What Color? Why?

[WhipE350]

I've got a black benz and the previous two before that were black so I'm an expert at keeping them beautiful...they are a lot of work but look amazing when taken care of. My 2000 'S' is Red and it is a wonderful color for buffing out and bringing back to new, the previous owner couldn't believe it. I got red because it was the car I wanted at the right price and I didn't see many red 2000 'S' ones when I was looking. I thought it was something different and a classic sports car color.

I think a black boxster needs to be keep perfect to look nice. Easy if I buy a new one but a ten year old car...the odds of finding that were slim...especially since microfiber wasn't being used back then.

The color I initially wanted after seeing was this gray color below...it looks beautiful, hides most imperfections, and I think makes the car look a little larger.

[Pat]

Dark green.
We found a car in great shape with great options at a great price. It happened to be dark green.
Color is not high on my list of priorities.

[Gforrest2]

I haven't had that many cars, but they've all been different colors. Most of the time, the color has not been a deal breaker for me. And when you're on a limited budget, you pretty much have to take what's affordable. I don't think I've ever said, I want a red Porsche or a yellow Mustang, or etc, etc. Of the half dozen or so new cars I've purchased, I don't think I went in with a particular color in mind. I just bought a used truck last month. It's white. I would have preferred silver or gray, but the price was right so I got it. One of these days, I would like to just go out and buy what I want, not settle for what I can afford.

Oh, and my Boxster is Arctic Silver, but would have been happy with black and probably could have lived with red.

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by WhipE350

I've got a black benz and the previous two before that were black so I'm an expert at keeping them beautiful...they are a lot of work but look amazing when taken care of. My 2000 'S' is Red and it is a wonderful color for buffing out and bringing back to new, the previous owner couldn't believe it. I got red because it was the car I wanted at the right price and I didn't see many red 2000 'S' ones when I was looking. I thought it was something different and a classic sports car color.

I think a black boxster needs to be keep perfect to look nice. Easy if I buy a new one but a ten year old car...the odds of finding that were slim...especially since microfiber wasn't being used back then.

The color I initially wanted after seeing was this gray color below...it looks beautiful, hides most imperfections, and I think makes the car look a little larger.

What do I need to know about microfiber black and the quest for perfection?

[renzop]

Speed Yellow - Everyone knows its the fastest color!

[PhilNotHill]

Originally Posted by renzop

Speed Yellow - Everyone knows its the fastest color!

And one of the safest...easy to see.

[C Three PO]

Next one? Won't care as much what it looks like...my first drive in one and I had to "get" it.

The balance, the tip-in point (I just got it and am cracking up at the tendency to want to tip in early)...I just didn't "get" it until I drove it. (Then I got it.)

This is a real "driving machine" to me. Color is less important when it delivers on feel like this (or I am just telling myself that right now).

That said, I really love the silver and the way it looks with a color interior...

But I had a car with a black exterior for about a decade and didn't want a black Boxster...until I saw a 986forum member with a black hardtop! Oh, that looks good!

Now, how I feel about the driving feel/balance combined with the way the cars look on this forum and I don't want to count out any color.

(BTW, the Dangermobile has some really nice wheels...sorry for the OT.)

Now for the "fair and balanced" part of the review...as a previous owner of an Alfa (yes, the 986 feels SO much better) the italians know how to do red. And the Midnight Blue is a real sleeper to me on the Boxster (which is not bad for flying under the radar)...but I would like it with a dunkel brown vs. a light tan interior.

I'm just happy that I'm really digging the orange and on the Boxster now!

Attached is an image of me trying to look nonchalant the day I drove my Arctic Silver (Used) Boxster home.

[chris97boxster]

Dark blue works for me
looks black @ night
not as hard to keep clean as black

As for interior light grey/grey is great
because if u leave the top open. ...
the sun doesn't heat it up as much as a black interior
beige would work well also for interior color(warm)

My 2 cents
Chris

[BYprodriver]

My Boxster S is the funnest car I have ever driven & I used to test drive new cars for a living. The last 3 cars I have owned have been Yellow with black interior & top. Yellow is bright & cheery to me & it seems to invoke a emotional response from everyone that sees it, babys to elderly. Especially guys in big trucks.

[WhipE350]

Originally Posted by jaykay

What do I need to know about microfiber black and the quest for perfection?

Jay, what year is your car? What condition is your paint in? All my black cars started new and I learned along the way. I'm still learning new tricks even now.

- Even Microfiber can cloud or scratch if paint rubbed too hard, especially on bumpers. Never use very much pressure.
- Avoid parking in sun, I'm lucky I can park in garage at home and at work.
- Wash at least once a week even if it doesn't look dirty. Always after a rain.
- Never wash when paint is hot, I like to wash early in morning in shade or at night. Dry with microfiber, I hate shams but some like them.
- Wax often, every other wash if you want, it helps prevent scratching during washing. Or if you want to use a easy spray on and wipe wax you can do it each wash...but it isn't the same as the liquid wax.
- When waxing, wax with a wet foam applicator, keep it very wet (dip in water and ring out), it helps prevent pressure and scratching. Remember there is a trade off to waxing...the bad is you are touching the car, the good is it protects for the next wash so wax gently.
- Wipe the wax off with microfiber gently, if you have wet waxed then you won't have to apply a lot of pressure.
- Avoid even brushless car washes, especially when it is hot, most have drying agents in them and if you don't dry it immediately it will spot the car and it won't come off without a cleaner-wax. There are times I use the free one at the dealership but only when there is a lot of sand and salt on the car and I want to get it off. I often try to then wash it asap the nice thing is the brushless wash will get a lot of crud off that could scratch the car while you are washing it by hand.
- I have switch from microfiber mits to just rags since the mits sometime hold on to stuff that can scratch. I rinse the rag in a separate bucket and I never wash the underside by the doors and fenders until I'm all done, there is too much road spray and sand there and it will get on your rag and could scratch.
- Once car is dry, now you can wash your wheels, or you can do them first but never with the same water.

Note all this works well on a new car that you want to keep looking new for years. My Benz is a daily driver so I can't avoid some wear. Remember even wiping the car once with road grime on it after driving in the rain can scratch and cause cobwebs. Having that constant layer of wax will help protect as you wipe away the dirt. Always pre-rinse well.

If you have an older car...whole other story, I'm only good with a random-orbital it worked very well on my 2000 'S' Red, the trick is to use compounds that break down at lower speeds and heat...I was amazed at how many of the older scratches can be removed.

Here is how the Benz looks after 2 years, and the Box after I worked the paint for over twenty hours:

[PhilNotHill]

Originally Posted by WhipE350

Jay, what year is your car? What condition is your paint in? All my black cars started new and I learned along the way. I'm still learning new tricks even now.

- Even Microfiber can cloud or scratch if paint rubbed too hard, especially on bumpers. Never use very much pressure.
- Avoid parking in sun, I'm lucky I can park in garage at home and at work.
- Wash at least once a week even if it doesn't look dirty. Always after a rain.
- Never wash when paint is hot, I like to wash early in morning in shade or at night. Dry with microfiber, I hate shams but some like them.
- Wax often, every other wash if you want, it helps prevent scratching during washing. Or if you want to use a easy spray on and wipe wax you can do it each wash...but it isn't the same as the liquid wax.
- When waxing, wax with a wet foam applicator, keep it very wet (dip in water and ring out), it helps prevent pressure and scratching. Remember there is a trade off to waxing...the bad is you are touching the car, the good is it protects for the next wash so wax gently.
- Wipe the wax off with microfiber gently, if you have wet waxed then you won't have to apply a lot of pressure.
- Avoid even brushless car washes, especially when it is hot, most have drying agents in them and if you don't dry it immediately it will spot the car and it won't come off without a cleaner-wax. There are times I use the free one at the dealership but only when there is a lot of sand and salt on the car and I want to get it off. I often try to then wash it asap the nice thing is the brushless wash will get a lot of crud off that could scratch the car while you are washing it by hand.
- I have switch from microfiber mits to just rags since the mits sometime hold on to stuff that can scratch. I rinse the rag in a separate bucket and I never wash the underside by the doors and fenders until I'm all done, there is too much road spray and sand there and it will get on your rag and could scratch.
- Once car is dry, now you can wash your wheels, or you can do them first but never with the same water.

Note all this works well on a new car that you want to keep looking new for years. My Benz is a daily driver so I can't avoid some wear. Remember even wiping the car once with road grime on it after driving in the rain can scratch and cause cobwebs. Having that constant layer of wax will help protect as you wipe away the dirt. Always pre-rinse well.

If you have an older car...whole other story, I'm only good with a random-orbital it worked very well on my 2000 'S' Red, the trick is to use compounds that break down at lower speeds and heat...I was amazed at how many of the older scratches can be removed.

Here is how the Benz looks after 2 years, and the Box after I worked the paint for over twenty hours:

Very nice. Your hard work has paid off. You should be proud. I would be. Congrats.

[stephen wilson]

I have a Black '06, and have been struggling with keeping the paint unblemished. I've started using spray wax before drying. I didn't do that once and put 2 long scratches on the hood, luckily they seem to be very light marks. I've been considering blowing the car dry instead of using a micro-fibre. Does anybody use that method?

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

I have a Black '06, and have been struggling with keeping the paint unblemished. I've started using spray wax before drying. I didn't do that once and put 2 long scratches on the hood, luckily they seem to be very light marks. I've been considering blowing the car dry instead of using a micro-fibre. Does anybody use that method?

I get a professional to clean up the paint and apply a paint sealer that takes the place of wax. I might wax over it from time to time.

I find the paint is fragile and prone to chips just about everywhere. I may start waxing to get some layers of protection on there from now on.

[WhipE350]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

I have a Black '06, and have been struggling with keeping the paint unblemished. I've started using spray wax before drying. I didn't do that once and put 2 long scratches on the hood, luckily they seem to be very light marks. I've been considering blowing the car dry instead of using a micro-fibre. Does anybody use that method?

Funny you should ask, the Benz has a lot of water holding areas that like to drip after washing...in fact I use an electric leaf blower to pre-dry it and the brakes...I still use microfiber towels to finish drying though, even if you don't have a great layer of wax and dry gently they should never scratch your car. Terry cloth will scratch, don't use it. I have about 15 large microfiber towels and keep them clean. When you wash them use a clear/free liquid detergent so that you don't leave a film on the car when drying.

[jaykay]

Thanks for this all very good information. Your cars are amazing the work shows. Mine is a 2000 so there are challenges. I will try and get a picture in my signature for all....anybody know how to do this?
.

Originally Posted by WhipE350

Jay, what year is your car? What condition is your paint in? All my black cars started new and I learned along the way. I'm still learning new tricks even now.

- Even Microfiber can cloud or scratch if paint rubbed too hard, especially on bumpers. Never use very much pressure.
- Avoid parking in sun, I'm lucky I can park in garage at home and at work.
- Wash at least once a week even if it doesn't look dirty. Always after a rain.
- Never wash when paint is hot, I like to wash early in morning in shade or at night. Dry with microfiber, I hate shams but some like them.
- Wax often, every other wash if you want, it helps prevent scratching during washing. Or if you want to use a easy spray on and wipe wax you can do it each wash...but it isn't the same as the liquid wax.
- When waxing, wax with a wet foam applicator, keep it very wet (dip in water and ring out), it helps prevent pressure and scratching. Remember there is a trade off to waxing...the bad is you are touching the car, the good is it protects for the next wash so wax gently.
- Wipe the wax off with microfiber gently, if you have wet waxed then you won't have to apply a lot of pressure.
- Avoid even brushless car washes, especially when it is hot, most have drying agents in them and if you don't dry it immediately it will spot the car and it won't come off without a cleaner-wax. There are times I use the free one at the dealership but only when there is a lot of sand and salt on the car and I want to get it off. I often try to then wash it asap the nice thing is the brushless wash will get a lot of crud off that could scratch the car while you are washing it by hand.
- I have switch from microfiber mits to just rags since the mits sometime hold on to stuff that can scratch. I rinse the rag in a separate bucket and I never wash the underside by the doors and fenders until I'm all done, there is too much road spray and sand there and it will get on your rag and could scratch.
- Once car is dry, now you can wash your wheels, or you can do them first but never with the same water.

Note all this works well on a new car that you want to keep looking new for years. My Benz is a daily driver so I can't avoid some wear. Remember even wiping the car once with road grime on it after driving in the rain can scratch and cause cobwebs. Having that constant layer of wax will help protect as you wipe away the dirt. Always pre-rinse well.

If you have an older car...whole other story, I'm only good with a random-orbital it worked very well on my 2000 'S' Red, the trick is to use compounds that break down at lower speeds and heat...I was amazed at how many of the older scratches can be removed.

Here is how the Benz looks after 2 years, and the Box after I worked the paint for over twenty hours:

[husker boxster]

My first brand new car was a red 1989 Probe GT Turbo. I'd owned some very low mileage used cars before that, but this was my first new car. I was so proud. Until every Probe I saw was also red. Kind of hard to stand out in the crowd. At that point I decided to buy cars with different / distinguishable colors.

I may have to spend a little extra to get the less popular color because of the lack of supply, but I'm willing to do it. To me the extra money I spend at purchase time is well worth the years of satisfaction of having a color I like. And I figure if I'm spending big bucks on a car, why not get a color you like?

The three Porsches I've owned were Lapis Blue, and Orange and Carmon Red. Maybe I'm a narcissist, but I like to be a little bit different.

[jaykay]

...okay here is a quick snap

[WhipE350]

Originally Posted by jaykay

...okay here is a quick snap

Jay, your paint from what I can tell in that pictures seems to be well polished. Gotta get you a better camera . Are you pleased with the finish in a low winter sun or in a high bright spring or summer sun?

I remember when I first got my car (it's a 2000 also) the paint was actually in great condition but had a lot of scratches from improper washing and drying. Since I hadn't done a lot of buffing I started with a 2 foam random orbital pads using a gentle compound and then a polish and of course finished with a hand wax. Took me about 12 hours and the car looked awesome. Basically the process had rounded all the edges of the scratches so they weren't obvious without looking at it just right...however my car enthusiast friends notices them. I bit the bullet and went with a medium cut working it long enough to break the beads down. It was so scary, the car turned a cloudy white! I then went to a fine cut, the repeated the other two steps I had done previously...the difference was simply amazing...I got so good at it if there was a tough spot I could come back and do it again.
I have noticed after several washings that I'm starting to see a small amount of cobwebs in the bright high spring sun. I'm now working on mastering getting rid of the cobwebs with polish...I haven't determined yet if now I'm only hiding the cobwebs or actually eliminating them.
Well I've blabbed on long enough...this is how anal perfectionists spend free time. It is nice though at the couple of events I've gone to folks have noticed how nice it looks. I've got a long way to go to get the point I would use a rotary buffer like those show cars...but then I don't want to strip off so much paint that I lose uv protection.