I have to admit, I hate watching my car get older. Every time I wash it, I notice more chips, scratches and dings than I had the last time. My biggest regret, however, is not installing a clear bra when I first bought the car. The rest of the car looks basically perfect, with the exception of a few nicks here and there, but the front bumper looks pretty bad for only having 13,500 miles. So, I'm currently trying to figure out whether it's worth it to re-paint the bumper and have the clear bra installed.

Are there any negatives to doing this, aside from the $1000 it's probably going to cost?

Thanks

 

If you pull the bumber cover off and take it to a shop and have them color match it and clear it, really shouldn't be too bad. Taking it off shouldn't be all that difficult, either. If you don't have the shop manual have someone email it to ya for the step by step instructions. I know how you feel though, our paint chips super easy. When my 06' gets all nicked up that's my plan.

 

i regret it too! i have 20k miles and mines all busted up from the highway =/ ive been in the process of getting it painted then clear bra'd as well but theres a few other things on the list i'm wanting to spend $$$ on first

ps to get your whole front covered with 3M and mirrors/fenders/hood shouldnt be more than $400 or so whether u buy the material urself or not....prime and paint would be another $300....

 

I guess I'm just incredibly particular about my cars, and concerned about the future resale value. The chips don't really bother me THAT much, as I realize it's normal wear for any car. Hell, I've seen $300k Ferarris that look chewed on the front bumper. Still, here's how my logic on resale goes:

The rest of my car looks nearly perfect, with the exception of a few normal nicks. The interior is perfect. Therefore, somebody buying my car would be getting a car that LOOKS new, but is cheaper than a new car. However, given the chips on the front, it could drop the value of my car, regardless of the condition of the rest of the vehicle.

Then again, if ALL used G35 coupes have some chips on the front, then my car would still be toward the top of the used car market, in terms of quality.

What do you think? I'm driving myself crazy.

 

i know what you guys mean, i have 60k on mine and my hood and front bump have hella rock chips. Not to mention the normal scratches from everyday use. I'm just gonna repaint my whole car after i get my sides but im keeping my car till i die and am not concerned about resale..
As far as your resale goes, if you repaint and clear bra it, you'll increase you resale a little (who knows how much) but it also gives your buyer the sense that you take car of your car.
But i dont think its that big of a deal since like you said, all g's (and any used car for that) will have some chips
Just my .02