Japanese cars are often praised for reliability, but their resistance to rust is not their strongest suit. This view comes from Alexei Marland, a veteran coachbuilder who runs a station workshop known as Viaduct.
Marland notes that Japanese cars tend to have weaker paintwork compared with many foreign brands that are popular in North America. When metal is left unprotected, rust can begin to form more quickly, especially in harsher climates where road salt is common in winter months.
According to his observations, the paint quality on many Japanese models leaves room for improvement, with issues such as unpainted wing tips and doors appearing on some vehicles. While Toyota used to be known for durable paint, Marland suggests that the situation has shifted in recent years and may not be as reliable as it once was.
In contrast, Marland highlights German premium automakers as having some of the thickest and most durable paint finishes in the market. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are frequently noted for protective coatings and enduring gloss that stand up well to Canadian winters and urban environments in the United States.
Overall, the expert emphasizes that paint integrity matters just as much as mechanical reliability when choosing a vehicle in North America. A strong, well-applied coat can extend the life of a car and reduce maintenance costs over time, particularly for buyers facing snow, ice, and salt exposure across many Canadian and American regions.