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My little red C-Biscuit has paint problems!

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by rosethornil, Jun 16, 2021.

  1. rosethornil

    rosethornil Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2012
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    It’s a 2016, trim level 1, and the Barcelona Red paint looks rough. On the hood, there are probably 25 little chips and it goes right down to the white primer.

    It’s got 84,000 miles and it also has the 3M protection on the lower 1/3rd of the hood. Under that 3M covering, the paint is pristine.

    Does the “C” have cheaper paint? Does trim level matter?

    I keep the car good and clean, and it’s been garaged most of its life. Frankly, I’m disappointed in the paint job.

    Thanks for any insights.
     
    #1 rosethornil, Jun 16, 2021
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    toyota has cheaper paint, it's not uncommon. one of the things they don't excel at
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 16, 2021
  3. rosethornil

    rosethornil Member

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    2016 Prius c
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    One
    Is this unique to the C? Or to the C-1?

    As I said, it’s been garaged most of its life and it looks rough.

    Thanks for any insights.
     
    #3 rosethornil, Jun 17, 2021
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Not that I have read
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 17, 2021
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Tailgating?
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jun 17, 2021
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    The c is shaped for aerodynamics. One of the side-effects of this design is that if the air sweeping around the car has anything suspended in it (like small rocks) they are all but guaranteed to hit that frontal surface, either on the paint or the glass. Gravity being what it is, the lower area is favored for strikes and that's where the paint is.

    Thusly we've collected many small rock chips on the hood of our own c. I've now done 2 touch-up sessions to clean and fill the chips; it is turning into an annual exercise.

    I made peace with this long ago- it's a sacrifice for MPG. I'm good enough at filling, sealing and feathering the chips that I haven't had rust or further degradation. The rest of the car is going to look old and tired before the hood stands out.
     
    #6 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jun 17, 2021
    rosethornil likes this.
  7. rosethornil

    rosethornil Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    Thanks so much for your reply. That’s very helpful.
    My little car averages 50+ mpg so maybe I just need to accept that this is what happens with these phenomenal cars.

    Thanks again.
     
    #7 rosethornil, Jun 20, 2021
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