FranES300

I have a chip on the door trim (see photo) of my 2002 ES300 that I would like to repair. The paint here as well as on the bumpers appears to be a very slightly different color than the body paint (Millenium Silver). Is it just that the paint in those areas is on rubber instead of metal or are they two different shades?

FranES300

Here's a picture of the bumper where it's easier to see the difference in tone.

lexusk8

Apparently this ES was involved in a rear-end accident, and the body shop who repaired your ES never did the job correctly. All '02 ES's are supposed to come out as monotone. Unfortunately if you want the color to come out right on your car, you're going to have to shell out more money than you anticipated

chrispy

iTrader: (21)

that's some bad matching.

did you know the car had a respray?

FranES300

I was told at the time of purchase that the front bumper had been refinished. I am really confused because all of the rubber surfaces--front and rear bumpers as well as the trim on the sides--are consistently this different color. I doubt that all of these were replaced for the CPO so I am wondering if this is old repairs or original (I was told in another forum that this can occur at the factory). Should I try complaining to the dealer? I would tell them that I was told the front bumper was refinished but that all of these other surfaces obviously were also repainted as they are all the same color. I am wondering if they did in fact repaint all of these areas of the car (and didn't disclose) and that as the paint has cured (it's been about a month since it would have been prepped) the color difference has become more noticeable.

Kohinoor

iTrader: (22)

the paint probably looks different on metal vs polyurethane.. looks normal to me

tuan92129

Same here. bumper is more yellowish.

LexOnDubz

Definately a bad color match.

copy252

thats so messed up... id kill ppl....

FranES300

The color difference is more pronounced in shade, as in this photo, than in the sun. I had the car inspected at a body shop and they said it has not had repainting or any body work. I went to the dealer and they said the thing about paint being a slightly different color on the body/metal the bumper/rubber. I have read lots of car info and some sources say that paint difference due to materials is true and other sources say it is not. I think I will have to learn to live with it. Everything else about the car is exactly what I wanted, and that no small feat as people seem to hang on to their Lexuses so that one in great shape with low mileage in the color with the feature package you want is hard to come by. Thanks to all for your input.

HOK

The color mismatch in body and bumper nowadays are normal even on brand new cars. it has to do with the plastic, car manufacturers are using a new plastic ingredient that makes it react when painted. the best color that doesnt not have this issue is the darker shades!

steviej

iTrader: (1)

bologne!
I have a 2002 in the same color and the color matches all the way around. I had to have the rear bumper cover repainted due to a side swipe by a drunk, and they matched it perfectly.
steviej

steviej

iTrader: (1)

and the other side:

copy252

mines the same color and mine matches all the way. i think someone painted it and f&Ct it all up! i highly doubt theres a batch of mis matched cars around in the world of lexus but i may be wrong as usul!