Ok, so i just picked up my new G on Sat. The dealership is really pushing paint protection on my car saying that since it's black, I'm going to need it. The cost is about $1100-$1200. Is this really something I'll need and is that what I should expect to pay? Does anyone know?

 

Its dealer BS. Pass on it and wax your car yourself.

 

We preach that here everyday. DON'T GET THOSE USELESS "PACKAGES" FROM THE DEALER. They are for suckers; don't be one.

 

i'm curious about this also. is it something to consider from a custom paint shop, or is the whole "paint protection" just b.s.?

 

What do they mean by "paint protection"? When I purchased my Z, the dealer put on what they called their "paint protection kit". It's a 3M clear bra which covers the ft bumper, hood, fenders, & side mirrors. It was around the same price you listed. Well worth it in my opinion.

 

Well they said it's some sort of hard coat so that you 1) never have to wax it again and 2) since it's a black car I NEED to get it to protect my paint job.

Who knows, i'm a girl, I relate to it like a top coat on my nail polish

 

ok, stupid question...so you don't think it makes a difference because it's a black car? Somehow ppl have me convinced that black cars are just super high maintenance, like I can't even touch the paint job or something and it'll SCRATCH. anyways, just trying to do the right thing....last thing I want is to mess up my new car.

 

I wouldn't do it. Most of the time, the dealer's paint protection is the existing clear coat the car already comes with. If I were you, I would purchase a clear bra for the car, just ask around, I am sure you can find an installer for a decent price. As far as protecting the paint yourself, as long as you keep your car clean, you should be fine. I would get some spray detailer like Meguirs Ultimate detailer for in between car washes. Very nice, especially when a bird decides to use your car as a target, you can just spray directly on and clean it right off. Just make sure to wash you car and if you can wax it at least once a month. You will be fine. I have the exact opposite color, white. And I can see everything.

 

I would go with a clear bra versus the dealer's "hard coat". Just doesn't sound right. My Z is also magnetic black and it is very hard to keep clean because everything is noticable, even finger prints. But for paint protection your best bet would be to regularly wash/polish/wax yur vehicle. For protection from rocks/chips in yur paint, the clear bra is the best. It has saved me numerous times from scratches and chips in my ft bumper and hood.

 

Yes, black cars are high maintenance, as are all dark cars since the clearcoat covering every car's paint develops "swirls" or tiny, shallow scratches in it over time due to incorrect washing technique, wind/dust action against the surface while the car is in motion, etc. On dark paints under a strong light (the sun), those swirls just show a lot more easily than on say, a white car. You can NEVER eliminate or proactively "prevent" that from happening. I am a detailer and even my Z stays swirl-free only for so long before I need to break out the polish again.

So buying a "protection package" will do absolutely nothing other than causing a dent in your pocket. Sooner or later, your black car will swirl and it will show. You should get a pro detailer to polish it for you (don't take it to the dealer even then; their detailers are usually a bunch of hacks) or visit online tutorials on how to do so yourself. Prevention itself goes a long way, so learn proper washing and wiping technique and you will keep it swirl-free longer. Eventually of course, swirls will return.

The only true "paint protection package" is called a car cover.

 

Thanks guys, that really helps!!

 

yeah, i just purchased a black 08 Z.
I currently own a silver STi as well, and previously a black WRX.

Black is an awesome color, its just a pain to keep clean and keep up on.

As far as the "paint protection" from the dealer, as many others already stated- its a crock.

I'll even go as to far as the 3m and clear bra's out there have major downsides as well. Even this day many turn a "yellow" color over time, and many get very grimy/dirty/sticky around the edges and look horrible. Not too mention even professional jobs have been known to get air bubbles.
Its not the installers fault, its just how it is with this stuff. Most installers no matter how good they are won't/can't guarantee the product.

That being said, the only way to keep up is doing it yourself(time consuming, if your like me though- its well worth it). Or keeping up on all the minor stuff(keeping dirt/salt/etc. off the car) and having a professional in your area detail it quarterly or evey 6 months(whatever you feel you need).

In the end- if the car is your daily driver, its a losing battle. Your gonna pick up the battle scars of everyday driving. The best you can do is stay on top of things. Keep wax on it, claybar every 4 months, and rewax, polish, keep up on it....etc....etc....etc....good luck...

 

work at a dealer it really depends on the company that does the work and 1200 is way to expensive, we charge between 400-600 for it and cost is about 200.

we currently work with a company that whenever the owner of the car purchases it they spray a thin mist all over the paint that gives it a nice shine to it, lasts about 8 months, then they only charge the customer $50 to do it again for the life of the car, and if you somehow manage to chip the paint they will repair it for $50 and do another spray.


Ask the dealer what it includes and how it works, every dealer is different but don't pay over $400 or so for it.

 

Total scam Marsha. Just keep your car cleaned regularly and use good quality polishes and carnuba waxes (Meguiar's, Mother's, Zaino Brothers), any of those 3 brands are great. I'm not a big fan of "sealers" or "teflon" products. I detail my own cars and definently prefer carnuba wax over "teflon" or "sealer" waxes.

Using a clay bar on the car periodically will also do wonders in helping to keep your car clean and the paint smooth and slick.

 

Dont they sell those clear bras in ebay for like very cheap........ probably the dealer charges you 100 times what it will cost you on the web.........

Plus they look ugly!!!

 

the only aftermarket product the dealer sells you that is actually worth it is tire and wheel protection. 180 bucks to replace any damaged wheels or tires for up to 3 yrs 36k miles.

 

While working at a dealership, when they brought cars up to the showroom floor, they sprayed a oily substance on the paint to make it glisten under the lights. After being at the place for a while, I learned that it was simply a goo-remover that was actually bad for your car's paint, but produced a killer shine that actually lasted quite a while.

The "Paint Protectant" was a cheap-azz knock off wax, and they didn't even put it on your car At delivery, the workers in the back would simply use the spray I mentioned above.


So bottom line: Paint Protectant is a scam, DO NOT PURCHASE, EVER. Under coating and VIN etched windows and pin striping and "appearance package" are also scams.

Clear bra is good to go.