Nice first car! Best part is you know the car's history since your uncle owned it.

I still see tons of 5th gen Montes (1995 to 1999) driving around town. I've seen plenty of red, black, and white 5th gens. Don't recall seeing a blue one. Not to say there aren't any. But I think if you painted yours blue, you'd have a pretty rare car.

I think the Laser Blue of the 2006 & 2007 models, or the same blue as 03JGMonte's restored 2003 would look cool on your car. I wouldn't go too dark. More of a medium blue with some metallic in it.

Not sure how good or bad your upholstery is, but I would also take those seat covers off. They look like they don't fit properly.