Im debating about putting down some cash on a PPF treatment. They want about 2k for the front including side mirrors.

Is it worth it? Living in the NE, i don't think 2k would be that bad.

 

You didn’t mention your MY.

$2k is a solid price and hopefully from a reputable place with good customer ratings.

I’d ask around for recommendations unless you’ve already done your research and found a good PPF place.

Living in / thru NE winters, I’d also keep an eye on the undercarriage making sure rust is held at bay every year.

 

Sorry, 2025 IS 350.

I have no idea who's done the PPF before. So for recommendations. I wouldn't know where to start.

With regards to the undercarriage, I did have fluid film put on when I first got the car.

 

I'd say it's worth if if you're planning on keeping the car long term. I've had PPF (Xpel Ultimate on hood, fenders, mirrors, door cups) on my car for a little over 9 years and it's done a great job of protecting paint although some of the bigger rocks/debris have definitely gotten through it and nicked the paint a bit so just be aware that it isn't some kind of impenetrable shield for everything. Just be sure to get it done at a reputable dealer and that they use good film. One thing in hindsight that I wish I had requested was to have film installed on the leading edge of the roof of the car. Lot of nicks there now since it hasn't been protected. Freaking DFW roads/construction.

 

Well since it's brand new, I would def have it put on. Who gave you the quote for $2k? The dealership?

@jakuum mentioned Xpel Ultimate -- I've seen that brand's name before on CL so it must be a good one. Google Good PPF installers and the City you live in and that should pull up ones with good reviews. You can always ask your friends if anyone has had it done and if they were happy with it. You can also ask one of the dealership service guys on the side who they'd recommend as chances are, they would know the local good ones. I don't believe the dealership applies PPF on site, they probably send the cars out to local businesses. Ask them who they use. Then call them and get a quote. Or see if the your dealership can give you a discount for having it done thru them.

Glad to hear you took care of your undercarriage as well

 

Get it. The paint on these cars is incredibly soft. Mine, with only 3,500 miles, has numerous paint chips from a single 500-mile highway trip. I regret not getting PPF at delivery. This is my first Lexus, and I’m coming from BMW, where the paint is rock hard. My 2014 550i, with 100,000 miles, had zero paint chips. If you want to keep your cars looking good, get PPF on day one.

 

Yes and no. It will keep the paint looking acceptable over time. The only no is as people pointed out PPF is not impenetrable and Lexus paint is soft. So even with the film the IS bumper and hood seem to catch all the little rocks, mostly the bumper. For me I was going to do it but realized after the first 1000 miles I am just going to drive it and not worry about it. I have a black car and I dont think it will be worth it, whereas my wife has a silver car and probably more worth while as any thing that gets through the PPF wont be noticeable.

 

Thanks.

Would you still need to ceramic coat on top of the PPF applied areas?

Also, for those big dings that might need some buffering, how does that work with the covering?

 

I did a search Xpel and found a shop about 1.5 hrs to 2 hrs from here. Their partial front starts around 1200, their full at 2k. I'll probably get the full front.

https://www.presidentialpaintprotection.com/

Their reviews seem to be good, but who knows as usual.

 

Cloudburst here. Worth it then?

 

Some people do, some people don't -- completely up to you. If price doesn't matter, do it as it is double coverage. If you're budget conscious, just go with what you're most comfortable with. I would definitely google both vs just one and see what the masses say...

Probably the Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) shops should be able to take care of those.

Cool -- sorry there's not one closer to you. How long did they say it would take? Hopefully, you can get in there early and get it back same day. Maybe try to do it before the spring/summer heat hits?...

Here's hoping all goes well for you and your IS

 

I would say make sure the bumper has a thicker PPF than the hood. Also note regardless what the companies that sell it say, PPF does need to be replaced over time. You could decide when its time to replace if its worth doing again.

 

I use the tutle brand hybrid ceramic. If it won't hurt it, ill just continue to do it post application.

i havent reached out to them yet. My hope is before the summer starts ill get it done.

 

How often to replace on average do you think?

 

I just had a PPF grill surround done on my '23 IS350 F Sport AWD. It covered everything from the band above the grill on down (i.e., doesn't include the hood). It cost ~$300.

I only did the front since on my other cars stone chips from the highway were concentrated around the grill. I figured I could handle other scratches/dings w touch up paint.
My car is not a show-car and it lives outside in New England, so trying to keep any car I own looking perfect is not gonna happen...

It's a Lexus product applied by specialists at the dealer.