Expert: Michael Kakuk - 3/5/2010

Question
My daughter owns a White 2003 Toyota Echo coupe.  She wants to paint it silver, using a number from the Toyota specs.  I have been told that if the entire car is painted a different color, the value may go down if it is not a factory paint job quality to include door wells and such.  Is this true?  and How much do you think a factory paint job would average if it must be taken down to the metal?  Thanks.

Answer
DON....PAINTING THE CAR A TOYOTA SILVER IS A GOOD IDEA. IF YOU PAINT A VEHICLE A FUNKY COLOR THE VALUE GOES DOWN BECAUSE THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER MAY NOT HAVE THE SAME TASTE AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER.

A HIGH QUALITY PAINT JOB INCLUDES THE JAMBS AND UNDERSIDES.....MORE LABOR=MORE MONEY.

IF THE EXISTING PAINT IS IN DECENT SHAPE AND I ASSUME IT IS AS 2003 IS NOT ANCIENT THEN THE SURFACES CAN BE PREPARED WITHOUT TAKING DOWN TO BARE METAL.

A QUALITY JOB CONSISTS OF REPAIRING ANY DENTS AND SCRATCHES ON THE VEHICLE AND REMOVING ALL OF THE TRIM PIECES LIKE DOOR HANDLES,BELT MOLDINGS,SIDE MOLDINGS,LAMPS,BUMPER COVERS AND EMBLEMS.

YOU COULD EXPECT AN ESTIMATE OF $ 2200.00 - 3000.00.

HAVING A PROFESSIONAL BODY SHOP USE QUALITY PAINT PRODUCTS WILL ENHANCE THE JOB.....IDF LESS EXPENSIVE MATERIALS ARE USED IT USUALLY SHOWS.

THE BEST IDEA WOULD BE TO RUN BY A FEW BODY SHOPS AND GET A QUOTE IN WRITING TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE SAME PROCESS. MEANING THAT YOU SHOULD REQUEST A QUOTE WITH JAMBS AND DENTS FIXED.

MY ESTIMATE IS ONLY A BEST GUESS IT ALL DEPENDS ON A VISUAL INSPECTION.

THANKS
MIKE