TuscaniLuv

To start off I'm in the market for an 06'-08' IS350. I'm quite familiar with the 2nd generation IS as my fiance has a Pearl 06' IS250 AWD. She's had the car for almost 3 years now and she loves it. My first question is in regards to the Smoky Granite Mica finish. I'm coming from a black 05' M3 and it looked great when clean. However, as anyone with a darker colored vehicle will know, it's the biggest PITA to keep clean. This doesn't even include the swirl marks that blatlantly show. What I'm wondering is if the Smoky Granite shows dust/dirt/swirls like they would on a black car. Does it require frequent rinsing like my M did? Any input would be great as I have vowed to never own a dark finish vehicle again due to the above issues. Thank you.

ernestfyu

iTrader: (6)

other than tugsen pearl (silver) SGM is probably the easiest color to keep clean. dust and dirt blend pretty well with the paint, not to say you should leave it unwashed too long.

TuscaniLuv

I'm a weekly rinse/dry guy. I live in ATL and we get minimal rain here (typically), this year isn't typical so full washes aren't always necessary. Although I give each of our cars a wax about every 3 months. Is that considered OCD?!?!

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

a weekly rinse/dry?! yea thats pretty OCD haha. If your doing it that often, then SGM will be very easy for you.

A_Grasso

iTrader: (13)

I usually wash mine about once a week but i'm **** about it being clean haha. It also looks great after a nice wash and wax

Cali2is

Mine requires daily detailing! Love the color though.

Wunko

I agree. SGM hides the dirt well. I do see some swirl marks though in direct sunlight but it doesn't seem as bad as black. The metallic glitter/shine helps.

ISlow350

iTrader: (1)

i have 06 is350 SGM and man it is really easy to notice all the small scratches and oil prints from opening and closing the door. no doubt it is one sexy color but it is kinda hard to keep it look clean. i just gave my car a 12 hours detailing and man it is one pretty thang now =]

RickJames1

Yup jus detailed my car today too and it looks sexy. Even when dirty i think its still a nice looking color.

Micaiah

I will never buy a black car again for the reasons you stated. But I will buy another SGM.

TREE

I have always had white or silver cars prior to my 2008 SGM IS 350. This color definitely shows dust and dirt more in my opinion but it is not tough to keep clean overall. I do notice swirl marks more than the light colored cars but only in the right light conditions. I love the color and would get the same color again.

iRock

iTrader: (12)

Same as everyone else... looks good dirty but the swirls marks show.... not as much as black though

IStnr

came from a carbon black M3 myself (nighthawk black pearl RSX before that...and have an all black CBR)...

SGM defeintiely hides the dirts and minor surface imperfections much better than your typical blacks, IMO (one of the reasons i don't have a black 350!)...or maybe i was just more **** with the other vehicles, haha. seriously though- swirl marks are only really visible in the fluorescent lighting or the right glare of sunlight with my SGM.

ddhleigh

I get lazy and wash mine every 2-3 weeks. Heck sometimes I just don't have time and leave it for the month. It's not that bad when dirty.

Thanks to this thread, I finally figured out what SGM means hahaha. I thought it was some type of mod or body kit everytime someone referred to it in another thread.

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

I agree, only TP/silver does a better job at hiding imperfections.