Found an EX35! Is the "sheild protection" worth it?

[TrippiN]

Hi All,

So I FINALLY found my new EX, even though I gotta drive 900Km's (550miles) to pick it up. Now the dealership is, of course, trying to sell me on the extended Warranty and the paint/rust/leather protection.

For the paint/rust/leather protection they want $800 dollars. My question to everyone here, is it worth it? They made the argument of "You sure don't want to drive this thing 800km on it's first trip without the paint protection." The brochure they provided seems like it's only a coating that goes over the paint.

Thoughts? Comments? Bring em! Very excited to pick this thing up and drive it through the mountains!

edit: I realize that these "packages" are complete markup from the dealers and usually not worth the money they charge...however, what type of protection would you guys recommend? My main concern is the possibility of rock chips, etc on the long trip home.
Modified by TrippiN at 5:34 PM 9/16/2009

[kamiguy]

Congrats from over the hills in BC, Canada. I was faced with the same issue.. having to drive 2 hours to the dealer to get my EX35. I had the dealer take the car into a shop in Kelowna, where I purchased it and had the 3M shield installed all over the front of the car. Yes, it costs more than the DIY kits out there but you get what you pay for. Like you, I didn't want to go for a long highway drive unprotected. Get the dealer to have it installed before you take delivery!! And save that $800 and use it for real protection for your car.

[scottt]

I guess I am too cheap, I purchased a real good paint sealant and applied myself, it worked great and I spent around 50 bucks. It is not as good as the 3M paint shield, I really don't like the way they look. The downside, I will get rock chips. My 9 year old i30 had some when I sold it, they were not bad and did not bother me.Scott

[gregbeaton]

I got the diamond shield for my windshield. Its worth every penny because it allows you to replace your windshield due to chips or cracks with only a $50 deductable for 4 years.

The product cost me $800 CDN I beleive. I'm told the windshield on the EX is worth $950. Since in Calgary we have such the window chip problem, in less than a year I've already replaced the windsheild and the product has paid for itself.

[splautz]

These protection packages are not worth it in my opinion. I got them for my EX35 and found out the hard way that they add nothing to the resale value of the car, even though they can be transferred over to new owners. Same with 3M, it adds nothing to the resale value. However, the 3M actually does go a good job in protecting the paint. So I guess having less paint chips on the car from rocks would keep your resale value a little higher.. but the 3M itself? noSo bottom line, don't even consider it unless you plan to keep the car 4 or more years.