Hi i've been lurking here for a few months, but finally pulled trigger and ordered a new X! anyway I have a quick question do you think the simonize5 (is that the correct spelling) system and lo jack are worth getting for the new car? and what price do you guys pay for them?

 

Gnoob,

Unless you are ready to shell out 'mucho bucks' don't buy any of the options such as paint/fabric protectant, lojack, maintenance packages, VIN etched in your glass, etc. from the "Finance Guy". Dealers figure at that point, you are already committed, and while you are signing all the legal documents, they start their sales pitch for all these frivolous and/or overpriced add-ons. The dealers especially love it when customers buy these add-ons since for them it is pretty much pure profit.

With regard to the Maintenance Packages, at the outset this sounds good. But if you break it down, you are essentially giving the dealer an 'interest free' loan over a period of 3-5 years. Its better to pay for maintenance as you go, and that way you have the option of going to an independent garage, if you so choose.

If you want Lojack, get it installed by a reputable aftermarket installer (the dealers send your car to these guys anyway), that specializes in aftermarket sound systems, and alarms. That way you will know exactly what you are getting for your money, and will get a more reasonable price.

As for the Simoniz, get yourself a can of a really good paste wax (Macguiers, Turtle Wax, or one of the specialty waxes form online vendors like Autosportcatalog.com.) Apply it twice per year, and your car will look beautiful. This will provide more than enough protection from the elements (I wouldn't apply any wax for at least 3-months after you get the car).

Good luck with your new G35.

 

CONGRATS Gnoob!
Agreed - I didn't opt for the lo-jack, but if I had, I'd get it after I bought the car. Better deals to be had $$$!
Also wax it yourself... it looks better and I really doubt that the Simoniz 5 protectant lasts 5 years...

 

My local Subaru club organized a demonstration with the Lo-Jack distributor. Some guys "stole" an STi and drove it to a house about 45 minutes away from the meeting place. Car was stored inside a garage. After the Lo-Jack was activated the car was located within 20 minutes. I was so impressed with the demo that when my wife bought her RDX we told the dealer to install it. The main reason we got it was beacuse i have a 2 year old boy and if some one takes the car with the boy inside I want to findthe car fast.

William

 

thanks for answering my questions. very helpful! Now i'll drop all these add-ons and go as i need them. I will probably have lo-jack installed after market though.

 

Hey Gnoob - c'mon back with photos! OK?!