Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Wrap for your Emira

[Speedy Emira]

I may be wrong (often am), but it seems that taking a car to someone who specialises in making money from detailing and asking them if you need to spend money having the paint corrected is only going to lead to one answer.

Sadly I have to agree on this and when I started looking for a suitable company most had bad reviews over additional work being needed. Luckily a friend knew the owner of a good company called Gem cleaning in Reading which was a good start. I agreed the price from the start and agreed a fixed price no matter how long it took them based on an inspection of the car upon arrival. There were a few little chips unseen on the front air intake on one side but they stuck to their work and used gloss black pppf for them at no extra cost.
Another good check is to see what cars are being worked on, how clean their premises is and the process. I was pleased to see all worked was completed in a clean room within the unit where customers can view but are not allowed in.
My dad used to run a large crash repair centre and he said it also works the other way round where owners try to say damage was part of the recent accident even it it had rust or try to blame scratches that were already there on the garage which were always recorded upon handover.

I agree Lotus were very good to accept the bill for all the swirl marks because there is no proof they did it and most mainstream manufacturers would pay if the customer had signed after a full handover.

 

[Wiz33]

I recently did a 2024 718s in the SF Bay Area and here's the cost

$4300 full wrap, $2300 front and rear plus ceramic coat full car. Ended up doing the Front & Rear with Ceramic. I asked them about an Emira and they looked up the pattern and told me it should be similar. They did my RS5 3 1/2 years ago and it still looks perfect. They will do an inspection after 2 weeks or so. Something was triggering the left front distance sensor all the time and I took a closer look and notice a small bubble in the center of the sensor, press it down and the warning went away. They say they're poke it with a pin so it won't come back.

 

[Blackthought_]

I have a controversial statement here - I really struggle with the concept of PPF on a car. My last 2 cars I’ve done full PPF to protect them at a very expensive cost only to sell the car and not really get that $ back. I see the value if this a collectors 1 in a million car or a car that you will never ever sell but for me it’s an amazing car that will get driven and ultimately traded for the next best thing.

One big reason I disliked it was when I PPF gets a rock chip, it’s not like I can fix it. I would need to spend an additional 3k to remove the PPF and reinstall. That kinda sucks. Now I hear the other side of “well paint is much more expensive” etc but I’ve never had a car that the front gets so many rock chips where I need to worry about a respray. I’d rather take a paint pen and fix the rock chip myself for free (not to mention buffing and polishing a car is like therapy for me). Anyone else feel like that 5k can go to more fun things like an exhaust, etc?

 

[VL3X]

I have a controversial statement here - I really struggle with the concept of PPF on a car. My last 2 cars I’ve done full PPF to protect them at a very expensive cost only to sell the car and not really get that $ back. I see the value if this a collectors 1 in a million car or a car that you will never ever sell but for me it’s an amazing car that will get driven and ultimately traded for the next best thing.

One big reason I disliked it was when I PPF gets a rock chip, it’s not like I can fix it. I would need to spend an additional 3k to remove the PPF and reinstall. That kinda sucks. Now I hear the other side of “well paint is much more expensive” etc but I’ve never had a car that the front gets so many rock chips where I need to worry about a respray. I’d rather take a paint pen and fix the rock chip myself for free (not to mention buffing and polishing a car is like therapy for me). Anyone else feel like that 5k can go to more fun things like an exhaust, etc?

I'm with you.. Especially with the current PPF isntall prices. $5k+ is crazy IMO. I understand it's tedious work installing (especially not something I'd want to attempt myself), but I don't mind having tiny rock chips and imperfections.. I've daily driven and tracked my GTI since buying it new in 2017 and there's maybe 2 spots where PPF would have protected the front bumper.. Neither of which bother me at all after touching them up.

I have the factory ppf on my GT and there's 1 spot on the hood that caught a rock chip (only on the film). So I'm glad it was protected there, but I'm not about to peel it off and pay 2-3k to have the front redone because of it.

 

[Blackthought_]

I'm with you.. Especially with the current PPF isntall prices. $5k+ is crazy IMO. I understand it's tedious work installing (especially not something I'd want to attempt myself), but I don't mind having tiny rock chips and imperfections.. I've daily driven and tracked my GTI since buying it new in 2017 and there's maybe 2 spots where PPF would have protected the front bumper.. Neither of which bother me at all after touching them up.

I have the factory ppf on my GT and there's 1 spot on the hood that caught a rock chip (only on the film). So I'm glad it was protected there, but I'm not about to peel it off and pay 2-3k to have the front redone because of it.

Yup, glad to hear I’m not alone. My GT also got 1 small rock chip in 2 years of ownership and I couldn’t fix it with spending another future!

 

[Rupes]

I bought a white car mostly because I’ve always liked white cars, but also because they’re easier to love when dirty and minor imperfections (rock chips, swirls, etc.) don’t show up as prominently.

Essentially, they’re lower maintenance, and I don’t feel the need to worry about PPF as much. Though you all present a tempting case!

 

[Wiz33]

I have a controversial statement here - I really struggle with the concept of PPF on a car. My last 2 cars I’ve done full PPF to protect them at a very expensive cost only to sell the car and not really get that $ back. I see the value if this a collectors 1 in a million car or a car that you will never ever sell but for me it’s an amazing car that will get driven and ultimately traded for the next best thing.

One big reason I disliked it was when I PPF gets a rock chip, it’s not like I can fix it. I would need to spend an additional 3k to remove the PPF and reinstall. That kinda sucks. Now I hear the other side of “well paint is much more expensive” etc but I’ve never had a car that the front gets so many rock chips where I need to worry about a respray. I’d rather take a paint pen and fix the rock chip myself for free (not to mention buffing and polishing a car is like therapy for me). Anyone else feel like that 5k can go to more fun things like an exhaust, etc?

After 3.5 years, I can find a few pits on the front film but nothing that penetrated the film so I'm cool with that as those pits would probably have chipped the paint if the film is not there. So a front wrap is definitely worth it for me and they also did all the door edge which already save me a couple time that I accidentally open the door too wide in tight space.

 

[Barcino2012]

Fwiw I find PPF on dark colors, and prone to swirl marks necessary, so much less concerns when washing. ceramic is a great additional protection especially for ease of drying spotless, but can easily applied for a few bucks yourself. So do not see that as a decision as it is less the $100.- at the most.
They all have the film market cornered, takes no more then 2 days…..but what can you do…….

 

[KCMO68_510]

My car is white, with the black pack... so I wanted the whole front covered, and the black parts to prevent swirl marks and small scratches that are easier to see on black... and since that meant I was doing like 70% of the car I just bit the bullet and said do it all so it all looks uniform.

 

[RyanGphoto]

I just got this quote.. I think the full Xpel car coverage is crazy talk.. but let me know what you guys think..

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):

Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495


Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.

Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.



XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

 

[KCMO68_510]

I just got this quote.. I think the full Xpel car coverage is crazy talk.. but let me know what you guys think..

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):

Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495


Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.

Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.



XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

No idea what the market will bear in Florida... but here in the Midwest those prices are BONKERS...

 

[Time2Fly]

Update, $3800. STEK track pack, GTechniq ultra, and all windows tinted.

New Image in Englewood, CO

 

[kitkat]

I just got this quote.. I think the full Xpel car coverage is crazy talk.. but let me know what you guys think..

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):

Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495


Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.

Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.



XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

Is that two for one deal?
🤣

 

[Wiz33]

I just got this quote.. I think the full Xpel car coverage is crazy talk.. but let me know what you guys think..

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):

Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495


Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.

Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.



XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

I just got an update after they downloaded the template. Front & rear, door edge and a CC coat is still $2300, Full wrap and then CC is $5500 and full wrap only is $4500, he will usually comes in a bit lower when you actually brings the car.

 

[DaaS]

I just got this quote.. I think the full Xpel car coverage is crazy talk.. but let me know what you guys think..

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):

Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495


Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.

Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.



XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

Very expensive by 40-50%.

 

[Citizen]

I just got this quote.. I think the full Xpel car coverage is crazy talk.. but let me know what you guys think..

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):

Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495


Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.

Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.



XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

No way this prices

I went to ask about ppf with the best brands here in dubai (topaz, xpel …) and the most expensives one were around 5k$

 

[Gprodigy]

Full Front PPF (Coverage includes the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and mirrors):
Typically $3,995. Exclusive price of $3,495
Full car coverage pricing starts at $9,995, but you can get it for an exclusive price of $9,495.
Full car coverage STEALTH PPF 10,495.
XPEL Ceramic Coating: $2,995 exclusive price of $1,995

I'm in Florida also... those prices are nuts.
It looks like they gave you Aventador SVJ markups.
$10k is usually a chrome gold wrap, b/c the material is hard to stretch. Not standard PPF.

I'd keep shopping and I'm sure you can find a full ppf closer to a reasonable price. I personally would keep the budget below $4k.

 

[RyanGphoto]

No idea what the market will bear in Florida... but here in the Midwest those prices are BONKERS...

Agreed.. They are nuts for me too.. Full Stealth wrap for $10k.. no thanks.

 

[RyanGphoto]

I'm in Florida also... those prices are nuts.
It looks like they gave you Aventador SVJ markups.
$10k is usually a chrome gold wrap, b/c the material is hard to stretch. Not standard PPF.

I'd keep shopping and I'm sure you can find a full ppf closer to a reasonable price. I personally would keep the budget below $4k.

I am going to ask a few other people as well.. Just thought I would let you guys know what they are offering over here. I COULD build it into the price IF I finance it.. but that's still crazy talk.

 

[benjh1028]

I have a controversial statement here - I really struggle with the concept of PPF on a car. My last 2 cars I’ve done full PPF to protect them at a very expensive cost only to sell the car and not really get that $ back. I see the value if this a collectors 1 in a million car or a car that you will never ever sell but for me it’s an amazing car that will get driven and ultimately traded for the next best thing.

One big reason I disliked it was when I PPF gets a rock chip, it’s not like I can fix it. I would need to spend an additional 3k to remove the PPF and reinstall. That kinda sucks. Now I hear the other side of “well paint is much more expensive” etc but I’ve never had a car that the front gets so many rock chips where I need to worry about a respray. I’d rather take a paint pen and fix the rock chip myself for free (not to mention buffing and polishing a car is like therapy for me). Anyone else feel like that 5k can go to more fun things like an exhaust, etc?

Agree with everything above, but would add "weekend in Vegas" to your last sentence.