a year with a bunch of problems, should i sell my fit???
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 484
From: Massachusetts, USA
I guess I've been lucky. I didn't have the bumper peeling problem that others have reported. If the dealership doesn't do it right, you might want to get a third party involved. I'm not an attorney, but consulting with one might help. As long as you have your documentation in order, I would think that if the dealership doesn't make good on the paintjob, then maybe a lawyer's letter or a phone call might help you get it repained at a good body shop, or the Honda/Acura dealership in the area with the best body shop. I don't know if it would work, but I'm just thinking outside the box.
Hope your luck changes.
Hope your luck changes.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 341
From: Clearwater,Florida
I think with all the technology these day's,it's a little slap in the face by Honda,who could do much better.I hold Honda in the highest reguard's and I know are car's cheap,but on some Scion/Yaris forum's,they don't seem to have the paint problem's(AND I HATE TOYOTA/LEXUS PAINT)the Fit has.I hope the newer Fit will address the paint.And yes,MB's aren't reliaible.
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 71
From: Jersey City, NJ USA
Prepping for Paint
well, i hoped i wouldn't actually ever be considering this, but i'm highly considering selling my fit because i'm sick to death of having a nice new car and babying it, and STILL having problems galore, mainly with the paint.
i had to get my bumpers repainted because of the paint peeling issue about 6 months after i had it.
i got my car washed again today and i find not only a gigantic bunch of scratches and paint chips on the rear left fender, which looks like something had been scraped against it, but i also find a huge chunk of paint missing from the other rear bumper. it literally looks like someone had taken an exacto knife and cut a rectangle of paint away or something, it doesn't look like any kind of road damage or scrape. i'll try to take better pics, the ones i had taken didn't turn out that well.
i had to get my bumpers repainted because of the paint peeling issue about 6 months after i had it.
i got my car washed again today and i find not only a gigantic bunch of scratches and paint chips on the rear left fender, which looks like something had been scraped against it, but i also find a huge chunk of paint missing from the other rear bumper. it literally looks like someone had taken an exacto knife and cut a rectangle of paint away or something, it doesn't look like any kind of road damage or scrape. i'll try to take better pics, the ones i had taken didn't turn out that well.
HONDA paint applied from the factory is quite good. The main issue with the initial problem was that the bumper had no spacer installed, and was rubbing either on the adjacent quarter panel (rear) or fender (front).
If the same scenario was applied to Benze's or BMWs, the result would be the same: Paint peeling. BTW, you have to be certified to paint BMW or Benze vehicles.
Your subsequent problem with the paint flaking off is due to improper prepping or inadequate amount of FLEX additive to the paint used by the dealer.
In either situation, Honda warranty should apply...that's if your still within the 3yr/36 month bumper to bumper warranty...
On another note, I never bring my cars to the automatic CAR WASH. They used harsh additives and bristles that scratch the paint...
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 745
From: IL
My old Lexus IS300 paint went in a year,so it isn't the price of the car,it's Japanese paint(problem's with 2001 Prelude also).I would trade my Fit in if I had constant paint issue's.Paint to me is VERY important(it's the first thing people see)and I wouldn't spend the money getting it painted,unless keeping it along time.If you want good paint you HAVE to go German(LOOK AT ANY OLD M.B.).My CLK had a $500 charge for paint which I was pissed about,what would they do,give me a car with no paint?But from the first time I cleaned it(and Year's later)it still look's brand new and alway's feel's like I just waxed it.When a bird crap's on it,I had to(Japanese car's)get a rag and soak it,or it would scratch the paint.With my CLK in wipe's right off,no scratching.You might want to drive(or wait)for some Diesel German Car's in a year on two if you want paint that will last for year's.Or you can get the M.B. made Smart car when the Diesel arrive's.Sorry so long.
i do feel trivial for being so crazy about the paint, but it just seems like something they'd have fixed by now, japanese paint or not.
What a bitch it is to buy a new car and the paint is cheap.
But at least it will be a reliable car, compared to almost any new Mercedes.
I guess you could buy a DeLorean, which has no paint, but that would be even worse than the Merc.
The DeLorean can travel in time, though, and there's a lot to be said for that.
Man, I'm not trying to discount your paint problems. Just going for a little levity in a situation that we all know should be a lot better. My real point is that hey, you have a new Honda. It's a great car. If the paint sucks, at least it's a car worth having.
Some DeLoreans probably don't even travel through time.
But at least it will be a reliable car, compared to almost any new Mercedes.
I guess you could buy a DeLorean, which has no paint, but that would be even worse than the Merc.
The DeLorean can travel in time, though, and there's a lot to be said for that.
Man, I'm not trying to discount your paint problems. Just going for a little levity in a situation that we all know should be a lot better. My real point is that hey, you have a new Honda. It's a great car. If the paint sucks, at least it's a car worth having.
Some DeLoreans probably don't even travel through time.
and i always did want a delorean. heh, reminds me of a conversation i had with a friend the other day, about how he actually CAN travel through time. but forward. veeeeery slowly.....
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 745
From: IL
I guess I've been lucky. I didn't have the bumper peeling problem that others have reported. If the dealership doesn't do it right, you might want to get a third party involved. I'm not an attorney, but consulting with one might help. As long as you have your documentation in order, I would think that if the dealership doesn't make good on the paintjob, then maybe a lawyer's letter or a phone call might help you get it repained at a good body shop, or the Honda/Acura dealership in the area with the best body shop. I don't know if it would work, but I'm just thinking outside the box.
Hope your luck changes.
Hope your luck changes.
and aparently since my dad and his boss are friends with the service manager of the dealer i bought it from, they're going to "hook me up", as the kids say.
so, hopefully from this point on there won't be any more issues because it will all be redone.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 745
From: IL
Sorry to hear about your problems...
HONDA paint applied from the factory is quite good. The main issue with the initial problem was that the bumper had no spacer installed, and was rubbing either on the adjacent quarter panel (rear) or fender (front).
If the same scenario was applied to Benze's or BMWs, the result would be the same: Paint peeling. BTW, you have to be certified to paint BMW or Benze vehicles.
Your subsequent problem with the paint flaking off is due to improper prepping or inadequate amount of FLEX additive to the paint used by the dealer.
In either situation, Honda warranty should apply...that's if your still within the 3yr/36 month bumper to bumper warranty...
On another note, I never bring my cars to the automatic CAR WASH. They used harsh additives and bristles that scratch the paint...
HONDA paint applied from the factory is quite good. The main issue with the initial problem was that the bumper had no spacer installed, and was rubbing either on the adjacent quarter panel (rear) or fender (front).
If the same scenario was applied to Benze's or BMWs, the result would be the same: Paint peeling. BTW, you have to be certified to paint BMW or Benze vehicles.
Your subsequent problem with the paint flaking off is due to improper prepping or inadequate amount of FLEX additive to the paint used by the dealer.
In either situation, Honda warranty should apply...that's if your still within the 3yr/36 month bumper to bumper warranty...
On another note, I never bring my cars to the automatic CAR WASH. They used harsh additives and bristles that scratch the paint...
i also refuse to go through automatic car washes. i hand wash whenever possible and rarely even use soap on it, on my dad's advice that it can corrode paint faster, and if water works then just use that.
thanks again to everyone!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 689
From: Alabanana
Flux Capacitor broken
Even tried to rep you for that, but the bot says I have repped you recently and have to spread it around a little first.
FINE!The older I get, the faster I travel through time, and yes, unfortunately it all seems to be forward. Enjoy the part of your life when it still seems to be very slowly! I'm sure all the other old people on this forum would agree.
Best wishes to you on the paint BS.
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 587
From: Wash DC Metro
I agree that in the big picture, paint problems are minor compared to transmission and engine or power steering and brakes . . . except that it's a new car and it should look great dang it. If you are otherwise happy with your choice, I'd try to get a new or repainted bumper.
The Fit paint is soft but I haven't had any issues beyond normal wear and tear (but I've only had the car three weeks). Softer paint has some advantages - easier to correct swirls and marring, better impact resistance (tends to bend rather than shatter) for example. I don't know if the softer paint is a result of cheaper paint, more environmentally friendly paint, or a conscious choice by the manufacturer to make corrections easier. On the Autopia detailing forum, those with hard paint complain about extensive polishing to deal with swirls. Swirls and chips seem to be a fact of life no matter how hard the paint. If you take a little time to develop cleaning and polishing methods that minimize swirls, you shouldn't find softer paint more difficult to maintain. You'll have to spend a little money on a good car soap, a wool mitt or grout sponge, a couple of buckets (or foam gun), some high quality MF towels, and a good quality sealant. With that stuff, you might be able to put off getting a polisher for a couple of years.
Regarding the patch of missing paint on the rear bumper, you'll have to decide how to pursue it if it's vandalism (insurance), manufacturing (warrantee) or your fault (suck it up).
The Fit paint is soft but I haven't had any issues beyond normal wear and tear (but I've only had the car three weeks). Softer paint has some advantages - easier to correct swirls and marring, better impact resistance (tends to bend rather than shatter) for example. I don't know if the softer paint is a result of cheaper paint, more environmentally friendly paint, or a conscious choice by the manufacturer to make corrections easier. On the Autopia detailing forum, those with hard paint complain about extensive polishing to deal with swirls. Swirls and chips seem to be a fact of life no matter how hard the paint. If you take a little time to develop cleaning and polishing methods that minimize swirls, you shouldn't find softer paint more difficult to maintain. You'll have to spend a little money on a good car soap, a wool mitt or grout sponge, a couple of buckets (or foam gun), some high quality MF towels, and a good quality sealant. With that stuff, you might be able to put off getting a polisher for a couple of years.
Regarding the patch of missing paint on the rear bumper, you'll have to decide how to pursue it if it's vandalism (insurance), manufacturing (warrantee) or your fault (suck it up).
What a bitch it is to buy a new car and the paint is cheap.
But at least it will be a reliable car, compared to almost any new Mercedes.
I guess you could buy a DeLorean, which has no paint, but that would be even worse than the Merc.
The DeLorean can travel in time, though, and there's a lot to be said for that.
Man, I'm not trying to discount your paint problems. Just going for a little levity in a situation that we all know should be a lot better. My real point is that hey, you have a new Honda. It's a great car. If the paint sucks, at least it's a car worth having.
Some DeLoreans probably don't even travel through time.
But at least it will be a reliable car, compared to almost any new Mercedes.
I guess you could buy a DeLorean, which has no paint, but that would be even worse than the Merc.
The DeLorean can travel in time, though, and there's a lot to be said for that.
Man, I'm not trying to discount your paint problems. Just going for a little levity in a situation that we all know should be a lot better. My real point is that hey, you have a new Honda. It's a great car. If the paint sucks, at least it's a car worth having.
Some DeLoreans probably don't even travel through time.
Looks good, but its not original.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 341
From: Clearwater,Florida
PIP_ROCKS don't feel the paint on your car is trivial.It's the first think people see on your car(like the color or smoothness,or lack of,your skin)Yes,Honda should have used better paint,and yes,some people don't care,but I think it's a big issue like a engine/trans. problem.That's just me.As for the paint on Mercede's,it's not just sprayed on.It's dipped upside down in paint/and a electric current is sent through the paint to make it addhear to the metal on a micro-level(That's also appearing on new Acura model's)l.NO paint shop can do that correctly with a spray gun.My CLK got smashed in the front a little,and when I took it to the paint shop,it looked all good from afar,but to the touch(and cleaning it)I could SO tell the difference from the stock paint.I didn't know paint could be that much different,But it can.Just look at 10 year old MB's,they look brand new on the outside.Point is,paint should be a big issue with owner's.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 745
From: IL
Hahaha! I love your friend's take on that!
Even tried to rep you for that, but the bot says I have repped you recently and have to spread it around a little first. FINE!
The older I get, the faster I travel through time, and yes, unfortunately it all seems to be forward. Enjoy the part of your life when it still seems to be very slowly! I'm sure all the other old people on this forum would agree.
Best wishes to you on the paint BS.
Even tried to rep you for that, but the bot says I have repped you recently and have to spread it around a little first.
FINE!The older I get, the faster I travel through time, and yes, unfortunately it all seems to be forward. Enjoy the part of your life when it still seems to be very slowly! I'm sure all the other old people on this forum would agree.
Best wishes to you on the paint BS.
and i'm not old (23) but i will definitely agree on how much faster time passes as you get older.
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