Paint job for my grey 300SD

[eatont9999]

I am looking at Maaco in Addison, TX to do a paint job on my grey 300SD. I will plan to go to the shop this Saturday to look at the work they do and get an estimate for what I want done. I need to keep it under $1500. I am keeping the factory anthracite grey color, so I am not going to pitch a fit if my engine bay and trunk are not re-painted as well. I am going mostly for a functional and good looking paint job that will last more than a few years. I'm not trying to win any restoration awards here.

I plan to remove all trim, lights, cladding, etc before I turn the car over to them. I don't want those parts painted over and I don't want to spend prep time to have them remove those parts when they should be sanding and blocking. Also, I don't want anything broken.

There are a few minor dents on the car that need to be pulled out but nothing bigger than a quarter.

What should I be asking for when it comes to paint type, method and preparation concerns? I really don't know much about automotive paint but I would like to get as close to factory original as I can while keeping my budget in mind.

If anyone can suggest a shop or knows one in my area that can meet my budget, please let me know. I am going to Maaco in Addison first because they have really good reviews and I know they won't quote me $6K just to get me to take my old beater and leave. I am not against getting a reasonable quote from a smaller shop; it is just that all the leads I had except for one fell through.