from bare metal up "material cost"

I don't know what materials cost up there, but they have really skyrocketed here. A lot of times a less costly clear is used on trim out to save some bucks. I don't think that is too far out of line IF and a big If he uses all top shelf materials. But to give an example I prime , block, and reprime, A gallon of primer is not enough to do an allover on the exterior so if you need 2 gallons big difference between in cost just on primer at $125 a gal or $300 a gal primer. Add epoxy, Etc. Mid grade clears at less then $200/kit or top shelf at $450/kit. Top shelf activators are insane. Economy basecoats are economy because there is less pigment per volume and more binder so it usually takes more and not always a savings there. Color plays apart in cost. Reds, high pearlescent, etc are much higher. It is much cheaper to mix paint in a shop off a mixing rig then to walk into a jobber and have them mix it depending on what his setup is. Decent buffing materials add to the cost also. Unless you want to spend the whole day changing sandpaper you buy the better paper. I think you guys are on the low voc materials like I am here in the MD/DE area and the same as California. Huge bump in cost when that went into effect.

A driver is going to get skinned up no matter what paint you put on it. For me that's a factor. Very nice results can be had with some of the mid grade clears such as PPG Shopline or Dupont's Nason line. I've time tested the Nason on my own stuff and many others. I have it on my DD truck and a Harley in the garage I did back in 2000. Granted the HD sits inside, but it still looks nice.