Metallic Paint – Why does it cost so much?

The Courier Mail ran an interesting article recently outlining the different prices manufacturers are charging for options such as Metallic paint. The article found that metallic paint on new cars vary from under $200 to well over $2000.

It seems that more and more new car buyers are refusing to walk out of a dealership without metallic paint, and they are willing to pay for it despite the cost of metallic and standard paints being no different. The ACCC has no power to make a difference.

“What manufacturers charge is at their discretion. There is no price control on it (metallic paint),” ACCC spokeswoman Lyn Enright said.

The odd prices included the Volkswagen Beetle cabriolet costing $935 for metallic paint whilst the beetle hatch which has more surface area costs $650 for the same paint. Obviously VW are pricing the paint to match the customers budget!

Other cars that were a notably expensive inclued the

• Porsche 911 Carrera coupe – $2,590
• Porsche Boxster convertible – $2,590
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class – $2390
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class – $2400
• Mercedes-Benz R-Class R-Class – $2500.

Fortunately though, some manufacturers have stopped treating their customers as fools. Lexus, doesn’t charge extra for the metallic paint.

Meanwhile Holden, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Chrysler and Honda charge only $200-$400 for the job.

Full article here