So this Prius v is my first new car ever. I want to keep it as pristine as possible for as long as possible and we have an issue in Pennsylvania of small pebbles dinging the hood. I know they sell a clear coat instead of the bras nowadays for the Prius, but the dealer was insistent that I shouldn’t pay for it because it ruins the paint job on the car and will cost more from that then touching up rock dings. Also, there are a lot of accessories I see for the other Prius models and wonder if there are any accessories that you all feel are beneficial and others you feel are harmful for the car. A few looked like they would really add drag to the vehicle.
I just added the 3M film for $200 that covers half the hood. Got this done by a body shop, not the dealer. I will keep you posted on results.
Thanks. I think the dealer just doesn’t have any and that is why they were discouraging it. They were saying that they have NONE of the accessories: cargo nets, etc. etc. Let me know if you feel it ruins the paint job or provides good protection.
I drive on enough dirt roads that I bought the protection. I just got my car, so I haven't had it added yet. Time will tell. Drove it home yesterday in a snowstorm, fretting about the sand and salt already.
I plan to do this on my Prius v when it comes. I can tell you that I have done it on my Corvette and it has saved the paint job a number of times. The key is getting it done right AND having a quality film. Well worth having to protect the paint. Quality film does allow the paint to fade just as the rest of the vehicle by not blocking the UV. If it didn't, if you removed the film, you'd have a deep original color only on that spot. Contrary to popular belief, the film comes off quite easily, but not by accident.
