lexus girl

I just bought a certified preowned ES and declined the add ons. Now I'm having second thoughts, specifically about the window tinting. It looks to me that both the front and back side windows already have a tint when compared to the windshield. Was that a factory feature originally?

Also, re Cilajet, the film that protects against tree sap, love bugs, interior, etc. is it worth $1339???

Are after market products available for either tinting or paint protection that are comparable to dealer quality?

Kijug

When I got my 2014 ES/UL I specifically asked if the windows had UV block built in. I kinda like the look of tinting but didn't want it this time. The dealer didn't know so they had to research and a few days later came back and said the windows were 97%-99% UV block (each window was slightly different). So I elected not to go with tinting as the UV block will protect the leather just fine (as well as the rear shades and windshield shade when I park). So if you desire tinting for UV protection, you probably do not need it--which also stops heat. For looks, that's your decision. I cannot comment, however, if the high UV windows are only on the UL which has double-paned windows in the front or not.

Maikerusan

1300 bucks for a film for "protection"? Pass.

Likely being sold for 5x dealer cost (at least)

zes

The film will not be Lexus material anyway. It will be some aftermarket stuff that the dealer is marking up. Just find out who the aftermarket shop is from the dealer and take it there yourself and save the $$

Dave Mac

I would simply avoid all of the dealer adds at this time.

Dave Mac

lesz

I wasn't familiar with the Cilajet product. When I did a bit of research, I found that it is not a a paint protection film. Instead, it is a "paint sealer". That makes it little more than high quality wax job, and its value is questionable. I'm going to guess that the dealer's cost to apply the product and to do similar interior "protection" is likely less than a couple of hundred dollars.

Dealer add-ons are generally only ways for dealers to pad their profits. The mark-ups on dealer add-ons, including extended warranties, paint sealers, etc. can be several hundred per cent. If a dealer can convince a customer to buy these add-ons, that dealer can easily sell the vehicle, itself, for a minimal profit and turn the deal into one for which it makes a huge profit.

Fillykonk

I wouldn't get any add-ons from the dealer as I believe they are either unnecessary or overpriced. However noticing you live in FL like I do I did have my windows tinted to the maximum allowed by the law from a local vendor. Cost - $150. The FL sun can get awful hot especially in the Keys where I currently live.

dchar

Decline the dealer add-ons mentioned. Like mentioned, they are wildly overpriced to increase dealer profit significantly. If you want the windows tinted, it's cheaper to find a reputable shop and get it done there. The sealer isn't worth it either, it will wear off over time and you will need to reapply it again for protection.

JimHand00

In Austin, the Lexus, BMW, and a few other dealerships all take their cars for tinting to the same tinting business. I had my ES350 tinted there last year, and I was surprised while I was waiting at how many cars the dealers were dropping off for tinting. I think I saved about $500 by going directly to the business versus having the dealer take my car to that business. The manager at the tinting business said that he charges the dealerships a few hundred less than they charge me so the dealership would have probably made about $700 on my tint, which is more than I paid to do it directly.

Nelexus88

I declined all the dealer add-on extras when I purchased my new '14 ES 350. Three years and 37k later, my only small regret is not getting protective paint film on the front bumper as it has a bunch of small chips in the paint (starfire pearl). They are not all that noticeable but still annoy me. In hindsight I would recommend getting bumper paint film installed by someone other than the dealer.

lexus girl

: I appreciate your experience and advice! I kept my 2004 LS for 13 years without the add ons, but cars are so darned expensive now that I wanted to protect my investments.
Lexus Girl

Torii

I get dealers to throw in add ons before I buy. like extra key fob, all weather mats, locking lug nuts, car cover, whatever...once car bought no more add ons as ebay/amazon.com have what I need