1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Opinions on the Paint Protectioin Film?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by MarkM09, May 23, 2009.

  1. Calbeach95

    Calbeach95 New Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2009
    7
    6
    0
    Location:
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Re: Opinions on the Paint Protection Film?

    My local dealership told me they would the installing the paint protection here at the dealership. They have yet to fulfill an order with that option, so no one can seem to tell me who does it (an outsourced company or in house) or what the actual coverage is on the vehicle. If Toyota were actually doing the install once it comes into port, prior to shipping to dealerships, I'd bet it'd be a better job than most.

    I would want to see another car done by the installer before subjecting my car to the possibility of a poor installation. Have done it once before and that's my lesson learned.
     
  2. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2004
    923
    36
    0
    Location:
    Auburn, CA, USA
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Yeah, sorry but I have no faith in the port installers. I also believe Toyota has a pretty large markup in their paint protection film. I say look up independent installers and shop for a good price. When you take your car into their shop, or if they come to you, look at their gear, if they look like a bunch of shade tree mechanics (no offense to those that are) then move on to a professional installer.

    The economy is tough all over; I suspect not everyone is spending $800 to add a clear bra to their car. So they key is to negotiate for a price you are comfortable with. This is a 95% labor job. The film is relatively cheap in relation to the total price. You are paying for their time. So, deal accordingly. A clear bra installer quoting $125 per hour is not getting my business unless he shows me a doctorate :)D) in clear bra installing.

    It cost me $400 to do my '05 Prius which covered the front bumper, one half of the hood, mirrors and door edges.

    Oh and the dealership miracle paint protectant (wax) is BS.
     
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I have only two misgivings about the VentureShield film I had installed. 1. I waited too long.--If possible the next car's first trip will be to the installer. 2. I didn't cover the sides.--I have too many scratches to count on the doors & fenders. The next car is going to be completely covered.

    The film shows evidence of a couple of hits that would otherwise have caused damage.
     
  4. GreenPri2009

    GreenPri2009 Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2009
    43
    1
    0
    Location:
    Alexandria, Va.
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I purchased the Paint Protection film. It is guaranteed for 7 years and no waxing is necessary. For the cost, it can be reapplied several times ago through the dealership. Have no idea if it will be worth the price but just the thought of not having to wax for 7 years was a good enough incentive.
     
  5. nineinchnail1024

    nineinchnail1024 New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    280
    40
    0
    Location:
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Just a note, but I would NEVER let Maaco touch my car. Maaco paint jobs last about as long as your drive home from Maaco. I would also never go 7 years without waxing a car, ragardless of whatever the dealer sprays all over it.
     
  6. ehsmadhatter

    ehsmadhatter New Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2009
    7
    5
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Warning! Paint protection film (clear bra) offered for $395 by Toyota only covers front 2" of the hood and sides next to the hood. It does not cover any other parts of the front end. I have clear bra on my 335i covering the entire front end of the car and half way up the hood total price $650. At $395 this not a good deal.:eek:
     
    4 people like this.
  7. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2004
    15,140
    611
    0
    Location:
    South Puget Sound, WA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    Persona
    so basically, if you already took delivery of the car, its too late then?
     
  8. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    No, the longer the wait the better the chance of getting chips & scratches. Applying the film over the chip will preserve the chip & create an air bubble between the film & lower surface.
     
  9. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2004
    15,140
    611
    0
    Location:
    South Puget Sound, WA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    Persona
    ok. someone mentioned it was a "port installed" item, so it can be put on by the dealer as well?

    i guess i should dig thru the MOUNTAIN of paperwork and see since they did give me something on it.

    i am interested in doing something because unlike my SPM which is a bit of an understated color, the blue spectra is just the opposite.

    in W WA, we have pollen issues at this time of year that would blow the socks off most areas and after 3 days, my shiny blue actually looks polka dotted up close.

    so, not having time to wash at home (not to mention the water ban we have going right now) i took to quicky car wash and i can see i need to do something because i am seeing a hint of swirls from just that one quick trip
     
  10. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,341
    920
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    It's been stated by a few dealers that PIO's can be done at dealer, but at a significantly higher cost due to differing labor rates.

    I've heard some pretty competitive pricing on the 3M application after market - it may be better to go that route.
     
  11. dbacksfan

    dbacksfan Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2009
    258
    22
    0
    Location:
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three

    I'm strongly considering having a very experienced local guy add 3M protection to my P III (Winter Gray) which I should get next week. He buys the 3M in big rolls and custom cuts it. I'll let you all know if I go forward. And if so, post some pics and other details.