Advice...

[dpiersma]

...I just found a scratch near the drivers door handle . My new 06's first scratch and I was PO'ed. The wife claims it wasn''t her but anywho...I was wondering if there is product out there to take care of the scratch. It is definately a metal on metal scratch like from a key but it is not down to the metal. I can feel a definate cavernous valley when I run my fingernail over it. Its only and inch or so long but its noticeable. I've seen the filler applicants out there but do they work?? The color of my car is the silver mica. Any advice would be appreciated.

[dt4204]

Here's some advice... Relax, don't get so upset over a little scratch. Your car is going to get several scratches and dings no matter how careful you are. When I got my 06s, my dealer gave me a bottle of touch up paint. You can try touch up paint or maybe some rubbing compound.

[Raddman]

I would never use touch up paint on a scratch it will only make it look more noticeable especially in the eye line area ...It might be better for some colors but not for silver...I have a silver corolla also and I don't even like using it on chips because it points out right where the chip is but I use it anyway in case its to the bare metal and what else can you do with a chip other then paying a professional?...But a scratch is different if its not deep. If you don't want to pay for it to be professionally done then try to buff it out with something like "Mothers Scratch Remover" just follow the directions. I have even used "Scratch Out" with good results and its only about $1.50 at Walmart and works for me, I even use it on plastic to get the scratches out but there are many others on the market just don't use anything like heavy abrasive rubbing compounds it will take the clear-coat off......Get as much of the scratch out as you can then throw some wax/polish on it...It will look a lot better after doing that then by using touch up paint on the scratch, but this is just my opinion ...good luck...~Radd Guy~

http://www.autogeek.net/motcalgolscr.html

[dawg]

Here is my two cents.

There is a product by Meguiras called deep crystal polish. It is great for getting rid of small scratches and scuff marks. Even though it says its a "polish", it is not a typical harsh polish that strips the clear coat. A typical abrasive polish can get rid of a scratches but I think it does more damage than good so stay away from that if someone recommends it.

But if it is a deep scratch I would definitely use toyota touch up paint. It might look just a little messy at first but I believe it does prevent it from rusting and it looks better than nothing.

Try not to get all worked up about it. I find the most common scratches comes from idiots parking beside you and hitting your door with theirs. And also flying rocks on the highway, a bug guard is a good investment to protect your windsheild and hood from that.