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Okay, back in August 2024 my beloved 2000 Nissan Maxima GLE got a new paint job from a budget Paint & Body franchise in Orlando, Florida. This is called a Single-Stage paint process which the Clear Coat is mixed with the base coat. Yes, it is not as durable nor shiny like the 2-Stage process where the base coat is applied then, the clear is applied separately.
However, I am treating this Single-Stage like my old school paints back in the day and I have to admit that I am getting very good results by applying a "LOW" aggressive polish then, a high quality and high gloss wax.
The Maxima was washed carefully and hand dried before any polish was applied.
The Maguire Polish did a great job in removing accumulated dirt and tar off the paint (see pictures). The Chemical Guys product is no longer available and used just enough product to provide the wet look plus protection.
For those that don't believe in budget paint jobs, I was not going to spend over $2500 for a two (2) stage paint job so, this was an excellent deal at $600 plus tax back in August 2024 as the Maxima just turned over 277,000 original miles and turned over 26 years old.
A few pictures!
Last edited by guapoman2000; Dec 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM.
Here is the same Maxima when I purchased it back in 2020 from a retired co-worker.
Noticed a little more shine with a typical 2-stage paint process as the Clear coat provides a little more eye candy. However, that Clear jumped off the car after 4 years! LOL!
Note that STOCK rims!
Last edited by guapoman2000; Dec 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
I took my Maxima to a guy my brother goes to. I paid $1,500 for a basic gloss white and it's already peeling in some places a year later.. the back bumper even has a slight yellowing. he told me to bring it back but I haven't really had time. I think one thing to look out for when it comes to body shop or any kind of shop is how cluttery it looks. dude had my car for like 5 weeks and I'm gussing they did $h!tty prep work...
I took my Maxima to a guy my brother goes to. I paid $1,500 for a basic gloss white and it's already peeling in some places a year later.. the back bumper even has a slight yellowing. he told me to bring it back but I haven't really had time. I think one thing to look out for when it comes to body shop or any kind of shop is how cluttery it looks. dude had my car for like 5 weeks and I'm gussing they did $h!tty prep work...
Wow! $1,500 and already pealing? What the...FUNK?
I took mine to ECONO AUTO PAINTING in Longwood, Florida
At this location that's all they do, Single Stage Painting and they sanded down my Maxima very well and prep't it very well.
I dropped off the Maxima on a Monday morning at 7:45am and it was done that same day at 5:45pm.
If you want the Two-Stage painting, you will need to seek another ECONO that does that.
Address:
725 N US HWY 17-92
Longwood, Florida 32750
. I remember when I dropped it off thinking there's no way they can mess up a basic white paintjob, I was wrong. I see peeling byteh window trim on the door and a bad peel spot on the back bumper.
. I remember when I dropped it off thinking there's no way they can mess up a basic white paintjob, I was wrong. I see peeling byteh window trim on the door and a bad peel spot on the back bumper.
From what you posted (5 weeks), I would NOT go anywhere near that guy ever again.
I took my Maxima to a guy my brother goes to. I paid $1,500 for a basic gloss white and it's already peeling in some places a year later.. the back bumper even has a slight yellowing. he told me to bring it back but I haven't really had time. I think one thing to look out for when it comes to body shop or any kind of shop is how cluttery it looks. dude had my car for like 5 weeks and I'm gussing they did $h!tty prep work...
you get what you pay for. a QUALITY paint job is over 5k these days (closer to 10). anything less will either be **** materials, **** prep, or both. paint has exploded in price over the last few years.
you get what you pay for. a QUALITY paint job is over 5k these days (closer to 10). anything less will either be **** materials, **** prep, or both. paint has exploded in price over the last few years.
So sorry but, I disagree with your assessment on QUALITY versus how much one has to pay out.
About two years ago, I took my Auntie's 2005 Toyota Corolla LE sedan to a Auto Paint & Body place in Miami, Florida because that's where my 94-year-old Auntie lives.
The entire Corolla was painted, and I paid $1,275 for a fantastic paint job with a super high-quality Clear Coat product.
