Is it worth getting the plastic film on the 4R by the dealer?

Got an email from the sales person with an update that my ORP should be in by the end of this month. Also got the sales pitch for the film and also stain protectant. Don't want the stain protectant but is the film worthwhile? They want about $1100 to do the hood, bumper, side mirrors, door edges, etc.

 

I’ve got it on mine and it’s already saved me from a couple of scuffs from road rash. I can say that.

 

Negotiate with them. It’s not worth 1100

 

Gonna turn yellow sooner than later as well.

 

I'd want to know what the dealer is applying. You want the better ppf as it will stay clear longer. Also, color of the car matters. Edges of ppf collect dirt. It looks terrible on lighter color cars. You want to wrap as many edges as possible to avoid that.

Personally, I'd rather pay a local detailer/wrap shop to do the work and customize to your needs and wants.

If paint chips bother you, it's worth it. It's kept tons of damage off my M3. I didn't bother on the 4R.

 

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

 

It's silver. The Tacoma I had came with the film and it helped with the scratches under the door handles but it had areas where it was peeling. Wonder if having it in a garage makes a difference in the rate of yellowing?

 

If you buy a quality film, it takes quite a while before it yellows. I've had Xpel Ultimate on 2 cars for over 5 years and there is no fading or yellowing. They are garaged though. But again, the value is really about how particular you are with your cars.

I will say the ppf on my 4R rockers looks like yellow shit. Previous owner applied it.

 

I don’t think it’s gonna turn yellow anytime soon
3 years in Texas sun just fine.

 

The film is a good idea, but I'd at least call around and see what else you could get for the money. It's been several years, but a local detail shop wrapped the hood, front bumper, mirrors, and other high impact areas for a few hundred less than the dealer and used better film.

 

Thanks guys for all the info and advice.

 

I am planning to get Xpel Ultimate plus down at a well regarded serial shop for roughly the same $1,100.

Personally my first time getting this. However I would think I’d rather have a detail shop do it versus a dealer.

I would guess they have more experience and I would guess dealer is not using as good a quality of film. Just my opinion

 

If you keep the car a long time 3 to 4 years) the plastic will get scuffed and dirty and never really get clean. Also the longer it is on the more difficult it is to get off. Had quite a bit on my BMW, including 6" of the leasing edge of the hood. Took a shot from a stone, and while the plastic helped it still broke the paint underneath the plastic and left a tiny dent. I personally would not do it. For me it is easier to touch up and even sand down a section and repair and clear coat if it gets too bad.

And as others have said the dealer is changing a premium. If you decide to do it, find out what material they are using and make sure your fully understand the warranty.

 

I got the 3M precut kit for around $250. It was a PITA to install but I think it was worth it. After 3 years, no paint chips or film yellowing.

The front part of the hood on my 97’ Tacoma was trashed by rock chips with no protection.

 

It turns yellow, catches wax, and sucks to get off. You will be driving an off-road vehicle, let her get the chips. I had it one time on my cobra. I won’t do it again. Just me. Maybe I just had a bad experience

I have just under 15k miles and a good amount of rock chips already. I’m going on 5 months. As long as it is capable, I’m good.

 

@ the guys that do not recommend can you tell me the brand name of the product?

I was looking at Xpel Ultimate Plus (not 3m etal).

I have called various shops in the country and Xpel. I was told that in areas like Florida or Arizona the pounding sun can beat it up after ten years but it can be replaced. They said this is if vehicle is outside (no garage) in sun.

Alternatively if in the Midwest where it’s not as hot, or sunny expect to get a long time especially if I’m garage also.

I was close to pulling the trigger on this. Can you guys comment what brand film you had put on?

If it I was at a Toyota dealer I am guessing they are not Xpel certified installers?

 

I have the factory film on my 2013. Going on 9 years and no yellowing. My headlights have the film too, they are still crystal clear. Yes the edge collects dirt, and is noticeable on the silver hood. But it’s worth it not having rock chips in the paint.

 

The dealer uses Llumar film. I'm kinda leaning away from this. Maybe I'll just get a metal bumper. Do they make lightweight aluminum bumpers?

 

Definitely don't pay the dealer over $1000 to install llumar. The film is midgrade at best and their quality of prep work probably isn't going to be good. Xpel or Suntek are the way to go. Those are the top two industry leading PPF. Xpel is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 10 years. I've had several vehicles done and there is no yellowing with Xpel whatsoever. A full front end over here goes for $2100, so you kind of get what you pay for.

 

i got the doors and handle wells done.. its already peeling up... it was factory installed...

went with a weathertech deflector instead of the hood film...

for decent film look at your local detailers... you could wrap your whole vehicle with better film for cheaper than the few pieces the dealer will install

 

Thanks! Will skip it.

 

According to this article, Suntek and Llumar is the same film. They're both products of Eastman.
Best Paint Protection Film for Cars? XPEL vs 3M vs LLumar vs SunTek (exclusivedetail.com)

Yeah, I'd skip the dealer's offer also. For that price, you're better off finding a shop who specializes in PPF. Look into STEK. They're considered one of the top PPFs.

 

you can’t go wrong with either of the two you mentioned. They’re both great. Idk about warranty on suntek but xpel is 10yrs (I believe). My xpel has been on for 3 years and it looks just as good as it did on day one when I installed it. If you don’t do your entire front end, I strongly recommend at least get the headlights done.

 

I had PPF applied to the entire front clip of the 4R (1st time ever for PPF). This includes the hood, fenders, tops of mirrors, bumper, bumperette (or whatever it's called), painted strip across the grill and headlights. Also did the door cups to prevent finger nail scratches. I recently came off a narrow trail with scratches everywhere except the surfaces with PPF. By a small miracle I think all of the scratches in the clear coat buffed out but it took a lot of work! It made me wish I had PPF'd the entire rig! My last car had too many chips for my liking after 10 years of ownership. Since I'm expecting to keep the 4R 20+ years my hope is that the PPF will help keep it looking sharp longer. So far so good and with a 13 years warranty against yellowing I shouldn't have to worry about it for a long time.

 

I will say it over and over, shop the installer and not the price. Find a reputable and experienced installer over price. They will usually carry quality films and have a wealth of knowledge on PPF.