No chipping problem after 2K miles. The 02 Silver seems more durable than my previous Berlina Black. My sentiments follow along the lines of Jonas M.

I'm into this silver car for the long haul; no more trade in games for me and laughing-all-the-way-to-the-bank for my Honda dealer!

Sebring #1418

 

The paint on "made in Japan" Hondas, of which I've owned 3 (Del Slow, Prelude SH and S2K) seems to be much thinner than the paint used on the ones made here. My ex works for a honda dealership and I've driven more Hondas in the last 10 years than just about anyone. Never noticed the chipping problem on Accords or CRV's.

 

I have a few minor chips after 2,600 mi...damn you for pointing this out and making me notice them!

 

Hi, I'am new here and I really like silver/red '02. anybody has pic..... thanks

 

Paint is one area where Honda quality falls flat on it's face. Have owed 8 Fords in the past and when you look close at the paint it always looked like a thick layer of lacquer is on top of the paint. And only rarely ever got chips and/or scratches. On the S2000 I still have a hard time believing it is actually clear coat. A couple of months ago while getting a case of cokes out of the trunk hand slipped and case just brushed bumper cover. Well it left a scratch in the paint. Taking the boot off once the strap buckle hit above the trunk and bam a scratch. The paint is sooooo thin it is almost unbelievable. There is no way you could own this car for 10 years without having it repainted. And yes I have several chips in the front like everyone who has driven sever thousand miles.

 

lvs2k et al are correct...it's got nothing at all to with color, it's thin paint. On the Tochigi visit last year, they told us the S2000's paint is either (can't recall which) 8 or 12 microns thick. That's unbelievably thin and is the main thing that contributes to the amount of chipping that people are reporting. Thin paint was also used on this car for environmental reasons...

You also need to factor in the low front end of the car...that conributes to the chipping, as well.

But color makes no difference in this case...

 

You should see my black '00 with 33k miles ... Makes me wanna cry every time I look at how little paint is left on my front end - just white dots of primer everywhere.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by William
[B]Paint is one area where Honda quality falls flat on it's face.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hanginout
[B]hello sebring silver owners.......i had a question regarding the color.......
i havent seen it in person......
just pics....but it seems like a nice color........
do u guys love the color? or was it just the one that was available at the dealership that month....... i ask cause i am about to purchase one ....and the color is a sebring silver....
the dealer says he could trade it out for another color......but... as each day passes he seems be be more reluctant to do that......
well just wonderin what u peeps thought of it.....cuz i may be a new

 

Unfortunately, The weakness of newer paint is the result of an environmental tradeoff. In attempting to reduce VOC's (volatile organic compounds), all paint in the auto business is undergoing some transformation... with some effect on durability. In time they will figure out better formulations that don't release these poisons. In the interim, we will have to live with the pain.