No one seems to be mentioning bug damage. Down here in Florida, we have some serious bugs, like the "Love Bugs" that come out in droves around May and September. If you don't clean them off your car right away, their little bodies form acids that will eat your paint. My clear bra has really helped.

 

this is my 2nd car with a 3M clear bra and i will put it on every car i ever own as a daily driver

never had an issue with yellowing film and my both cars sit outside on the driveway here in So Cal... the trick is, like any sort of external car care, to wax and clean the car pretty consistently. i usually wash my car every other week and each time i always apply protection to the clear bra

Plexus (plastic cleaner) is a basic, easy to use plastic cleaner and sealant that works well but requires frequent use, at least every 2 weeks in my experience

Xpel makes a cleaner and sealant specifically designed for clear bras that also works very well, and holds its structure for about a month or so

i usually just hand wax the clear bra with microfiber cloths and apply Plexus bi-weekly

 

Definitely worth it.. for a $50k+ collectors item.

Waste of $$ on a FIT.

 

I had a 3M Clearbra installed shortly after purchase. My Fit is Black. So far I like it. It's almost invisible and seems to offer good protection.

I've never owned a vehicle inwhich I had one installed, so I do have concerns about it long term. I think only time will tell. But initially, I'd say it's great. I can see where quality of installation could make a big difference.

The thread with the magnetbra is interesting. If in a year or so I think or witness the clearbra failing...turning colors or looking bad...I might try one of those. By then I will know the longterm reality of Clearbra and there should be more owners that have simultaneously owned a Magneticbra.

So far, I happy with the Clearbra.

 

if you care about maintaining your car's exterior, its worth it regardless of the price of the car

 

I had my clearbra for 9 months, and the material didn't yellow (despite the fact that my car is outside all the time -- no garage) and it didn't peel, even with a min temperature of -5F in the winter up to 90F in the summer. The clearbra looked about the same as when I applied it, up until I had an incident with a deer which killed my hood (the clearbra was still securely attached actually, despite the hood folding up). So I'm pretty convinced of its durability.

Though, now I'm just left with a crumpled hood with perfect paint . I'm not sure if I'll put a clearbra on the replacement hood actually...

 

Definitely worth it. My mom's 07 Fit bumper and hood is so beat up from stone chips, I know my GE wouldn't stand a chance.
Repainting the bumper with just a few chips isn't worth it, you'll have to collect a lot and repaints is always noticeable.

 

I say, keep it au natural. Get some chips and repaint the whole car after 5 or 6 years. Earl Schieb will do a premium job for $300... a lot less than the 3M job by a professional.

 

No better or worse than having plastic seat covers.

I say enjoy the ride and don't put it in a baby bubble. You're gonna get rid of it in a few years and normal road chips won't be a factor.

 

That's nice to hear as far as Clearbra durability. I "plan" to try and keep this automobile a long time. But you know life is unpredictable. You'd also think the worst thing a clearbra manufacturer...like 3M could want would be the reputation that their product either caused damage or became faded...and looked bad...because that is exactly why people install clearbra to start with, in an effort to keep their vehicle looking better. So I'd assume they test for long term durabilty.

I think all approaches are valid. Clearbra, Magneticbra, or simply living with it as is and ignoring damage and/or expecting occasional refinishing costs.

I just thought since I think I'll own this vehicle for a long time, I'd try clearbra....so far, so good. If it fails? Then I'll adapt.

 

If you plan to resell your Fit, a good paint job will help you sell it easier, but not for much more than a "normal" used car, and not for much more money.

If you want to keep your Fit forever, you'll have to live with the chips or live with the cheap plastic look on the hood and other parts. If you remove it later and find there is some discoloration or damage, you'll feel really stupid.... on resale it will be slightly harder, and if you keep it you will have to live with the discoloration.

I think it's better to just save the money for a paint job. They're not expensive, and will look new for yourself, if you decide to keep it.

Another thing to consider is that most of the ugly damage will occur on the sides of the car, where uncaring nearby parkers will continue to dent your doors. When the strong long line of the side panels is dented, in my opinion, it will have a more horrible look than a few chips in the hood. I don't know if tape on the side panels will prevent much damage from car doors.

My opinion... paint after a few years, if you plan to keep the car.

 

If a cirtified 3m installer puts it on u won't know it's there except your car won't look like crap from rock chips in the paint. Also it saved my headlight get one if you want your car to continent to look as good as it dose now if not don't worrie about it lol I'm a big believer but make shure the guy putting it on knows what he is doing don't try to do it yourself because you can't lol I have worked with decals for over three years and that stuff is stupid hard to put on right

 

Just asking, but what's wrong with the Honda Bra? I'm considering it.

You put it on when needed. I know my open road trips - that's when I would use it. North East Winters sand/salt/stones/ice/snow. A latitude thing... just put it on/take it off, or is a a pia. K_C_

 

If u were in socal I'd say come look at my hood I don't have the clear bra on my hood I did not have anymoney after I putthe downpayment it's like salt and pepper I will get a cf hood sometime when I have some extra money but I hate the way black leather bras look unless it is on a black car

 

it's hard reading your post...

leather bra is old school...we're talking clear bra film here.

i live in so cal. 17k miles, clear bra, no chips on the bra'd areas.

 

In your mind it might be 'Old School' but other than that what's so bad about it. I know this is a clear film thread - I was only asking - will start new thread. K_C_