Maaco paint job tiers and prices
| Tier | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (single-stage) | ~$300 | Scuff, tape, shoot — minimal prep |
| Preferred | $600–$1,000 | Better prep, sealer, upgraded paint |
| Premium (base/clear) | $1,200–$1,500 | Full prep, base coat + clear coat, sand and buff |
| Bodywork / dent repair | Varies — quoted separately | This is where the final bill grows |
What the price actually buys
The tiers are mostly a prep ladder. Basic gets a scuff-sand, a tape-off, and a single-stage paint — color and gloss in one product, sprayed over your existing finish. Preferred adds more sanding, a sealer coat, and better paint. Premium is the real deal: thorough prep, primer where needed, base coat for color, clear coat for gloss and UV protection, then a cut and buff. Same shop, same painters — the difference is hours of labor before the gun ever comes out. That's why two Maaco jobs can look like they came from different planets.
Prep determines everything
I'll say it plainly because it's the entire truth about cheap paint: the paint is 20% of a paint job and the prep is 80%. A premium Maaco job with proper prep will outlast and outshine a rushed $3,000 job from a shop that skipped steps. What to ask for: how many hours of prep are included, whether they'll remove trim and handles or just tape around them (removal is better), and whether the quote includes sanding out the old peeling clear or just spraying over it. If they spray over failing clear, you're buying a 2-year paint job — see our paint blending guide for why proper panel prep matters.
When a Maaco job makes sense — and when it doesn't
- Worth it: an older daily driver with faded paint you want presentable; a work truck; a car you're keeping for a few more years, not forever.
- Worth it: the premium tier on a straight body — genuinely good value per dollar.
- Skip it: a collector car or anything where originality and perfect finish matter — that's restoration-shop territory.
- Skip it: the basic tier on a car with peeling clear or rust — the paint will fail early and you'll pay twice.
- Watch out: the upsell ladder. Get the bodywork quote in writing before they start, or the $900 job becomes $2,000.
Related cost guides
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Maaco paint job last?
A basic single-stage job kept outdoors typically looks good for 2–4 years before fading. The premium base-coat/clear-coat jobs, garaged and maintained, can last 7–10 years — close to factory longevity.
Is Maaco paint good quality?
The paint itself is decent modern urethane — the variable is prep and application. A premium-tier Maaco job with proper prep is genuinely good paint work; a basic job is a cosmetic refresh with a shorter life.
Does Maaco fix dents and rust before painting?
Yes, but it's billed separately — the advertised paint prices assume a straight, rust-free body. Bodywork is where the final bill grows, so get the dent and rust work quoted up front.
How long does a Maaco paint job take?
A basic job is often done in 2–3 days. Premium jobs with bodywork can take 1–2 weeks depending on the shop's backlog.
Will a Maaco paint job hurt my car's resale value?
A quality respray in the factory color generally helps an older car sell. A cheap, poorly prepped job with overspray and tape lines can hurt — buyers spot it immediately.