Hi guys,

I'm new here, I just picked up my G coupe a couple of weeks ago. I love it. I just have a question. I couldn't find the answer using the search function so I thought I'd just ask. The dealer is trying to sell me a package that includes rust proofing the car, and undercoat and also some sort of paint protector called permashine. SHould i get these things done or is it just a way for the dealer to make money?

thanks for helping a newbie

 

It's just a way for the dealer to make money.

In fact, double-check the standard rust warranty on your vehicle. Usually, those rust-protection packages void the factory warranty.

The paint-protection is just a glorified polymer-based wax. If you don't want to wax the car yourself, an auto detailer shop will do it for you cheaper than the dealership.

What are they charging for the package? $500? $800? It's probably only about $50 worth of product and an hour or two of labor, which they farm out to some college kid who's making $9/hr to do it. Pure profit for them.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Actually - it is called Perma Plate - its a special company which manufactures a synthetic sealant type product which bonds to your paint, allowing long lasting paint protection. Also, the interior is sprayed with permaplate, protecting the dash and all leather inside. The materials themselves are quite expensive but labor is around 3 hours at most. And by the way, most porters make minimum wage, GMs try and keep expenses as low as possible. Thats the car business for ya.

 

In my humble opinion the "undercoating" is much worse than a gyp; the car is far better off left alone there. Spraying a bunch of gook under the car will not improve corrosion resistance, but it will...put gook all over everything. Imagine youself having to do service on the undercarriage of a gook-encrusted car. This is NOT a smart idea.

Paint and fabric "protection" packages are nothing but snake oil too. Buy some Crystal Guard for the exterior for $50 and some Lexol for the leather, and put it on yourself. You and your wallet will be much happier.

 

Thats right. It's all about money for them, because they take advantage of the fact that people want to protect their cars.