[rich]

Does anyone know why metallic paint costs us extra?

I figure there are 3 possible reasons:

• The paint itself is more expensive - Hard to believe it really costs $'00s for a few sparkly bits
• The paint is more expensive to apply... More coats, trickier process, special finishing - Maybe?
• There is a lingering perception of "Added Value" that car companies exploit - Hmm... Sounds likely

Anyone got any inside knowledge on this?

What about other brands - Is the premium for a metallic MINI comparable to other (similar sized) cars?

I know some brands charge extra for plain black paint, others do not (e.g. MINI) - Adds weight to the "added value" hypothesis

I'm just curious, and have lingering suspicions that we're being ripped off

[Tom D]

Considering the fact that the majority of the paints seem to be metallic I would think that we should have to pay a premium for "non-metallic" paint... I also smell ripoff, sniff, sniff.

Tom

[LMB]

I assumed it was simply because it has metal in it

LMB

[PigLick]

I have absolutley no inside knowledge of this, but my opinion has always been similar to the third one presented by rich. There's some sort of perception (possibly founded, these companies do plenty of marketing research...) that the metallic paint is "worth more," ie is more popular, makes the car look nicer/more expensive, or whatever. I can't say that's too far off base because the Indi blue and BRG are my favorite MINI colors
I find it hard to believe that it has anything to do with production costs in this day and age, I really think its more a matter of the car companies knowing they can get away with it....

PigLick

[Jazzy Jase]

The Metallic paint does cost more and it needs a coat of laquer as well.

I am pretty sure it doesn't cost £250 more though!

[MINIMARK]

Whatever we say, its not going to change the fact that it costs £250.00. OHHHHHHHHHH how negative, get me!

but really it does look better and metallic paint lasts! we have all seen the red/pink ford escorts havent we!


Mark

[Clutch Cargo]

From an old economics major: Under capitalism, prices are based on supply and demand (ie, whatever the market will bear) not on cost. Communism was built on a cost-basis pricing model -- obviously that strategy doesn't result in "fairness", nor is it even sustainable long-term.

I want BRG, and it's metallic, so I'm paying for it.

[turnin]

I would say there is not a lot of cost variance between solid finish and metallic as both are lacquer over a base colour coat. The process is the same for both. Years ago solid finishes did not have a clear coat- so that if they faded then you could cut the colour back. Now you can't as all you will do is cut the lacquer which is clear. So if your base coat fades then there is little can do about it.

[Spoolin']

Quote:

Originally posted by Clutch Cargo
From an old economics major: Under capitalism, prices are based on supply and demand (ie, whatever the market will bear) not on cost. Communism was built on a cost-basis pricing model -- obviously that strategy doesn't result in "fairness", nor is it even sustainable long-term.

I want BRG, and it's metallic, so I'm paying for it.

Thanks Dad!

[Spoolin']

Quote:

Originally posted by turnin
I would say there is not a lot of cost variance between solid finish and metallic as both are lacquer over a base colour coat. The process is the same for both. Years ago solid finishes did not have a clear coat- so that if they faded then you could cut the colour back. Now you can't as all you will do is cut the lacquer which is clear. So if your base coat fades then there is little can do about it.

Sorry Turnin, but I have to disagree
Having spent time as a detailer at a BMW dealership, I can honestly say that this is not always the case. In fact, most of the time base color paints, especially on European cars, can be restored to their original luster, with some patience. A trustworthy detailer worth his weight in polish, can usually buff the paint to it's original luster with some TLC, and a mind to do so.

Most European cars manufacturers that resort to single stage paint, have the presence of mind to lay it on really thick for this reason.

[Red & White Cooper 2]

Turin - I thought the idea of the lacquer coating was to prevent oxidation that caused colour fade. Could be wrong.

On the original topic, at least Mini don't charge extra for black, which I have been on two previous cars.

[AndrewP]

why bother,

Chili Red with white roof and wheels looks the business,
The contrast is brilliant, it stands out even more


you save £250/$250 as well

[coopercrazy]

Just to let ya'll know... BMW charges $475 for metallic paint for the 3 series. So they are actually charging less for a smaller car.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by coopercrazy
Just to let ya'll know... BMW charges $475 for metallic paint for the 3 series. So they are actually charging less for a smaller car.

Think of this.... if you opt for a monotone paint scheme (roof and mirror the same color as the body) you'll actually be getting more metallic paint for at no extra charge!

[turnin]

I sgree Spoolin that if paint is not clear over base then you can cut the paint, but as far as I am aware I think the MINI is clear over base. If you see a car which has been repainted with just a colour coat the paint looks like matt emulsion. It is only when the lacquer is added that you get the depth and shine of finish.