Subaru paint quality

[Calum]

my 08 impreza already has rust showing through the body, in three different places, both rear wheel wells and the bottom of the spare tire well. That's all I know of so far, I haven't bothered looking for more. My FRS will be getting a wrap most likely.

[Buggy51]

Originally Posted by Calum

my 08 impreza already has rust showing through the body, in three different places, both rear wheel wells and the bottom of the spare tire well. That's all I know of so far, I haven't bothered looking for more. My FRS will be getting a wrap most likely.

Out of curiosity, do most people that have chipped paint, rust etc. live in cold weather areas with salted roads? I wonder if the environment has to do with the paints.

[Boxer 86]

Originally Posted by DieDriving

In my case idc...if the paint fades I'll repaint with custom color like banana yellow, yea stand out....I have deadbeat friends who dont have a real job but real good at mechanic work and painting.....they will do anything for cheap....I exploit their @ss off, they did lot of works on my cars.

YOU sir, are an asshole. They aren't your friends, they are people who you use. Just because they are only good with mechanics and painting, and not "real" work, does not make them dead beat.

[Giccin]

I thought washing and waxing your car saves the paint's life.

Or are you guys just omitting that?

Unless you guys are factoring it in...

[ryude]

Originally Posted by Giccin

I thought washing and waxing your car saves the paint's life.

Or are you guys just omitting that?

Unless you guys are factoring it in...

Of course professional detailing will go a long way, but that is very expensive and time consuming. Still, even with detailing, a car that is driven daily and not just stored in a garage will see paint degradation within roughly 5 years. Products are designed around cost and estimated time people will own the product. Probably why most people just buy a new car once it gets past 3-5 years.

[#87]

I had the front end of my car repainted at 60k miles because of an accident. The hood and fenders have 10x as many rock chips in 30k miles than the original parts/paint had in 60k

But IMO if you drive your car then shit is gonna happen, just like door dings, bumper scratches, etc. You have to accept it as an owner.

[DMDZK]

Originally Posted by Buggy51

Out of curiosity, do most people that have chipped paint, rust etc. live in cold weather areas with salted roads? I wonder if the environment has to do with the paints.

It isn't the temperature, that makes northern cars suffer worse paint and rust issues. Instead it is the debris caused by the effect of winter temperature and plowing on the road surfaces. The sand, salt, potholes, gravel, etc is rough on paint and overtime contributes to under body rust/corrosion.

Originally Posted by Giccin

I thought washing and waxing your car saves the paint's life.

Or are you guys just omitting that?

Unless you guys are factoring it in...

Most waxes claim to do this, though I've seen little testing that back it up. I know 3M has a wax/paint sealant that warranties against paint fading/environmental damage though I'm not sure if this is offered outside of car dealerships.

[OrbitalEllipses]

All waterborne paints suck, essentially.

[ginog]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

All waterborne paints suck, essentially.

I want lead paint to come back...Please. Only for cars...thats it.

[Debo]

Originally Posted by ginog

Yes the older hondas did have good paint jobs. We have a 12 year old Acura 1.6EL and the paint is still looking good. However, My 2008 Black Civic SI has so many rock chips. It looks like someone dusted it with baby powder. And they too now use that envroment type of paint. Wish they can bring back lead based paint. Nice Hard and last forever.

my 07 Si has bad paint also, rock chips and crows feet.

[ryude]

Originally Posted by ginog

I want lead paint to come back...Please. Only for cars...thats it.

Buy a Kia, I'm pretty sure every other brand uses water based paint now.

[ReppohC]

I own a MY00 WRX and I've had a large section (~inch square) of paint peal off my boot just washing the car with low pressure water... Rust in all sorts of places too, but thats pretty common for a 12 year old car. Clear has also just worn through on the doors! And all the stone chips... Of course all this stuff is a function of the cars 'history' and exposure to the elements. I was still surprised when the paint came off my JDM boot though...

That all said I'm not sure how relevant this is to current paint, I'm sure things have improved in the last 12 years.

[ginog]

Originally Posted by ryude

Buy a Kia, I'm pretty sure every other brand uses water based paint now.

Funny you said that. My mom just bought the new Kia Optima and the paint on that so far looks pretty solid. Lets see it after another year or 2 to see the quality of it.

[rayman0690]

Has to be better than a single stage Mitsubishi paint job. As long as it has a good clear with UV protection and you take the time to maintain it, you will be fine. For rock chips...get some 3M clear bra for the hood and side mirrors.

It is the exterior of the car. You can only do so much to protect and control what happens to it.

The interior is where you can control EVERYTHING and you can always keep it pristine by setting strict guidelines.