Would you buy an unpainted car?

[ViPER1313]

So why hasn't a manufacturer run with the idea?

Because people don't want plastic cars - they want the feeling of safety that metal brings to a car. While production costs would be lowered and maintenance levels would decrease, I doubt people would want to drive a car that would shatter into 1000 pieces when hit by a 3 ton Excursion. Today's trend is bigger=better, and comfort/safety sell the majority of cars. Making cars out of plastic also results in more noise and vibration inside the cabin - a "buzzing" sensation most customers don't like. Take a look at Saturn and all the flak they catch for making "toy" cars.

Now make a car out of unpainted carbon fiber and I might take a look hock: .

Edit - One more reason - shiny, unpainted plastic tends to fade in the sun over the years - look at the rear pillars on Chris' Del-Sol .