Mine'* a 1996 SE, green (not sure of the code at the moment). Got a bit of a problem...

On the roof, and the trunk the paint looks awful. It almost looks burnt to me.

I suspect that the cause of this was a minimum-wage worker w/ a power buffer, and they took the clearcoat right off. This is because the effected sections are in the middle of the roof (top of the curve) and the rear left and right areas of the trunk lid. All are "high spots".

I also believe this due to the fact that the car wasn't THAT old when I bought it (5 or 6 years old), and I noticed it happening within six months after purchase. I've put off having it fixed for two reasons: One, I'm not very good at body work, especially spray painting, and Two, most body work is quite expensive to repair, and I just can't afford a $600+ repainting job. I refuse to go the "Econo" route, as I just do not trust that a decent paint job can be had for less than $150. Unless someone with first-hand experience was to say otherwise...

I'd like to know if there is a way to repair this issue. Either something I can do myself, or if I need to take it somewhere for repair, if there'* a way to do it inexpensively (or to just do the affected areas).

If required, I can post photos. Thanks

Post a pic but I bet your clear coat is gone. Does the paint look faded and dull?

if you clear is burnt off like you think i would sugest that you go the "Econo" route untill you have the money to get it fixed right. If there is no clear there the UV rays will start to roune your base coat then rust may very well start even if you dont see it at first the rust mat be under the paint and come through in the future...also it may very well just need a good poilishing/waxing...you never know you might get lucky

P.*. we need pics to know for sure how to help you...get those and you will get better answers because without them what i told you might not apply to you at all

EXACT problem spots i have...

search for "my paint sucks" to see pics

If you're not going to repaint, the best you can do is polish it out and try Liquid Glass. In some cases, it can simulate a factory clearcoat and give you some protection.