My husband is about to schedule this for his new car w/o knowing anything about it. I couldn't find anything under 'paint protection' on the search engine here.

Are these dealer services valuable? And can we still put a clear bra on over any paint protection coat that's put on the vehicle?

 

I just bought my 2003 Sedan in April, only 1,949 miles though ..I dont remember being offered this? Would this only be for new cars

 

I have two separate answers to your question,

YES - to getting all this stuff done, if you plan to keep the car long term. If it's a lease or you only keep it 5 years then I wouldn't bother.

NO - Don't get it done at the dealer, they will charge you at least double what this stuff is worth.

You can probably get this all done at one place too, like Ziebart or something.

 

I think the dealer has a package for all 3 services (paint protection/rust proof/leather protection) for about 500-600. I haven't looked into Ziebart.

 

Do NOT pay the dealer to do it. I know b/c I just bought an 05 sedan 3 weeks ago. Once you take delivery get a clear bra within the first week. If you wait too long you will have chips on the front bumper and it will not look good. I had a 3M clear bra installed on my entire fron bumper, part of the hood and fenders behind the lights, and the back of the mirrors for $500.

Once applied, purchase some Zaino product from www.zainostore.com or I can get my local dealers number for you. He is VERY knowledgable and can recommend the steps to take to get it beteert than the dealer for less than $100 in products.

This is just my opinion b/c I just did all of this. Now the cars finish is flawless and protected.

 

Well, that's good advice about getting it done the first week on the 3M, but the guys who do that here, only shop I'll use, are 3 weeks out, this is the busy season for window tinters here, I have another week to wait on mine, the dealer was nice enough to help me get bumped up a week, I already have one small chip, I'm totally avoiding the freeway for another week since that is where this one came from!

 

One way to limit rock chips is to leave PLENTY of distance between you and the car in front of you. That worked for me for 2 weeks before I got mine applied.

Can you drive an hour or so to another certified installer?

 

I do leave room, this happened when a dump truck passed me as I was slowing down for an exit, it fell off the bed of the truck. I already have this set up and I trust this shop! The dealer was able to get him to move it up just by calling him, they send them a lot of business, I'm still paying his price, not the dealers. The next closest certified installer is like 250 miles, IMO driving any distance on the highway without it, would just be tempting fate all it would take out here would be one good dust devil!

 

NOOOOOO, it's a rip off. This is where the dealer makes all the money. Also, cars built today do not need to be rustproofed, they are galvanized and rust proofed at the mfr.

 

I had all of it done except the rust proofing. It was not offered. However, my reason for doing it are a bit different. Do you have young children? Do you carry drunks? Does your husband have the habit of putting screwdrivers in his back pocket and jumping in the seat? I got it for the insurance. It covers ALL stains, color change, tears, and punctures smaller than 1/4". I just got the lower back seat cover replaced because two stitches came undone. The cost of the cover was $890. JUST FOR THE LOWER BACK SEAT COVER!

Most offer it for less than $300 so, if you meet these criteria, go for it.

 

Are you guys F'n around or what? I haven't heard of a dealer pushing "Rust and Dust" in about 15...no....maybe 20 years. But, what would I know?.... I only managed highline dealerships for about twenty five years or so (as most of you have heard a thousand time over). The fact that there are still dealers out there selling this crap only shows that profit margins from normal mark ups must really suck....lol. The only thing more amazing to me is that there are people out there still gullible enough to buy the stuff. .....a new generation I guess. HooHaa.......Don't forget the magic "X-Ray Glasses" and "Sea Monkeys" too!!! Give me a break

 

Bet you have a great collection of comic books. How bout Charles Atlas! You'er showing your age.

 

I "show" my age in my profile.... I've been around....seen a lot. But I DO know wussuppy and bullshyt still stinks after twenty years. I just like giv'n the 411 on what I know and try'n to help those on the outtaside get the clue. No sand kick'n .. lol. Talk at ya, JBX

 

rip off - don't do it

 

I'm with you on this one, I haven't seen any of the rust proofing in years, the only thing they tried to push on me was the wheel and tire warranty, and they didn't even push too hard on that! I know the Ford dealers around here are big on little gimmicky stuff, like the "TheftShield" window etching.