Save Money: Paint And Fix Your Car For The Lowest Cost

Overview

I am not fixing the car body to look 100% perfect, I am trying to save your money by presenting the cheapest fix. If you don’t fix the car, and you’re leasing it, you will not pass an inspection and the lease company will charge you. This will end up costing more. So I’m trying to show you the minimum amount of money needed to pass the leasing company’s inspection.

If the area is small you may use touch-up paint. However, it is unlikely the color will match even if the seller guarantees matching based on the color code. I will show you what to do if the paint you buy based on the color code does not match your car.

Conventional advice is that spray paint looks better. However, if you don’t do a good job, you’ll have a larger mess on your hands. So my approach is to experiment with touch-up paint first. If the color doesn’t match, you can always remove the touch-up paint, change the color, and experiment again. You can always spray paint over the touch-up paint later on.

If you rarely work on auto body, there is also no need to buy a buffer. I will show you a DIY buffer using tools you already have. All the odds and ends that accumulate in your garage are not really junk!

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Depending on the kind of scratches you have, I will show you different options for fixing your car (rubbing compound, repair pen, and clear spray). This will give you an idea of different costs, and help you save money and avoid waste.

I will also show you the effect of sunlight and shade during different times of the day, so don’t be fooled by how the paint looks under different conditions, and don’t waste your time and money trying to match the color perfectly.

To maximize your savings, you may also need to watch these two videos:

How To Repair Auto Body Puncture & Dent | Cheap and Easy

https://youtu.be/mUNDx73Y4VM

How To Remove Front Bumper | Save $200

https://youtu.be/M6rj6_927iM

Alternative Methods

There is more than one way to approach this task. Here are the most common methods, ranked by difficulty and cost.

Professional Service

Take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership for professional diagnosis and repair.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Estimated Cost: $100-$300+
Notes: Guaranteed workmanship; saves time and eliminates guesswork

DIY Following Manufacturer Manual

Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and perform the procedure yourself with basic hand tools.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $20-$100 for parts
Notes: Most cost-effective; requires patience and willingness to learn

Online Tutorial + DIY

Watch detailed video tutorials specific to your make and model, then perform the repair yourself.

Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $20-$100 for parts
Notes: Combines visual learning with hands-on practice; pause and rewind as needed

Tips and Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls and use these tips to get the job done right the first time.

Read the relevant section of your owner’s manual before starting any repair.
Take photos of each step with your phone so you can reverse the process if needed.
Label all connectors, bolts, and hoses as you remove them to avoid confusion during reassembly.
Use the correct tool for the job — forcing a wrong-size wrench rounds off bolt heads.
Work on a level surface with the parking brake engaged and wheels chocked.
Keep a magnetic tray nearby to hold small bolts and fasteners so they do not roll away.
If a bolt will not budge, apply penetrating oil and wait 10-15 minutes before trying again.
Clean all mating surfaces before reassembly to ensure proper seals.

Tools and Materials

Item	Estimated Cost
Socket wrench set	$20-$60
Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)	$10-$25
Pliers (needle-nose and standard)	$10-$20
Work light or flashlight	$10-$25
Shop towels / rags	$5-$10
Nitrile gloves	$5-$10
Owner’s manual	Free

When to Take It to a Mechanic

Not every repair is a DIY job. Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic if:

You are unsure about the diagnosis — misdiagnosing the problem wastes money on unnecessary parts.
The repair involves safety systems (brakes, steering, suspension) — mistakes here can be dangerous.
Special tools or equipment are required that you do not own and would cost more than the shop labor.
The vehicle is under warranty — DIY repairs can void warranty coverage if something goes wrong.
You do not feel confident after watching tutorials and reading guides — there is no shame in hiring a professional.

Continue learning with these related guides:

This article was originally published on cartrek.com on 2018-08-23. Content has been updated and expanded for 2026.