I’m so disappointed in my 380 paint job.

2008 model, about three years ago a small spot appeared on the roof which I assumed would polish out, only to find the clear coat was damaged. I figured a bird or rock had caused it. But no... over the last 18 months the clear coat all over the roof, bonnet and boot has completely failed.

This is a car that has spent less than average time in the sun (garaged most it’s life), and has been well looked after including regular washing and polishing.

Recently I’ve noticed all 380s are the same. There’s a couple of really well modded and looked after 380s in my area I’ve always admired, and they too have been completely destroyed by clear coat failure in the last 18 months.

I remember the promo stuff at the time from MMAL saying how the painting process from third gen to 380 had been completely automated which had saved them lots of money per car, as the paint had gone from 65 micron to only 40 micron.

Seems it was the same old sh*tty paint, just even less of it!! I had a 20 year old Camry years ago which had paint as good as the day it was made. Our Pajero specs say the paint is 130 microns thick, more than 3 times thicker!! No wonder that looks as good as the day it was made.

Such a shame. Now it’s failed and the car looks crap it’s hard to get motivation to look after it at all. I’m done with metallic paint, and I’m done with Australian built cars.

Anyone know a price for a bonnet, roof and boot respray?