Aftermarket Paint Protection

I too plan on getting the 3M product. Within a week or so. I would ask the following:
1)Warranty and what is covered
2) Yellowing?
3) Care afterward, waxing etc.
4) If removed will the paint be unmarred?

Those are all reasonable questions. I wasn't as concerned about the bumper since the repair in that plastic is a little simpler than the hood as an example. But the more sruface protected can only help and not hurt.

Can I ask your cost and brand of product?

 

I had mine covered with the 3M product after owning it for 4 days and the only fleck was a pin prick on the center of the front bumper. The bumper is so big and covers so much of the front of the car that I'm sure it's going to get whacked. I had the bumper, front of the hood (a bit less than 1/2 of the hood or so), fender fronts, mirror fronts and door edges covered. Cost was $699 (inclusive of 7% sales tax) from a certified 3M installer. They would not do the lights as the Department of Transportation apparently does not allow any film of any kind to be put on headlights, foglights or windshields. Nonetheless, as you know, there are many light cover products and many installers will do lights. Or you can buy the film separately and do it your self:

ClearMask Automotive Paint Protection And Headlight Protection Film - Auto Clear Bra - Scotchgard Protector - Headlight Covers

Pattern cut film for lights can be bought for $42-68 depending on type. I'll probably pick up a set and install it myself.

The other area to consider covering is the rocker panels (or the tops of the panels). As these are relatively flat areas, I intend to purchase some 3M film in bulk and cover them myself. Should be pretty manageable. On the other hand, I'm glad I had a pro do the bumper and the rest of the car. I'm sure it would have taken me far longer than 4 hours and wouldn't look nearly as good.


Took about 4 hours to do. I posted about the installation here: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ondering-whether-buy-clear-plastic-bra-5.html

 

Does anyone know if this product discolors over time? In theory this sounds like a great idea, but I wonder how long it really lasts.

 

I had the Xpel protection on my Outback Wagon. I would recommend that you not leave it on for 7 years. Mine failed spectacularly one winter when we had an ice storm. The film was right at 7 years old at the time. The film blistered and split. When I tried to peel it off it only came away in little pieces. I decided to leave it, but it just became hideous after a while. I had to use 3M adhesive remover and plastic razor blades to scrape it off. It took me weeks. This was just the hood - I won't even try to take it off the bumper and air dam. This car was not garaged and was outside in the Texas sun and heat for the entire time, so it was worst case scenario I suppose. The upshot is that as the film ages it gets weaker and may not come off easily.

Other issues:

The edges trap dirt at the adhesive line. It was pretty impossible to remove.

The surface does get marred by rocks and bugs etc. After several year it did not look very smooth.

However, it did protect the paint pretty well, once I scraped it off!

 

I agree, I'm sure it is improved.

I think 5 years is a reasonable amount of time. Just keep an eye on it.
You'll enjoy having it. Peace of mind is a good thing.

 

Have any of you considered the one from Toyota? I see it's offered as an accessory on the website. I think that will be the only add I opt for and I will try and bargain floormats for a perfect survey.

 

Check the coverage on the Toyota dealer port installed film. My recollection is that it only covers a small strip on the front of the hood and the front of the fenders. Doesn't cover the bumper, the mirrors, door edges or go very far up the hood. You might be better off buying it from a good independent shop and getting better coverage for the $$$. I was quoted hood, fender, mirror and door edge guards for $399 by a 3M certified installer. The hood coverage goes almost half way up the hood. I had the full bumper covered as well for total price of $699 (including the 7% sales tax). It is also possible that if the car doesn't come with port installed film, that the dealer may either apply film themselves or contract it out to a third party. The installer I used trains and provides installers to dealers and sells them film kits that provide expanded coverage. You should shop around both for coverage, kind of film used and price.

 

Just wanted to clear an issue up. Xpel film came out in 2007 with std and prem films. After that they used 3M films. So I assume your Outback had 3M film installed which would have came with 2 or 5 year warranty ( new 3M film has 5yr warranty and teh Xpel films carry a 7 year warranty). So the Outback film exceeded the warranty period. This should be the case if you take care of the film. The elements are surely a factor also.

I recommend to our customers to have the film inspected 6 months or so prior to the warranty ending. So you do not get into the film being crazed and difficult to remove.

Clearbraj
www.clearshieldprotection.com

 

Thanks for the useful advice. I looked up Performance Auto Spa and I was impressed with their professional work and great service. I would definately recommend them to anyone in the Columbus area. I had to look them up since I didn't see any of their contact info in the previous posts. For anyone who is interested, I will list their info below.
Performance Auto Spa
7640 Commerce Place
Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873-0800 (I spoke with Kevin, he was very helpful)
[email protected]

 

I would only add to this thread that I believe one of the most critical points if you have a driver with 'nails' is the drivers door cavity. Our Lexus GX (5 yrs) has crazy paint scratches behind the door knob...

 

My sister had the 3M Paint Protection film installed on her 2001 Subaru Forester when it was new. It has currently 267,000 miles on it and the only problem is the paint under the film is so much better looking than the rest of the car at this point, you might better ask, "Why Bother ?"

My Blizzard Pearl has the new 3M film on the bumper and it has a very slight darkening after it is applied, but most people would not notice the difference. You can see it in the Photo Album about page 2 or 3. I did not buy a precut but had it custom installed. The bumper takes the bulk of the hits, and the side mirrors and headlights, so don't neglect them.