My '04 Volvo S60 had some really nice, tough paint. I don't know how many coats they use, but it was a lot. The corrosion warranty on it was also amazing.

I wish the Infiniti was as good. My clear coat seems to scratch from looking at it. Kind of wish I had a lighter color now. Heck, if I'm wishing things, I wish that Infiniti would outsource their painting to the Swedes.

 

Maybe we should invest in body wraps

 

rust IS oxidation

Al oxide is just as inert as iron oxide. that's not why it protects the unoxidized metal underneath. the reason is Al oxide has a similar lattice structure and size as Al metal, so the oxide bonds to the metal and protects it from further oxygen penetration.

iron oxide has a much larger lattice structure than iron, so it flakes and more water and oxygen can get to the fresh metal, allowing for continued rusting.

 

and PS, as much as my dad's 550i has annoying electronics, the paint is really, really good. it's a gloss black car (no metallic) and it barely swirls. very impressive.

 

you should be, the rotors rust too after rain

 

lol. how bout those people that buy stainless steel rotors because of this. silly.

it's more prevalent on motorcycles with stunters. ductile iron is where it's at!

 

Correct. I was referring more to the color than the physical phenomena as the question was whether or not the body panels were constructed of Al. Fe oxide has a distinct color while Al oxide is colorless.

 

yep

sapphire is aluminum rust

 

Screw rain, mine rust after a wash.

 

so hood made from Al-ew-min-e-um, that makes sense, the old family car had about a pencil size chunk of paint missing and it never rusted, it was like that for about 2 years....

 

I just got my car (used) but I have to say I'm REALLY disappointed in the paint quality.

Every lovebug that touches the car etches all the way through the paint. (Some to the plastic bumper).

The clearcoat sucks (scratches too easily). The paint is thin, and it doesn't look like there is even a primer coat. We'll see what the dealer says when I take the car in.

My other cars (a 2002 and a 2001) Don't look ANYTHING close to as messed up as my new 07 G35's paint. And they've been through waaaay more miles and lovebug seasons.

 

i've noticed this as well (very thin topcoat)

 

I think paint on most german cars are much better! My S4 paint after 6 years was in perfect condition and few chips... this car in 4 months has more chips... The paint itself feels coarse to the touch, I am planning on spending a day or two to really take care of the paint and clearcoat! As for the rust issue, most are hitting it... bare metal + water/moisture = rust.... sorry bud. When you get a chip...touch up paint right away to prevent rust!

 

yeah... i've got some dull spots where some bird left a gift... very thin, compared to my vic, after the accident i measured a paint chip, was almost .030" thick. had a few small chips and some cracking, but it was 13 years old, and you could drive by looking at the hood (perfect mirror shine)... i think i'll be investing in a paint job eventually, since i'm looking to keep this car till it's 13 years old...

 

I've had my car for almost a month, no scratches or anything yet. Although the bugs must love HID's because at night it becomes an insect graveyard.

Thank god I purchased the exterior protection plan, any small chips and what not I get fixed for free as long as it happens within the first 3 years. I mainly got this service when I read up on the chipped grills. The material of the grill does feel cheap.

Can't complain though, I don't know many grills where I've touch it and said "wow this stuff is incredible!".