Paint Job, Maaco vs Self Paint Options

[Nartanian]

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

[Galcobar]

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.