Topic: New Car Prep / Xpel / Opti-Coat Pro Plus

[mleefiend]

Hi everyone!

Picking up my new car next month and will be keeping it for a while so want to ensure that it's in the best condition possible.  I'm thinking about getting the Xpel Ultimate and then Opti-Coat it.  From what I've read, it's better to put the Xpel first before the Opti-Coat so that the Xpel can stick to the car.

My question is around the prep work before the Xpel goes on, assuming that the Xpel installer doesn't do a full detailing of the car prior to putting on the Xpel (or do they?), what should I do before dropping the car off to the installer?

1. Ask the dealer not to prep the car prior to delivery and take it to be detailed somewhere else? 
 Questions would be a) Has anyone used a "new car prep" service?  b) Can you spot imperfections if the dealer does not prep and if no, can you bring it back afterwards or will they blame the detailer?

2. Get the dealer to prep.  (I'm afraid the dealer will create unnecessary swirls that will then be sealed under the Xpel and Opti-Coat).

Thanks!
Ming

[wing]

You want a full detail at minimum first.  Typical opticoat application runs about $800 from what I have seen.  Not sure about the xpel.

[blur911]

I dont' know about these products in particular, but pain-protection products are a HUGE profit item for dealers.

I worked at one about 30 years ago, I would be given a 4oz bottle of "paint protection",  applied it exactly like waxing a car.  Took about an hour or two, charged $500-700, (somehow it cost more on a Cadillac than a Chevy)
I doubt it did anything more than lighten the customer's wallets.

[wing]

Opti-coat is amazing stuff.  Basically you won't have to wax your car for around 5-7 years and dirt just slides off.

[UCD]

Find a shop that does everything in house....i.e. paint correction, PPF and coatings. Ask the dealer not to wash the car.

Paint coating goes over PPF.

Basically you won't have to wax your car for around 5-7 years and dirt just slides off.

Are you sure?