JCGT3rs

Hey guys......
So I am seriously contemplating protecting the exterior and recently reached out to a local vendor, who came recommended by the local Porsche dealership.
They are going to paint correct, then semi-custom PPF (over the edges everywhere possible without disassembling), then ceramic coats. They are also going to do the windows - tint on side/rear and clear on front.
the asking price is $9,800.

Does that seem reasonable to those already down this path?

168glhs1986

I don't think any vendor in late 2023 can "rip any client off" so to speak. I've paid up to $13,000 for similar services but mine was wrapped eveywhere. There is a big difference in labor cost.

The most important part of this equation isn't the price, it's WHO is doing the work.

Also just because Porsche recommends them doesn't mean they are good. Do your own research.

Good luck.

GTZee

That seems a bit high - A reputable shop should charge you $5-$7k for clear PPF depending on brand and how detailed you want it (Xpel, Suntek, etc). Paint correction is standard when you apply PPF at any legit shop as it would be foolish for them not to do that before applying the PPF. The ceramic coat is optional but most people throw in at least 1 coat if you negotiate right (usually its a $500-$1,000 extra cost). What type of tint? Cermaic I am assuming? I just did my model X all windows except windshield with high end cermaic tint for $500. Hope that helps.

c1pher

It's in the range maybe a bit high depending on where you live. The things you have to consider are whether they have to strip any previous sealant off as part of the detail, touch up the paint and how many stages of polish they have to do. If they gave you a number without looking at your car, then you could be over or under charged. If they don't get all the sealant, the PPF won't bond to the paint properly and you'll be returning to get sections fixed or edges will peel up rather quickly. I have a quote for about $6500 to do similar, but I have old front PPF and sealant to remove. I am just asking for a light polishing because I don't want to remove any more clearcoat than necessary. The PPF will fill in a lot of light scratches too.

Thrownaway

High by Houston standards.

Unless you have some serious imperfections most light scratches will be obscured by PPF.

The new PPF film is hydrophobic, why ceramic coat it?

I would recommend windshield protection(esp if you track) which should be $350-400

markiegt3

In the UK, paid £4200 for full body XPEL clear ppf coverage. Nice job, included removing badging etc.

inspire

For California that's about average price at a more reputable shop. I would say nowadays its around $8K+ for full PPF at a decent shop I would say

slipaway37

This cannot be more true!
Have heard of prices all over the place with some stupid high.
Approx three yrs ago I paid $6k for old PPF removal (not entire car), paint correction, reapply 100 percent PPF, ceramic coating to include brake calipers/wheels, and window tint: smartest decision ever.
Today's PPF products have greatly improved having its own organic ceramic built-into the material. Had to recently replace a door panel with 10-yr warranty and the hydrophobic quality is amazing.
Luckily I have friends that own best-of-the-best complete auto detail shops, so that always helps.
I do know to NOT use a shop that glues any of the PPF edges, and think headlamps should not be covered/coated?
Ask around at any PCA events and the local C&Cs, etc. Do research, and it will be well worth it.

c1pher

I agree. I don’t plan on ceramic after installing self healing PPF. If I decide to, I can do it myself.

JCGT3rs

Thanks all for your input .... some additional clarity
The quote was to PPF the entire car, with no exposed edges, to the extent that they can, without having to disassemble the car. The use of the ceramic was to coat any exposed edges and the windows. The fact that they have a relationship with the local dealership comes in handy, when they need some paint to blend in, need them to do the disassembly (they wont do it) and for me .. the fact that they have experience with the contours of cars like ours.
In any case, I'm going to look at their shop, shortly.....

MoeMistry

+1…pricing is all over the place…especially since Porsche and dealers jumped on the bandwagon

there is no one-size-fits-all and it’s become even harder for consumers to find the genuine installers vs “authorized” installers that recently took some classes and got certified by just showing up and paying the fee

treat finding the installer like you would a cpa/attorney/doctor…just because H&R Block can do your taxes for a few hundred $$$, doesn’t mean they’ll be your best option if they don’t understand your NEEDS and have the expertise required

buyer be aware

I would always ask these questions from potential installers:

1. How long have you been installing/detailing

2. Do you specialize in Porsche, specifically my car?

3. What makes you a specialist

4. who will be doing the installation and who does quality control

5. The installer should be probing you for YOUR lifestyle so they can recommend the right options…the best ones will do this on their own first before recommending ANY service

6. Do you have an open-door policy for me to check current jobs and if I want to check on my car, do I need to make an appointment or can I just “pop” in

above are just a few prequalifying questions to ask that will help you get a “vibe” …remember, this should be viewed as a relationship, not a one-night-stand 👌

C2 Turbo

Seeing how people pay close to $8,000 per car for such PPF services, wonder how much a detail shop with reasonably busy PPF business be making a year, $800,000 + ( 80 PPF/year)
Since the cost involved is pretty low, the net should be close to at least 70% or more, wrong?
No wonder everyone is getting on the bandwagon especially the dealers

MoeMistry

I wish we could run those margins

Running a business with employees, staying compliant, investing in R&D, and staying profitable to thrive, takes pragmatic planning and costs quite a bit at this level of the game

montoya

This. I don't understand PPF over the top of an expensive paint correction, you will never see it underneath the PPF. And for the best film ceramic coating is a huge waste of money.
Personally I wouldn't do windshield protection either, my insurance deductible is $500 if I need a new windshield.

As a data point my RS6 fully PPF cost $5500 with window tinting. Nothing removed for PPF, so that adds a lot if you go that route.

avc2014

Question for Moe Mistry. How long do you suggest leaving ppf on a car ? I recently had two cars re wrapped after 7 years and it was a bit of mess . From my experience I am going to stick to the 5 year rule ? Thoughts ?