Paint Chips! READ THIS

[sftony]

I've owned a Mazda3 for about 2 and a half months and wanted to report a problem that some of you may start to notice:

The paint on the front end of my Strato Blue MZ3 looks, well, pretty bad. Rock chips have chewed up the hood and front bumper. I know that rock chips are a common problem, but rock chips on this level after such a short period of time are not. I've had a auto paint shop look at it, and the folks there confirmed that it is a very real problem. All of the chips go down to the primer. Yes, every chip goes through the clear coat and colorcoats.

You may be aware that the MZ3 has a new type of paint system. In my opinion, it won't hold up to the test of time. My car is garage-parked and driven only on City freeways to and from work. No gravel roads, but the car looks like it's been on the road for 10 years with all the paint chips. MZ3 owners, please look at your fronts ends and let the forum know if you are having a similar problem.

Thanks.

 

[MrGone]

Chips..

I read another thread about a similiar problem. Looks like I'll be ordering the girl a bra. (boom03) Don't want my baby damaged in any way. Sorry to hear about your chips though. They are too extreme I take it to just do touch up paint on them, right?

 

[bstnsportsfan]

I am actually going to be buying a Mazda 3 very soon. I went to the dealer today for test drive for both i and s models. They have 3 3s coming in either tomorrow or wednesday. One of which is a black 3i I am going to look at. I am a bit hesitant in buying black since living in florida it gets very hot! I have a black mitsubishi galant right now and the paint has "fallen" off. Its white haze on my roof, doors, qtr panels and trunk with it spreading to my hood. One of the question I asked the dealer about today is about the paint and how they cover it. The salesperson was going to find out about it and tell me when he calls back about the incoming cars. If I were you, I would take the car back to Mazda if you feel its a problem caused by them.

 

[Roywhitep5]

oh snap

 

[uclap5]

welcome to the wonderful world of mazda paint. its a well documented problem with the protege's and im pretty sure they wouldnt change it for the mz3's since the paint is ecologically friendly.

 

[sftony]

Too numerous to touch up, I'd say. I'll hit the big ones, but it might be time to buy the car bra.

 

[netranger6]

I have the bra, and had my first 3 chips this weekend. Picking up the bra tomorrow, thanks to the back order, I now have chips. Yes, they were to the "black" primer too on my hood.

 

[Fat Mike]

Why doesnt anybody get the 3M Clear bras they look alot better the a bra witch totally hides the paint in the first place. It might cost a bit more but looks very good and is very durrable.

 

[TheJet]

where do you get these bras?

 

[Kooldino]

www.victoriassecret.com

 

[zenmaster]

Optional extra coat

Thanks for the heads-up sftony.

Just out of curiosity, did you have any optional extra coatings applied i.e. the stuff they try and sell you along with undercoating and fabric protector?

I was doubtful about the value of such coatings when the dealer sold it to me, but if it might help with the paint problem, maybe it's worth it?



Thanks!

 

[fkmp5]

www.victoriassecret.com

(lol)

 

[n1smo]

It is not a manufacturer issue, it is the fact they have to use water based paint. Everybody is having problem with paint chips, my y2k Nissan Maxima had a ton of chips. I wanted to take my shotgun and blast all those semi-trailers hauling dirt/rocks everytime I look at the front of my car.

 

[ZippityZoomZoom]

http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/default.asp

 

[tddelsol]

just be glad you dont have a pink primer like on the black msps

 

[sftony]

I didn't have any optional coatings applied, no. In fact, the dealer didn't even bother to offer it. I bought my MZ3 very early on, and even the standard car bra wasn't available yet. I'm considering baving the damage repaired, which won't be cheap, but this time going with either the clear bra or the standard bra... it seems to be the only way to minimize this problem.

 

[toucci]

the only way to save your paint is with those clear adhesive things

I wish I got them when my car was new... too late now. I guess I'll buy a new front bumper some time, without scratches along the bottom and chips galore and especially these license plate holes

 

[goldwing2000]

http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/default.asp

No listing for the 3 yet.

 

[netranger6]

got the front end mask installed last night, pretty easy, and it's very nice. Will be easy to take off for cleanings and waxing. I'm happy.

 

[MrGone]

How much..

Netranger6, how much did you end up paying for yours? I called the dealership where I bought the car, and I believe they quoted me $165.