I am currently in the process of buying a big black boxy suv. Being as this is not a lease, and I do intend on having this vehicle 5-6 years, I want to make sure to protect it the best I can
Is paint protection recommended or is it a gimmick? I have a friend telling me I must do paint correction and ceramic coat the suv, but the price for these services runs in the couple thousand range.
Any advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated
A ceramic coat won’t prevent rock chips. Paint correction can fix factory paint imperfections but if you don’t follow a good washing routine your money will go to waste as you’ll quickly add swirls and marring. I wouldn’t bother unless you’ve got a $150k+ vehicle. Invest in learning car detailing basics.
Just keep your car clean and we’ll maintained. All the extras are meant for show cars or detailing enthusiasts.
I wouldn’t pay a premium for a used vehicle that was “rock chip free” or “no paint swirls” as I know those are things I would inevitably experience myself.
Unless you value having your car look showroom for the life of your ownership, save the money and just get some nice window tint, maybe pay a detailer to come by every now and again.
Highly recommend getting a clear bra applied to the front end and well as side panels where the tires throw up debris. Had a g37 with this that was red and the front end was pretty much flawless. Money well spent.
Mirrors too…
That’s a waste of money.
Some other “friend” is probably going to recommend full PPF for another 6-8000 and that’s another waste.
Have a detailer do a light paint correction to remove any swirls, throw some opti-seal or optimum gloss-coat on it (Optimum Opti-Seal or Optimum Gloss-Coat), and call it a day.
Protection or shine? Those two things are not the same. I.e. paint correction does nothing to protect the vehicle, but makes it look better (i.e. shine)
The vehicle is an Escalade. GM vehicles don’t have the best paint, so the idea was to do a correction then coat it
Ain’t that the truth haha
The OPs question has to do with keeping it looking new over a significant period of time. Unless you’re showing the car, correcting the paint is a complete waste of money. If it’s that noticeable, I’d have the dealer fix it. Basic good cleaning and detailing practices are sufficient.
Money spent on anything besides a clear bra or equivalent is a complete waste. It will protect from chips on anything that doesn’t dent/puncture.
If it’s that noticeable on a new car, the dealer that caused the problem is the last person you want trying to fix it.
Thank you. Car is in transit due any day, so there may not actually be any paint issues. It’s my first purchase, American quality and big black blocky design, so I just want to be covered for snow and road trips. I’ll look into a clear bra
Enjoy your new vehicle. Simply asking this question indicates you’ll take care of it better than 99% of the population.
Don’t buy a black exterior if you can avoid it.
I’m not sure I’d even put on a clear bra if the goal is to maximize resale-expenses in 5-6 years. I’m just not sure there’s any premium to resale with a few chips vs without. I don’t think most dealers look for paint swirls.
If this was a GT3 it would be a different story, I just don’t see the standard Escalade buyer being that picky or observant. For detailing budget, the best money spent would be when selling… a good cleaning and quick polish + spray on coating (not full correction nor ceramic).
A used Escalade buyer in the northeast is quite likely to be an Uber driver or financier.
I’m in vegas. QX60 is the car of choice for Uber. Hotels buy all the Escalades and Navigators
simoniz glasscoat
Inside and out, is what the dealer was recommending for $999
Not going for it
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