When your car gets damaged in an accident or from wear and tear, you’ll likely need to take it to an auto body shop for repairs. Two of the biggest auto body shop chains in the U.S. are Maaco and Caliber Collision.
But which one should you choose to fix your car? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Maaco and Caliber Collision to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Maaco | Caliber Collision |
| Number of locations | 500+ | 1,400+ |
| Type of services | Painting, minor repairs | Collision repair only |
| Cost of paint job | Starts around $300 | Starts around $600 |
| Tech training | Varies by location | Certified, intensive training |
| Facilities | Franchisee owned | Corporate owned, state-of-the-art |
| Focus | Speed, affordability | Quality, precision |
| Ownership | Franchise model | Corporate locations |
| Customer base | Retail | Mostly insurance companies |
| Location types | Nationwide | Metropolitan areas |
Overview Of Maaco
Maaco is the largest chain of auto body shops in North America. Founded in 1972, Maaco advertises itself as providing affordable paint and collision services.
Some key facts about Maaco:
- Over 500 locations in the U.S. and Canada
- Specializes in paint and collision repairs
- Services include painting, dent removal, scratch repair, auto glass repair, etc.
- Known for low labor costs and inexpensive paint jobs
- Paint jobs start at around $300
- Franchise model allows local ownership
Overview Of Caliber Collision
Caliber Collision is the largest collision repair company in the U.S. Founded in 1997, it focuses on high-quality repair services and has state-of-the-art facilities.
Key facts about Caliber:
- Over 1,400 locations across 37 states
- Specializes solely in collision repair services
- Services include frame straightening, dent removal, scratch repair, alloy wheel repair, etc.
- repair certification and top of the line equipment
- Insurance claims specialists on-site
- Paint repair prices start around $600
Also Read: Comparison Between Safelite And Gerber Collision & Glass
Pros And Cons Of Maaco And Caliber Collision
Maaco Pros
- Affordable Pricing
The biggest advantage of Maaco is affordable pricing. Maaco offers some of the lowest labor rates in the industry, making it a budget-friendly option for minor repairs and paint jobs. Simple paint jobs start at around $300, much less than most other shops.
- Large Network of Locations
With over 500 body shops, Maaco has an expansive network. They have locations across most states, so you’ll likely find a Maaco shop conveniently close to your home or workplace. Their wide reach and accessibility is a major plus.
- Quick Turnaround Times
Maaco focuses on providing speedy services. Most minor paint jobs can be completed in just a few days. Their fast turnover is perfect if you need a repair done quickly and affordably.
Maaco Cons
- Inconsistent Quality
The major downside of Maaco is inconsistent quality between locations. Since each shop is independently owned and operated, there can be big differences in skill levels and quality control. Some shops do excellent work, while others cut corners.
- Limited Services
Maaco focuses mostly on affordable paint jobs and minor repairs. For major collision repairs like frame straightening or structural work, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Their services are limited primarily to simple aesthetic repairs.
- Contractors Vs. Employees
Many Maaco locations use independent contractors rather than employees for repairs. This can lead to more variability and inconsistencies compared to techs directly trained and employed by the company.
Also Read: Comparison Between Caliber Collision And Gerber Collision.
Caliber Collision Pros
- Highly Trained Technicians
Caliber Collision requires intensive certified training for all of its repair technicians and uses the latest repair methods and equipment. This produces reliable, high-quality repairs backed by warranty. Their techs are true professionals.
- Specialized Collision Repair
Collision repair is Caliber’s sole business – they specialize exclusively in auto body work. Their technicians are true collision repair experts, while Maaco techs often come from general mechanical backgrounds.
- Top-Notch Facilities
Caliber Collision centers are clean, modern facilities equipped with the latest tools and equipment. They have everything needed under one roof for high-quality collision repairs of all types. State-of-the-art facilities are a Caliber hallmark.
Caliber Collision Cons
- More Expensive
As you might expect from a premium brand, Caliber Collision’s prices are higher than Maaco and other budget options. Even small jobs typically start at $600+ at Caliber Collision. Quality work doesn’t come cheap.
- Mostly Metro Locations
While Maaco has locations across the U.S., Caliber focuses mostly on metropolitan and suburban areas. This makes Caliber less accessible for rural drivers located far from cities.
- Insurance Focused
Caliber Collision caters primarily to insurance company clients for collision repairs. Individual retail customers can sometimes feel like a lower priority compared to insurance adjusters and agents bringing in steady business.
Maaco Vs. Caliber Collision: Which Is Best For You?
With an understanding of their pros and cons, which auto body shop is better for your needs? Here are some key considerations:
- Type of Repairs Needed
What kind of work does your car require? Maaco is fine for minor paint repair, but for structural repairs or frame straightening you’ll want Caliber Collision. Know what repairs you need before choosing a shop.
- Quality Vs. Affordability
How important is cost in your decision? Maaco is the budget-friendly choice though quality can vary. Caliber provides premium repairs with less risk, but charges accordingly. Decide if quality or cost is your top priority.
- Location Convenience
Are you in a rural or metro area? Maaco has broader reach while Caliber focuses on cities. Make sure to choose a shop conveniently located for where you live and work.
- Customer Service Reputation
Check online reviews and testimonials for your local Maaco and Caliber Collision shops. This will give insight into the customer service reputation and quality level to expect. Choose the shop with consistently positive reviews.
Also Read: Comparison Between 1A Auto Vs. AutoZone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main competitors of Caliber Collision are other large national collision repair chains like Gerber Collision & Glass, Boyd Autobody, Service King, and ABRA Auto Body. Independent auto body shops also compete with Caliber Collision at a more local level.
Yes, Maaco does offer paintless dent repair services to remove minor dents and hail damage from body panels. The availability and quality of Maaco’s dent repair can vary by location, so check reviews for your local shop. More extensive dents may need body work beyond Maaco’s capabilities.
Maaco can buff out and repair minor clear coat scratches in a vehicle’s paint using a buffing wheel and polishing compounds. Deeper scratches that go through to the base paint layers will require painting to fix, which Maaco also provides. The level of scratch removal offered depends on the franchise location.
As of 2022, Maaco has over 500 auto body shop locations across the United States and Canada. Maaco continues to expand by selling franchise territories, with new body shops opening each year.
The Bottom Line
For minor scratches and paint repair, Maaco is a cost-effective option when done right. For major collision jobs, discerning customers are better off with Caliber Collision or an independent shop with a great reputation. Know your specific needs, do your research and choose the shop best aligned with your priorities.
