Well, that's a bit of an over statement (I really love mine despite its faults), but I will let these photos taken after 13,500 miles of easy driving speak for themselves...
One word - Xpel. I hate to say it, but all colors get stone chips after x,000 miles of driving. Former cars I've had that were red, white, silver and blue all got chipped up a bit. That's why I started getting Xpel on my cars when they're still new. It costs some money, but keeps your car newer much longer.
Well you can get stone chips, in 5 miles of easy driving, depending on the conditions you are driving in. Just happens. I'd say this, for years I enjoyed owning Black or darker colored vehicles, but constantly heard about how I was washing them too much, or how they showed dirt or damage so much easier. I don't know. This time I went with a lighter "Sea Glass Pearl" and while I do think it "hides" dirt a little bit better, being a lighter color it does come with it's own set of drawbacks. Such as showing chips a lot more obviously. But...I suppose that is why god created touch up paint.
Sorry to see that, Hiker. I believe the paint quality/hardness has declined over the past few years. I know some people think they are ugly, but I wouldn't mind having a (1980s era?) leather "Bra" to strap on the front occasionally. Something I could take on & off. I still see them on some newer Porsches.
I too noticed chips on my Blizzard Pearl after just owning it for a few months. I ended up getting a clear protective 3M, full front and partial fenders. 3 years later, only chip I have was the chip I got before the 3M install. It is expensive but well worth it.
So what kind of money do these paint protection clear films cost? How much of the car do you have the protective film on? Can you see where it is and where it isn't? To the OP, so sorry to hear (and see) that. Heartbreaking to say the least.
Thanks, but it's just a chip... Even if it is on a Prius! BTW, the dings that hurt most (IMO) are the ones that are your own fault, I think. Who needs the reminder? I kind of dodged a bullit there. Despite all the fancy sensors, I heard and felt a crutch pulling into my spot at Home Depot yesterday. Not sure why no sensor beep-- perhaps the curb was too low. Fortunately the evidence of my stupidity is 100% under the bumper and invisible if you don't poke your head under there. Gonna be more careful with the next curb, though!
I had I had a bra on my 2005 and took it off after 6 years. It is extremely ugly, but I can't think of anything that could have protected it better. The front looked like new. Now I have paint chips.
Buy the OEM touch up paint, clean it will and touch it up a couple of times (coats), and then spring for the ~$700 clear bra film. You'll be smiling after the next 13K miles. Oh, and have them put a strip of the film on
Yeah, I've scraped something "under there" several times. I'm not even going to look. Don't want to get depressed.
Trust me the bumper paint doesn't even have much primer and made out of butter it seems. Got my first rock chip in under 2k miles and it's almost like a bullet hole. Rock hit one edge nsnd bounced and hit edge of hood which still has primer visible. Generally most auto paints are weak these days. Not just a Prius thing. But the softness of the bumper and lack of primer? Lol. LG-H901 ?
Sorry, but that's life. Most people don't see the chips like you do. Get past them in your mind and you'll be fine. Have a great day!
Thank you. All I can say at this point is that running a hose from the tailpipe to the passenger compartment is not the best response to this most difficult life challenge. Trust m on that. Did you know that the ICE does not automatically run when you are in park with motor on? These Prii are really something else. Probably for the best-- someone has to warn those following in our footsteps, no matter how hard that may be. I will soldier on, cowboy up and get thru this -- somehow. To those who have already contributed to my GoFundMe page, all I can say is God Bless.
