Paint problems

[etc]

I got a '02 and a few spots have flakes off the hood, not sure if due to bugs or rocks. I touched them but there is still an issue, I think the paint is too soft.

Check out this huge library of paint problems on 5-gen, apparently it's a widespread issue:

http://www.topix.net/forum/autos/toy...BCGL925GAMH2TL

[geoff5093]

You're not alone, a lot of people complain about the paint on the Gen 5 and Gen 6's. Personally it hasnt been much of an issue for me yet, since winter hasnt arrived, but it does scratch pretty easily from keys and such.

[johnnyzee]

i know EXACTLY what you mean. my 02's front bumper is brutal. there are spots flaking, peeling and chipping ALL over. figured i'd repaint it after this winter, it makes the front end of my '02 look like a '97.

[TRD VVTi]

Touch up paint is your friend.

Regularly touch up and chips in the paint. It will greatly help the finish stay together.

[johnnyzee]

^oh i have been touching up...ALOT! it's just way too many. i'll try to take a close up for you guys to see what i mean.

i'm only fortunate to have the tan/beige colour camry which really camouflages any chips, scratches, swirls, etc. it's not noticeable to someone walking by or glancing at it, but it's bad enough to need a new paint job. I was just expecting to love tap someone by now in the winter or buy the vizage front lip by now (my cheap ass still didn't buy it). guess i've been gettin lucky. ah well, all in good time.

[lollonais]

Cheap paint, thats the bottom line. Few coats. If they put more clear coats, maybe it would not get that chipped.

[csprog]

I just noticed the other day that the paint on my 1 year old Gen 6 XLE is chipping all over the car. Should I take it in and have them fix it?