Kiosk

so my faithful '00 is reaching 140k miles, it runs like a dream, absolutely no problems at all but the hood and roof clear coat is gone.
I just for a quote for $2000 from a reputable body shop, they claim use german paints and guarantee for life....

should I invest this kind money on a '00 with 140k miles? I do like the Max and dont really want to get into a car payment unless spending the $2k in a 7 yr old car is a stupid idea, this one is paid off thou

anything I should be worrying about the 140k miles? it runs so good it scares me!!!

Advice welcomed!

kukx30de

iTrader: (4)

Nice going.... my 01 GLE is very close to yours... I just rolled over 149K last night...
I am also thinking of getting a paint job.

I dont have any peeling etc. but the chips on the front end and a few scratches on the back bumper are irritating me everytime i look at them..

Knowing the miles on the car, i'm probably going to find out who does the body work for the local dealer and goto their shop directly to get my bumpers painted.

depending on how bad it is.. you may wanted to get some paintwork done.. its served you well.. would be a nice favor to return

Kiosk

yea I dont have any bodywork problems, actually car never been hit so far (knock on wood)...

anyone else?

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

If you think it's worth it, then by all means go for it. It's less about how old the car is, and more about what you think of it and whether or not you're going to keep it for a bit.

Personally, I would find some place that does it cheaper, you can get a full body paint (same color) done for around $2k if you can find the right place...

TheBigDu

iTrader: (1)

You'll probably see very little return on that $2000 if you ever sell the car. Take that money and put it toward a new car (or newer) with a better paint job. I can't imagine putting $2000 into a soon-to-be 8 year old car with 140k on the clock...

And if you really have the urge to put that kind of money into your car, why not spend it on something more functional? Stereo? Performance?

Torgus

iTrader: (10)

it's not worth it at all. 2g is 25% or more of your car's value. bed investment. save that 2g and put it down on a new car.

rmh3093

if you can do some/most of the prepwork (sanding) your self you might be able to get the painting work done cheaper

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

you just have to weigh the options. how much longer are you keeping that car? if you want to keep it for another 6 more years, then it wouldnt be a bad idea. but if your only gonna keep it for another 2-3 years its not worth it. i would just save the money for another car later down the road.

Kiosk

well besides the paint in totally embarrasing condition, the car is like new!

I dont expect to drive it for more than 2-3 years but I want to keep it for my older daughter when she can drive in a few more years.

am just worried about spending the money in paint and then something more serious happen like blown tranny or engine...kinda looking for odds on that happening?

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

dont waste the $...down here the weather and roads will make that $2k go to waste...put the $ in a CD for your daughters college fund.

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

next time, just make sure you wash and wax your car regularly so that you wont have to go through with this. but if your gonna give it to your daughter, maybe you should get it painted. because that engine can last you more than you think. the tranny should be fine, is it slipping? or shifting rough? def it can hit 200k+ if you take care of it.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

If only that were true.

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

i swear my paint is still in mint condition. every time i take a long trip, i pay special attention to the front area where the bugs and crap gets stuck there. i have a few small chips. but it still looks new. maybe 01 and 02 paint are different?

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

you do not have paint eating love bugs there.

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

oh yeah i forgot, the further south you go, the bigger the bug gets....well i guess you guys in FL should invest in some clear bras...

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

I wish I did and knew about them 5 years ago...but I got my hood, bumper, and fenders repainted for $500 so I can't complain.

Ride2kMax

iTrader: (10)

I think you should have it painted. Specially since you plan on passing it to your daughter. Today is the day to take care of things you want to have in the future.
Just my .02

Kiosk

is a 5-speed with clutch about 2 yr old, nothing wrong so far....I been using synthetics oils frequently and religiously for past 3 years.

geenowalker

2g seems reasonable, but thats 50% of the blue book value of the ride. Make your daughter work for some of hte money and she will take better care of the car. I just paid $666 for the front bumper and hood at Maaco. Was happy with the service

AnDyMaN

iTrader: (19)

get it done at maaco. or get it done at a small shop that'll do it for cheap. car's not worth much, so unless you do it yourself, the money you put into it will not yield much return. if it gets totalled (which is always a possibility), you will be SOL big time. insurance won't give you **** for the money you put into it, so for a car with a terrible resale, i would get it done cheap. and if your car lasts that long, and the paint fades, put another 600-700 bucks into it. by that point you will be at what.... 200k miles? car is worth..... $3000? maybe $2500?

Kiosk

if I get back the 2g that am spending on the paint job i am fine with that, the car is paid for for a while so as long as I can drive it for another 2-3 years with it looking decent am fine with it....my daughter might not want it by then anyways!