vehicle protection products

[arif]

Hi All

The VW dealer has sent me an email offering vehicle protection product (paint and fabric protection).

There are no prices on the brochure, but there are three brands, X-Pack, Fifth Dimension and StreetWise.

I tried to do a search on the forum and could not find anything.

Does anybody recommend getting these done? Which is the best option? and what would be a reasonable price to pay?

Thank you, i really appreciate all the knowledge being shared

[tigger73]

Have a look in the Bodywork/Trim & Detailing forum as there's a heap of useful info there.

I think the general consensus on dealer paint and fabric protection is that it usually way overpriced for what is offered and more often than not a 3rd party company is involved.

So if you want to get something put on you may as well go direct to a professional detailer. You'll probably get a better job for much less than the inflated prices through a dealership.

If you don't mind putting in some elbow grease you can buy your own products and apply yourself.

If you do go down the DIY route, the products themselves should be under $50 for a car (though often you'll get enough to do a couple). So then all you're doing is paying for labour - hence why dealer prices are a lot too much. Would be surprised if they spend more than 2 hours on a car so the $500-$1000 they charge is a bit steep.

[kamold]

Don't.
Talk to an independent detailer. They will do a much better job, use better products and likely cost less (depending how much you can talk down the dealer).
Check out posts from forum sponsors such in the detailing subforum.

[Sunny43.5]

NO NO NO NO NO . Do not fall for this marketing ploy unless they are giving it away for free no question asked or hidden ad on costs . After being in the motor trade for over forty years dealers make arrangements with different suppliers to supply various "packs" ie window tinting / rust proofing / fabric protection / and paint protection . They pay rock bottom and you pay sky high . You are better off getting them done yourself directly . Shop around there are plenty of places who do this same work for the public at a fraction of the price . I supply my products to the dealers and I am often horrified on how much they have loaded on top of the trade price . I fit sunroofs and supply as an example 10% discount to the dealer . I then get a call from a customer who has been to a dealer I sell to and they ask the price . First question they ask is oh is there a more expensive model ????? why because the dealer in some cases has added up to 60% mark up !! and cannot understand why our retail is cheaper than the dealers . Also the brands you mention are probably some generic brand sold under different names with different prices so the dealer will use that to convince you to pay for one or the other ,with a suitable list of glorified benefits .

[arif]

Thanks guys

that clears that up, much appreciated.

[Silver dub]

Go talk to the boys at Car Care products.

They are a forum sponser and a lot of members from this forum swear by them including myself.

View Profile: carcareproducts - VWWatercooled Australia