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Why Blizzard Pearl Sucks

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by ATHiker, Jun 10, 2016.

  1. ATHiker

    ATHiker Senior Member

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    image.jpeg Well, that's a bit of an over statement (I really love mine despite its faults), but I will let these photos taken after 13,500 miles of easy driving speak for themselves...

    image.jpeg image.jpeg
     

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  2. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Are they stone chips? Which part of the car is it. I assume Gen4.
     
  3. Jim in NC

    Jim in NC Active Member

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    One word - Xpel.

    I hate to say it, but all colors get stone chips after x,000 miles of driving. Former cars I've had that were red, white, silver and blue all got chipped up a bit. That's why I started getting Xpel on my cars when they're still new.

    It costs some money, but keeps your car newer much longer. :)
     
  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Well you can get stone chips, in 5 miles of easy driving, depending on the conditions you are driving in. Just happens.

    I'd say this, for years I enjoyed owning Black or darker colored vehicles, but constantly heard about how I was washing them too much, or how they showed dirt or damage so much easier.

    I don't know. This time I went with a lighter "Sea Glass Pearl" and while I do think it "hides" dirt a little bit better, being a lighter color it does come with it's own set of drawbacks. Such as showing chips a lot more obviously.

    But...I suppose that is why god created touch up paint.
     
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  5. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    Sorry to see that, Hiker. I believe the paint quality/hardness has declined over the past few years.

    I know some people think they are ugly, but I wouldn't mind having a (1980s era?) leather "Bra" to strap on the front occasionally. Something I could take on & off. I still see them on some newer Porsches.
     
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  6. Xterra72

    Xterra72 Senior Member

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    I too noticed chips on my Blizzard Pearl after just owning it for a few months.

    I ended up getting a clear protective 3M, full front and partial fenders. 3 years later, only chip I have was the chip I got before the 3M install.

    It is expensive but well worth it.
     
  7. PriUncut

    PriUncut Active Member

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    So what kind of money do these paint protection clear films cost?

    How much of the car do you have the protective film on?

    Can you see where it is and where it isn't?


    To the OP, so sorry to hear (and see) that. Heartbreaking :( to say the least.
     
    #7 PriUncut, Jun 10, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2016
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is it a lot of highway miles?
     
  9. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    It happens with any paint job when you drive on the highway.
     
  10. ATHiker

    ATHiker Senior Member

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    Thanks, but it's just a chip...

    Even if it is on a Prius!

    BTW, the dings that hurt most (IMO) are the ones that are your own fault, I think. Who needs the reminder?

    I kind of dodged a bullit there. Despite all the fancy sensors, I heard and felt a crutch pulling into my spot at Home Depot yesterday. Not sure why no sensor beep-- perhaps the curb was too low.

    Fortunately the evidence of my stupidity is 100% under the bumper and invisible if you don't poke your head under there. Gonna be more careful with the next curb, though!
     
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  11. ATHiker

    ATHiker Senior Member

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    Yup, Route 495
     
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  12. 'LectroFuel

    'LectroFuel Senior Member

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    I had
    I had a bra on my 2005 and took it off after 6 years. It is extremely ugly, but I can't think of anything that could have protected it better. The front looked like new. Now I have paint chips.:(
     
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  13. Xterra72

    Xterra72 Senior Member

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    Agreed. Old school bra is definitely ugly.
     
  14. Autoist

    Autoist Member

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    Buy the OEM touch up paint, clean it will and touch it up a couple of times (coats), and then spring for the ~$700 clear bra film. You'll be smiling after the next 13K miles.

    Oh, and have them put a strip of the film on
     
  15. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    Yeah, I've scraped something "under there" several times. I'm not even going to look. Don't want to get depressed. :ROFLMAO:
     
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  16. Frederickdawg

    Frederickdawg Active Member

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    Trust me the bumper paint doesn't even have much primer and made out of butter it seems. Got my first rock chip in under 2k miles and it's almost like a bullet hole. Rock hit one edge nsnd bounced and hit edge of hood which still has primer visible.

    Generally most auto paints are weak these days. Not just a Prius thing. But the softness of the bumper and lack of primer? Lol.

    LG-H901 ?
     
  17. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    Sorry, but that's life. Most people don't see the chips like you do. Get past them in your mind and you'll be fine.

    Have a great day! :)
     
  18. snoballer

    snoballer New Member

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    I bought a bra to cover up a lot of my chips

    XT1254 ?
     
  19. ATHiker

    ATHiker Senior Member

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    Thank you.

    All I can say at this point is that running a hose from the tailpipe to the passenger compartment is not the best response to this most difficult life challenge. Trust m on that.

    Did you know that the ICE does not automatically run when you are in park with motor on?

    These Prii are really something else.

    Probably for the best-- someone has to warn those following in our footsteps, no matter how hard that may be. I will soldier on, cowboy up and get thru this -- somehow.

    To those who have already contributed to my GoFundMe page, all I can say is God Bless.
     
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  20. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    link? :LOL:
     
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