Paint Quality on New IS 350
#31
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Same.. I reiterated to not move the spoiler to fix the scratches. As long as the detailer is competent they should be able to tape cover the spoiler and polish the scratches even though they're wedged up against it. If the scratches were minor I'd just let it be but they are pretty gnarly, goes straight across almost 3/4 of the length of the spoiler on the trunk. I'm trying to be nice and calm with the dealership, but I think others in my shoes would've flipped out discovering that kind of scratch.
#32
Same.. I reiterated to not move the spoiler to fix the scratches. As long as the detailer is competent they should be able to tape cover the spoiler and polish the scratches even though they're wedged up against it. If the scratches were minor I'd just let it be but they are pretty gnarly, goes straight across almost 3/4 of the length of the spoiler on the trunk. I'm trying to be nice and calm with the dealership, but I think others in my shoes would've flipped out discovering that kind of scratch.
#33
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
good point you're actually 100% right, no reason they shouldn't be able to polish it properly regardless of the position of scratches
#34
Well there would be instances where a fixed wing spoiler like what's on an Audi R8 might have to be removed to get to some areas. But yours is convex everywhere, so no spots that can't be accessed.
#35
Just to hijack this thread, I have full ppf on my is 500 and I have scratches on chrome trim. My ppf also isn’t perfect either many imperfections with some potential water spots from the hard water. It messes with me, but I’m learning to calm down and realize it’s just a car…
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TipsyTonio (06-15-23)
#36
My problem with PPF is I hate the way it looks even brand new, then it gets dull and worn. Plus it’s not cheap. You’re spending a fraction of the cost of a full paint job to put something on your car that’s guaranteed to fail in a few years and look bad from the beginning anyways.
If you can’t enjoy your car withoit fear, you spent too much on the car IMO.
I used to be a BMW guy. People would buy a new M3 in another state and freak out and ask the forum how to transfer it safely across the country. “Should I pay extra to have it transported in a trailer?” A car they would then drive themselves on public roads. A car that costs the same as a nice GMC truck.
If you can’t enjoy your car withoit fear, you spent too much on the car IMO.
I used to be a BMW guy. People would buy a new M3 in another state and freak out and ask the forum how to transfer it safely across the country. “Should I pay extra to have it transported in a trailer?” A car they would then drive themselves on public roads. A car that costs the same as a nice GMC truck.
Last edited by BBQapple; 06-16-23 at 11:35 AM.
#37
My problem with PPF is I hate the way it looks even brand new, then it gets dull and worn. Plus it’s not cheap. You’re spending a fraction of the cost of a full paint job to put something on your car that’s guaranteed to fail in a few years and look bad from the beginning anyways.
If you can’t enjoy your car withoit fear, you spent too much on the car IMO.
I used to be a BMW guy. People would buy a new M3 in another state and freak out and ask the forum how to transfer it safely across the country. “Should I pay extra to have it transported in a trailer?” A car they would then drive themselves on public roads. A car that costs the same as a nice GMC truck.
If you can’t enjoy your car withoit fear, you spent too much on the car IMO.
I used to be a BMW guy. People would buy a new M3 in another state and freak out and ask the forum how to transfer it safely across the country. “Should I pay extra to have it transported in a trailer?” A car they would then drive themselves on public roads. A car that costs the same as a nice GMC truck.
#38
I can tell even if it’s perfect and brand new. It has nothing to do with the seams and edges. The surface reflects differently. It’s covered with a clear film. The “glinting” by point source light reflections is not as sharp or brilliant. The reflections over surfaces are different. Apparent depth is reduced. Creases and sharp lines in the body work aren’t as sharp ad the original bodywork because the radiuses are larger. It makes a car look like plastic.
#39
I can tell even if it’s perfect and brand new. It has nothing to do with the seams and edges. The surface reflects differently. It’s covered with a clear film. The “glinting” by point source light reflections is not as sharp or brilliant. The reflections over surfaces are different. Apparent depth is reduced. Creases and sharp lines in the body work aren’t as sharp ad the original bodywork because the radiuses are larger. It makes a car look like plastic.
#40
I can tell even if it’s perfect and brand new. It has nothing to do with the seams and edges. The surface reflects differently. It’s covered with a clear film. The “glinting” by point source light reflections is not as sharp or brilliant. The reflections over surfaces are different. Apparent depth is reduced. Creases and sharp lines in the body work aren’t as sharp ad the original bodywork because the radiuses are larger. It makes a car look like plastic.
Have you tried a higher quality PPF? Good brands guarantee against yellowing.
#41
Heres a loaner car I had yesterday with front half of the hood covered. It reflects light differently in multiple ways.
#42
You’ve asked 100 people if they can see the film on your car?
#43
It's not for everyone, and price/looks aside, I'm just not interested in having rock chips all over my hood. It's certainly more detracting aesthetically than a bit of PPF. I might not install it on a beater car, but this is a Lexus forum.
By way of example, I have at least one car with decade-old film on it with no signs of stopping. I bet it lasts forever. Though, I might redo it at some point since the longevity of PPF is actually one if it's downsides. If you leave it on too long (like some sort of barn find vehicle), it'll be damn near impossible to take off.
#44
For those of you who have purchased a new 3IS recently in the last few years, how satisfied are you with the paint quality upon pickup?
Have you noticed any minor or major imperfections on your paint or had paint fixed by your dealership on a new car?
I just brought home my new car and noticed a super tiny dimple or pin hole in the clear coat by the rear door. It's the size of a sand grain at most so I'm not going to bother bringing it up to have the dealership fix it, but I was surprised to see that in Lexus quality. Now had it been bigger or more noticeable I probably would bring it up and see if it's even worth correcting. Overall I think the car's paint is far better than my last Ford Mustang that had lots of imperfections.
Also as soon as I saw my car in person at the dealership I could tell right away that the rear quarters had a bit of orange peel, but also noticed it on most the other cars. I had 2 loaners for a week, one was a 2022 IS 350 and UX model and both had the same orange peel in certain areas. Is some orange peel pretty normal now a days on a new Lexus? How do you determine a specific imperfection or amount of orange peel is past "acceptable"?
This is my first Lexus so I'm not familiar with the quality that should be expected and interested in what more seasoned Lexus owners think.
Have you noticed any minor or major imperfections on your paint or had paint fixed by your dealership on a new car?
I just brought home my new car and noticed a super tiny dimple or pin hole in the clear coat by the rear door. It's the size of a sand grain at most so I'm not going to bother bringing it up to have the dealership fix it, but I was surprised to see that in Lexus quality. Now had it been bigger or more noticeable I probably would bring it up and see if it's even worth correcting. Overall I think the car's paint is far better than my last Ford Mustang that had lots of imperfections.
Also as soon as I saw my car in person at the dealership I could tell right away that the rear quarters had a bit of orange peel, but also noticed it on most the other cars. I had 2 loaners for a week, one was a 2022 IS 350 and UX model and both had the same orange peel in certain areas. Is some orange peel pretty normal now a days on a new Lexus? How do you determine a specific imperfection or amount of orange peel is past "acceptable"?
This is my first Lexus so I'm not familiar with the quality that should be expected and interested in what more seasoned Lexus owners think.
Anyways, regarding the imperfections, I’m pretty sure I have what you have (it’s probably a common thing and only noticeable by crazy people like ourselves). i tried to take a picture of it but it’s impossible to get any close up, it’s so small and only is visible when a certain light source hits it right. It’s right above my finger.
Side note: I thought it would bother me more as I have severe OCD with stuff like that, made the mistake of getting front PPFed before total paint polish of these dealer swirls. They’re not terrible I exaggerate…they’re just there. Anyhow, I lost this pin hole a few times when I looked away, that’s how tiny and hidden it is, and as someone else mentioned - every car is going to have some imperfections if you look close enough and I’m sure there are more if I look hard enough. Hopefully once I get it paint corrected in a few years when the ppf gets changed it’ll get blended better.
ps: orange peel is common on all new vehicles. I’ve come to accept it as standard and don’t mind it anymore. You’ll have to get it cut and polished if you want super mirror clear coat.
Last edited by prophecywhiteis500; 03-24-24 at 10:29 PM. Reason: Side note
#45