Xpel pricing
08-26-2014, 06:28 PM
#11
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Install:
Not all installs are created equal. It's like saying, I bought a car. Well, did you buy a $20K Kia, or a $120K Tesla? Both will get you from Point A - Point B, but the latter does it in a completely different manner. It's all the in the details. A proper install takes time. The film may need to be customized to wrap around certain body panels to make for a seamless install. The skill of the installer is crucial as the film needs to be trimmed by hand. Last thing you want is someone cutting the film with a blade and also cutting the paint due to inexperience. Trust me...we see it all the time. Also, some shops do a pre-cut install and you have exposed edges of the film. Over time, the exposed edges will attract dirt, accumulate wax/polish, etc. This means you'll have to re-apply the clear film sooner down the road. Shops that do semi-custom/custom will demand a premium as the install will be cleaner and more precise. For the most part, the more invisible the install, the higher the cost.
Not all installs are created equal. It's like saying, I bought a car. Well, did you buy a $20K Kia, or a $120K Tesla? Both will get you from Point A - Point B, but the latter does it in a completely different manner. It's all the in the details. A proper install takes time. The film may need to be customized to wrap around certain body panels to make for a seamless install. The skill of the installer is crucial as the film needs to be trimmed by hand. Last thing you want is someone cutting the film with a blade and also cutting the paint due to inexperience. Trust me...we see it all the time. Also, some shops do a pre-cut install and you have exposed edges of the film. Over time, the exposed edges will attract dirt, accumulate wax/polish, etc. This means you'll have to re-apply the clear film sooner down the road. Shops that do semi-custom/custom will demand a premium as the install will be cleaner and more precise. For the most part, the more invisible the install, the higher the cost.
While not a Q5, here is a thread that covers a bad install:
Bad Clear Bra Install
08-26-2014, 06:37 PM
#12
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And for those who say why do I need a full paint correction when I just picked up a new car.
Dealership attacks a brand new 2014 Audi S4!
Pick up your car during the day!
Dealership attacks a brand new 2014 Audi S4!
Pick up your car during the day!
08-27-2014, 01:38 AM
#13
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Well, XPEL is a protective film, OPTI is a clear coat. To me, I prefer to have the film protecting against slight pings and dings and slight scratches that are easily picked, actually almost unavoidable, living and driving in NE NJ - NYC. I may get the OPTI later though.
B
B
08-27-2014, 07:16 AM
#14
And for those who say why do I need a full paint correction when I just picked up a new car.
Dealership attacks a brand new 2014 Audi S4!
Pick up your car during the day!
Dealership attacks a brand new 2014 Audi S4!
Pick up your car during the day!
I usually request dealer not to prep the car and it usually goes in for a 3 day full detail right after delivery........then for film install.
08-27-2014, 04:40 PM
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He said, "Did you buy the car from XYZ dealership?" When I said I did, he said that dealership, in particular (and we have many Audi dealerships in the Bay Area), is terrible in terms of how they screw up brand new cars when "prepping" or "detailing" them for customer pick-up.
Just sayin'.
08-27-2014, 04:59 PM
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My car is scheduled for delivery in October. I plan to take it directly to the detailer for Xpel clear bra and Opti-Coat. My chosen detailer told me to do exactly what TTG said, "Do not let the dealership do anything to the car, do not let them prep the car, do not let them unwrap the car. Tell them to leave all of the plastic, etc., in place and not touch it."
He said, "Did you buy the car from XYZ dealership?" When I said I did, he said that dealership, in particular (and we have many Audi dealerships in the Bay Area), is terrible in terms of how they screw up brand new cars when "prepping" or "detailing" them for customer pick-up.
Just sayin'.
He said, "Did you buy the car from XYZ dealership?" When I said I did, he said that dealership, in particular (and we have many Audi dealerships in the Bay Area), is terrible in terms of how they screw up brand new cars when "prepping" or "detailing" them for customer pick-up.
Just sayin'.
08-27-2014, 07:29 PM
#17
Spent about $168 to opticoat myself with about 2hrs. work
Straight from the dealer - hand wash - prep polish - apply opti-coat
Easiest part was actually the opti-coat application.
Might be worth considering if the car arrives in decent condition.
Supplies:
DA orbital from harbor freight - 68.00 on sale
DP Prep Polish - 20.00
Lake Country pad (white) - 10.00
opti-coat 2.0 - 60.00
bottle of car wash - 10.00
Straight from the dealer - hand wash - prep polish - apply opti-coat
Easiest part was actually the opti-coat application.
Might be worth considering if the car arrives in decent condition.
Supplies:
DA orbital from harbor freight - 68.00 on sale
DP Prep Polish - 20.00
Lake Country pad (white) - 10.00
opti-coat 2.0 - 60.00
bottle of car wash - 10.00
08-28-2014, 07:03 AM
#18
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I bought my car from Stevens Creek. It's been a good experience so far, but I won't want to take any chances with my car's finish being damaged, so will take Bob's advice and not have them prep or unwrap. It seems that Bob's done work on a lot of cars that have been purchased on Stevens Creek "auto row" and said that Stevens Creek BMW is even worse than Audi when it comes to screwing up brand new cars while prepping them for pick up.
My Q5 production week is next week . . . AWESOME!
08-28-2014, 04:37 PM
#19
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My car is scheduled for delivery in October. I plan to take it directly to the detailer for Xpel clear bra and Opti-Coat. My chosen detailer told me to do exactly what TTG said, "Do not let the dealership do anything to the car, do not let them prep the car, do not let them unwrap the car. Tell them to leave all of the plastic, etc., in place and not touch it."
He said, "Did you buy the car from XYZ dealership?" When I said I did, he said that dealership, in particular (and we have many Audi dealerships in the Bay Area), is terrible in terms of how they screw up brand new cars when "prepping" or "detailing" them for customer pick-up.
Just sayin'.
He said, "Did you buy the car from XYZ dealership?" When I said I did, he said that dealership, in particular (and we have many Audi dealerships in the Bay Area), is terrible in terms of how they screw up brand new cars when "prepping" or "detailing" them for customer pick-up.
Just sayin'.
08-28-2014, 04:47 PM
#20
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