My detailer, who I’ve known for 30 years and fully trust, is REALLY trying to talk me out of the satin and therefore the Inspiration Series. “If you buy it, you better wrap it, ceramic it, and I still think it’s a bad idea.” This car will be exposed to the elements more than I’d like, as I can’t free up a garage space for it, and I don’t really want to deal with one of those vehicle storage facilities. Can anyone tell me why the Lexus satin is so far superior to the other manufacturers so I won’t have a problem?

 

How many threads are you going to create about this paint?

 

This is the last one. The dealer said that the car was sold and I was a bit relieved as the decision was made for me. Done. Today he called to say the deal fell apart. In the meantime I’ve found posts by people saying that their bumpers are holding up better than any clear coat they’ve had, and others where they needed to use vinegar to remove water spots from a sprinkler after three days.

 

If keeping it outside and worry about paint, why not to use cover?

 

I’m probably stuck with ‘80s and ‘90s thinking where the cover technology was so bad that it hurt the paint worse than the elements. I’m exploring this angle, among others.

 

agreed. If you’re buying a buck 10+ car and can’t garage it, then just spend the $6k and PPF it and then don’t think about it again. It’s a car. It won’t always be clean and you’re gonna get chips and dings and spots. But remember you spend 90% of your time inside the car…f everyone else. Drive it enjoy it.

 

I agree with the others. You have the money if you're buying this car and it's gonna live outside because of even higher end vehicles in the garage, just spend the money on xpel stealth or equivalent satin PPF and then don't think about it anymore.

 

I picked up a 24 Inspiration convertible in late May. I garage my car, but I did apply some DIY ceramic coating. I will probably have it professionally done before the winter but do not plan on putting on PPF. I drive it in the rain and I plan to drive it in the winter. I live in MA so in the winter, there usually some salt on the ground that will get kicked up on your car (I won't drive this thing in deep snow). I've had road grime on my car that I did not take off for at least a week and it was fine. I wouldn't overthink it if I were you.

 

This is the kind of firsthand info I was looking for. Thanks.

 

Paint quality wise, quoted from other threads I've seen on this forum,

"The LS & LC have a better finish than the other Lexus cars, paint is thicker and its hand sanded at the factory."

However, I would still recommend doing at least front protection since the road debris hits really hard, especially if you buy a new one and plan to keep more than 4 years.

 

It’s a freaking car. You drive out your driveway and someone can crash into it. Buy it, drive like your own it, trade it in or sell it when it’s time. Nobody is going to care if you have put 10k worth of detailing stuff when you sell it.

 

Mines Ultra White (per Vspec) and I only have the Dealership Ceramic coating. Have done several 1K mile trips on Interstate and through construction. Most recently came back spotted with bugs, mud and some tar. Hand washing with some elbow grease using Chemical Brothers detergent and it looks new again. The tar did take a little more effort, but came off fine without requiring anything special. It was harder removing the bug splats on the windshield. Bought it to drive and enjoy and while I don’t want damage to happen it’s going to sooner or later where I live. Luckily how it looks has no bearing on it’s handling or wonderful throaty sound!

 

The LC paint being THICKER and HAND sanded has nothing to do with this The LC paint has a better finish? Their has been multiple cars with paint issues including mine.. There are areas in which the attention to detail is completely lacking. It is special car, but not that special!