Lexus Paint Issues?

[orb0554]

Is anybody having an unusual problem with paint chips on the hood of their Lexus? I am talking about deep paint chips right down to the primer. These chips will develop a surface rust right away if not treated.

My wife's 2006 ES330 is just over 3-months old with about 3,100 miles and has way too many chips on the hood. She has commuted using the same roads for the past 19 years. Her last car was a Nissan Maxima that she drove for 5 years. The Maxima did not have nearly as many chips as the new Lexus ES330.

Any comments from the Lexus owners is greatly appreciated. We are now aware of the 3M and X-Pel clear bra paint protection but in the mean time; is the paint quality an issues with these Lexus?

We will need to have the hood repainted before purchasing the clear bra. Not a happy Lexus owner.

[Snow White IS]

I'd have to agree that Lexus paints sux! I have so many chips on the front of my car... you really can't avoid them even if you're driving carefully on the highway (keeping a safe distance from cars in front of you). And yes, the chips can go right down to the metal, therefore turning orange from the rust. Your touch-up paint pen is your friend

If your paint is relatively new, it's worth it to get the clear protectors (ie. 3M) over it to prevent most of the "bad ones". These protectors may turn yellowish after time though (or so I've heard). If you're gonna do it, don't forget to do your headlights too.

[jhbhatia]

that is what i'd suggest as well. Get a 3m (get the thickest one)..it will run about $600 installed. Its worth the cost.

[RICO8458]

i feel your pain. my 2005 black camry has a big chip issue too. seems like the paint is cheap or only one thin layer. i can see the white primer

[orb0554]

Thanks for your comments.

Why does Lexus use inferior paint that is so susceptible to be chipped? We have not experienced this problem with our previous vehicles (Nissan and BMW).

Has anybody complained to Lexus about the thin paint used on these cars?

We are certainly surprised considering that Lexus is known for a quality luxury automobile to find Lexus using inferior paint compared to the paint used by the other Japanese luxury auto manufacturers.

We feel that Lexus should repaint the hood considering the car is only 3 months old. Anybody had any luck in getting Lexus to repaint the hood before purchasing the 3M bra?

Is there any warranty being offered with these 3M bras?

[IS Girl]

i dun think lexus is using inferior paint...i think i heard b4 that the paint they use now is "soft paint" as suppose to "hard paint" due to environmental issues?

if i were u i would definitely go back to Lexus and ask them what they CAN do about it! (ex. paint job)

[NYLexSC]

My 1994 paint is VERY robust, maybe the newer paints are not as good? I have a few chips and stuff, but that's expected after 12 years.

[jhbhatia]

Originally Posted by orb0554

[COLOR=black]Is there any warranty being offered with these 3M bras?

No warranty on rock chips, usually 7 years for discoloration and/or paint fade!
What you and i might define as rock chip might be a fenderbender..i'm guessing thats why. But the thick 3m one (the one i suggested earlier) is great for small pebbles and rocks. Not great for road debris like bumpers/tires/deer!

[92_Gen3_5SFE_LE]

German Cars have softer paint on them because of the higher speeds there, the softness of the paint also makes the paint much mor susceptable to swirling when waxing or polishing the car. Because american cars have harde paint it chips more, it may just be that toyota uses a very hard brittle paint.