Body work can vary SO much between shops. I have a dent and some major scrapage due to a winter mishalf last december. I had a quote to fix the body then paint it, my average was $1200. One of my relatives used to own a body shop, said he'd fix it for free, but he doesn't paint anymore. So i got some quotes with the body fixed, just needed to be scuffed and painted, average was $750, except one place quoted me at $2600, yes $2600 to paint a bumper and 2 body panels. That's just ridiculous.



2002 2200sfi 5-speed.

just to chime in cuz im bored.... to add to your post maybe-if you are getting a bodykit, custom paint, etc, and the shop doesnt colorsand and buff the car, wtf is the point of spending all that money. thats not a shop u want to be at in my opinion.

awesome piece of info. i work at a body shop and people ask all the time what it would cost to paint their car. i tell them probs around 3 grand if your car is mint. and their like whaaaaatt?!?! yea buddy i gotta make a living too.
unfortunately auto body is the lowest paid trade going and insurance companies are just making it worse.
this write up is very educating for some one that wants paint or body work on their projects. i wish this could be stickied every where

Very nice informative piece. Thanks for the time of typing it up for us. I do studio props for a photo group and in general thought I could do good things with a spray can. Now I understand a bit more that I am not to try my hand at a custom job done myself. Thanks for the sticky, very informative and I already know a body shop to take my new car to for a suitable estimate in my area.