As part of my long list of things that I want to do this spring, I think I need to do something with my car'* finish. I was considering just getting the whole thing repainted but I wanted to know what everyone else is done. So, for anyone who has gotten their car repainted, do you feel like the new paint was as good as the original? and are there any other options for refinishing my car without going quite that far?

Thanks. ~~ Jeanie

My car'* paint is really bad. Last spring, I got the roof and bumper repainted, and it seemed to help a little it. It was nowhere near factory quality, but they did a good job.

I only did it because I got a good deal on it. The whole car would be way to expensive.

If you can, just try waxing and polishing to save what you can.

Princess Jeanie, how bad is your paint now? Is it oxidizing or is it just kinda dull in some spots? From the pics I've seen it looks gorgeous!

I'd first try with a 3 step wax process and a clay bar. The first step of the wax is a cleaner wax that gets the embedded dirt and crap that washing does not get off. The clay bar also does that too. The second stage of the wax system gives the color a deep wet gloss look, and the 3rd stage is the wax. I'd try that first. Mothers makes a 3 step system, Meguiars is also very good.

Take it to a body shop and see if they can revive it, could get a cut polish and new clear coat for less than a paint job?

Painting entire cars is an exhaust, expensive, and kinda dangerous thing. You don't want to paint unless you ABSOLUTELY have to. And even then, for a car worth $3-4k you could sell your car, keep the paint job money, and buy a new, nicer one. I'd try to resurect the paint first. In the spring you can try a claybar system...

I definiately agree with BonneMeMN getting the whole car redone is a BIG deal so make sure it'* not too big of a burdon.
If there is only a part of the car that really bad (hood, roof ect) then what I had done is the shop that redid my hood used a state of the art paint matching system that matches the color that your car is now as aposed to the color it was from the factory. It was a hefty sum but you cant tell the hood didn't come with the car.
Just another option.

Thanks for everyones opinions...and really good ideas. My paint isn't that bad - no visible rust- just some minor scraches, annoying swirly marks on my hood and that 'dirt' that just won't go away. I knew repainting was a bit drastic...so trying the three step system sounds like a really, really good plan. So now it just needs to warm up

Jeanie, some rubbing compund will also remove surface scratches and swirly marks. 3M also makes "Swirl Mark Remover" and using the clay bar and 3 step wax system you will have amazing results! Especially on black. You'll notice a huge difference.

good deal!! i will try all these in spring time...now i can't wait!!! sounds like it'll take some elbow-grease, but it'll be worth it

If you have a lot of embedded dirt, like on the rocker panels and lower door moldings, it will take a while with the clay bar, but you'll like the results. If you're not too far from Macomb Michigan maybe I could stop by and help you out come spring time, which will hopefully be soon.