When I removed mine, the paint under two of the doors on one side was a different color, and the other side was fine.
So I got 2 of the doors painted, cause it looks sooo much nicer dingless.
But granted my car is a very late 98 (Silver) so it has been exposed more then yours, but the fact that your car is black could change that.
I would say take then off and if you don't like to color/look put some new ones on. Or you could just pull up the end of the strip, but it's hard to get a good idea that way.
Good Luck!
Bridge
