[donnyfontaine]

Really love the paint on this car and want to keep it as fresh and in tact as possible. Don't want to spend an exorbitant amount, looking to stay around $2000 or so. Based on experience, best way to do this?
Only things I've thought about so far are

• PPF on the front part of the car
• Ceramic coating the whole car
• Anything else worth it?

I know ceramic coating and PPF serve different purposes, but looking for perspectives on which seems for worthwhile. I currently live somewhere that gets 4 season and cold winters, and may be moving to somewhere that has a more subtropical climate in the next few years.

[LivingInSalt]

Ceramic coating will not really protect the paint. Full front PPF is your best bet

[DrJLag420]

Agreed. I would go full front PPF. Getting mine done this week. $2400. That includes the rockers.

[alex2364]

PPF as much of the car as you can afford. Ceramic coating only makes it easier to wash and keep it clean.

[OriginalFake]

I am in this same situation and I was leaning towards ceramic coating. The reasoning being that I've never had any real issues with paint chips or scratches in the past and my car will be kept outside and I understand that ceramic coating should help with that aspect. But I'm reading about water spots and ceramic coating and now I'm not sure.

[LivingInSalt]

DIY the ceramic coating and save $1600 or whatever it costs. It's just not difficult.

[OriginalFake]

Originally Posted by LivingInSalt

DIY the ceramic coating and save $1600 or whatever it costs. It's just not difficult.

I wouldn't pay $1600 but if I do it, I'm getting a pro to do it. First off, I don't have the space to do it and I don't have the skill to prep the car correctly. Second, the places I looked at have a 5 year warranty so that's worth some amount of money for me.

I'm wondering if I'm better off just spending whatever amount of money I'd spend (estimates are closer to $1000) and use that money towards decent washes every 3 months.

[ZeusHorkios]

I am in the same dilemma. This is my first luxury daily driver. My car will either be parked in an open spot or in a carport. The car will still be exposed to all the elements and 4 seasons. I am not allowed to wash my car in the parking so I can only go to car washes with self wash booths. So my inclination is to get a full front ppf and ceramic coating.

From my research, it'll cost me around $2250 for ppf and around $1000 for the ceramic coating if I use shops in Massachusetts.

I'd love some recommendations for shops in the area.

[kel445]

Originally Posted by ZeusHorkios

I am in the same dilemma. This is my first luxury daily driver. My car will either be parked in an open spot or in a carport. The car will still be exposed to all the elements and 4 seasons. I am not allowed to wash my car in the parking so I can only go to car washes with self wash booths. So my inclination is to get a full front ppf and ceramic coating.

From my research, it'll cost me around $2250 for ppf and around $1000 for the ceramic coating if I use shops in Massachusetts.

I'd love some recommendations for shops in the area.

I just had ceramic done to my entire vehicle. $1000 and another $395 for Xpel window tinting. I'm on the upper Cape. I have no garage and I park outside. However, I can wash my vehicle in my parking spot. Just can't afford the PPF but I'm retired so I drive only when I want to. Bad weather, snow, ice, sand and salt situations.....I just stay home! I'm very pleased with the ceramic. Need to wait another week or two before I do my first wash. Good luck with whatever protection you choose!

[ReallyRadams]

I’d love to get PPF but I do not keep my car long enough to justify the price. 2 weeks ago after I washed my car while inside a store, bird poop etched itself into my clear coat. So 2 weeks from now I’ll have my car corrected and ceramic coated.

[ZeusHorkios]

Originally Posted by kel445

I just had ceramic done to my entire vehicle. $1000 and another $395 for Xpel window tinting. I'm on the upper Cape. I have no garage and I park outside. However, I can wash my vehicle in my parking spot. Just can't afford the PPF but I'm retired so I drive only when I want to. Bad weather, snow, ice, sand and salt situations.....I just stay home! I'm very pleased with the ceramic. Need to wait another week or two before I do my first wash. Good luck with whatever protection you choose!

I am definitely getting full ceramic coating done.
Since this will be my daily driver, I feel I should get full frontal ppf but don't know if it'll be worth it.

Thank you for your insight! Much appreciated!

[m_g42bmw]

Originally Posted by donnyfontaine

Really love the paint on this car and want to keep it as fresh and in tact as possible. Don't want to spend an exorbitant amount, looking to stay around $2000 or so. Based on experience, best way to do this?
Only things I've thought about so far are

• PPF on the front part of the car
• Ceramic coating the whole car
• Anything else worth it?

I know ceramic coating and PPF serve different purposes, but looking for perspectives on which seems for worthwhile. I currently live somewhere that gets 4 season and cold winters, and may be moving to somewhere that has a more subtropical climate in the next few years.

Definitely full front, hood mirror caps and fenders PPF definitely!!! It's a must with all the angles by the grill area also ceramic coat the car it's a breeze for cleaning