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Hey, thanks for the info from both of you! Have you had this clear bra process done? Discoloration issues? Do you see it, first thing when you look at the hood? No waxing on those parts any more? I notice that there is something like this stuff on the fenders, just behind the wheel wells. Is this the same kind of stuff? Which brings up something else: seems like this car has tires too wide for the fenders---even driving.....as slow as I can.....through a dribble of irrigation runoff water in the road puts some dirt/spots on the fenders. Maybe I'm being unreasonable here, but I think when you plunk----and I mean I actually plunked----35 large down..........you oughta not have to worry about rock chips and dirty fenders everytime you drive out of the garage!!!! These problems seem to me to be real basic car-building engineering issues. Oh, and let's not forget the no-gear-to-be-found-when-you-need-the-blast deal, on top of that!!

You were right about color! Mine's Alabaster (light gray). I think the clear coat the dealer was referring to is something that's sprayed on. I would be worried about discoloration etc. Bras? Not sure they're not worse than the problem you're trying to prevent. Guess I'd better order me up some wax etc and get started on doing what I can to protect the paint. I'm still shocked that a Lexus product doesn't withstand gravel better than this. Even my wife's 2000 Honda (mediem gray color) only has ONE chip on it! :o Thanks for your response. Any other opinions out there on my problem are appreciated.

Been reading this BB since getting my ES 2 mos ago----really enjoy reading/viewing! Thought I'd be able to stay out of the need to post anything......but after getting my first chip on the hood at less than 350 miles......and modifying my driving by staying even further back from trucks......but still getting ANOTHER chip after just yesterday coming back from a 1,000+ mile trip-----I'M *BLEEP*ED! I asked the dealer at the 1,000 mile checkup whether Lexus was known for soft paint or what. Svc guy suggested a clear coat on hood. Don't really like the look of that. But after this second chip, I'm beginning to rethink this. I've always heard you shouldn't wax for the first 6 months. Anybody think I should wax now? Been looking at Zaino and Zymol on the net. Any suggestions there? Oh yeah, I've got the won't-go-into-gear issue, too. My wife (who for medical reasons has slowed reactions) does not want to drive this car. I've read all the posts here and discussed it with the dealer, mostly to see what they'd say. They told me the new software seems to only appease about half the people. Suggested I wait until they try it out on a loaner. Just putting in my 2 cents experience on this issue. Never had a car that rode this nice-----but never had a car that chips paint so easily, either!