Does anyone have an opinion on dealer appearance product upsells? My dealer wants me to buy this Pro-tec application that puts stuff on the carpets, vinyl, paint, underbody, etc. to "protect" it from the sun, salt, etc.

What do you guys think of those? All hype?

The biggest thing I wouldn't want is anything on the vinyl or leather-wrapped steering wheel that would leave a residue that you could feel. I could see where the carpet/seat cloth protection would be handy. But what about the paint and underbody? Is this just glorified wax?

Thanks!

 

I do not think I would want that stuff on mine. My dealer sprayed my cloth seats with a Scothguard type protectant for free. They do it as part of the dealer prep on cloth seats and carpet. I would not want anything more than that.

 

most people on here would rather take the vehicle home right off the truck and do it themselves. (thats right without the dealer even washing it). you can even buy motorcraft wax at the parts dept if you really wanted to.

The dealers dont have any product that a detailer could not get also.

 

I agree 100%, the next truck I buy I will request that the dealer not touch it at all.

 

When I took delivery of my truck, I wouldn't even let them wash it. I almost had to get stern with them. They insisted to wash it. I think its part of the procedure Ford makes them do.

I wouldn't let them put anything on my paint at all. After enough washes or clay bars, chances are it will eventually come off.

As far as the carpets, I say no. Thats what floor mats are for (unless its free).

If you have cloth seats, I say yes. Mine get stained from water.

The underbody - maybe if you live in the northern states. But I would be careful and see what type of stuff it is before they spray it on. I've seen a few that have their underbody sprayed and its a grease type stuff.

 

It is generally accepted to refuse all add-ons. They are usually a waste and can be purchased after-market for less money or better quality or both.

That said I did buy the warranty...other than that I refused everything else.

 

Dealer add-on's can generally be summed up in this way:

"Selling bullsh*t to idiots...."

 

Don't hold back. What do you really think?

 

Subtlety has never been one of my stronger suits.....

 

really I thought you were kind of beating around the bush

 

Yeah I was pretty pissed when we got my girlfriends new Fusion and the jokers put the front license plate bracket on, which simply uses self-tapping screws into the bumper. Thats absolute BS. Dont let them touch it... I did also buy the extended Ford warranty to 5yr, 75,000, but thats it. (I dont want to make payments on something and have to repair it, that sucks too)

 

Simply put, the dealer 'protection packages' are pure profit items that they LOVE to sell to folks.

As an automotive detailer (side job) and someone who has worked in the past for Meguiar's Wax Company, I'd have to lean on my gut feeling here to say to save your $.

 

Thanks

I've got to take it in to have them put the Echomaster RSS system in since that was basically the only option the truck didn't come with. That and some rubber factory floormats. They keep trying to sell me this Pro-Tec automotive treatment I mentioned earlier. I also am thinking about the plastic Ford mudflaps. These 18's throw gunk back on my lower silver two-tone like mad!