This is likely a sensitive topic, but what do you think of the overall quality of our original, factory paint jobs? I know this can vary based on how well you care for your car, the color, environmental exposures, etc. Well, my car is a little over 10 yrs old (see pics in profile), and the clear coat is really starting to get that dark cloudy look and white blotchy spots (roof, hood only). The paint shop told me the clear coat is damaged, if I remember correctly. I have washed my car about monthly with Turtle Wax car wash, and probably waxed on average only twice per year with Meguiars Gold Class. I have owned my car for 6 years. The paint shop told me that using wax with Carnuba is key b/c it helps the surface breathe better. I thought I was taking good care of my car, and didn't expect the paint job to go now. Am I overreacting? Which waxes have Carnuba? Thanks for listening.

It also depends on the conditions of the surroundings.... Like if you leave it in the extreme heat/dun you will have more problems.... I had one spot around my antenna that the clear was coming off.... but my car is being re-done. Generally factory paint is better than any aftermarket paint..... Also in your case, it sounds like your paint is fine, and it's your clear that is crap. Overall they shop COULD strip the clear and re-do that only.... I'm not sure, I hope I helped though

My car's black paint seems to be holding up pretty well (no visible rust anywhere). Though, my left fender is missing it's clear coat since having a large scratch removed when I got the car.

Someone was telling me that toyota only used a 1 stage paint until 2000? wouldn't that mean we didn't have clear coat? Sorry, I know very little about the mechanics of paint.

some colors like white, black, and red (?) didn't have clearcoat. but metallics did

but to answer your question, I think the factory paint is pretty good. when I got my car repainted last year the paint was still in suprisingly good shape

My (metallic) paint was in good shape too, aside from the rock chips and vandal-inflicted scratches when it went into the shop to be repainted.

Hmm, I always thought mine did have a clearcoat... Well, it's still holding up nicely clearcoat or not.

mines not doing so well... the roof is fading badly and the clear coat is gone from the hood... >> I'll have to paint her someday...

still not sure if i should keep the silver or switch to a "show color"

my roof and spoiler are fading and getting white spots really badly. it's just a toyota paint thing, i talked to the owner of the dealer that my car was bought from back in 94 and he said it's just a problem nearly every toyota car has from that time, pretty much every color too. i've taken amazing care of the paint to prevent it from getting worse but it still is slowly going.

i've seen some others though where instead of fading, the clear is literally flaking off

i just figured that after my paint fades out more then i'll paint the car black

I ahve seen bad paint on almost every older (6-10 years old) Toyota I have ever seen. By bad paint I mean fading, hazing, or oxydizing on the roof/trunk/hood.

but, I live in the northeast, the weather is up and down here.