I am about to purchase an 04 TL in Canada from an Acura dealer. Its the white TL, the only thing that I noticed is that the front bumper is not the same exact color as the car. It looks like a darker white. The salesman tells me that it is normal and that some come a tad off. Is this true?

 

my front and rear bumper are a shade off the body. and a couple other tl's ive seen are like that too. so maybe the guy is right.

 

have them use a paint depth meter to verify it is factory paint. As well have them take off the bumper, look for 2 things:
1. VIN sticker, it should match the VIN of the car
2. Look for a stamp with the HONDA LOGO, H or the acura logo A

 

My WDP is that way. Front and rear bumpers and I bought it new off the lot. My friends WDP is the same way. They are just a shade different. I was told that the paint looks different since it's on plastic vice metal.

 

I wouldn't buy that until you do what csmeance says you should...

 

You are talking about an '04 used car, that's pretty old, could have a ton of miles. Bumpers are a pretty common part to get repainted. But, that is a sign that their has been a significant repair. Taking off the bumper and/or further inspection will tell if their has been chassis repair. A repainted bumper could also mean the owner took care of the car as well.

Honda/Acura paint is hit or miss. They do have a problem with paint matching bumpers from the factory. A very slight mismatch can be acceptable, but they will let go cars with a different shade, or different amount of pearlescent effect, ect. Very common problem.

 

The salesman is telling the truth. Many, if not all, WDP and SSM bumpers are a bit darker than the rest of the paint. I have a WDP also and had this problem too.

csmeance is giving you good advice though. In the end, you are the one that has to live with the car so make sure it hasn't been banged up.

 

It is VERY true a lot of brand new cars bumpers do not match. Just take a walk around the lot. BUT with it being an 04 I would venture to same the bumper has probley been painted. And rest assured a clear car fax report doesn't mean it wasn't painted. I am trying to find my PPG link that explains the different color bumper match from the factory.

 

http://corporateportal.ppg.com/NR/rd...umperColor.pdf

 

I have owned 3 WDP TL's (00, 04, 08) and all have this problem. However, since your car is used, don't assume that your mismatch is "factory". Make sure it wasn't involved in any accidents as csmeance said.

 

I actually had my bumper touched up twice when I first got it. The paint was peeling on the edge between the bumper and fender. Looks great now, but still slightly mis-matched in color.

 

I scrape almost everywhere and my paint is peeling too, but for the time being its just gonna have to be that way.

 

my SSM 2005 is mismatched too, front you cant really tell the difference but rear you can tell its different, but only in certain light. Its weird how that works

 

My bumper was repainted under warranty. Perhaps you should look into it.

 

honestly.. from what i've been told the plastic is one thing..but also the fact that they paint parts from various areas of the world(if im not mistaken) and assemble in one area..therefore why we have differences in paint (cause of tone and each area might mix differently). .

 

in the end, within the first month (because I can always return it), i can check the serial #'s, or should i ask them to do it, can I trust them?
there was also a light touch up paint done to the front left bumper (wasnt professionally done), and the back bumper has a ripple, so basically they offered to paint one section of the front bumper for free, but then they asked me if i wanted to paint front and back for 500$ (sanded and painted). because its the bumpers they couldnt offer it for free, only if it had to do with the body.

Lastly, I did get a carproof report (like carfax) and it states that he got an estimated on the front left of the car worth (950$), but it didnt write anything about a claim or accident. Also when he gave the car back to the acura dealer, he signed a paper stating that it has never been accidented, and if he signs it and they find out, they can bring him to court. Ive signed that sheet myself when I traded in my mitsubishi.
what do you guys think.

 

LoveMyTL-S, how did you convince them to paint it under warranty?

 

He bought a brand new car and he a problem with the paint not adhering to the bumper.

Your better off taking the car to get inspected, before you buy it. A good dealer should have no problem with that. The vin tag can be accessed by removing the front black plastic cover, over the core support upper tie bar, for the front bumper vin tag. The rear you just need to open the trunk, look in the jam on the bumper edge. Should be able to do it yourself.

 

Yes, I bought the car new and a week or two later I noticed the paint peeling. It was touched up and a week later it peeled again. This time the service attendant made sure it was done right. No issues since.