shirkes330

So I have a 1996 LS400 in ebony teal pearl that is in desperate need of a paint job. I'm trying to find a reputable paint/body shop in my area to paint it from ebony teal pearl to the pearl white color and a silver bottom, however most are very expensive. As cost is an issue I was thinking about going to MAACO to have it painted and was wondering if this is a good idea. After seeing mixed reviews online I'm asking for some help. Can anyone share any experience/advice with me about this thanks in advance!!!

TCKeyz

Personally I wouldn't, you get what you get. I have heard a lot of people getting their cars painted at MAACO and a few years later the paint starts to peel. I just got my bumper and hood repainted and the job costed around 2 grand. Now for a whole proper repaint, I would guess it would be at around 5-8 grand. Have you looked at vinyl wrap? It's another option...

CGDetail

I personally would not bring it there unless I had no choice and was on a budget. I had them paint a front bumper once and the quality of the work was bad. The bumper had runs, dirt, orange peel. You get what you pay for.

ArmyofOne

The only time I would ever get Maaco to paint a car is if:

A) I was trying to refresh it to sell (dump) it.

B) It was a car that cost me less than $1,000 and I really didn't care what it looks like as long as it has paint on it.

or C) I knew someone at the shop with a hook-up.

Maaco/Earl Schieb/Service King are no-go's when it comes to working on a car you actually give a rat's *** about.

Big Mack

iTrader: (1)

While I agree that you get what you pay for, you can get a good job done there - but remember, you have to PAY for it. They're not going to give you a good job for $399. Not happening. You want the windows, tires, wheels, mirrors, locks, trim, wipers, and everything else sprayed? For $399, that's what you're going to get. They do offer more expensive jobs, though, so it's not as though you can't get it done there - but you won't save anything going there, and the guy doing it likely won't be as experienced, either. Time = money to every business - the more time they spend, the more money you spend. Bottom line.

Big Mack

Medic91x

Quoted for truth, presidential specials aren't worth it. I've heard and read horror stories about Maaco paint jobs even when you spend the money for more expensive packages. Maaco is basically trying to paint to a cost (quantity over quality). Which could possibly mean less prep work, less masking, and inferior quality paint products.

Some of the old school autobody specialist say that 90% of paint job is the prep after stripping a car to the bare metal, I'm starting to finally understand.

For Ohio you should be able to find a decent place to do a complete quality respray for a minimum of $2000. Anything less than that and I'd be very wary.