Let's see, I have a 97 hatch with a 99-00 conversion...its VSM, and It was painted a few years back. The paint job was crap and some of the clear is peeling or just not there. There are a few minor dents and I really want to get it painted. I'd like to go to Java black, its a metallic that comes on the STi's. Its black with gold flake..I really like this color and its something I've decided I'd like to do. Now, on to why I'm posting...Like I said, my paint has its flaws, and a few minor dents. I'd like to get the car painted inside and out, engine bay and all. I was looking into a few different places and I was wondering what you guys think of maaco's "signature paint service". This is a base coat clear coat service for those that dont know. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with maaco paint jobs (I hear some bad stuff...but I also heard their painting isnt bad, its their prep) So I have mixed emotions..I live in central florida and I'd like a really good paint job. I'm contemplating doing the prep myself but I'm a little afraid of getting into it. I know I cant expect a show quality finish for a decent price, and I'm not expecting that. I'd really just like a good paint job with little to no orange peel and something that'll last. Sucky part is, I dont want to pay 4k for a paint job...I'm planning on getting ahold of some places in my central area to get prices...I just wanted everyones opinions and pointers on this subject. As it is a touchy subject from how **** I am about my car. I know it has to be painted but I dont want some backyard bullshit paintjob...at the same time I dont want to spend 4k so I'm kind of in a bind..lmk what you guys think and your pointers...It's greatly appreciated!

 

OK
i've been through this man.
and i'll tell you right now. You do NOT want to end up with a shitty paint job, or should I say that you want to do everything you can to ensure you get what you want(if you you've done everything you can, then it's out of your hands and you have no reason to complain).

So, my advice.
do your homework!
Go out and get as many quotes, and talk to as many shops as you can, start narrowing down your options(i'm already saying expletive the maaco, I wouldn't trust them unless you have seen the work that came out of THAT shop, and it's up to your liking).

Once you find some shops that can work with your pricerange, then take a look at work they've done. Don't be afraid to tour their facilities, get them to show you finished cars especially.

ALSO it sounds like this is important to you,
if it is important to you, then you should really consider paying the right ammount for it the first time.

You know what they say, the poor man pays twice when the rich man pays once.

do it right first or don't do it at all.

I'm not saying go into massive debt for this,
but if you need to, consider getting a loan to cover at least some of it.

Credit is ok to use, if it is something important, and only once in a while.

 

Dude I just want to say that you just gave me the best response anyone could and opened up my eyes, I was thinking about the whole loan thing...and yeah it is an idea...I really appreciate the way you answered this for me, instead of giving the usual honda-tech "go to maaco newb" kind of answer...I think I'm gonna go to Honda tomorrow and have them qoute me a price, then all the shops around here that have good reps...look at some of their stuff and see what I think..up for more opinions even though I just got the best advice ever!

 

Good stuff man,
i'm glad I could be of some help.

Don't be suprised if you see a variation of anywhere from $1000 to $7000,
just keep hunting.

good luck at honda, though I have a feeling they'll be more towardst he 7k range, haha