Here across the pond we have been inundated with paint chips on the WRX. I guess that in order to keep things affordable, they decided to go cheap on the paint. This leads me to wonder how the paint on the STi will fare. I guess we have much more road debris than you there due to our slacking work ethic and all Any '02 STi owners have any paint issues, as in easily chipped to scratched, especially on the front end? What have you done to avoid this, if anything? Suggestions?

Lovejoy

 

You're not alone.

My MY02 STi has chips on the front bumper, bonnet, and front doors. Paint quality seems no better than my old turbo

Iain

 

What have you done to avoid this, if anything? Suggestions?

Obvious but, Don't drive so close

 

I don't drive close though. Side chips are from stones thrown up by the front wheels (mudflaps might sort this, but I object to paying £400 for 4 bits of rubber).

I think the only real way of avoiding them is to drive everywhere at 20mph!!!!!!!

 

Have the same problem,just 3000 miles, but took the car back to the dealer yesterday and they have agreed to call in "the man" from Subaru to inspect the damage under waranty. Now I know that the problem hasnt been resolved yet but its a start, so take them back to the dealers and complain. I will keep you posted on the outcome.
Also started talking about a slight knocking noise from the boot area and the dealer agreed on the spot to change the rear near side strut or both struts if required, top bloke, Steve at Oaken Wolverhampton.

 

I thought you guys in the USA had those black PVC covers to put on the front end? I've been after one for my Forester. I made one from an old black knee length leather coat that I no longer wear for the Austin Maxi (tuned to 180bhp). Stops the chipping and keeps the rust at bay.....Blutes

 

Had the same problem with my MY01 WRX, so today had Armourfend (www.armourfend.co.uk) apply their protection to my STI7 before i pick it up from the dealers tomorrow.

simon

 

Do they sell the black PVC covers ?......Blutes

 

Two MY00's, two MY01 WRX's, two MY02 STi's - no chips.

Subaru Prodrive mini mudflaps £20 per pair - they work.....

 

Iain, I've got some chips on my front under spolier (MY02 WRX) but not found any problems with my bumper or bonnet, as for side chips on the doors what sort of surface have you been driving on, that is odd


[Edited by boultsy - 5/21/2002 11:08:55 PM]

 

Lovejoy,

The electro-plated paintwork is one of the downsides of owning a 'budget' performance car. After a couple of months the bonnet looked like I'd been towed by a gritting-truck for the last 5,000 miles! This, coupled with a couple of young ******* chucking stones off a footbridge over the A34, means the scoob is looking like a perforated blueberry.

 

The Subaru mudflaps, while pricey (but well short of £400!!) certainly help, and I'm quite happy with their looks. I prefer 'em to the P1s.
Cheers,
Phil

 

I was kinda hoping that some of the extra cost of ownership would fix some of the paint problems.....I guess I'm wrong. has anybody tried the "clear bra" over there? I have heard good things about it from the Audi boards, but being that the WRX is so new in the states, finding the right installer is very hard.

Lovejoy

 

1) Amourfend on all leading edges, 2) Prodrive mini mud flaps and 3) don't drive up the **** of a) 4WD and b) RWD cars......

I applied 2 and 3 to my MY00 and in 18 months, had only one stone chip, on the bonnet.

I'm doing 1, 2 and 3 on my STi as soon as I get it....

Matt