Hi

Just got my berlina black '02. I paid a premium (probably about $1k more than it's worth according to KBB) for this car because it appeared flawless. And for the most part it is--interior looks absolutely brand new, and no real paint flaws. However, the car came with these lame rubber bump strips on the doors and wheel arches. Started to bug me, so I spent 3 hours last night peeling them off and removing the leftover glue. Welp, as it turns out, this uncovered a 1.5" section of unsightly paint/non-paint of badly applied touch-up on the bottom corner of the door, and also a few badly applied dabs on a corner where the bumper meets the fenders. And seeing this got me a little suspicious.

Prior to buying this car, I made sure to look as closely as I could at the frame and attachment points. I do not see any indication at all that the car was in an accident. No crumples, no paint chips, no weird paint flaws on the frame. Carfax was totally clean, but we all know that doesn't mean much. But still, the car looks very well cared for. Previous owner said the car never even saw rain, and was only driven on weekends, and never used for commutes. I have no reason to doubt him.

1. So, here's the deal: I noticed that on the bottom sides there is very heavy orange peel, almost unfinished looking. I'm talking about the area underneath the door. So, it's not in sight really. You would only notice if you got down on your knees and looked closely. Is this normal? Seemed like something the factory might do, but I've never seen this before on other cars.
2. There's also a small amount of orange peel on the panel between the cloth top and the trunk. Not as smooth as the rest of the body. And also a little orange peel throughout the car under the right light and angle. Nothing I would have noted before--looks normal for factory paint to me.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your help,
Dean

 

Honda paint isnt the best in the world. My guess is whoever put on the rubber strips probably damaged the paint with the adhesive.

 

A slight orange peel is natural from the factory. Also, a heavy orange peel effect is applied on both sides underneath the doors. I think this protects from road grime, rocks, and other debree from damaging the paint.

 

Ah, okay. Yeah, that is what I thought. Thanks for verifying!

 

orpheus, the rough area underneath the door near the frame rails is normal...at least mine has the same thing.

 

I forget what they call it, but the rocker panels actually get a coating of a soft rubbery urethane material (almost like undercoating) prior to being painted. This prevents chipping in that area. I've had a few cars with this over the years.

 

this thread is worthless without pics.

just sayin