Hi all. First post here. I have a 99 E320 wagon which I just bought. There does not seem to be much undercarriage rust, but several random rust spots show up around the body. For example, tiny, pebble-sized spots on the hood, as well as above the window on the rear passenger side door and above the gas tank. A few other places as well - probably 12 or 15 in all. Nothing larger than a business card.

I got a great deal on this car and feel like worst case scenario, I have to get the whole thing repainted. First off, what can I expect to pay for that kind of job, and second, do you all think there is a greater risk here?

Labor rates vary somewhat around the country and the quality of work can really vary. I think the best you can do is go to some, (a number of) Body/Paint shops in your area and get the best opinions you can from them. It doesn't matter much what we think it might cost, and without seeing the car we really can't tell. But we know that it is a late model and that you bought it right. Now since you own the car, and have been able to spend some time driving it, you probably really like it. Then I would think, that you would like to have it look as good as it possibly can. I sold new vehicles for quite a few years and it never cease to amaze me how quickly some owners allowed their vehicle to deteriorate. I have seen wonderful cars turned into junk in 12 months just because of owner abuse and carelessness. You don't see that very often with a quality car like a Benz, but still it happens.

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1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
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Welcome! As an alternative to opening the wallet at a body shop and if you consider a cool learning experience, take some pictures of the best and worst of your problems. You might be amazed at how easy some problem areas can be taken care of DIY.

What's a paint job going to cost? Low end $500 for a MAACO or Schieb to $10,000 for class act.

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