Mazda MP3 Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Mazda kept things incredibly exclusive for the 2001 MP3, focusing its identity on just one standout shade: Starry Blue Mica. While you might hear enthusiasts call it "Laser Blue," the official records stick to that celestial name. It's a vibrant, high-energy color that perfectly matches the car's early-2000s tuner personality-they really went for it with this one.
What to Watch For
Mazda paint from this era is famously "thin," which is just a polite way of saying it's prone to showing its age. If your MP3 has lived outdoors, keep an eye on the roof and that iconic rear spoiler, as the sun tends to dull the finish there over time. You'll also likely find a collection of "road rash" chips on the hood. To make sure you've got the right match, you can find your paint code (look for 24A) on the sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb.
Driveway Repair Tip
Since Starry Blue is a "Mica" finish, it's packed with tiny flakes that give it that deep, metallic glow. Before you touch the car, shake your paint bottle for at least two full minutes-it requires patience to get those heavy sparkles off the bottom of the bottle and into the mix. When applying, think of yourself as a surgeon: use tiny, thin dabs rather than one big glob. If the chip is deep, let the first layer dry for 20 minutes before adding another. This helps the metallic flakes lay flat and look like they belong there.
