Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffporfirio
I tried to find a similar post, but they were from a few years back.
Would like your opinion on the undercoat, rust, paint, leather protection, and 3M film offered at dealerships when you buy a new car.
Are these things a must, are they a scam, or is it legit but it's best/cheapest to get it done somewhere else?
Thanks
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Ahhh.... The Pro Pack up sell, it is not rally a scam, just expensive. If you don't plan on holding on to the vehicle for any longer then 2-3 years, don't bother getting anything. The "protect your investment line" is garbage. A vehicle is not an investment, you are just putting out more money on a depreciating asset, or worse, financing the protection package over 7 years.
Paint protection and leather protection, you can buy the same products off the shelve and do it your self. I would recommend paint protection on dark coloured vehicles as the biggest benefit is that they (black cars) will come clean easier. If price is not an issue have the dealer look after it, but you can save a few hundred bucks by doing it yourself, same with the interior protection. The rust proofing is a total waste in Alberta given that we do not use near the salt content on the roads many other places do. Also most vehicles do come with a corrosion warranty from factory so ask about that, it often gets skipped over. There is a new product of the market called "Chip" which is a rust inhibitor as well as a vehicle diagnosis tool which the dealers (we) sell. It's kinda neat but horribly over priced.
3m. Don't fall for the "adds value to your vehicle", it will but you spend $800 to add $50 in value 5 years down the road. Rock chips suck however and can happen anytime, anywhere so it is really up to you. Although I've seen dozens of cars where rocks have pounded right through the 3m and left horrible chips.
Undercoating is nice to have as both an added noise barrier and under carriage protectant.
The thing is profits are very slim on the actual vehicles themselves, money is made on the warranties, loan insurances (life, accident, job loss protection etc..) and selling pro packs. Remember it is totally your decision, if you see value in having the added protection to your vehicle then go ahead, it is totally up to you, remember a good deal is a felling and not a number. Would be happy to answer any other questions.
*would not recommend doing any of this if you are leasing, ther are other options available
*prices vary by dealer, our 3m starts at $499 and goes to $799 depending on the vehicle, chrome vs painted bumper etc... I know of one luxury dealer that charges $1795 for the 3m
Buying a new car
