So, at the suggestion of some people, I've been looking up Mitsubishi paint problems and it seems even the 09 Lancer has paint issues such that even new cars can rack up chips and scratches that should not even be showing up. Think this problem still around for the '10 Lancers? This is not solely a Mitsubishi problem... the current generation Civic's paint is supposed to be pretty weak as well, no doubt other makes like Mazda and Toyota have the same issue.

 

it's unfortunate, but yes.. the paint on the '10s isn't much better than the previous years. i've already got a handful of chips on my stock hood. enough is enough and i sprung for a cf evo/ra hood a while back.

just waiting for the weather to clear up to install.

 

get some nice mud flaps to protect the sides -

and if you're worried about the hood, get the 3M hood tape its about 80$