nothing is as bad as a Miata, the paint is the worst I'ver ever seen.
The S2K is worlds better

 

i have an 02 berlina as well and yes the paint shows every single imperfection, not to mention the BB front bumper somehow always manages to get covered in bugs..

 

You bought a black car, unless you take extreme care on how you wash it, dry it, wax it, etc. you'll just continue to degrade the finish.

One question, have you ever taken your car to an automatic car wash?

IMO, the Honda paint is on par with or better than most other manufacturers. The EPA has a big hand in what type of paint manufacturers can use. Recently Mercedes developed a paint with fine ceramic particles that helps improve the scratch resistance. However, I don't want to pay an extra $800-$1200 for metallic paint which is what many manufacturers are asking.

 

 

I washed and waxed my red toyota celica and when I was done it looked great and I felt good about it. I have since then replaced with the berlina black S2000. The first time I washed and waxed it, I almost cried. Swirl marks all over the car and I am afraid to take it out if it is too bright outside.

 

[QUOTE=TommyDeVito,Sep 12 2005, 09:21 AM]In the US, the EPA said no more lead based paint anymore to the auto mfr's.

 

*ZAINO*

 

i have done it all, including zaino... its posible to achieve a great finish, it just doesn't last. in order to keep the berlina looking perfect you must avidly take care of the exteriour

 

 

This applies for all Honda models and most Acura models (I'm not sure about the NSX or RL).

Captain Obvious says the Honda's and Acura's should be waxed bi-weekly to avoid minor scratches.