Topic: Our Dilemma: Paint or Not

[Trainman]

So the Sienna is looking pretty beat up, what with rock chips, little bits of surface rust, nicks, scratches, etc   

Dropped by our local, very reliable body shop, was told that a re-paint would be $2,500-$5,000 depending on any issues that come up as they strip stuff off; but they figure our van would be in the lower end of the range as there are no dents or significant rust.  And we would not be changing colour, so no need to re-paint inside areas of doors, etc.

So figure maybe $3,500 for a complete re-paint.  Is it worth it?

The facts:
2004 Toyota Sienna CE (base model), with just over 100,000 kms.  No significant mechanical issues to date, has been very reliable.  Bought new, with a plan to keep it for 12-15 years.  No money owed on it, no warranty either.  The hood, leading edge of the roof, both front fenders, all 4 doors, both rear quarter panels especially the wheel arches, front and rear bumpers all have paint issues.  The only thing that would not need re-paint is the rear hatch 

So what would you do?  Leave it alone, re-paint or ??  Not even sure what other options there are besides a replacement which is not likely right now.

Thanks, Tman

[tortoise]

How long do you plan on keeping it?

If for another 6 years and 100,000 km I don't think it is.  It will be too old and too many km for the paint condition to matter.

If for another 3 years it might be worth it.  You get to drive a nice looking van for a few years and the new buyer will like buying a rust and scratch free van.

My mom painted her Taurus wagon and after 4 years the quality of the paint really began to deteriorate.  YMMV but I think aftermarket paint jobs aren't to the same level as OEM and don't last nearly as long.

When it comes to "worth it" - I'd say take cover up the chips with touch up paint and don't worry about the rest.  Save your money for maintenance and repairs.

[johngenx]

Even the highest quality aftermarket paint jobs fail much quicker than the OE finish.  I'd bet that within 2 years, the paint would be back to where it is now.

[articsteve]

I would not.

[airbalancer]

Bought new, with a plan to keep it for 12-15 years.

I alway plan to keep a car/truck for 20 years never made it yet 

How old are your kids now?
Do you still need a large car?
Does your wife want a ragtop yet or  Something that she can look hot in?

[overtakeyouintheleftlane]

Not worth it. I would take that money and put it towards a replacement vehicle (new or used) in the future.

Minor rust and stone chips are handled well with sanding and touch-up paint.

Drive the car until either it's a write-off from a crash or until it's not worth fixing (something big goes like the transmission). You will get your money's worth the longer you keep it.

My car is a 2003 just passing 185,000km yesterday without headaches. I will keep it as long as possible. It's cheaper to maintain the car then to keep buying a new one every few years.

[CanuckG35]

Spend a few hundred bucks instead and take it to a professional detailer.  A professional detailer in your area should be able to touch up any chips, remove scratches, and protect your paint for the future.  Your Sienna would look 100 times better than it does now and you are not out $3500.

[inco]

  Yup, save your money and avoid paint job.

[rrocket]

Spend a few hundred bucks instead and take it to a professional detailer.  A professional detailer in your area should be able to touch up any chips, remove scratches, and protect your paint for the future.  Your Sienna would look 100 times better than it does now and you are not out $3500.

You beat me to it!!  A professional detailer (and I mean a GOOD one) will offer many services that can make the van be a 5 footer.  Depending on colour, they could possibly wet sand the car, air brush chips/scratches and do a very thorough paint reconditioning, wax, sealant, etc...

You'd be shocked at what some of these people can do....

[Snowman]

Spend a few hundred bucks instead and take it to a professional detailer.  A professional detailer in your area should be able to touch up any chips, remove scratches, and protect your paint for the future.  Your Sienna would look 100 times better than it does now and you are not out $3500.

 

[Jaeger]

I would DEFINITELY give comprehensive detailing a shot first.  I suspect you will be very pleased with the results and even more pleased with the several grand you saved.

Jaeger

[dr_spock]

Not worth repaint if you're not changing colours. 

[The Mighty Duck]

You absolutely will not get $3,500 in additional resale value out of it if you repaint it. So then the question becomes, is having a nicer-looking vehicle worth $3,500 to you?

My thought would be no. Stick that money in the bank and put it towards a new vehicle when the time is right. In the interim, get a good, full detail on the van and make it look the best it can without spending too much.

[ovr50]

Agree with all those that say "no, don't paint" and "yes, take it to a good detailer". Are they any over there? There are several here, if need be.

[CanuckG35]

And just to give you an idea of how paint can be transformed, here is a before and after shot of a Nissan Altima I did.

[Winklovic]

And just to give you an idea of how paint can be transformed, here is a before and after shot of a Nissan Altima I did.

   Holy moly!

[Jaeger]

And just to give you an idea of how paint can be transformed, here is a before and after shot of a Nissan Altima I did.

   Holy moly!

No kidding!    Aprroximate time and cost for a makeover like that??

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

^ The paint on this woman's Altima was the worst I've seen.  I swear, I think the car was washed with a brillo pad.  Here is a couple more before pics.











I had 14 hours in on this one and charged $500.  She was ecstatic when she picked it up.  She said she felt that she was driving home in a brand new car. 

[Jaeger]

Damn, I'm sure she was ecstatic and then some.  And I hope she took better care of it going forward.  You don't have an "after" shot of the whole care, do you?

GREAT WORK!

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

A couple after shots.