mpringle

I have a 1998 Lexus ES300 that has been a GREAT, GREAT car. It has 267,000 miles on it and STILL runs like a champ (Those Japanese Lexus - OMG). It was a little down recently and I gave it new struts that lifted its spirits. Now, i want to freshen up its paint. The car isn't worth much because of the miles but that doesn't' matter because I'm never selling it. It is a black car...and you know what that means as far as the paint after 17 years...not faded just lots of white specs. Where should I go for a paint job (Atlanta, Roswell area). I don't want to spend too much money but I want a really good paint job. Any thoughts? What type of paint job?

ES300NZ

throw some pictures up, .. paints funny, sometimes what seems like ruined paint is very much recoverable with the right treatments. It might be that all it needs in a heavy buff and another clear coat.

speedkar9

Start with a rubbing compound and then a polishing compound followed by clay bar, and waxing. You'll be surprised at how much this could restore the paint.

Using a polishing machine on black paint isn't recommended for first timers because its easy to burn through the paint. You can get a detailing shop to help you buff the car for a couple hundred.

Original paint is good quality stuff, and no aftermarket paint job can match its durability, so try to keep as much of it as you can on the car if possible. With paint jobs especially, you get what you pay for. So if you're going for the cheapo $500 paint job (probably half what your car is worth), the clear coat might start falling off in a year or two .

Another option would be vinyl wrapping.

mpringle

Thanks. You guys are right. After really looking at the paint job, maybe a good polishing and waxing will help. No way I'd do it, but i'd hire someone. What do you think looking at the photos?

mpringle

Photos posted.

funcrusher

From what ive seen, older Lexus paint holds up pretty well. I havent ever seen a 90s model that has paint rusting and peeling off bad.

I would get a great detail like everyone is saying. Then have someone fix up the little dents, chips, and scratches before anything else

ES300NZ

It's actually quite a tidy car, I would work with what you have. see what you can do with just replenishing it, .. er .. polish, etc.

speedkar9

Car looks in good shape.

Buff the head lights while you're detailing it. It will really make the car look new again.

Tints would make the car look better too!