Paint Protective Film (PPF) - Worth it?

Thinking about putting on some PPF. Anybody done this? Does it seem to actually help prevent dings and chips?

 

If you take it to an authorized dealer that offers high end PPF and doesn't use a machine for cuts out then it's absolutely worth it. Of course you will have people on here that say you can do it for a few hundred dollars but is some of the poorest quality PPF and done DIY.

There are plenty of articles and videos that prove it works. This was the first thing I had done to help prevent rock chips and protect the paint. I would highly recommend doing a paint correction before you put any PPF on otherwise any paint imperfections will show.

 

I always XPEL PPF my cars full front and it’s worth every penny. It has paid for itself from saving my paint from many things. And, zero rock chips. Front end always in showroom condition.

 

Some of the best on the market!! Xpel is very strict on who they choose for an authorized installer and must go through extensive training. I too have Xpel and wouldn't change a thing.

 

I’m getting PPF added to the front end of my 2024 4Runner TRD Offroad right now. It’s expensive but it gives me peace of mind.

 

I like it...

I picked up my 911S, silver bullet, and drove it right the the XPEL dealer for tint, full XPEL PPF, and ceramic coating...
three years later, no rock chips and I can still wash it, then just blow it dry with a leaf blower.

The 4Runner had about 60 miles on it when I took it in,
4Runner I got the mirrors, front fenders, hood, and bumper done...no ceramic coating on Stump Jumper.
The XPEL PPF was $2400, he did say he charges more for non brand new cars because the paint must be corrected before application

Got all the windows, sunroof, and windshield done with XPEL tint, and it makes ALOT of difference here in the North Mexico heat

 

I've had PPF on my 2011 since new. It's held up and done it's job well, and I think the paint underneath is in good condition. After 13 years, none has peeled off or even faded. It looks like shit from all of the rocks it's been hit with, and I'm contemplating removing it. Not sure how to do that. Heat gun?

 

Yes, it has saved my front end. 040 white.

 

ppf diy roof and hood against birds schit, it burns thru clear coat and paint like paper and rust metal.

 

I did consider it when we first purchased our 2024, but I decided against it. The deal breaker for me was having to replace it in 7-10 years. I have read reports online about the paint peeling off when it is removed (not sure how common this is). I figure repainting and touch up when needed is good enough for me.

Shop wanted over $2k to completely wrap the hood, bumper, side mirrors, door cups. I didn't want to see the traditional bar line or it would have been cheaper.

 

That’s also my concern - is the cost given its relatively short lifespan worth it or is touch up paint adequate? If it lasted 20 years, I’d be much more inclined to do it.

 

I am planning on putting it on every new vehicle we buy. Tired of the rock chips and bug guts stuck to the front end

 

PPF done properly is priceless. And on these vehicles a protective film for the windshield is just as valuable if not more so. I have ClearPlex on my windshield since new and do not regret it!

 

Yes, really worth it, but not all films are created equal.

 

I had it installed just on the full sides. Pricey but then so is repairs from trail rash.

 

I had the front clip (every forward facing surface including headlights) plus the door cups done on my '24 TRD OR. I've heard a couple of hard impacts on the highway but so far no sign of any damage anywhere. I'm very happy so far but only time will tell.

 

I believe it's worth it. Had it done on my last ride (a '19 Mazda CX-9 Signature)....I bought it when it was a year old, and fortunately the previous owner somehow didn't get any dings or blemishes on the front end.

Also just had it done on my new '24 4R Limited 3 days after I picked it up from the dealership. As others have mentioned, if the vehicle is not brand new, the installer may need to do some paint correction before installing PPF but I can tell you it's worth it. Especially with this new, environmentally safe paint process most if not all car manufacturers are using now which involved thin, soft paint that won't hold up to hitting a bumble bee at 50 mph without causing a blemish.

Hope that helps!
TimG

 

You will not regret it.

 

Does anyone have experience with the black tinted PPF? Im thinking of getting the roof wrapped in black. I see S-TEK makes a black PPF and it looks like it will hold up better than a vinyl wrap.

 

Being a new owner of a 2024 T4R ORP in Underground here’s what I did. Keep in mind the Underground color, or any dark color for that matter, shows scratches and scratches easily. I took my truck to the highest rated company in San Diego; known as One of One. When I pulled in I parked next to a Lamborghini. The parking lot was full of Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, Porsche and several Teslas. Had them do Xpel Plus paint protection film on the frontclip; hood, bumper, fenders, headlights, mirrors, door cups and entire roof, for surfboards, snowboards, etc. Then tint every window on the truck, including the wind shield and sunroof, not limo but next one up. Lastly, a high end ceramic coating over the entire truck, including wheels and over the paint protection film, 10 year warranty.

 

Soooooo…..got a couple quotes for XPEL on the 4Runner….$8,500. Hard pass and 100% not worth it.

 

I'm assuming that's for the whole vehicle? If so, maybe consider just going with the front clip, hood, front fenders, side view mirrors and door handle recessed?

These are the real high impact areas. Cost me just under 2k also with a 10 year warranty.

Just my two cents.
TimG

 

Xpel is one of the top rated companies for PPF. If you asked for a quote for the entire vehicle then they are on point. If you haven't had any of their products then your opinion isn't valid when it comes to saying "not worth it."

 

Actually, my opinion is entirely valid as that’s what an opinion is. Whether or not YOU value my opinion is a different story and, frankly, I couldn’t care less about what you think of my opinion, random internet stranger.

 

I have local shops that use STEK and XPEL. Based of web searches, I am going with STEK for sure.

 

I recently had front hood, headlights and side mirrors done with XPEL for about $800. If I was doing any offroading I'd also get doors. You absolutely do not need to do the whole car. PPF is not intended to be a wrap.

In the past, I had 3M film yellow and start to crack after about 6 years of sitting outside in the sun, so I would not use that again. XPEL holds up much better.

 

I removed my dealer installed PPF after 4 years and I wish it wasn't there to begin with. There is a ghost line left where it's edges used to be and even after numerous machine polishes it is still visible. PPF is overpriced and totally useless if you demand showroom quality finish. I invest in Ceramic Coating instead, with lot better results and better chemical resistance from things such as bird droppings, tar, sap or bug splatters.

 

$8500?
Is that for the whole vehicle and ceramic coat?

They will have to do paint correction on anything but a brand new car, but thats almost 20% of the new car price...for plastic

Consider a different shop and just get the front clip and mirror done

 

Ceramic coating is put on to protect your paint from UV rays and the things you mentioned. It does NOT protect against rock chips or any other debris that hits it, whereas PPF will do just that.

Dealership PPF is about as worthless as their tint that is put on. Lowest quality and the workmanship is even worse. If someone wants show room quality one must go through the steps to achieve it by doing different levels of paint correction, PPF, and ceramic coating. Even if ones vehicle is brand new from the stealership it will still have swirl marks. Putting on PPF without taking the necessary steps prior will leave disappointing results to the owner.

 

XPEL is pre-cut. Hand cut requires removal of panels.