I am a firm believer in film. Wife and I took a trip across country in my 2011 Red Corvette Grand Sport and we were on a 2 lane highway when we hit road construction. They were oiling the road and putting rocks the size of quarters for top dressing. There was no place for me to go but through it for several miles. Those rocks sounded like a machine gun hitting the car even though I was going 25 miles an hour cause I had cars behing me. I thought I was really screwed! At the end I pulled over and not a scratch on the paint. I did however have rocks rattling around the engine area for 6 months afterward. I just bought my 2022 Inspiration that wasn't wrapped. Dealer repainted the front clip and I had the entire hood done and 2 other smaller areas. I would gladly pay a couple more thousand to buy a car that was wrapped. I HATE paint imperfections.

 

Had some on my SC430...don't know what happened or why but one day it looked like cancer...NO ONE could get the stuff off, last resort was dry ice blasting and it even took some paint off with the plastic....I WILL NEVER USE IT AGAIN.

 

It really depends on the quality of the film and how long it's been on. I recently removed some myself and it was fairly easy, although time consuming using the proper technique, but mine was only a few years old.

 

FWIW I have LLumar Valor film on my car. This film has a 12 year warranty which includes removal of old film and replacement with new film. IMHO it is all about the installer and quality of the film when it comes to potential problems down the road. My installer has been in business over 20 years and has an impeccable reputation for his work and service. Yes it was expensive ($8,500 for the entire car) but I also HATE paint imperfections and want to be able to correct any if at all possible.

 

I would rather have a few paint chips and $8500 in the bank than ur alternative. There is no correct answer...to each his own.

 

$8,500? You got burned my man!

 

These costs are very location and shop competency dependant. I got quotes form 4000 (from an unknown shop that specialized in EV mainly) for full PPF to over 10k (for the most reputable shop in my area, who's work I've seen first hand and is almost exclusive to 6 figure vehicles).

I ended going with a reputable shop down the middle and paid $7400 for full PPF plus ceramic tints on windows+windshield. PPF bit of the package was $6800.

I'm very happy with the results on mine. Tucked and rolled edges where possible, minimal seams.

 

Of course the costs vary by location, experience etc., but most of these shops will negotiate on the price if you're willing to ask. My other car was quoted $6500 for a full PPF and I talked the shop all the way down to $4500 and it's been on the car for many years and looks perfect. This is a high-end shop in an affluent area that does the most expensive cars on the planet. The profit margins are insane in this industry, and most people just pay the asking price. I'd rather spend a few minutes talking the manager down and save myself a few grand. To each to their own though. As long as you're happy with the product and what you paid, that's all that matters.

 

It did include tinted windows and GTechniq ceramic coating. It was not the cheapest quote I got but I know this shop's work and was glad to pay. Also you indicated you paid 4500 and it had been on the car for many years. It may be a higher price now.

 

only reason to not do it is price. otherwise its a solid investment in the care of your paint.

All ther ceramic coating stuff is just bs. it just makes it hydrophobic like any other wax or sealant. But it wont protect vs scratches and chips like PPF.

 

uhh…no he didn’t. That’s about what it costs to fully PPF an LC where I live, too—at least at a well established shop.

 

I did a full wrap (clear) and had to have the 1/2 PPF the previous owner did removed (extra charge).

I hated the seperation line in the hood and thought it looked crappy.

I don't regret it at all.

 

I did the front end and lower rocker panel for protection, well work the investment, IMO.

 

Absolutely worth it to PPF.

Paint on these cars chips scratches etc. very easily. I’ve had my car a month and already quite a few nicks and chips.

truth be told ive been somewhat clumsy with it. It’s a big heavy door and the hinges are not what im used to. I load bags into it nearly every time I drive it and unfortunately I’ve brushed against the paint with my back pack a few times and this morning it caused a new paint chip just from that - an extremely light contact.

On another occasion i opened the door too quickly and door made contact with my other car in garage. Made a chip on the LC door but my other car with full Stealth PPF had zero marks on it. Also I’ve had the PPF on the other car for 2 years now and there are probably less chips on that car than my LC which, embarrassingly, I’ve added several nicks to under my ownership.

thankfully I have front bumper and fender ppf, so I am waiting on some touch up paint to get delivered from the dealer, then I will probably wrap the entire rest of the car.

the paint is very fragile on this car and it saddens me to see the smallest of chips as a new owner. I strongly suggest PPF so you don’t have to worry.

 

Left facing image is the nose of my 2018 Land Cruiser, which came new off the showroom with PPF already applied. Was not familiar but then what the heck? Owned many vehicles over a lifetime and this was the only one with PPF. It's a pie in the face compared to a nick.