Is $12,000 too much?

CHAOS · 07-17-07, 08:09

well ive been tossing around this idea... well more like heavily thinking about night and day.... since i bought my car... to repaint it the color of my old car... i was/am in love with the paint color which is a slightly rare mazda color called Kauai Blue Metallic... well i went to the local shop that i trust... and asked for a quote... they told me they couldnt give me a direct quote so he said between 10 and 12,000... this is for a full bottom to top color change, engine bay, door jams, etc... and i honestly dont think thats too insane considering the amount of work that goes into something like this... also id be installing some nice add-ons at the time... which would bring the price up a bit more ... i just wanted to know what kind of prices the autopians appreciate... the car is currently my daily driver, however i do show it... and i do want to become competitive in auto-x and track days... ill probably have them add a bit more clear than normal to help when i need to correct it... anyway... here are pictures for reference...

this is the car as it sits currently:

and this is the color i want to get it painted:

please post up some opinions!

awahl63 · 07-17-07, 08:16

I wouldn't. Color change will hurt when you try to sell it so you'll be losing more than 10-12K if you ever want to sell the car.

If money isn't an issue then I say go for it; otherwise, I don't think it's a good idea.

Blue metallic is my favorite color as well.

CHAOS · 07-17-07, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by awahl63

I wouldn't. Color change will hurt when you try to sell it so you'll be losing more than 10-12K if you ever want to sell the car.

If money isn't an issue then I say go for it; otherwise, I don't think it's a good idea.

Blue metallic is my favorite color as well.

well ill put it to you this way... with mods.. im already over 10k deep into the car... i plan on keeping it around for a while... i dunno ... i just really love that blue haha... as far as money being an issue... its more important for me to get a superior product/service than the cost... i spent alot of money on my suspension because i knew it was top of the line... ive been called a "gear whore" by some friends haha... i like nice things... but my wallet hates me....

and this blue is sooooo nice in person! haha i still get complimented on my OLD car haha

Audi90Quattro · 07-17-07, 08:21

If you were to get it painted then I would leave the rims the color they are. I love the blue with gold or black with gold subies. The color is a little dark but def isn't something you see everyday. If you have the money just sitting around then go for it.

I personally would use the 12k and put that all into tire and suspension upgrades for the upcoming autocross. Already has enough power and extra grip always helps.

Brandon1 · 07-17-07, 08:23

You would honestly come out better trading that car for another subie that is blue than repainting that one. Unless that guy is the best in the world, it will NEVER look factory no matter what. And when you resell it, people will notice.

CHAOS · 07-17-07, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audi90Quattro

If you were to get it painted then I would leave the rims the color they are. I love the blue with gold or black with gold subies. The color is a little dark but def isn't something you see everyday. If you have the money just sitting around then go for it.

I personally would use the 12k and put that all into tire and suspension upgrades for the upcoming autocross. Already has enough power and extra grip always helps.

well if the paint comes... wheels will come after that... in gold.. just not those wheels that i have on it currently...

and the suspension i have is as follows:

Ohlins Fixed perch struts
RaceComp Engineering springs
STi Group-N top mounts
Whiteline 25-27-29mm adjustable front sway bar
Whiteline 24-26 mm adjustable Rear sway bar
Kartboy endlinks all around
Carbing Front strut tower bar
Tein rear strut tower bar
TurnInConcepts Fender braces

the car sits on one of the best street/track suspension set ups possible haha

CHAOS · 07-17-07, 08:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon1

You would honestly come out better trading that car for another subie that is blue than repainting that one. Unless that guy is the best in the world, it will NEVER look factory no matter what. And when you resell it, people will notice.

the only blue they offer is a light blue... and i dont want that. i guess im just stuck.

awahl63 · 07-17-07, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHAOS

well ill put it to you this way... with mods.. im already over 10k deep into the car... i plan on keeping it around for a while... i dunno ... i just really love that blue haha... as far as money being an issue... its more important for me to get a superior product/service than the cost... i spent alot of money on my suspension because i knew it was top of the line... ive been called a "gear whore" by some friends haha... i like nice things... but my wallet hates me....

and this blue is sooooo nice in person! haha i still get complimented on my OLD car haha

But with your mods you can always take them off and sell them and still make some money back. When you paint the car that 10-12K goes straight to the shitter.

Mark77 · 07-17-07, 08:32

Obviously it wouldn't be worth it for any body else than for you. It looks great like it is IMO.

CHAOS · 07-17-07, 08:35

yea ... the car currently needs some minor paint work... the bottom of the bumper has some curb rash from before i put the lip on (super big curb at the bank)... and the fender has a nice ding in it)... i just dont think silver is the color for me haha but the only color blue that subaru sells on the STi is so bright it stands out in pitch black night haha...

i definitely understand what you mean about the money going down the shitter... but honestly with all the plans i have for it... ie. built motor, bigger turbo, etc new interior etc... i think this is only the surface.... i definitely like the comments so far tho guys!

Danase · 07-17-07, 08:36

I think that is super high to be honest.

3puttjay · 07-17-07, 08:43

Get three more quotes from reputable paint shops. You only live once, so if this makes you happier go for it. You definately do not have a wife, I can tell because your wife would have beat you over the head for wanting to spend that kind of money on paint for your car instead of a new kitchen, bath, patio, etc. for her.