First time, long time...

Just picked up our EX-L w/ Navi and the dealership (RB Honda) didn't offer tint or clear shield protection so I am going to have to go another shop. Choosing between 3m, Ventureshield, and Xpel. Similar to the tint survey, I was wondering:

A). What parts of the car you had done?
B). Brand of paint protection used
C). Cost (materials and installation, if seperate)
D). Part of the country
E). Any advice or comments

Thanks and looking forward to the discussion.

 

a lot of PPF is in the artistry of the installer;

So the overriding factor is you finding a good installer, and then seeing what they offer.

 

Thanks raysteng. I have found good installer (from what I have read) and they offer all three products hence the question about brand preferences. Here is the quote I got from the installer.

• Ventureshield: $590 + tax
• Xpel OR 3M: $740 + tax

No idea whether or not it is worth the extra money. We get rid of cars every 4 years or so but up here in MN the sand/salt in the winter does horrible things to a low, relatively snub-nosed car. Also this car may stay in the extended family for a while.

 

For $1100 after negotiation I am getting Xpel hood, fenders, front bumper, door handles, rear cargo area (didn't like black OEM applique), door sills, door edges AND full 3M Crystalline tint installed. Anyone know if I am getting ripped off or does this seem fair? It is being done by an Xpel certified installer.

Thanks!

 

I went the self install route doing the first 12" of the hood only. Purchased a 12"x60" sheet of 3M for about $40 on Amazon. After looking at my Subaru w/ 211,000 miles I realized that the majority of the dings were all on the leading edge (first couple inches) of the hood as the plastic bumpers were pretty much fine. I've never done any kind of tint or paint protection installs before but it turned out pretty good. It just took a lot of patience. A pro could probably do the job in 20 minutes. I on the other hand was about 1 1/2 hours.

Link:
In-Progress shot:

 

Since you bought that bulk roll. Do you have a lot left over?

I was thinking of doing the same thing but also thought about applying it to the back bumper and door edges instead of buying the OEM Rear Bumper Applique/Door edgue guards.

Do you think this 3m film would be a good idea?

 

I have the exact same question. Thinking I'd prefer the look of the clear film over the OEM guards, plus it's alot cheaper if I can manage a self install.

 

go with xpel ultimate. it has self-healing properties. i use it on my hobby car. it really does self-heal haze, swirls, and minor scuffs.

 

For the door edge guards, it's a no brainer. you just pick up this 3m offering. currently $8.62, versus 4 times as much for the honda "accessory". Since it's so thin, you do not need any special tools technique for this, it's basically just tape:


only 36".
but for just a little more, you get 10times as much tape:

The rear bumper might be a little trickier as that requires getting a bulk piece and cutting and actually needing some technique to get bubbles out.

 

Very true yet often completely overlooked.

Typical applications are a portion of the hood 1-2 feet, with or without the entire bumper cover. Average cost for the 2015 Fit is between 700-800 for the bigger hood coverage and the full bumper cover. You will have outliers on both ends for material, location, and installer experience.

Despite the upfront cost, the clear bra will pay for itself over the long haul.
3M has a new Pro Series Scotchgard material - that is the one to go with. very clear and backed by a 7 year national warranty, and is now self healing. Minor scratches to the polymer top coat flatten out with the heat of sitting in the sun or the application of hot water.

Find a certified installer on 3M's site here
Where to Buy 3M

 

My worry is the protection film will go yellow over time, and I keep my cars for a long time. I'd rather have a few touched-up rock dings than a ugly yellowed sheet over the entire front of the car.

 

fair worry, but new films supposedly solved or reduced that and don't yellow (as much). Care for the PPF is something to ask your installer about.

But have to compare apples-to-apples, and compare film or no-film car under the same care conditions.
If you're not cleaning and waxing or caring for the PPF but just exposing it to to such damage that causes the film to yellow, your unfilmed car in the same conditions is not unscathed. In those same conditions and lack of care; it'll have clearcoat that's all hazed up or even peeling, and faded paint, so you got a crappy looking car anyway where the film is the least of your problems.

it's somewhat of a moot point as those that would care to put on PPF would also care for their car (but should check what are the products to clean/wax the ppf-or which to avoid actually)