Like many other imports the quality of the paint on the Z is not nearly as good as the paint on American cars. Paint chips like that on most Z's would not be found on Fords or Chevys. You would think they have the technology to create a paint that wouldn't chip. You can scratch the finish on a Nissan or Honda with a human fingernail. That is pathetic! The paint is just too damn soft. But American car engines, trannys, and suspensions suck, so I guess it is the lesser of two evils.

 

I havent noticed american paint to be any better... and definitly not german paint, I personally think it is a problem with the new paint process. I used to say it was on all Zs cause mine went chip free for over 3000 miles, but now after 4500 miles I have a chip on my hood, bummed me out.

owell, Ill live, a little touch up paint and your good to go, no biggy, its not like the paint is fading and peeling off the car, THAT would be a problem.

 

Its something to do with US EPA codes and the amount of Lead that can be used in paint. Basically they have raised the bar over the past years so now it the paint is very weak especially with regards to paint chips.

The look of the paint is a lot better so I guess it is a trade off.

 

haha, that last part isnt gonna be accepted too well...

hint-orange peel

 

Actually i've found that even though paint durability has been going downhill, european paints still tend to be tougher, and Lexus has IMO had some of the best paint. Especially their higher up models. The LX470 we have 2003 model has had 5000 miles on it, most of it through sandstorms and lots of off-roading, and the thing has NO scratches or chips at ALL! It's amazing..

 

I have not seen any domestic car with better paint. My brother's Mustang has more chips in it than you could believe and its 2 years old. ALL paint is soft now, thanks to new emissions laws in the last few years. Some are better than others, but no one has really good paint anymore.

 

You think its bad on Nissans, you should have seen the paint jobs Acura did on the CL TypeS.

 

yep. I had one too. the paint was just as bad if not worse.