[verkion]

So...having put money down for my Evo, they proceded to bombard me with the typical addon services. The only one I was somewhat considering was the "total protection package" which includes various interior cloth/leather treatments, (as well as free shampooing/steam cleaning), paint protection, wheel/rim repair/replacement if they get damaged, and undercoating. I'm leaning towards getting the wheel/rim repair/replacement package, just in case since the price to repair BBS rims would be ridiculous...but anyone have any GOOD experiences with the paint protection packages? I'm thinking the underbody coating is a bad idea, but I'm just not 100% sure. Any input guys?

verkion
P.S. The last car I bought long ago had the protection package included already at no cost.

 

[soopah]

NO, NO, NO. But it is your choice. My background is that I used to work as an auto sales person (Chrysler and MINI) and as a Finance Manager (Chrysler).

I would say no to under body spray coating of any kind on this car. It will muck up your undercarriage and benefits are debateable. I also wouldn't go for any other kind of dealer installed corrosion protection. This is both because it is not a good value and there is potential to do more harm than good.

You could do paint protection yourself, but if you want to have them do it, and redo it every 6 to 12 months, then it might be good. It is also a big dealer profit center!

If you want some interior protection for cloth seats and carpeting I would do it myself using 3M products like ScotchGuard or similar stain resistant protection in a can.

Does the wheel/rim package include flat tire protection (free replacement or repair)? My wife has flat tire protection and rim repair/replacement for her 330i, and it has paid off big time, but that is because she has had 3 flat runflats in about two years, and she is running 18" M wheels so the tires are low profile runflats. Brutal. They go flat just looking at them! This might be worth it for you. But check how much they are charging you, and see if there is any wiggle rim. If you combine it with paint protection or interior protection then get a package price, and don't agree to the first thing they offer you. Also, you can always say you'll think about it and decide once the car is closer to being ready for delivery. These things only take their service department a couple hours, so you could have it done the day before you take delivery.

These things are huge money makers for the dealers and the finance managers, along with any extended warranties, which are usually not a good value proposition.

I would also check Edmunds.com and maybe Consumer Reports to see what they have to say about these items.

 

[_Chris_]

NO, NO, NO.

:+1: Dealer tried to sell me that crap. I said

 

[verkion]

Yah, that's exactly what I said...I'll think about it! and that I'd get back to them when they have a ship date for my car!

verkion

 

[Jackygor]

I would imagine tire+tire+paint protection will be useful...LOOK AT THE ALL POT HOLES IN VANCOUVER FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!

 

[Mr. Win]

I really like the paint protection- It made a noticeable difference.

 

[DaemonSadi]

I gave a big old no to all that stuff as well... just more ways for them to make some money.

 

[verkion]

I told them definate no to the underbody spray...didn't want them covering up stuff that well, needs to "breathe/transfer heat". I don't think there's much problems with rust or pockmarking of the underbody anyways is there? I mean, one would hope the car manufacturers wouldn't use metals prone to rust especially for the underbody.

Anyhow, yah they said they could make the package a cheaper without the underbody spray. Actually, I was primarily concerned about the rims just in case I scratched them parking or something stupid like that. Yah, I guess I'll have to negotiate them down on that. How is the Diamond Kote stuff? It's just PTFE, (Teflon) based coating...

verkion

 

[PDXEvo]

I got the interior protection because it covers puncture, stains, etc. I have a kid, so nuff said.

 

[mfo33]

mitsubishis arent rust buckets anyway... no to the rust protection. Plus the dealer has rust warranty on the car. If it was an american car though, i would totally take the rust protection. I had an '06 mustang gt, and my brother had an H3. those things just rusted a week after drving around in new england.. gross...

as a whole, I wouldn't take any of those protection plans. The paint one is especially bad, cause its essentially just an extra layer of waxing.

 

[Kooldino]

The paint protection is just wax?

 

[PDXEvo]

Usually its just a polish and wax.

 

[verkion]

Hrm...well, I was gonna Zaino the whole thing...but I'm sure as time passes, I'll get a little more lazy so I was thinking it'd be a good idea, but then again, I'm not sure. Anyone know of any alternate product that works as well if not better? I'm sure I can scotch guard the fabric and find leather treatment, but I'm not sure about the paint, (after all I have a PB MR and I hear black is the hardest color to keep nice and shiny w/no swirl marks).

verkion

 

[boosted]

the package I got was paintless dent repair,wheel and tire repair/replace and windshield repair/replace. I think I paid $500 for the package

 

[verkion]

Anyone know of places in Greater Vancouver that does "new car" prep/paint sealing etc.? I'm thinking maybe I'll go somewhere else to have it done...

 

[XXX]

Umm guy's, the majority of the car is aluminum, there's not much to prevent from rusting. Save you hard earned dollars for HORSEPOWER.