I own both a 2004 Maxima and a -Z-. Both are Black.

The paint on the Maxima is very hard and long lasting compared to the -Z-.

The poor paint quality on the (early) -Z- is not news.

Question: Has the paint quality on the -Z- improved over the years ?

 

I am curious about this too. I have an '04 Silverstone Z and I think the paint should hold up a little better than it actually has.

 

To answer your question; the paint quality of all year Zs sucks donkey *****

 

Definitely a good assesement and question Bro... I was actually wondering the same thing.

 

My '03 Chrome Silver Z's paint sucks. Please tell me the 370's have been worked out. My bumber looks like the moon and I hardly drive highway. I've painted it once, and the only thing I can think of is that the factory primer sucks *****. The car is due for replacement with a new Z so I'm not interested in repainting at this point.

 

there isn't a guy spraying Maximas then Zs. The paint is Nissan paint and aside from model specific colors, frankly how it holds up has a lot to do with where the car is and who is maintaining it and where the car was assembled.

 

I have a 07 with 39,000 my bumper has alot of chips already

 

'09 bump.

 

Are the Z and Maxima made in the same plants? No - the Maxima's are made in Smyrna, TN, USA. That's one possible explanation for the difference.

 

Getting my roof and hatch redone in Super Black this week. Since 2004, the paint is all spotted with what looks like acid rain damage. (sorry no pic).

Anyone else been through this?

Should I ask the shop to use a certain (better) type of paint?
.
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its all about taking care of the paint during ownership

 

I have a 03 and people mistake it for a much newer car all the time, I try to wax and wash it at least once a month, hasn't happen lately

It was garaged for the first 4 years, but my paint is holding up very well

 

Nissan paints sucks. I have a 2007 always garaged and detailed and the paint only seems to deteriorate faster. I also own a 2004 Black Mercedes and the paint is still looks like showroom. Maybe Nissan will learn a thing or two from Mercedes now that they have partnered.

 

I agree with everyone else. The paint quality for the Z is freaking terrible. If you hardly touch it there will be a scratch. There's numerous scratches all over my car just from driving it every day. It sucks.

 

I have an 03 LeMans Sunset and the paint is in great condition and shiny. It probably has to do with how well you take care of it and garage vs no garage. My previous owner must have taken care of it well. I do clay bars and wax it about once a month and the paint makes people think its very new.

 

That doesn't necessarily mean its a bad paint job. You don't have to touch it, when others touch it you still get a scratch

 

Yeah my 08 noagro red sucks it's hard to keep clean and now the mirrors clear coat cracked out of no where. My old 335i had flawless paint job with out waxing or anything.

 

Yep, that's the truth.
Except my front bumper... my paint still looks like new. However, unlike most Z owners, I never take it to any car wash place whether if it's hand wash or not. I wash her once a week, wax once a month and clay bar every 6 months to a yr if necessary (usually don't have to).

My car is black and I daily drive her and she shine like the sun