Its an audi with probably over 100k miles on it, they dont last very long. So why blow an extra $1,000.00 for something that may not last 5 years.

If it was a show car, yes an extra grand is justifiable. Just because you use medium quality base coat & clear coat paint doesnt mean the end result will look like crap. If prepped correctly and sprayed correctly, and detailed right you can have the lower quality paint look as good as the high dollar stuff. Sure it may not look as good 10-15years from now.

Now if you took it to maaco or econo where they shoot it with enamel/ single stage sure it will not last 2-3 years.