Poll for Those with Paint Blistering / Bubbling Defect

[SimonT]

Hello, Emira community. Quick introduction: I'm based in the US, and recently, got the chance to test drive an Emira. Absolutely loved it. Getting a deal together with the dealer. Then decided to check the forums, and here I am.

This is going to be a 4th car in the stable with a 911, so for the most part I can be tolerant of minor defects and warranty work - even if the car ends up being in the shop for a little while.

However, reading through this thread, the paint defect is one that worries me, because, it seems:
1) It is likely an inherent flaw in every car that has and will roll off the line, it's just a question of when it manifests, based on the amount of water exposure/ambient humidity.
2) It is not correctable, replacement panels are the same part made the same way by the same company with the same defect.
3) It's not containable, layering ceramic or PPF on top doesn't help because the moisture is bubbling through the inside.

Is it fair to say that's the consensus at the moment? I'm trying to talk myself into taking the risk, but it seems kind of absurd to buy new at the moment considering each temporary repair (a respray) diminishes the value of the car. On top of depreciation I'd just be lighting tens of thousands on fire.

So what do you guys say, if you were in my position? I'd be tempted to go used just to minimize the depreciation hit, or go to an Evora...

Id be looking at used with warranty that has had both doors replaced, all other known problems fixed and all software updates.

Once out of warranty panels will be resprayed and not replaced, look at literally every paint bubbling picture and they're in the same place so not random placed, ie top, around the handles and under the mirror with some along the bottom edge. The dealership paintshop manager told me Verdant Green was the hardest colour to match up, something to keep in mind.

Do you want the manual or the auto? The NA or SC? The 2.0l is looking like it has the greater promise of more power for less cash as time goes on. Have you tried all combinations?

The car is an event every time you drive it, it's a supercar in a smaller package, it turns heads like a Lambo/Ferrari/McClaren does as there are fewer on the road. Many say its underpowered and needs more for a lower 0-60 time, but the drive is not about that, much more and it would be like so many modern performances cars, zero fun unless on a track where they can 'stretch their legs'.

I've been ardent critic due to mine being undriveable for 7 months or so out of a 16 months period, doors/tailgate/brakes/engine/seat belt/HVAC/wiper motor/main screen/taillight/reversing camera/water ingress, but that aside the car really is superb to drive and puts a smile in your face every time you drive it.

Under warranty the dealer will sort it, after that any problems would be way cheaper done at a regular garage, though they won't have access to the diagnostics equipment Lotus dealers have.

 

[MiamiBlue]

I've been ardent critic due to mine being undriveable for 7 months or so out of a 16 months period, doors/tailgate/brakes/engine/seat belt/HVAC/wiper motor/main screen/taillight/reversing camera/water ingress, but that aside the car really is superb to drive and puts a smile in your face every time you drive it.

You're an extremely patient person. I would have long since lemoned the car and either bought another example, or dumped the brand and bought a Porsche from the trauma of it all!

 

[SimonT]

You're an extremely patient person. I would have long since lemoned the car and either bought another example, or dumped the brand and bought a Porsche from the trauma of it all!

I didn't buy it, I won it. I could have taken a cash alternative but thought it would be a great replacement for my, then, recently written off Cayman S. If I'd bought it it would have gone back within 5 weeks.

That you can now buy one for £56k with under 5k miles is crazy, same price as a 9 Yr old GT4 with 10k more miles (which I'd get to be honest).

 

[MiamiBlue]

I didn't buy it, I won it. I could have taken a cash alternative but thought it would be a great replacement for my, then, recently written off Cayman S. If I'd bought it it would have gone back within 5 weeks.

That you can now buy one for £56k with under 5k miles is crazy, same price as a 9 Yr old GT4 with 10k more miles (which I'd get to be honest).

Well do be fair you cannot argue with the value for money. Nice win!

 

[optimist]

Thanks for the perspectives everyone, I appreciate it. In the US, used prices are down to around 91-93K for cars that have MSRP in the 116-120K range - but it looks like a lot of those cars are sitting.

It seems like the smart move is to wait for the US market to adjust lower and then buy a car that's flat white, yellow or black. I don't think this defect is well known and I doubt it's priced in here yet.

 

[Rupes]

I don't think there's evidence to support this. It's more likely that certain batches of doors and rear panels contain manufacturing flaws.

@optimist - the blistering paint issue was my biggest concern too, and I definitely take steps to mitigate water egress into the doors to try and prevent blisters. Though, in general, I agree with @Nick in Sydney and his statement above (at least I hope so).

There are plenty of cars in the UK that have been on the road for 3+ years , and left outside in wet conditions, that have not blistered. It seems early production cars faced higher defect rates. This doesn't mean you're in the clear by buying a newer car, but I don't think all doors will blister.

I'm just surprised the aftermarket hasn't figured out a way to create some carbon fiber doors so I can at least upgrade the doors if I need to replace them!

 

[Orchardbike]

I'm just surprised the aftermarket hasn't figured out a way to create some carbon fiber doors so I can at least upgrade the doors if I need to replace them!
[/QUOTE]
Yes please!

 

[optimist]

@optimist

There are plenty of cars in the UK that have been on the road for 3+ years , and left outside in wet conditions, that have not blistered. It seems early production cars faced higher defect rates. This doesn't mean you're in the clear by buying a newer car, but I don't think all doors will blister.

I'm just surprised the aftermarket hasn't figured out a way to create some carbon fiber doors so I can at least upgrade the doors if I need to replace them!

That is encouraging. And sign me up for those CF doors!

 

[geoffbland]

Count me in for CF doors too.