As the car sits right now, is it ready to paint, or does it need more priming and blocking beyond what has already been done? Does part of the $2,500 include wet sanding and buffing after the paint, or do they just spray it and give it back to you? I just ask because the wet sand/buffing could easily add another couple thousand, which would get you up into the $10K range. Like was said before, the paint job and body work are the last things you want to cut corners on. Not that you are, and it does not sound like you are, but we're just trying to give you a good idea of what all is involved.