Hello,

I'm new here... although I have been lurking for many months. I just purchased my 3rd RX - 2011 RX350 and was wondering if the clear film that the dealer is trying to sell me is worth it. It seems kind of expensive $995 for the front and rear bumpers as well as the side mirrors.

It is suppose to help prevent paint chips from rocks and other people bumping into your car. I purchased the Stargazer Black and am trying to figure out if it's worth it. The dealer calls it Autobahn.

I'm also comtemplating the extended warranty for $2,795... although I learned from this board that I have plenty of time to decide if I want to buy it.

Any and all advice or opinions....

Thank you
Tanja

 

skip the extended warranty - definitely

clear bra - 50/50 on but usually not needed so much on SUV (other than front bumper) as compared to sedans and sports cars. Prices vary by region but you most definitely should be able to get it done much (at least 1/3 +) cheaper outside of dealer and directly w/ a GOOD installer. There are lots of installers out there but few are really good applying.

Good luck and congrats on your new RX

 

Congrats Tanja and welcome to CL. Be sure to post pictures of your RX.

You're correct. The extended warranty can be purchased up until the basic warranty expires so you can hold off on that. Shop around too. Other dealers sell it for cheaper. As far as the clear bra, it's worth it. I had a front end mask on the 300, nothing on the 330, now everything clear bra'd up front on the 450h. I went with the dealer because of the lifetime warranty and protection from day one. Again, you can probably get that done elsewhere cheaper.

 

Thank you Kitlz and Burgboxtr for the replies. I usually keep my cars for awhile... that last RX was 7 years and the extended warranty might come in handy since I had a few issues that were very costly and that's why I traded it. I think I got a great price on the 2011.. it was the only one left and there are very few 2012's in my area.... the dealers are waiting for them. All the dealers in MA have maybe 1 or 2 in stock and there is a waiting list.

I hate spending $995 on the clear film... but keep thinking it may be worth it since black shows every imperfection. I saw a few used RX's and noticed the paint chips on the front. It's funny because the dealer said they usually only put the clear coat on the front bumper and the mirrors... when I asked about the rear bumper... he said he will throw that in too. I would think for that kind of money it would include the rear bumper. The warranty for the film from Lexus is also nice since I don't know anyone who has this on their car and what happens to it over the years.

I checked around and really didn't see too many other places that put the film on cars... maybe there isn't too many in MA and also I have read (thanks Burgboxtr) that you need to have someone who knows what they are doing. I may try to see if they will come down on the price... I'm sure they can. I wonder if all dealers charge the same for that... will have to call and see.

I had no idea I had that much time to purchase the ext. warranty. I kept asking at the dealer and they never directly answered that question. lol So, I figured I would read up about it before I decide and will check around on that for pricing.

Thank you both for your replies and anyone who has this film... please let me know if you like it and maybe what you paid? I just think $995 is pretty expensive... although maybe not for Lexus.

Tanja

 

Tanja, a few people here have gotten their clear bra installed for less than $995 but I paid more. I have 3M. It included full hood, bumper, front fenders, side view mirrors and A pillars. Some pieces had to be custom cut. I figure if I get it replaced once, it's worth it.

 

Thanks again Anita.... I may still see if the dealer will come down on the price a little. I checked online for 3M and Ventureshield and very few places that put it on in MA. Who knows if they are good at it either and probably no warranty.

I would probably put the film on the entire car. lol Will be pondering this one for a bit.

Thank you again!
Tanja

 

I just purchased a 2012 RX and added the extended warranty. I had a 2004 RX for 8 years and didn't purchase the warranty. The reason I got the warranty on the 2012 was because of all the new electronics that I want to make sure continue to work. However, I talked them down from $2900 for the 7/75,000 to $1550 which comes out to $518/year for the three years over the 4/50,000. I figured anything that could possibly go wrong with the car would definitely cost more that $518. Just my opinion......

 

I had dealer install the 3M paint protective film on front bumper, rear bumper, door edges, and side mirrors. The rear bumper helped as I often pull golf clubs in/out of the back. I was sold on this adder accessory as I had an RX350 loaner from the dealer. I was snow blowing my driveway when snow blower picked up a river rock sized rock and hurled it toward the front bumper. Looked the area over with my eyes, and could not see a scratch. I was sold after that and asked the dealer to install. Been happy since.

 

That is not a bad price for that amount of film... as long as that includes the partial hood, fenders, and lights as well. There really is not any need to do tha entire back bumper. Dropping that will bring the cost down as that is a lot of film. Have them just add a strip of material where you could possible scuff the top when loading stuff in. That should suffice. Also find out what film they are going to install. VentureShield Ulta and Avery Nano Fusion are two of the best out there right now... and have lifetime warranties to back them up.

 

We had 3M clear bra installed on the hood, fenders, mirrors, door edges and handles but no bumpers and had the two front windows tinted at a local shop for $370.00. I have been using the same place for window tint for years and they always do a good job. This was a first for a clear bra install and that was done well also. Like the OP, we also have Stargazer Black.

 

Thank you all again... for the replies. I have no experience with the clear film and do not know anyone who has it.

Gary - funny you mention that you had your windows done. I just found a place that has been window tinting for over 25 years (they actually did this on a car I owned over 10 years ago) and they also have a guy who only does the clear film. He has been doing that for 8 years and actually use to go to a couple of the Lexus dealerships and do their installs.

I got a price for around $500-$650 for the clear film... it depends on how much I want to do. Like you mentioned PTmobile... the rear bumper costs a bit more if I have that done. The installer said it uses a lot of film. I'm on the fence on that area since I'm wondering if it would prevent marks on the rear bumper from other people bumping into the car. I'm sure it depends on how hard the bump is too.

The installer went over all the areas that he could do. Of course the more I do the price goes up. I asked him how long it lasts and he said at least 6 years or more depending on if you take care of it. He said they give you a wax type of something to put on the clear film... he said it takes like 5 min and you just buff it in. I guess this is something you do periodically and it prolongs the film. Anyone every heard of this? Will have to ask which brand he is using. We were talking and they actually do some pretty high end cars.. Ferrari etc. Not that it means anything... but I wanted to make sure he knew what he was doing. He also said that black is the most difficult to do since there is no room for error... makes sense since you can see any imperfections on the paint itself.

How noticeable is the film coverage on a black car? Does it look odd? I guess it's either paint chips or the film.

So... this is what I'm thinking for film coverage....

front bumper, 16 inches up the hood
partial front fenders (I think it's included with the hood)
headlights
outside of side mirrors

Was thinking about the door edges since that is always an area that get's nicked and maybe not doing the rear bumper since it does drive the cost up. Maybe the top edge like PTmobile mentioned - the installer mentioned that too. I could go 24 inches up the hood, but I don't think it's necessary.

I'm also getting the front windows tinted (along with those 2 very small windows) so they similarly match the rear windows. The windows are around $100.

The film is still cheaper than the dealer... although you always feel more comfortable with the dealer doing these things.

Any thoughts... did I miss any important areas? Trying not to overdo it either.

Thank you
Tanja

 

I use Zaino Z-CS polish on both the paint and the clear bra. It is clear and has no residue. I just wipe it on and walk away.

I also think it is pretty common for dealers to use a third party to do do tint, clear bra, etc. It certainly is around here. I figured why not have the same guys do it for a lower cost.

 

Seems like a lotta people have different answers to maintaining the protective material. I couldn't quite get a definitive answer on the best way to maintain it. I was able to infer what NOT to do though.

Depending on the brand or manufacturer's instructions never use any polish or compound that is abrasive and never use any waxes that have dyes, so anything that dries clear is ok.

My manufacturer recommends to use plexus to clean but others claim its not good for the protective film be cause of butane (?). I personally have not used it. For my maintenance I hand wash the area along with the rest of the car, clay bar when needed to remove bonded contaminants, then I wax the area with Megs Ultimate Liquid Wax every 4-6 months by hand. In between washes I'll use detail spray to clean off any bugs (bug can stain the film if left on for a long time) and Megs ultimate quick wax to maintain the protection. There are a few threads in the detailing section that discuss the maintenance of the protective film. Check em out.

 

This is why I use the Z-CS. It is clear and does not have any abrasives. It is also very durable ...

 

Zaino is excellent for clear bras... and paint as well. I have seen film that has been outside for over 6 years and it looked as good as the day I installed it. It was maintained with Zaino. Its a great product and very easy to apply and remove. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to use it on a clear bra or the painted surface.