Been struggling with this decision whether to paint my 98 Accord EX or not. Hope I would hear your opinions to help me to decide. Got my 98 Accord last summer to revive my previous ownership back in 2000 that I kept for 7 years.
The body work is clean, but the paint is extremely dull in tan color, without any peels (surprising). Got a quote from private shop for $2500 for a so called perfect job including few ding repairs, I thought it wasn't good idea since I bought the Accord for $1500 itself plus some work to make it run again total investment was about $3000 overall. Months later, I'm still itching for repaint, so I took it to local Maaco shop for a quote. It's about $800 for the job with premium paint protection. Few my friends advise against it since the total car value is too low to put more money on it. Said making it run decent is more important at that age of vehicle.
Thoughts? Beside that got 160k miles on it and it's burning some oil. Not too bad really, and yes I'm hoping to get few more years out of it, and reach at least over 200k.

 

I'd say it depends on how much you hate the paint color. If the car only has a few years left and the current color doesn't bother you, don't invest the money in a new color.

 

If you plan to junk the car once it goes out, which isnt far, a paint job is not worth it.
Polish the paint and bring back some shine and drive it till it can't go anymore.

Of if you plan to keep the car forever, or rebuild the engine once it blows, then it would be a good idea to paint it.

 

If you are bored with the paint how about looking at wrapping it with vinyl? There are some cheap materials available online. You could try those.

 

No. I'm not bored with paint color. It's just very dull paint, no luster in it at all. Need repainted to make it look better. Just trying to decide if I should spend $800 for it. It's nice to make the car look nice for next few years or more.

 

If you're keeping the car for the next few years, you should get it painted.
You'll be driving the car all the time and will be reminded it has no shine!
If budget allows, get it done.

 

I say fix the engine problems, sell it and buy a civic cause race car. Lol jk but if it was me I would fix the motor, get it runnin good. And do some suspension upgrades. I feel the health of your car is more important.

 

it would prob be worth painting it for $1000 or less.. if you fix up the car nice with nice paint. who cares if motor craps out, body will be nice enough it would be worth replacing.