Have seen and heard the same complaint from others (including one who logged it with NHTSA): within days of beginning to drive the Miata, the paint began to chip and scratch from completely insignificant contact. After 6 months, the car looked like I'd been driving behind a gravel truck every day. The kicker was when we had a good snow storm on a day when our garage was full of stuff as we were renovating two bathrooms, so snow settled on the hood; when I left for work, once the car heated up the snow slid off the roof - and left long scratches all over the hood. SNOW - not ice, no debris, and the car was clean before the snow fell.

Best advice I've been able to locate online if you're buying a Mazda: purchase an after-market gelcoat and have it professionally applied. For me, it's too late; I wish the dealer had suggested it when I purchased it.

I've mentioned it to several dealers' service managers who basically say "tough luck". I haven't had it repainted yet as the quote was $3K - the body shop said they'd basically have to sand down every chip (about 100) in order to have a smooth finish.