Let's say you bought a new car and you're not totally happy with the color. Or, you've had your Subaru SUV for a few years and want to change up the look. What do you do? You have two options-repaint or wrap. Choosing to paint your car might be your first instinct, but don't discount car wraps just yet.
What once was reserved for small business advertising is now becoming increasingly popular among the masses. It's actually pretty easy to find a shop near that offers car wraps-even in solid colors!
So, what are you to do? Painting and wrapping have their advantages (and some drawbacks, too). Let's discuss the pros and cons of each based on a few important considerations.
Painting Your Subaru: Pros and Cons
Con: Application
How long will it take to paint your Subaru? Well, it depends. A few factors must be taken into consideration-including the type of paint you choose, how many coats you request, and the length of time it takes for the technicians to remove your old paint. In many cases, repainting a car can take up to 3 weeks.
Pro: Cost
The cost of a proper paint job can vary-which means it's easy to find a shop within your budget. Low-quality paint jobs typically cost around $500; high-quality paint jobs can range from $1,000 to more than $5,000.
Con: Durability
How long will your new paint last? It really depends on the quality of the job. If you choose a low-quality paint, you may only be able to expect a few good years out of it. On the other hand, high-end paint jobs that are well done by professionals can last forever. However, keep in mind that paint can be affected by the elements-sun, hail, wind, rain, etc.-and parking lot hazards like scratching and denting.
Con: Maintenance
To keep a freshly painted car in tip-top condition, you'll need to wash and wax it fairly regularly. If you're not someone who likes to regularly maintain your car, a fresh coat of paint may not be worth your time and money.
Con: Removal
Repainting your car is permanent. If you don't like the final color, there's really no going back...unless you want to have another paint job done. Before repainting your Subaru, consider your happiness with the color and the effect it may have on your car's resale value.
Wrapping Your Subaru: Pros and Cons
Pro: Application
While you may have to wait up to 3 weeks for your car to be repainted, wrapping your Subaru can be a much faster process. First, the shop will thoroughly wash your car's exterior. Then, they place the wrap and apply heat. Once cooled, the job is done. Typically, wrapping a car takes no more than three days from drop-off to pick up.
Con: Cost
Professionally applied car wraps (and trust us when we say you'll want a professional to do the job!) can be a bit more costly than a new paint job. On average, car wraps can range from about $2,500 to $5,000.
Pro: Durability
Contrary to popular belief, car wraps hold up particularly well. Most professionally-installed car wraps have a durability of about 4 to 10 years. During this time, the wrap can actually preserve the car underneath-uping it's resale value, too!
Pro: Maintenance
Maintaining a car wrap is incredibly easy. Unlike a freshly painted Subaru, your car wrap doesn't have to be washed and waxed on a consistent basis. All you have to do to maintain it's condition is wipe it down with a cloth every once in a while. Dirt shouldn't hurt the wrap in any way.
Pro: Removal
Wraps are 100% removable. Whenever you're tired of the color, style, or design, you can change it up. It's also good to note that car wraps won't damage the paint underneath (and they might actually keep your car's original paint protected over time!). Consider this a win if you plan to resell your Subaru in the future.
Suburb Service: Seattle's #1 Subaru Repair and Maintenance Shop
Ready to wrap your Subaru? Need a new paint job? We love Subaru customers-it's why we've chosen to specialize in Subaru-only car repair, maintenance, and more. We've treated Seattle's Subaru customers to excellent service for so many years-and we can't wait to treat you too. Whether you need to make a regular maintenance appointment, schedule a repair service, or want to discuss wrapping your vehicle, contact us. Call Suburb Service today at (206) 705-8695 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with us. Show your Subaru some love.