Ok, my 96 Ram had the clear coat coming off after about 12 years and looked like crap. I had a talk with the a dealer and was told that in the mid to late 90's Dodge and many other mfg used water based paint/clear coat due to EPA regulations hence the f/u paint after years. Now, apparently Dodge went back using "real" paint in 2000, -however looking at my 2009 Ram window sticker it clearly states "Water based paint. WTF!?! Would that indicated paint problems down the road?

 

My window sticker states- Exterior Color: Stone White Clear Coat Exterior Paint. No mention of water based.

 

39LA Less Power Convenience Group Credit 4AK Schedule D To C Tracking
4EA Sold Vehicle 4H4 Special Scheduling Condition VII 4KZP 4X4 Tracking
42DP ST. LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT NORTH 5AJ St.Louis North Tracking 5A6P Waterbase Paint

 

All new vehicles are painted with water based basecoat... And most if not all body shops have converted over to water based systems. Water based paint has come a long way in the last few years, apparently they are able to produce much more accurate paint matches.