You know what I mean... those cheap-looking patch/cover things down low between the rear door and rear fenderwell. Kinda looks like someone stuck duct tape over the body and painted it to match.

At least I hope I'm not the only one with them?

 

They're there to protect from rocks/stones chipping the paint.

rx8cited

 

and they work. I recommend leaving them on.

 

Really? They come off?

I feared it was some sort of last-second production snafu... an "oh crap, we forgot to hide those screws... lets just stick some patches over em!" kinda thing.

So they're there to get damaged *instead* of the body, and can be easily (easier) replaced if need be?

 

Yep!

 

They protect the paint from chipping. A number of cars are using them now. I wouldn't try to remove them. They work.

 

They're clear thick vinyl/plastic/acrylic/rubber adhesive pieces that can be removed (slowly and carefully). I removed mine after the road debris and mud started collecting around the edges to the point they were overly visible. I didn't want to have to get in there with a pick and risk scratching the paint every time I washed my car.

 

What you off-road or something?

 

Oh, they're CLEAR? Ah, OK, that makes more sense... kinda like the "clear bra" thingie, huh?

That's fine, I don't mind leaving them on then... though I hate the way wax collects around the edges. Very visible on a black car

Those Mazda kids... they really did think of everything, lol...