New owner - detailing paint protection

[P450Phil]

Hi everyone, I’m sure this has been covered already on this forum but if anyone has a moment to point a newbie to the right threads - picking up a delivery miles 450 tomorrow in Santorini Black and obviously haven’t taken up the main dealer Autoglym but is it worth going for any protection from new?
Based North London but happy to have a trip out
Thanks

 

[Hammers]

Is it worth it? Question for yourself really. I got mine done with ceramic coating new as it means first they don't need to do much to the paintwork as it has no swirls or scratches in it. It does make cleaning easier, and gives a level of protection (won't stop hard stone chips) - whether you think that is worth it is your call, but I find it makes a difference 4 months in.

 

[Jaguandy]

I'd recommend protective film protection at least on the front, plus the sills if you have them, also the area in front of the rear wheels. The PPF on mine is so good I would have the whole car done if there's a next time. A good place will improve the manufacturers paint job, the earlier you get it done, the easier it is.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, I had my Santorini Black ceramic coated when new and even though I jet wash, snow foam, jet wash, two buckets, lamb wool mitt, drying cloths I still ended up with a few light marks and scratches from washing over the years.

Black seems to show all the marks when the sun hits it so I've just had a minor correction done and had ceramic coating reapplied at 4yrs 3months.

https://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2034&start=30#p57186

Personal choice but for what is an expensive car and a great looking car then I would say it is worth it especially if your keeping it for a long time (or forever for me) to keep it looking its best.

I did consider PPF but the 400 has the body kit so sills and wheel archs are still chip free after 31000 miles. Yes there a few marks/chips on the crab bumper but detailer got most of them out with a touch up pen and bonnet is chip free whether by luck or design.

 

[P450Phil]

Thanks SimpleR, I’ll look into your recs. it’s really hard to keep black cars looking their best, like you say the slightest thing shows up. I’ll have a root around this really good forum for a workshop near me and report back

 

[kevc]

I'm going to cancel the Autoglym thing on my order after finding out a guy at work is a mad detailer in his spare time. When I pick up I'm going to take it straight to his house for 2 days for him to work his magic. It'll be a fraction of the cost of the dealer and probably a better job. Might be worth asking around in case you have someone that does the same.

 

[scm]

It'll be a fraction of the cost of the dealer and probably a better job.

Even a proper detailer would be a fraction (though possibly a large one!) of the dealer cost.

 

[kevc]

Dealer was charging me £450. Detailers seem to be nearer 600-800. My mate will do it for £200 so I'm happy with that. Plus I get a go in his GR Yaris when it arrives

 

[Dazarooni]

£450 for the dealership valeting monkeys to do zero prep, do nothing about any swirling or bonded contamination in the paintwork, scrub off their Autoglym product which they buy for about £20. This will all be done in an hour.

A professional detailer will spend 2-3 days doing a professional detailing job with proper products. There's no comparison.

 

[Timbo]

GVE in uxbridge do detailing.

 

[P450Phil]

Cheers all, going with the ceramic as it seems to pretty good and the PPF was out of my price range. Have to be without my new baby girl for 3 days but I think it will be worthwhile in a few months / years

 

[badger]

Cheers all, going with the ceramic as it seems to pretty good and the PPF was out of my price range. Have to be without my new baby girl for 3 days but I think it will be worthwhile in a few months / years

i had these guys do 3 cars for me, top job at a reasonable price.
https://www.unique-detail.co.uk/

 

[P450Phil]

Thanks all - I went with Mavin Detailing in Crawley in the end for the ceramic, on a mate's recommendation. Finish is outstanding and happy with the price as well. To answer my own question at the start of this thread, I think it's definitely worth it as it looks way better than brand new out of the showroom

 

[ThunderMax]

Save your money. You can get a ceramic coating treatment for £60 and with careful preparation you can do the job yourself.

Also, a local detailer will be able to offer a bespoke service rather a general autoglym job.

People have mention the film or coating products for the front/a pillars which I also recommend.

I can provide details of products I use but I am not a retailer or seller.

Even if you spend £450 you still have to take care of the body work.