PPF Quote

ElleD

Well-Known Member
First Name
Elle
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Threads
3
Messages
51
Reaction score
46
Location
South Florida
Vehicles
2022 MME Premium SR RWD; 2010 Subaru Outback
Country flag
Hello all, I’d appreciate thoughts on the below quote, which includes prep for PPFing.

My poor 2010 Outback never got a wash and seems to like it that way, still looks new and shiny. So this car washing and beyond stuff is new to me. I do want to take proper care of Darksaber, though. To that end, I have gotten supplies for the three bucket method (and watched SO many Pan the Organizer and other YouTube videos). Still on the fence about PPF, especially as I got some Collinite and am actually looking forward to that process. Which might be short lived. I know me.

Anyway, to the quote:

Paint Protection Film (High Impact)
$2,500.00

Ironclad Paint Protection & Coatings HIGH-IMPACT using XPEL ULTIMATE FUSION Film includes the following: Area of coverage: - Full Hood - Full Fenders - Bumper - Rocker Panels - Mirror Caps - Headlights - Fog Lights - A-Pillars - 1/3 Roof - Front Rear Wheel Impact Area - Rear Wheel Impact Area Vehicle Prep: - Removal of necessary body trim & panels (if applicable) - Foam Bath Pre-Soak - Gentle Hand Wash - De-Ionized Water Rinse - Clay Bar Treatment - Paint Iron Remover Exfoliation - Digital Paint Inspection - Trim Masking - Paint Sanitation Application Procedures: - Plotter Cut edges - Wrapped and Tucked Edges (where applicable) Finishing Touches: - Reassembly of body trim & panels (if applicable) - Ironclad Quick Interior Detail - No Sling Tire Dressing Note: The XPEL ULTIMATE FUSION Film comes with a 10 Year Manufacturer Warranty on film defects, yellowing, and other manufacturing defects within the film. IRONCLAD offers an installer warranty for edges lifting, up to 2 specs per panel, and other small issues caused during installation. These warranties may be voided if not maintained with proper care, including but not limited to vehicle wash frequencies, using drive-thru car washes, incorrect detail products, etc. Please consult with your paint protection specialist or certified IDA detailers with any questions during or after your service.
Sponsored

 

Kevin C

Well-Known Member
First Name
Kevin
Joined
Apr 23, 2021
Threads
2
Messages
83
Reaction score
183
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
Vehicles
Mustang Mach-e Infinite Blue ER AWD
Country flag
I agree that's a fair price depending on the area. I'm in Fort Worth and it was $2250 about a year ago. I have been really pleased with the XPEL PPF.
 

SWO

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2021
Threads
19
Messages
2,074
Reaction score
2,557
Location
MD, USA
Vehicles
2022 Mach E GT, 2021 Escape PHEV, 2019 F-150
Country flag
That seems in the ballpark. I'm very happy with Xpel and will specify it for all my future vehicles.

Ask them to do the B-pillar piano black while they are at it. It scratches easily.
 


MyLittlePony2022

Well-Known Member
First Name
William
Joined
Jul 17, 2021
Threads
34
Messages
753
Reaction score
736
Location
SF Bay Area, California
Vehicles
2022 "Mach-E Auto" GTPE, Cyber Orange
Country flag
The prices seems a fair comparision but it does depend upon the area and market. I did the full front end, all the pillars (A, B, C), the rocker panels (the black part and partial up the door/fenders), inside the door sils, the door edges and on the top part of the back bumper. I also added in ceramic coating with a 10 year warranty. All that was $5K. I think the ceramic is well worth it since I do not wash my car now, just use spray wipe. Also, do not need to detail it either. Ceramic is a controverisal topic on this forum.

My advice to you on the installer, do the research on them. Look at their on-line reviews, talk to someone else that has had the work done (how did it hold up over time) and talk with them. If you do not feel like they are going to provide you great service before they install the PPF, then they probably are not going to help when the edges peel up and you have issues with the quality.
 

SuperRob

Well-Known Member
First Name
Rob
Joined
Nov 6, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
240
Reaction score
434
Location
Mill Creek, WA
Vehicles
2022 Space White Premium Ext AWD
Country flag
In my opinion (don't jump down my throat, people) ...

PPF is going to protect your paint from minor rock chips. But here's the thing, for a bigger rock hit ... it's still going to look like you have a rock chip! So let's assume you get a chip. Now you have a decision to make ... do you spend even MORE money to replace that section of PPF, or do you live with the marred film?

And if you're just going to live with the marred film, what was the point of doing it in the first place? You're protecting the paint ... for who? You, or the next owner?

PPF does the job it's intended to do. But I think people highly overvalue what it does and who benefits. If the idea is to protect the resale value (you're paying to protect the paint for the next guy) ... I've never seen a used car get money knocked off for having worse paint than another unless something is seriously wrong. Deterioration in the paint is pretty much already factored into the used car price.

But let's assume that's not the case. You spend a couple grand to PPF (part of) the car. You inflate the price of the car by that price, and someone who values that highly buys at that price. You net ... nothing. If you PPF the entire car (which can run into five figures), good luck trying to get that back on resale. All you did is limit the market you're selling the car to, and potentially cause more work for yourself to find that buyer.

TL;DR - PPF is extremely overvalued. It works, so I wouldn't say it's snake oil, but it's not far off.

Edit: Corrected a couple typos, clarified the first point (thanks, breeves002).
 
Last edited:

breeves002

Well-Known Member
First Name
Sam
Joined
Feb 21, 2021
Threads
90
Messages
1,731
Reaction score
3,548
Location
St. Louis, MO
Vehicles
2021 Mach-E GT PE
Country flag
In my opinion (don't jump down my throat, people) ...

PPF is going to protect your paint from minor rock chips. But here's the thing ... it's still going to look like you have a rock chip! So let's assume you get a chip. Now you have a decision to make ... do you spend even MORE money to replace that section of PPF, or do you live with the marred film?

And if you're just going to live with the marred film, what was the point of doing it in the first place? You're protecting the paint ... for who? You, or the next owner?

PPF does the job it's intended to do. But I think people highly overvalue what it does and who benefits. If the idea is to protect the resale value (you're paying to protect the paint for the next guy) ... I've never seen a used car get money knocked off for having worse paint than another unless something is seriously wrong. Deterioration in the paint is pretty much already factored into the used car price.

But let's assume that's not the case. You spend a couple grand to PPF (part of) the car. You inflate the price of the car by that price, and someone who values that highly buys at that price. You net ... nothing. If you PPF the entire car (which can run into five figures), good luck trying to get that back on resale. All you did is limit the market you're selling the car to, and potentially cause more for for yourself to find that buyer.

TL;DR - PPF is extremely overvalued. It works, so I wouldn't say it's snake oil, but it's not far off.
Odd I disagree. Having PPF on my GT for 14k miles there are not spots where it has been permanently damaged. Of course it can happen with a big enough rock but I find it takes small hits really well and keeps the paint looking great.
 
OP
OP
ElleD

ElleD

Well-Known Member
First Name
Elle
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Threads
3
Messages
51
Reaction score
46
Location
South Florida
Vehicles
2022 MME Premium SR RWD; 2010 Subaru Outback
Country flag
In my opinion (don't jump down my throat, people) ...

PPF is going to protect your paint from minor rock chips. But here's the thing ... it's still going to look like you have a rock chip! So let's assume you get a chip. Now you have a decision to make ... do you spend even MORE money to replace that section of PPF, or do you live with the marred film?

And if you're just going to live with the marred film, what was the point of doing it in the first place? You're protecting the paint ... for who? You, or the next owner?

PPF does the job it's intended to do. But I think people highly overvalue what it does and who benefits. If the idea is to protect the resale value (you're paying to protect the paint for the next guy) ... I've never seen a used car get money knocked off for having worse paint than another unless something is seriously wrong. Deterioration in the paint is pretty much already factored into the used car price.

But let's assume that's not the case. You spend a couple grand to PPF (part of) the car. You inflate the price of the car by that price, and someone who values that highly buys at that price. You net ... nothing. If you PPF the entire car (which can run into five figures), good luck trying to get that back on resale. All you did is limit the market you're selling the car to, and potentially cause more for for yourself to find that buyer.

TL;DR - PPF is extremely overvalued. It works, so I wouldn't say it's snake oil, but it's not far off.
I do appreciate this view on PPF. In fact, I have been looking forward to doing the whole car care routine, including the waxing part. Not sure how long that will last, hopefully I’ll find it more appealing than vacuuming.

I think that for now I’ll use the products that I’ve already ordered, and consider PPF and/or ceramic coating down the line.

Thanks again,
Elle
 

SuperRob

Well-Known Member
First Name
Rob
Joined
Nov 6, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
240
Reaction score
434
Location
Mill Creek, WA
Vehicles
2022 Space White Premium Ext AWD
Country flag
Odd I disagree. Having PPF on my GT for 14k miles there are not spots where it has been permanently damaged. Of course it can happen with a big enough rock but I find it takes small hits really well and keeps the paint looking great.
Fair enough, but the rest of my point remains. Who are you protecting the paint for, and why? I think most people would tell you they're trying to 'protect the resale value,' but you're really just paying up front in the hope to recoup that money down the road.
 

SuperRob

Well-Known Member
First Name
Rob
Joined
Nov 6, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
240
Reaction score
434
Location
Mill Creek, WA
Vehicles
2022 Space White Premium Ext AWD
Country flag
I do appreciate this view on PPF. In fact, I have been looking forward to doing the whole car care routine, including the waxing part. Not sure how long that will last, hopefully I’ll find it more appealing than vacuuming.

I think that for now I’ll use the products that I’ve already ordered, and consider PPF and/or ceramic coating down the line.

Thanks again,
Elle
No problem, Elle! I know a lot of people do it, and I think it's just important to go into it open-minded, particularly at that cost. Nothing wrong with doing it, so long as you're doing it to keep the paint looking nice for yourself. ;)

Now something like a ceramic coat, which has clear benefits and a far lower entry cost, make far more sense. Totally different value prop (ceramic makes it easier to clean and maintain the paint), but I know a lot of people consider both. I just don't think PPF makes as much sense as people want it to.
 

breeves002

Well-Known Member
First Name
Sam
Joined
Feb 21, 2021
Threads
90
Messages
1,731
Reaction score
3,548
Location
St. Louis, MO
Vehicles
2021 Mach-E GT PE
Country flag
Fair enough, but the rest of my point remains. Who are you protecting the paint for, and why? I think most people would tell you they're trying to 'protect the resale value,' but you're really just paying up front in the hope to recoup that money down the road.
I do it for myself. I can't stand looking at my cars with rock chips. For me it is worth the money. I also find modern PPF doesn't swirl bad so you can wash it without caring as much as normal paint. I just like to take care of my expensive vehicles and keep them looking as new as possible. I understand I'm not going to get the money back out of it.
 
OP
OP
ElleD

ElleD

Well-Known Member
First Name
Elle
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Threads
3
Messages
51
Reaction score
46
Location
South Florida
Vehicles
2022 MME Premium SR RWD; 2010 Subaru Outback
Country flag
I do it for myself. I can't stand looking at my cars with rock chips. For me it is worth the money. I also find modern PPF doesn't swirl bad so you can wash it without caring as much as normal paint. I just like to take care of my expensive vehicles and keep them looking as new as possible. I understand I'm not going to get the money back out of it.
This would be my reasons also. I tend to keep my cars for 10+ years. If my Outback wasn’t giving me problems at 123k miles, it would still be my daily (and only) driver. I didn’t feel the same attachment to my Outback, as I do with Darksaber. So definitely this is an emotional issue for me. That first paint chip! Nooooooo.
 

breeves002

Well-Known Member
First Name
Sam
Joined
Feb 21, 2021
Threads
90
Messages
1,731
Reaction score
3,548
Location
St. Louis, MO
Vehicles
2021 Mach-E GT PE
Country flag
This would be my reasons also. I tend to keep my cars for 10+ years. If my Outback wasn’t giving me problems at 123k miles, it would still be my daily (and only) driver. I didn’t feel the same attachment to my Outback, as I do with Darksaber. So definitely this is an emotional issue for me. That first paint chip! Nooooooo.
I don't keep cars 10+ years but I get so annoyed even by 1 paint chip. I get it cars get driven and damaged I just like to do my best to keep them nice.
Sponsored

 
 




Top