Paint Protection Film ...................... 395.00

Some Prius's have a clear film applied to the hood, front bumper, and (I think) headlights. I bet this charge is probably for that. I saw the film on a used Prius I looked at last summer, and the edges were starting to peel and get dirt under them, and it didn't look so great, so I would avoid it. Not worth it in my opinion, unless you get lots of rock chips where you live.

 

If they use good quality 24" (or 18") 3M film and put in on the hood, front bumper, etc, then that's a good price. I've had it on a number of cars and it works great. I feel that it pays off because I keep my cars a long time and I'm particular about keeping them looking good. And in Colorado, they put tons of sand and gravel on the roads every winter.

I've never had any film peel at the edges. I have picked up some dirt on a few of the edges here and there. Every year or two I just have a tiny (1/16" to 1/32" wide) edge strip removed with a razor knife. We're only talking about two or three strips an inch or two in length. (I'd do it myself but it's a free service and he has the right touch to cut the film without damaging the paint.) My film installer says that rubbing alcohol will take the edge dirt away, too, but I haven't tried it.

 

If that is indeed the case, I agree. If I could have found an installer to do it for that price, I probably would have had it done. The lowest prices I found when I looked into it were well over $500.

Which makes me wonder whether that's really what it is. Dealers aren't known for low-balling add-ons to new cars. I would check it closely and verify that's what it's for.

 

For that price, it is definitely NOT the 3M product.

Too bad, it is already on and anyone who buys this car will have to accept it. The dealers keep adding "junk" to make some extra money on the deal.

 

It could be the 3M film, just not the full coverage package at that price. The full coverage package gives you the side view mirrors, the hood for at least 10" up, as well as the bumper cover and headlamps. They put a slightly different vinyl on the headlamps. It's thicker and clearer, but more expensive.
It's also possible the dealer is getting a bulk buy price if he's getting all his vehicles covered. In which case it's just fine. But check to be sure. Don't accept some mealy mouthed reply from the dealer. If they are evasive, have them delete it from the order. Only accept it if they will give you a complete description of it.

The 3M film (vinyl) has a lower shine than the paint. It does protect the paint from all but the larger rocks. I've had it on three vehicles now, and even after 10 years it was fine. You have to be careful cleaning up wax around the edges of it and where it's joined if applied in separate pieces. One vehicle I had with it on got hit by a large rock (about 1") with sharp edges. It hit on the hood, and cut the film. The paint suffered no damage.

Pearl doesn't wear the 3M stuff, because Ming wanted $500 to do a full install. I made an appointment, but when I showed up first thing in the morning they wanted me to leave the vehicle and get it at the end of the day. So I passed. It's debatable whether it's worth that much. The bumper cover takes most of the abuse, and it's about $400 to get repainted. I DO have a dent in the aluminum hood from a rock, but the vinyl wouldn't have stopped that. At least it won't rust.

 

I just had this done at my local Toyota dealership on my 2009 last Thursday (10 December 2008). The "autobond" as they have called it on their bill cost $695 ($743.65 after taxes and nonsense). It covers the front bumper, most of the hood, about half way along the sides and the mirror housings. Truthfully I don't know if it is the 3M clear bra or Ventureshield as the dealership only stated that it is a recent upgrade of the 3M.

The cost was higher than I had hoped but after seeing so many chips on my 2003 Prius, I'm hopeful that this will make a difference. Furthermore the dealership has already said that the price is jumping to $795 in January 2009.

 

Sounds almost the same price as:

Vehicle Shield Package
-Lusterizing Sealant
-Sound Shield
-Sealant Cleaner
-Rental Car Assistance

$349.00 (from toyota's build your car page)

 

This thread is worthless without pictures; otherwise it is pure speculation.

 

If possible, get the name of the product, and the thickness.