Hi,
I have a black 2002 Camry with a number of scratches all over on the body and stone chips and dings on the hood. No dents though. The black colour does not help.
I am thinking of getting it painted, when I mentioned this to a mechanic, he advised me against it, saying it's better to leave the original paint on for a few more years.
Is it better if I just touch up the scratches and dings?
Thanks
I cant see why you should wait
The reason repainting a car is not too adviseable is that it kills the resale value. When dealers, wholesalers, etc, appraise a car, one major thing they look for are repainted bady panels, as this is a probable indicator of a vehicle being in an accident (and a total repaint is usually an indicator of MAJOR body work). Even if you are able to convince that individual that you painted the entire car because of scratches, he still will not give you the full value because he is probably going to have to re sell it, and that next person will appraise it in the same manor, so in that way the real market value of the car drops. Having a few scratches and rock chips in original paint will keep the resale value higher than taking it to a body shop and having the whole thing done.
A good quality paint job is $2000-3000 --- and paint will be soft for months. If less than a great paint job - expect value to decrease by $1000-1500. A good body shop can touch up the chips and scratches - had a friend that had it 350ZX done --- some door dings and nose chips. Cost was $800 but you couldn't tell and it looked like new (they completely detailed it as part of the cost).
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