I've heard the same thing from detailers, regarding newer model vehicles - not specifically the gen 4 Prius itself, and not that the paint job is poor quality, but that it is not as durable as earlier models. For those who have been able to maintain a quality finish on their gen 4 rides, perhaps this would be a good time to share your cleaning/detailing regime - washing, waxing, etc. So far, I have been able to keep the paint on my 2018 Prius Four in fairly good condition with only small chips (less than millimeter size, but down to metal) due to rock/gravel strikes. I have waxed my Prius only once since I purchased it in May, and have decontaminated the surface (using clay-bar during washing) twice so far. I hand/pressure wash it once a month (using microfiber towels) and avoid abrasive cleaners. I have taken my vehicle on extended road trips (greater than 200 miles round trip) four times this year, but I use a car bra whenever possible to minimize strikes from road debris. My vehicle is not garaged and is exposed to a moderately polluted (high coal dust content) environment. On the other hand, my vehicle is painted Pearl Blizzard White which would tend to hide degraded paint and defects.
For those that have chips, is there a paint product you’d recommend to fix it? I noticed a pretty large scrape (about an inch long by a quarter of an inch wide) on my hood, unfortunately just past where the clear bra ends. I assume it came from a rock, as I drive over 100 interstate miles per day. I’d love to match the paint (blizzard pearl white) so it’s no longer obvious, but really I’d be happy with anything that will prevent rust, since this went all the way past the primer.
I got these when I first bought my Prius, but I have not used them yet. The set is available via Walmart on-line order only (not available at store). Genuine Toyota Touch Up Paint Kit Blizzard Pearl White 040 070 00C
