Dealer option "The Protector"
#16
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Yes, I have the car for over a week and have not had it applied. We have been out of town and have not been back to the dealer. My problem is convincing my wife that it is a rip-off. Searching the web turns up nothing on this product although dealers have been selling it for years. We are going away again tomorrow so I still have time to cancel.
#17
Lexus Champion
Yes, I have the car for over a week and have not had it applied. We have been out of town and have not been back to the dealer. My problem is convincing my wife that it is a rip-off. Searching the web turns up nothing on this product although dealers have been selling it for years. We are going away again tomorrow so I still have time to cancel.
If the dealer has had your $1k for this long, it might be difficult, or at least time consuming, to get all of it back it you cancel.
#18
Lexus Champion
Yes, I have the car for over a week and have not had it applied. We have been out of town and have not been back to the dealer. My problem is convincing my wife that it is a rip-off. Searching the web turns up nothing on this product although dealers have been selling it for years. We are going away again tomorrow so I still have time to cancel.
#19
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A dealership fighting for my business told me that the product is applied during manufacturing, so you are NOT paying additional for the product. You get the protectant regardless. What you are paying for is only the warranty. I'm passing and will take the risks and keep it clean myself.
2001 Lexus ES300 Coach Edition
2014 Lexus ES350 Luxury Edition
2001 Lexus ES300 Coach Edition
2014 Lexus ES350 Luxury Edition
#20
Lexus Champion
A dealership fighting for my business told me that the product is applied during manufacturing, so you are NOT paying additional for the product. You get the protectant regardless. What you are paying for is only the warranty. I'm passing and will take the risks and keep it clean myself.
2001 Lexus ES300 Coach Edition
2014 Lexus ES350 Luxury Edition
2001 Lexus ES300 Coach Edition
2014 Lexus ES350 Luxury Edition
#21
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LexBob2,
I went into my dealership today to take home my new car. I asked the General Manager this very question. He said that no, it isn't done at manufacturing, but many dealerships go ahead and do it "so it is easy to sell" and maybe even to provide protection while they have it on the lot. My dealership doesn't do it, but my car was transferred in from another dealership who does do it, so I got the protection "free" just not the warranty. So, for others, you should ask if it is already applied automatically.
I went into my dealership today to take home my new car. I asked the General Manager this very question. He said that no, it isn't done at manufacturing, but many dealerships go ahead and do it "so it is easy to sell" and maybe even to provide protection while they have it on the lot. My dealership doesn't do it, but my car was transferred in from another dealership who does do it, so I got the protection "free" just not the warranty. So, for others, you should ask if it is already applied automatically.
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Lots of comments on the dealer packages. I gave in to my wife and the dealer applied "The Protector" today. It took about 6 hours and it was inside and out treatments. The car really looks good! It does come with a good warranty for any damage to the finish or interior for 7 years. I have no idea if it is worth the cost but I will keep this forum posted over the next 7 years!!!!
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It's overpriced for sure. But I wouldn't say it's not needed. I assume that all they do is use a paint sealant and fabric gaurd.
Sealants need to be applied after the paint cures for best protection. Cars need to cure 40-60 days that is why you never see it on new cars from the factory. As far as I know the paint on a Lexus is not much different then a Toyota. Good paint sealent isn't something you buy at the parts store. I personally use wolfgang but others are just as good.
I also use forumn 303 fabric gaurd on the carpets and UV protectorant and leather conditioner. My old car had a beige interrior and matt's and they were spotless when I traded it in. That because I used fabric gaurd.
It costs about $100-150 for materials. So you have decide if the extra $$ is worth it to have someone else do it. for $1000 I wouldn't do it. Go to a detailer and save the money.
Honestly if they insure it and the dealer backs the deal then sometimes these things can deal since fabric gaurd only goes so far. (think you have kids eating in the back and there forced to make repairs for free) Make sure the dealer also guarantee's the deal in writing. Otherwise the gurantee is not worth what it written on. A lot dealers use fly by night guarantee's
Sealants need to be applied after the paint cures for best protection. Cars need to cure 40-60 days that is why you never see it on new cars from the factory. As far as I know the paint on a Lexus is not much different then a Toyota. Good paint sealent isn't something you buy at the parts store. I personally use wolfgang but others are just as good.
I also use forumn 303 fabric gaurd on the carpets and UV protectorant and leather conditioner. My old car had a beige interrior and matt's and they were spotless when I traded it in. That because I used fabric gaurd.
It costs about $100-150 for materials. So you have decide if the extra $$ is worth it to have someone else do it. for $1000 I wouldn't do it. Go to a detailer and save the money.
Honestly if they insure it and the dealer backs the deal then sometimes these things can deal since fabric gaurd only goes so far. (think you have kids eating in the back and there forced to make repairs for free) Make sure the dealer also guarantee's the deal in writing. Otherwise the gurantee is not worth what it written on. A lot dealers use fly by night guarantee's
Last edited by bgryn1976; 05-14-14 at 03:04 PM.
#30
Lexus Champion
If The Protector is a sealant, I wonder if the dealership reapplies it every 6 months or so? For $1,000 it might be better to have a detailer do the car periodically. There always is the chance that a dealership might sign on with another brand of packaging.