Poor paint quality/durability

[patrickogrady]

My Abyss Vibe is less than one year old, but looks worse than cars I've owned for years. It is covered in micro and not-so-micro scratches caused by normal wear and tear, plus one accident with a wash nozzle. The leading edge of the hood has several chips. Overall, the paint doesn't have a nice smooth finish, but rather, an "orange peel" appearance. From a distance, it looks fine, but up close, it's horrible. I have read of others' experiences with chips and scratches. Has anyone else noticed the same poor quality of finish?

[Whelan]

The paint on the Pontiac Vibe is VERY soft. The Matrix is fairly similar but not so bad. They scratch and swirl very easily. If you would like to keep an eye out in the Waxing forum as I am doing another detail on my car this year with how-to's and pictures so everyone can see the difference. I am a detailer on the side and I think pretty much everyone here will vouch in my knowledge, lol.But it is soft paint and can be dealt with, just need to take care once it is brought back when you wash and clean it.

[NUBlackshirts]

All I can say is I'm happy those door strips are there. At least those take the brunt of the punishment from idiots I park next to. I try not to park next to anyone, but it's unavoidable at times. Just a pain to touch up those spots quite often. But I would have to agree that the paint used on the Vibes is poor at best.

[Vibr8tr]

So how often would you recommend washing/waxing the vibe? I try and wash it every week, but it usually only happens every other week, and then once every other month or so I wash and wax it. I got some of that liquid clay bar stuff for the bugs and it worked pretty well, but I didn't wax it after and it looked bad the next day... lesson learned to wax after the clay bar, lol.But what time line do you recommend to help not only keep the paint looking good, but last longer?

[Whelan]

Waxing should not need to occur every other month. I do one big detail twice a year. Right before summer (now) and again in fall before wintertime. Inbetween I might give it a coat of wax if necessary. But mostly I use Meguiar's Quick Detailer when it is dry to clean off the dust and particles between washing. Or when washing I use something like an Eagle One Quick Wax that you spray onto the wet vehicle and then dry so that it boosts the wax you already put on.When washing use the two bucket method where one bucket keeps the soapy clean water and the other is just plain water for rinsing the wash mitt. This will keep the dirt separated so you do not keep getting dirty soapy water on the car for washing. Wash the car in the shade if you can, and be sure not to use direct pressure from a hose nozzle, either get a soft sprinkler nozzle or just use the hose w/o one and let the water flow off the car instead of spraying. This is what makes the "sheeting" occur so you have less to dry.Get a nice microfiber mitt. They will do wonders in keeping your paint clean and fresh. Also make sure you have some warmer water in the rinse bucket so the fibers open up to release the trapped dirt.When drying, do not use a cotton towel, they leave swirls and fibers everywhere. I stay away from chamois now if I can. I own what they call a "waffle" rag. it is a large towel made of 100% microfiber that has a waffle print pattern embossed into it. I can dry off my entire car without wringing it out once. It is amazing. Simply hang dry when done.Those small bits will go a long way in keeping your paint looking just waxed!

[NUBlackshirts]

Agreed on the microfiber towel. I have used those for years and they work great. Gotta love only using one towel to dry the whole car. And, it's easy to store in the back with the spare tire so I always have it handy.

[RIT]

Where do you get that towel?

[Whelan]

http://autodetailingsolutions....s.htmThis for washingThis for removing polish/waxThis for washing

[mikey00]

I also have a Abyss Vibe and the paint has small scratches all over it. Mainly in areas that get touched like door handles, gas filler door, hood, etc. The paint is soft on the Vibes and has been discussed on this forum many times in the past. My previous car was a black Olds Alero. It was used, driven and cared for exactly the same as the Vibe but did not have any of these paint problems. The Alero was 7 years old when traded in and the paint was better than the Vibe's at only 2 years old. It's really a shame because the only solution I can see is having the whole car repainted, which isn't cheap. Keeping the Vibe clean and waxed will help a little but is not a fix. The Toyota Matrix which is made at a different manufacturing plant does not have these paint issues.I also just purchased a black 2007 Pontiac G6. Paint is holding up fine on it. It's just the Vibe that scratches everytime you look at it.

[Sublimewind]

Whelan,I have to ask, being a detailer, why do you use a wash mit? I understand and read the description of the mit you just showed...Quote »The clear coat safe Microfiber lifts and traps dirt and grime for a brilliant, swirl-free finish.This does not compute, and one of the reasions i wouldn't use as mit and/or microfiber anything.... Once you get grime trapped in it the microfibers hold on to that grime... I'm just wondering, since you agreed with me on the boars hair brush thought, in another thread... http://www.griotsgarage.com/ca...66073Trust me, i'm not trying to diss ya here in any way, just wondering about the train of thought... Thanks,Aaron

[Whelan]

No dissin whatsoever I use the boars hair brush to get inbetween small spaces. I actually own two washing items. One is the microfiber that I use with the 2 bucket system. I put warm/hot water in the rinse bucket and since microfiber loves hot water, it opens up and releases the trapped dirt. Then into the soapy bucket.For the other one I have a soft foam pad that I use on most other cars. It is fairly easy and rinses quickly.

[ToolGuy]

I detail as well and have for many years...If you have a dark color car and take it to a car wash that touches the paint, you will have more scratches over time. However most if not all of today's paints are Water Bourne thus a little softer then older. My paint is in excellent condition still today. My secrets are, install mud flaps on the front at least, buy a bottle of touch up paint and touch all nicks and chips up immediately, Clay Bar and wax it 1-2 times a year and NEVER use a car wash. I always wash all my cars by hand using an automotive soap, even my leased vehicles. I can pick a car washed vehicle out of a crowd!

[mikey00]

I don't doubt that with extra care you may be able to avoid the scratches on a dark color Vibe. But what I am saying that a black Vibe subject to the same normal use as most other black cars does not hold up like the others. I make a habit of checking any late model black Vibes when I see them in a parking lot and comparing them to other black late model cars. The Vibes always have the scratches that have been reported by many on this forum.