I just purchased a new F-350 nan the dealer sold me a protection system for the paint and inside the truck like seats carpet and headliner. It also gives me under coating. Can someone please tell me if it is worth the money? Is this product as good as the dealer told me or did I get ripped off?
Sam

 

Depends, it's worked out for in terms of protecting from interior stains. The paint protection on the outside is a freaking joke. I paid $750 for it and looking back it was a very very very stupid thing. They show this paint with it and without it. They told me it'd prevent water spotting and swirls. I tell you what I've had nothing but swirl and water spot problems with my paint. I vote no, it's a rip off.

 

The general consensus across the community is that these options are full-blown over-priced ways for the dealership to maximize profits. I'd vote no as well.

Save the $ to use with an experienced, well-respected detailer in your area when that beast of a truck needs some paint and/or interior work (swirls, stains, etc..).

RP

 

I would agree. Most of these "Protection Systems" are dealer "Pocket Stuffers"!

As long as they offer this stuff as an "option", and you can refuse it... that's good. We had a couple of dealers around here that added that stuff right to the sticker, and you had to have it done. Of course, I didn't buy anything from them, and told them I would advise everyone I know not to buy from them! Those two dealers no longer do that anymore!

 

Unfortunately, and quite honestly, you probably got ripped off. Those "protection packages" are the closest thing to dealer profit in a spray bottle that you can get. The whole process takes about 20 minutes. If you watched it, you'd cry. The only recourse I'd recommend is demanding that the dealer do it while you watch. The other interesting part about the whole deal is the warranty on it. It effectively covers virtually nothing.

The only part you have some control over is the undercoating - because you can actually see that. Have them put the truck up on a lift and inspect it. Then you can direct them to add more where they "forgot" to put it - which will be almost everywhere. Good luck!

 

I have a freind that used to work at a dealership, that interior protectant is a $5 can of 3M waterproofing.

Thats all.

 

Nonsense, you also get a non-english speaking kid with large clumsy feet and hands spraying it. And you get the extra he sprays on your carpet, your window glass, the plastic.
You shouldn't minimize that personal touch...

Chris

 

Chris,

Now that I've stopped rolling around the floor laughing, you have my official vote for "Post of the Month!" Thanks for the laugh - too bad it's true.

 

I don't know about undercoating either.. twenty years ago it was common place to see all types of M/Vs rusting away.. the good ones lasted 10 years.. the bad ones started rusting within the warranty period.

I think most manufacturers got the word that rusting product means no sales.. I haven't heard of any late 90's or 200X vehicles exhibiting rust problems.. besides throwing away your money you might even invite issues by covering drain holes and contribute to rusting..

Jm2Cw

Jack

 

i vote for the waste of money as well. i get mine rust proofed but not the Ziebart type rust proofing. those can crack and trap water in. i have a friend of mine go over my truck (also my 2 cars) every November with a waxy, non detergant oil under the whole truck, inside the doors, fenders etc. the minstry here that do our roads in the winter use a ton of salt. i've done this to my vehicles for that last 20 years, i know for a fact it keeps them looking great long after everyone else starts rusting.

 

I agree with the other posts about over-pricing. That is the way for the dealer to make the extra money. I would say about 3/4 go to the dealers pocket and the difference goes toward the product and work. We all get suckered (at one point or another) into buying these upgrades. Its embedded in our heads that if the dealer didn't do it IT"S NOT COVERED. which we have all been through. A dealer GAVE me the products they used after making a purchase when I refused to pay for it and it was nothing more than a teflon type wax coating for the paint and scotch guard for the interior everything you can buy aftermarket and do yourself . Also, this is when they ask you if you want extended warranties that they can say "we cannot duplicate the problem" and insurance to pay for the vehicle in case you lose your job or die. Many warranties not only charge you upfront but also they don't disclose that you must pay a deductible. I only take my vehicle to the dealer for major work but leave the oil changes, tires, alignment, to other companies who not only offer a competitive price but don't give you appointments or the run-around. If you did purchase the package then they got you; but they won't get you again. Be an infromed buyer. Don't worry, they got me once many years ago and it won't happen again.