RA paint - does it fade?

[ap81]

I've decided I'm looking for a low-kms 2013-15 Ralliart sedan. Plenty of options on the net so its just a matter of choosing the colour

I want either red or white. How well does the red resist fading from the sun etc? I remember hearing there was a problem a long time ago with blue paint.

I see some early-looking Lancers with red that seem to have faded to a washed-out hue, but I'm not sure if that is down to lack of proper care or if it is simply the paint? If red is a potential issue, I'll easily settle for white

Also - has the shade of red changed over the years? 2010+ models seem to have a metallic-ness about them whereas 2014+ seem to be more of a fire-engine red.

[sleeper]

nah, it doesnt fade, and its all metallic with gold flecks

[aspir3]

The colour doesn't really cause an issue, more how it's looked after.

[SEB15]

It's probably how well you're looking after it. Polish/wax will help a lot with life time, also garaged or park it under cover away from UV. At work i'm looking to park under shade. only down with paint on lancers is the clear and paint coat are thin and they chip really quick. My car is a 09 model, but no issues at all with paint fading or clear coat peeling.

[squala]

Unfortunately, Mitsu paint their cars as if they don't wanna paint them at all. Wax and polish will help, but don't be surprised if the thin, clear part starts flaking off in a few years. Professional detailing makes any colour shine, so have it done while it's still intact.

[Lancer1993]

I've noticed a few issues on my MY09 in Black, mostly to do with how they painted it at the factory, some clear marks and stuff. But I will say it has not faded about 6-7 years, still I only got it last year so have no idea how it was treated for it's first 5 years.

Worse case it's a good excuse to wrap or paint it in the future is you plan to keep it a while.

[billy boy]

doesn't fade - just crap quality in that it is quite thin

[Lancer1993]

I've owned 2 Lancers, quite a few years apart and yes the CJ is worse when it comes to the paint quality but that's not all. The bumper plastic is just too thin, the interior plastics are to cheap which is a big let down from my 93 CC coupe.

So yes the quality out of the factory went down hill in the last 20 years, but is it any better in a brand new MY16 CJ?

[aspir3]

How thick should the plastic be on the bumpers?

I think the biggest issue with the Lancers paint is the different colours between our steel panels and plastic parts like bumpers.

[Lancer1993]

If you push a mid 90s bumper it just feels more solid, ditto for he mirror covers. The CJ just pushes in way to easily, especially on the sides where it meets the metal panels.

But back on topic, paint fades the more it's exposed to sunlight.

So it all depends on the driving and parking habits and where you live. Red in general has more of an issue, just look at any old business or street signs, its not so much an issue on modern cars if looked after correctly. So best bet is to give it a good wash and polish when you first get the car.

[114NCR]

I got a full respray under warranty for my clear coat peeling off.

[aspir3]

I got a full respray under warranty for my clear coat peeling off.

Wow, how old was the car?

Do you have any pictures?