Problem with doing the engine first is this, doing up any engine takes a damn alot of money. Cost even more than doing up body work. But depends on what you going to do. Like my car, it's in a bad condition, so direction is? Make the car street presentable first then do the engine. Engine performance I want to go for maybe cost less than 20k. That's expensive! Maybe less, I do not know, So in the mean time? I still drive with a car that has no aircond? Has dents everywhere? Told myself to make it streetable and long distance enabled. Point is, depends on what you want to do. either a car mod or performance? Since in this issue it isn't performance, do whatever you can first then the engine. If the engine is still in a running condition then do that later. Doing up the engine first is a great idea but if no money then do what can be done first. Like making the car presentable. If the mechanic is good, there should not be any scratches. But of course not those ulu or kampung mechanics lah. Since this is a daily driver car, do whatever you can. If suspension rosak, fix that. If the body's dented fix that as well. As long as the engine's running then should be alright.
Colour is very subjective, yes black you can see dirt easily, other colours you can see the dirt stick. Black maybe you can just wipe it off in the mean time But with a lighter colour, You can see those funny black stuff stuck on your car. Different types of colours have it's pros and cons. Friend bought a bluish silver car cause he said black easily dirty, but with a lighter coloured car you can see funny stains as well. At least with dirt or dust you can clean them easily. Yes I prefer Black. BWAHAHAHHAAH!!!
7.5k for an engine is alright. If you can try and bargain as much as you can. But what engine is that anyway? Give some specs.