Is a MAACO paint job really that bad? Looking for an affordible paint job.?

Question

I picked up an 84 rabbit convertible to toy around with and fix up. I am on a budget. Car needs work of course.

The cars paint is wearing down, and it really needs a new paint job. I have heard how bad MAACO is and am wondering if this is just a few people who have complained (after buying the "ambassador" cheapy package)

If I go anywhere else, I would be looking at 2000-3000. I really don't want to spend more than a 1000 on this part of the car(not looking for a show piece - just something that looks half decent)

I think the "supreme" or signature job is what I want. I wax my paint and keep it covered up half the year anyway.

I am really worried about is it peeling after a few years, but I wonder if these rumors come from the cheaper paint job or lack of maintenance by the purchasers.

Any have experience with MAACO?

Answer 1

As important as the paint service is the prep done to the car prior to the service .

Every Maaco shop is independently owned and the owner of that shop determines what is included in the price and what isn't. In my experience it is important to be sure the shop explains what they will be doing to your car for the money. But remember they are in a business to make money- not to give things away- so if you want extra expect to pay for it. However, with that said- if you go to the right Maaco ( or any paint shop) you should get a complete explanation of the services in writing. For $250 don't expect to get a sanding service that will feather chips and scratches, don't expect to get bodywork done, don't expect to have surfaces stripped to the metal.... remember they have employees to pay and these services take time and some skill. Also, if you have preped the car yourself or have done some body work on the car- don't expect them to warranty the work or to automatically fix any flaws that may show as a result of your work. The paint service is from the bottom up and and any air bubbles, roughness or wavyness from your body will show up. Also if you choose not to pay for additional prep work- expect flaws to show. Another factor is how the car has been maintained over the years. If a car has been neglected for the last 10 years- don't expect it to look like a new car for even $1000.00

As far as the paint peeling off- If you pay for the machine sanding and no exceptions have been point out such as deteriorating or already peeling paint the paint should adhere. In order for the paint to adhere the car ( with out detiorating paint) needs to be scuffed at a minimum- that means all edges. So yes the prep work is important! Often, in Maaco shops, the cars that come in are older and do require a lot of prep work. The prep will often be more expensive than the cost of the paint service it self.

Another piece of advise is not to depend on a set cost or an estimate given over the phone. No one (not even the expensive custom shops) can tell you what needs to be done to your car without seeing it. That is why the base cost of Maaco paint service does not include the additional prep work. Every car has individual issues.

Ask what paint products are used. I think you will find that most Maacos use Dupont, Sherwin Williams or PPG. These are the top of the line paints - the same used by most custom paint shops.

Maaco is a production paint company- not a custom shop or a restoration shop. This means that the cars are not dismantled before the paint service- headlights, handles etc. are not automatically removed for the paint service. Instead they are taped off and painted around. It also means that the service is not intended to put your older car back into mint condition. They provide an economical paint service in a quick turn around (usually 3-7 business days) However with that said- your paint service should out live the warranty if you have followed the prepping suggestions and care for the car afterwards.

Remember ask questions about what you are getting for your money-whether it is a Maaco or any other shop. Remember all Maacos are independently owned- don't judge one shop against another.....The thing we have in common is our advertising through the corporate office, the fact that we are a production paint company and the the fact that we pay franchise fees.

Answer 2

I've had several paint jobs done by Maaco and on the whole I was quite satisfied. I thought it was an excellent value. The paint they use in the higher priced jobs ($500 or so) is actually quite good. The cheaper stuff won't last but a couple of years. They skimp on the prep work but if you prep and mask the car yourself the results can be almost as as good as a factory job. I also removed any trim pieces before I brought it in. I do suggest you check out the finished jobs at the shop you're considering. Maaco is a franchise and not all the shops do the same quality work There are good ones and not so good ones.

Answer 3

If you use Maaco, get the more expensive package. The prep work before the paint is applied is more important than the paint itself. If you want to save a few bucks, you can do a lot of the prep yourself. The old finish needs to be smoothed out with a 400 grit sandpaper (they will use a 600 wet/dry before painting) and all the trim, moldings, mirrors, bumpers etc. need to be removed from the car. You can fix minor dents and dings, also. You can buy body filler at WalMart or Autozone. Just remember, use as little as possible, and follow the directions.

Answer 4

Maaco, or just about anyone with the proper equipment and environment can do a decent paint job. The problem with the cheapest paint jobs is that they normally involve little or no prep work. Chances are you will get something that looks ok, and will last a couple years if you simply just go in and respray (there will likely be some visable flaws and places where masking wasn't quite as good as you'd have wanted).

But unless you do the prep work yourself or skip it as the cheaper options go, you will pay a lot more.

Answer 5

You may want to consider looking at a local tech school or community college. Some of them will have an autobody school that will reduce your costs for a decent job. What you agree to in my experience is that the painting will be done by students and will not have a warranty.

My brother used that route to paint his 66 Mustang and it looks really good. Almost professional, and all he had to pay for was the paint. I think he did much of the prep also, but maybe they would help with that too.

I have seen a MAACO paint job on a Rabbit. It meant I didn't buy the car.

Answer 6

I had the paint peeling off of a car and Maaco was going to charge me 1500 to paint it the same color again. That was with the cheap package as well, but they would have to sand down the whole thing almost to metal to redo the primer.
The prices you see on tv are just for the paint, they tack on labor and stuff.
Just go in and have them do an estimate.

Answer 7

From what ive heard a maaco job looks good... from a distance, go closer and it doesnt look so great. They cut corners like not painting behind emblems, and it's only a quickie job. Get it done for a few hundred if your paint really looks that bad, it will probally be an improvement, just dont expect factory clear coat for less than a grand or two.

Answer 8

They are OK if you sand the car yourself. They will spray right over the paint without sanding. The paint will peel in less than a year. So rent a sander,take your time,and rough up the paint.