I have owned lots of cars over the years and, as nice as the color and finish is of the Mirage, it's the most susceptible to chipping of any factory paint that I have seen. Any tiny pebble or large grain of sand seems to leave an impression, chip or small scratch.
I owned lots of Fords years ago and the 80's Mustangs, for example, had extremely durable urethane bumpers with equally tough paint. It took a lot to chip those, my '86 GT had few, if any, nicks at 13+ years old when I sold it. The little Mirage is six months old and I have to touch it up weekly.
So......I googled the issue, and found I am not the only one experiencing this (not Mirage specific, Mitsubishi paint in general):
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c19098_ds479114
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...cer-SOFT-PAINT!
http://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mit...roblems-40438/
I am very particular with my cars, and, as much as I enjoy this car, it may push me to get a Honda Fit after all. As much as I don't want to do it . Just can't stand the idea of making payments on a car that doesn't hold up, even if it's only cosmetic. I don't buy a car very often and wanted to enjoy a nice new chip free paint job for more than six months.
Honda paint does not do this. Neither does Nissan's.
Has anyone else experienced chips on the front ?