Paint starting to go

[r32]

Bought new in 2008, and have about 130k on her. She's been so good to me.

However, I noticed the paint is finally fading fast. 10 years of no garage will do that to a girl. The leading edge of the hood and roof started getting some bad areas about 3 years ago, but all of a sudden, it seems to have greatly accelerated across the entire vehicle in the past 6 months. Is 10 years the magic number for paint these days?

Seems like clear coat is just disappearing. Really faded spots on top edges of the doors where the body panel rolls over to meet the glass. Front hood is getting really bad, especially in the leading edge. Plastic cover over the non-functioning hood vent has chips all over it. Chrome wrap on front grill has significant bubbles. And the roof looks the worst. Feels like 800 grid sand paper over much of the area. Front bumper has usual wear.

Wish had my dad's body shop from when I was a kid. Grew up fixing / painting cars. Now, I'm shopless and dread taking it to Maaco or one of those other super cheap places, but I'm concerned about eventual rust if I don't do something. I live on the coast part of the year.

Thoughts?

 

[RedSled]

I did a quick search and came up with one of many threads.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/655-03-paint-problems.html

Truth be told about the only fix is re-paint, but i am sure you already know that.

 

[jbssfelix]

Bought new in 2008, and have about 130k on her. She's been so good to me.

However, I noticed the paint is finally fading fast. 10 years of no garage will do that to a girl. The leading edge of the hood and roof started getting some bad areas about 3 years ago, but all of a sudden, it seems to have greatly accelerated across the entire vehicle in the past 6 months. Is 10 years the magic number for paint these days?

Seems like clear coat is just disappearing. Really faded spots on top edges of the doors where the body panel rolls over to meet the glass. Front hood is getting really bad, especially in the leading edge. Plastic cover over the non-functioning hood vent has chips all over it. Chrome wrap on front grill has significant bubbles. And the roof looks the worst. Feels like 800 grid sand paper over much of the area. Front bumper has usual wear.

Wish had my dad's body shop from when I was a kid. Grew up fixing / painting cars. Now, I'm shopless and dread taking it to Maaco or one of those other super cheap places, but I'm concerned about eventual rust if I don't do something. I live on the coast part of the year.

Thoughts?

Maaco (and most cheap shops) is mostly bad just because they do very little prep work. If you're willing to do some basic sanding yourself, you can probably save yourself some $$ as well as get better results.

Either way, shop around, as you might find other paint shops that are just as cheap without the Maaco reputation.