra bit of money. I'm looking for a decent paint job. Not showroom good but not winter beater bad either...

Maaco will do a good job IF you prep everything.

The issue w/ Maaco is its national company and the work from every shop varies. Try talking to locals and see how well they do in your area. I had a friend that was selling his civic so he took it to Maaco and it was a decent paint job. His only had one issue on one of the bumpers but he was selling it and got more money cause of the paint job so I guess they did their job well enough.

Do the prep work and remove the bumpers, lights, tape off the window trim, windows, etc. and just pay a little extra to paint the bumpers off of the car. Then you can reassemble everything.

This post has been edited by 95CelicaST: Aug 5, 2009 - 11:31 AM

Ok, I think I'll just prep myself and have them blast it.

fvck Maaco. i paid for the highest possible paint job on my Supra and they did a very bad job. they didnt even take off the bumpers and spray them seperatly.

I had maaco paint my motorcycle and they did an amazing job. although i did all the prep work myself (which is where it matters)

I had it done about 6 months ago. My motorcycle lives outside. its been through 40 degree rain storms and 110 degree heat waves. Not 1 single spec of paint has flaked off yet.

i paid only $300 for it

Give it a couple years -- the prior owner of my car had it repainted by Maaco at the highest level they offer, and within a couple years the paint looked as bad as you'd find on the original coat. Oxidation, clear-coat gone, faded as could be.

Plus the edges were god-awful. Everywhere the paint met rubber is a ridge, which subsequently leads to cracking. I wish I knew then what I know now; I'd have found another Celica to buy. As it is, ended up getting a $2500 repaint -- and I took the car to the shop disassembled.

The MAACO in my area is amazing...if you pay for it. They advertise the $250 but you get what you pay for. To get my car painted they gave me an estimate of $3000. It would be show ready and guarantee it to be better than anything I have ever seen. I saw some of their show work and it was truly amazing. Not all of them are like that but you can get a good paintjob from them.

If you just need a quickie then it is fine. Just try to prep as much as you can because they are just going to spray right over what you give them. A friend of mine got their $400 job and his truck looks amazing...for $400. It looks like a $800 job, if you know what I mean.

This post has been edited by PR0PH37: Aug 9, 2009 - 1:07 PM

You see, not all of them are like that. I know for a fact the dudes at the MAACO where I live are good and take pride in their work. I see them take off bumpers and doors and hoods all the time and they guarantee the job for 5 years. like I said above you just have to do your homework. Not all of them are good. The truth is that if you really want a top of the line job why are you going to paint your car for $2,000 at some fast quckiestop.

i got my car painted at 1 day paint, also another well known paint place that has many shops around Souther California.'

i paid $500 for 5 year warranty paint, $250 for new rear bumper, and another $400 to fix the rear quarter panel.

the paint looks pretty good actually i have had it for 1 year n 8 months. The prep work suxs. they didnt cover the big gap in my front bumper and they didnt even sand down my old paint job. i had paint chip off where the rear license plate is and towards the bottom of the car in some spots.

So yes prep the car yourself and you should be satisfied with a $500 paint job.

i herd some bad stuff from maaco from my friends sayin they painted over mufflers and windows,im currently gettin mine done through a local shop

Yea I had change of plans. I'm gonna try to tackle on this paint job with a few buddies. I hope it turns out better than the maaco horror stories.

Had mine done at two different maacos and i was very happy with both jobs...I had it repainted the second time bc i got hit...it was like $600 for them to fix a pretty big dent paint my car and my body kit...good luck with w/e u do!

Thanks, the reason I changed my mind is because I know it'll be more than $300 for the paint. I have some small rust spots I want to get rid of. I also want to paint my wheel black so I think they may charge extra for that as well.

I'm thinking about getting a paint job for my 6th gen, since I'm trying to sell it right now and it seems nobody wants to buy a car that isn't all one color. I'm thinking about taking it to miracle, their cheapest paint job is $600, so I'm hoping it's a little better quality than maaco. but I might still get a maaco job because I'm trying not to break the bank. mine needs plenty of body work though, and I don't have the patience for sanding... I sanded my hood to primer it, and spent over 6 hours just on the hood!

I plan on doing my next paint job on my own, considering I've done the front half after my accident Id rather do it myself since I have the time and then I wont have to depend on the other persons work.

How much are you getting painted? just the front? I bought a quart for my hood bumper and a fender and I had a little bit of paint left. Whole car? It'll prolly take a gallon

Like everybody else has said if you're paying for maaco to do it then do your own prep and take off the things you dont want a bunch of overspray on