Looking for unbiased opinions on Maaco
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 32
Looking for unbiased opinions on Maaco
I'm looking in to getting my car painted, and I'm in the process of going different places for quotes. I will be comparing prices and materials, but I want to know what the deal is with Maaco's bad reputation.
I understand single stage paints are not the best, and that's mostly what Maaco does, but their Signature series, which is a base/clear with prep/primer/sealer sounds like a decent deal. With everything it runs about 1500. The shop I got a quote from uses PPG paint, which I know is nice stuff, as we just had our truck done in PPG from another place just outside of town. The Maaco has a 5 or 8 (can't remember right now) year warranty on the signature series, and from what I've seen, the paint looks pretty nice.
With a bit of sheet metal repair as well as getting rid of spider cracks and chips, my quote hit just under $1900, which was a good bit less than I expected.
What I'm looking for is an unbiased opinion on top-of-the-line Maaco jobs. The stuff they use is high quality, they'll prep it right, and I'll likely do some of the more in depth prep before I send it in, and I can't argue with a warranty like that. What am I missing out on?
I understand single stage paints are not the best, and that's mostly what Maaco does, but their Signature series, which is a base/clear with prep/primer/sealer sounds like a decent deal. With everything it runs about 1500. The shop I got a quote from uses PPG paint, which I know is nice stuff, as we just had our truck done in PPG from another place just outside of town. The Maaco has a 5 or 8 (can't remember right now) year warranty on the signature series, and from what I've seen, the paint looks pretty nice.
With a bit of sheet metal repair as well as getting rid of spider cracks and chips, my quote hit just under $1900, which was a good bit less than I expected.
What I'm looking for is an unbiased opinion on top-of-the-line Maaco jobs. The stuff they use is high quality, they'll prep it right, and I'll likely do some of the more in depth prep before I send it in, and I can't argue with a warranty like that. What am I missing out on?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,144
From: SC
Their cheap packages get a bad reputation, because costumers refuse to accept the fact you get what you pay for and so they complain about the quality. I'm sure their signature series will look good, try to do a quick search on the forum i know a few members got their cars painted from maaco and they looked pretty good.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,577
From: Sandy VJJville
Even with their upper level packages, I wouldn't recommend them at all. I know two people personally that paid in the ~1500 dollar range for a paint job from Maaco here and they both came out like s**t. There were runs all over the place, parts that either weren't put back on, or not put back on properly, overspray all over the place, fisheyes, ridiculous orange peel, and an overall hazy appearance. Not to mention the paint would flake off at the drop of a hat.
For a few hundred more than the best paint job you can get at Maaco, you should be able to get your car sprayed by a professional shop and have it come out a hell of a lot better.
For a few hundred more than the best paint job you can get at Maaco, you should be able to get your car sprayed by a professional shop and have it come out a hell of a lot better.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,025
From: Tucson, AZ
Everyone here does realize Maaco is a franchise, which means every shop hires their own painters therefore every shop will be different. My dad looked into opening one just recently.
I suggest you try to find people who have had their cars painted by that particular shop. Look for a local car club.
I suggest you try to find people who have had their cars painted by that particular shop. Look for a local car club.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,144
From: SC
This guy did a total color change and used maaco, looks pretty good:
https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...t=maaco&page=3
Every shop is different, so if your really not sure ask the local maaco shop for pictures of their past work. You could even go online and find reviews about your local shop, might want to check it out.
https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...t=maaco&page=3
Every shop is different, so if your really not sure ask the local maaco shop for pictures of their past work. You could even go online and find reviews about your local shop, might want to check it out.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,577
From: Sandy VJJville
Everyone here does realize Maaco is a franchise, which means every shop hires their own painters therefore every shop will be different. My dad looked into opening one just recently.
I suggest you try to find people who have had their cars painted by that particular shop. Look for a local car club.
I suggest you try to find people who have had their cars painted by that particular shop. Look for a local car club.
Yes, I do realize that they are franchises, but I'm also saying that for only a little bit more, you could go to a real body shop that doesn't use the cheapest materials they can get their hands on and skimp on prep work in every way possible, and come out with a lot nicer paint job.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 32
My dad had a good point, and some of you touched on it too. I'm going to stop by again when i drive by, maybe tomorrow, and get some phone numbers and names of people that had their signature done, and go check out the cars for myself.
I'm also getting quotes from other places, I haven't yet compared anything, I've only started.
I'm also getting quotes from other places, I haven't yet compared anything, I've only started.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 831
From: Western North Carolina
Stay away!!!! Cheap prices=cheap materials.They claim that they stand by there warranty and try to give you alot %$%## when you inform them of a problem. A friend of mine went through this and eventually had to get it painted again at a reputable paint shop. He got the best paint job they had at the time and he still got screwed.Beware!!!!!!!
Last edited by Red97LT1; Oct 16, 2008 at 06:17 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 102
From: fostoria, Ohio
buddy of mine went to macco.. he got the top of the line setup, overall he was happy with it, cost im about $3500 for his truck. the only thing that he didnt like was the underside of the truck, they didnt get it all the way, so he took it back and they reshot the underside (rockers, bed) for free..
however, another friend of mine took his car there to get the front end painted after one of his drunken nights.. got the cheap set up.. overall.. his car looked better primed.. it was enough to give the car color..
they say on thier site, if your wanting a quick job to sell a car, get a cheap package, if you want something to last, then pay more. they do good work, but its a corporation, and your only as good as your painters.. ask to see some of their work, with all packages. tell them what you expect, and they'll let you know (course they will try to sell you the higher package)
In paint work, you really do get what you pay for. its not the paint job thats the work, its the prep and finish...
Save some money and do the prep work yourself, get it the way you want it, they'll paint, clear and cut... better prep work, better paint job.
check out this site if you want to save some money and learn now to prep the work that will be getting done, hell; you might even build the nerve to try painting it yourself... ALOT of body and paint guys at this place.
Archer
http://www.autobody101.com/forums/index.php
however, another friend of mine took his car there to get the front end painted after one of his drunken nights.. got the cheap set up.. overall.. his car looked better primed.. it was enough to give the car color..
they say on thier site, if your wanting a quick job to sell a car, get a cheap package, if you want something to last, then pay more. they do good work, but its a corporation, and your only as good as your painters.. ask to see some of their work, with all packages. tell them what you expect, and they'll let you know (course they will try to sell you the higher package)
In paint work, you really do get what you pay for. its not the paint job thats the work, its the prep and finish...
Save some money and do the prep work yourself, get it the way you want it, they'll paint, clear and cut... better prep work, better paint job.
check out this site if you want to save some money and learn now to prep the work that will be getting done, hell; you might even build the nerve to try painting it yourself... ALOT of body and paint guys at this place.
Archer
http://www.autobody101.com/forums/index.php
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 488
From: Fairhope AL
i managed one.
1) you get what you pay for. So expect a paint job thats gonna what you will get. hands down.
Here are tips I'd give to the non average guy that knew cars.
1) take your car apart as much as you can. Saves cash on your end, prep work on the shops end.
2) If you are able; do the repairs in your skill area.
3) Wash the car down with a good dish detergent, using a scotch brite. Get into all the little knocks and crannies. We all do a more detailed job on our prized ride than some kid making min wage, preasured to hurry up
4) bring the car in when they are slow. Request to have it done on the weekend so you can take pictures for your scrap book. (people won't cut corners in front of a owner, plus it gives the employess a sense of worth)
5) load the car with as much paint as you can, bake it. Let is sit. wet sand it. Then get it either buffed or cleared.
6) take it home, let it cure for a week or two, reassemble it.
When shes done....(loved this) bring it back to the shop to show off the car.
Side notes, I allowed this.
I'd allow certain customers to use my shop to bring in their cars to take them apart. Help sand and mask, even help hold the air line as the painter sprayed it. I'd encourage the owner to come in with pizza and soda's the day his car came in. My employess busted thier ***'s on those cars and they came out great. Take the car in duing the slow season, less rush.
just be involved and be understanding...it still is a paint and bake in and out shop.
1) you get what you pay for. So expect a paint job thats gonna what you will get. hands down.
Here are tips I'd give to the non average guy that knew cars.
1) take your car apart as much as you can. Saves cash on your end, prep work on the shops end.
2) If you are able; do the repairs in your skill area.
3) Wash the car down with a good dish detergent, using a scotch brite. Get into all the little knocks and crannies. We all do a more detailed job on our prized ride than some kid making min wage, preasured to hurry up
4) bring the car in when they are slow. Request to have it done on the weekend so you can take pictures for your scrap book. (people won't cut corners in front of a owner, plus it gives the employess a sense of worth)
5) load the car with as much paint as you can, bake it. Let is sit. wet sand it. Then get it either buffed or cleared.
6) take it home, let it cure for a week or two, reassemble it.
When shes done....(loved this) bring it back to the shop to show off the car.
Side notes, I allowed this.
I'd allow certain customers to use my shop to bring in their cars to take them apart. Help sand and mask, even help hold the air line as the painter sprayed it. I'd encourage the owner to come in with pizza and soda's the day his car came in. My employess busted thier ***'s on those cars and they came out great. Take the car in duing the slow season, less rush.
just be involved and be understanding...it still is a paint and bake in and out shop.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 102
From: fostoria, Ohio
i managed one.
1) you get what you pay for. So expect a paint job thats gonna what you will get. hands down.
Here are tips I'd give to the non average guy that knew cars.
1) take your car apart as much as you can. Saves cash on your end, prep work on the shops end.
2) If you are able; do the repairs in your skill area.
3) Wash the car down with a good dish detergent, using a scotch brite. Get into all the little knocks and crannies. We all do a more detailed job on our prized ride than some kid making min wage, preasured to hurry up
4) bring the car in when they are slow. Request to have it done on the weekend so you can take pictures for your scrap book. (people won't cut corners in front of a owner, plus it gives the employess a sense of worth)
5) load the car with as much paint as you can, bake it. Let is sit. wet sand it. Then get it either buffed or cleared.
6) take it home, let it cure for a week or two, reassemble it.
When shes done....(loved this) bring it back to the shop to show off the car.
Side notes, I allowed this.
I'd allow certain customers to use my shop to bring in their cars to take them apart. Help sand and mask, even help hold the air line as the painter sprayed it. I'd encourage the owner to come in with pizza and soda's the day his car came in. My employess busted thier ***'s on those cars and they came out great. Take the car in duing the slow season, less rush.
just be involved and be understanding...it still is a paint and bake in and out shop.
1) you get what you pay for. So expect a paint job thats gonna what you will get. hands down.
Here are tips I'd give to the non average guy that knew cars.
1) take your car apart as much as you can. Saves cash on your end, prep work on the shops end.
2) If you are able; do the repairs in your skill area.
3) Wash the car down with a good dish detergent, using a scotch brite. Get into all the little knocks and crannies. We all do a more detailed job on our prized ride than some kid making min wage, preasured to hurry up
4) bring the car in when they are slow. Request to have it done on the weekend so you can take pictures for your scrap book. (people won't cut corners in front of a owner, plus it gives the employess a sense of worth)
5) load the car with as much paint as you can, bake it. Let is sit. wet sand it. Then get it either buffed or cleared.
6) take it home, let it cure for a week or two, reassemble it.
When shes done....(loved this) bring it back to the shop to show off the car.
Side notes, I allowed this.
I'd allow certain customers to use my shop to bring in their cars to take them apart. Help sand and mask, even help hold the air line as the painter sprayed it. I'd encourage the owner to come in with pizza and soda's the day his car came in. My employess busted thier ***'s on those cars and they came out great. Take the car in duing the slow season, less rush.
just be involved and be understanding...it still is a paint and bake in and out shop.
haha I love the part with the pizza and soda.. haha, bribe them! kiss their *** a little, and they will get it done lol... too funny.
Archer
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