Lexus ES 350 Paint Problems

83 messages,  Last post on Sep 09, 2012 at 11:40 AM

You are in the Lexus ES Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Lexus ES 330, Lexus ES 350, Paint, Sedan

#76 of 83 A few words about paint. by rcummelin

Dec 10, 2011 (6:39 am)

A fact-of-life: The water-based paints used by ALL car manufacturers these days chip very easily. The paint isn't as durable as the older paints. It mattters little who made the car--they will all get chips. Don't blame Lexus, as it's not their fault. Blame our Federal Government--they mandated the use of water-based auto paint.
 
Washing: If you use automatic car washes--STOP, unless they are the "touchless" type. The brushes kill your finish. All the grit from previous cars going through is rubbed on your paint. Wash your car by hand at home, starting at the top & working down, with frequent rinsing.
 
Clay bars & waxing: If your paint has dulled, a shiny finish can be restored by using a "clay bar", followed by a good quality wax. Forget liquid waxes & carnuba wax. Use a good brand of synthetic paste wax, like "Ice" for the most durable finish. Wax at least every six months. Clay bar about once a year.
 
Repainting: If done with water-based paint, you've not fixed a thing--the chips will return. If you can find a body shop the will break the law & use a good solvent-based lacquer or enamel, your paint may look better longer. Maybe. Get ready to pay a fortune though--many thousands of dollars.

#78 of 83 Re: Lexus is well aware of their paint problems. Class action suit filed [nealk1] by mella1

Jan 20, 2012 (8:23 am)

Replying to: nealk1 (Mar 31, 2011 11:35 am)
I have a 2008 ES 350 Midnight blue, I purchased the car directly from dealer brand new, As others have stated I too have been noticing scratches on my car since I purchased the vehicle. I make an effort to always park my car at a distance away from other cars. At first, I too thought someone was keying my car!! I try to at least have my car fully reconditioned and waxed once a year, however they continue to pop up:( I had to replace my tires within 2 years of purchase, and also brakes and rotors. It's not like I dont take care of my car, I take the car to the dealer consistently for oil changes, in additon to random certification check ups to ensure the car is upto par. !!!

#79 of 83 Cl LS by mella1

Jan 20, 2012 (8:21 am)

In any case was interested about the class action LS going on, Please contact me!!

#80 of 83 Re: Cl LS [mella1] by atlasmaxx

Mar 20, 2012 (9:54 pm)

Replying to: mella1 (Jan 20, 2012 8:21 am)
Hi, I have a midnight blue Lexus with the same problems. I am wondering about the class action lawsuit. Is it too late to be added?

#82 of 83 Traded my ES350 in for a BMW 528i by billevee

Mar 22, 2012 (5:07 pm)

Enough is enough Paint problems all over the car (2008
Black Obsidian with a WHITE UNDERCOAT go figure !!!!
At 50,000 miles car looked 10 years old
Engine was knocking ( dealer said it was fuel
Injection which is BS) On top of this right headlight
had to be replaced at a cool $500
Got $21,000 on a trade in from Carsense and
Got a 2009 BMW 528i with beautiful paint job
And only 23,000 miles Walk out price with warranty
was $9,000. NEVER WILL BUY LEXUS AGAIN

#83 of 83 '08 ES350 Paint Issue by jillh2008es

Sep 09, 2012 (11:40 am)

My car is obsidian black - in addition to chipping if someone touches the car their fingerprint seems to leach the paint and leaves a "print" where the car was touched. The "fingerprint" is very noticeable. It dulls the paint in that spot. Most prominent in the trunk area where you would put your hand on the truck to close it and on the doors. Very bizarre - also happening on our 10 yr old silver highlander but after ten years we expected see some paint deterioration. My local dealer refuses to accept any responsibility. Anyone else having this issue or know of a resolution.
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