Paint quality on Mazda 3

[splitvizion]

I just have to say that the paint quality on the Mazda 3 is one of the worst that I have experienced. Chips very easy from road debri.
Maybe it is that I own a black car and things are much more noticed. But, I am really thinking poor quality.

What is everyone else's opinion on this situation?

 

[RHAGEL]

Yeah I would have to agree that the paint on my protege is not great either. When I get my 3, I am thinking about getting the 3M clear bra. It looks good, you barely notice that its there.

 

[goldwing2000]

Look around the forum. That's probably the single biggest complaint on the entire Mazda line.

In all fairness, I've heard the exact same complaint from people who own other makes, too. It's just the way things are going. (shrug)

 

[Shiney_McShine]

I haven't noticed any problems with mine.....Bought it November of 2004.

 

[M_3]

me nethier bought it dicenber of 2004, well i did noticed that when i crash to another car my paint job came off a lil bit, kinda weird, i talk to the dealer about it and they said the could do nothing.

 

[M_3]

PSSSSS: for those that didnt get it i was being sarcastic

 

[fam]

1 winters worth of snow salt has eaten through many spots on my car especially hood and ground effects. They put a thin layer of paint on it, just enough so that the car turns a different color, maybe if enough of us complain we can all get our cars repainted.

 

[M_3]

now that you mentioned the front of my bumper changed color to a draker more yellowish one

 

[Badger Biker]

I just noticed a hell of a lot of chips and pitting on the passenger doors on the corner closest to the wheel well. That place is UGLY. Oy.

This paint chipping thing is a factor with ALL vehicle manufacturers it seems. From what I have heard, EPA regulations have required more environmentally friend paint. These new paints are a bit more water based, and while they are good for the environment, they aren't nearly as durable as the old paints that were once used.

It really sucks ... makes a good case for carbon fiber ground effects and hood though ...

 

[M_3]

carbon fiber yeahahhhh

 

[Mikey444]

Pretty much every single car manufacturer now a days are putting just enough paint on the cars to name it a colour and just enough clear coat to make the colour shine. The paint of now a days is still much better than it use to be. Of course just like the mechanical parts of your car, paint also needs maintenance, hence washing, waxing, touch ups, buffing (polishing) claying.

 

[M_3]

ohh yeah for sure an those bird poops they ruin your freaking paint job

 

[Forrest]

Mine's actually holding up pretty well on the front and wheel areas. The only place it's bad is in the back, and it looks like hell.

 

[M_3]

ohh crap mines doesnt have that yet

 

[fam]

yeah thats the same part of my car theat looks like it went through a suicide bomber packed with bee bee's.

 

[Mikey444]

ohh yeah for sure an those bird poops they ruin your freaking paint job

The simoniz car wash gel I use gets rid of it with a wipe, litteraly, I also have a 1500 psi pressure washer to make my life simpler. Where ever I get bird droppings, I wash em off as soon as I can.

 

[Badger Biker]

Mine's actually holding up pretty well on the front and wheel areas. The only place it's bad is in the back, and it looks like hell.

Forrest:

I JUST noticed that area of my car for the first time today. It looks exactly like yours. That is REALLY bad. I wonder if the dealership would consider replacing that ...

I know when the Vibe had a similar problem with the cladding getting pitted like that, there was a TSB about it and all affected cladding could be replaced upon request. This was because of a design change to the side sills in '05 from '04 though, so since there has been no design change, it just might be worth it to get some aftermarket side sills when they come out that will protect that area a little more.

 

[M_3]

yo in my car i see it now is in the back part

 

[splitvizion]

that is exactly why I wrote this thread. The example that forrest has shown is exactly where my main problem is. I noticed it when I was cleaning out my door jams the other day. Open your doors and on the inside right above where the side sills are you will probally notice that the paint has started to chip. I have probally had my 3 longer than some on this thread(15 months) but that is still no excuse for this to happen. This F'in sucks. I am gonna complain to the dealership but I doubt it will get me anywhere. Peace

 

[Forrest]

I'd suggest that anyone getting a new Mazda3 invest in a small sheet of 3M protective film just for that spot. I just had my front bumper and right fender re-painted (small fender crease). I was going to have them repaint the side sills also but I couldn't get the film on prior to a 600 mile trip, so I didn't do it.

I'll see what the dealer says when I take the car in for the air bag fix. I've had my car for 15 months and I don't drive on poor roads, only interstates and rarely on local NYC roads.