I haven't looked at the TCP Global site lately, but my recollection is that they had 2-3 different lines of paint ranging from low end to DuPont/PPG quality. I really like purchasing my BC from the local guy though. He will use a formula and probably paste it on the container so when you don't have enough, he can duplicate it easily. You may pay a bit more, but it can be hell to pay if you are painting your car and need 'one more quart - NOW, not in a week from NOW'. If you have to add another coat several days/weeks later, you need to break the surface of last weeks paint with 600 sandpaper so the fresh will adhere and it might not match well.

As far as using clears, they are relatively inexpensive in comparison to the base coat color. Then the BC colors range from anything that has red pigments which is extremely expensive, pearls which are even more so to the "standard" colors like the different shades of white and the grays to black.

The brand of clear which I have found to be very user friendly is the SPI Universal clear. While it isn't sold everywhere, you can call the factory and order (and probably even talk to the owner, Barry). With shipping included it is way less expensive then the 'biggies' and probably about the same as the TCP Global.

Painting a car these days is not for the faint of heart or weak of wallet. It takes a lot of prep time and tools which are costly. Then of course you need some sort of dust and bug free area, etc, etc. Then, holding a spray gun and aiming at the car - you need to develop a technique which can get expensive as well (wasted paint, time)