Simoniz Teflon Coat -- Worth it?

[Vinny14369]

Naturally, at the end of the purchase process, the dealer was telling me about Simoniz (sp?). Apparently, for several hundred dollars (I think $599) they will apply an entire coat to my car. Apparently, this is supposed to help with the pain since paints no longer are lead-based, and, as such, are porous.

I'll probably get an extended warranty from Infiniti, BUT, I'm highly skeptical of this.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

~Vinny

[suby01]

shhizz is like gold.i got the interior and outside done at my dealer for 200.makes it so glossy and w.ethe good thing is you get to get a warranty if anything happens to your paint. i had a doo dooo stain faded my clear coat, cuz infiniti paint is garbage, several previous post about that here, called them made a claim they did everything at no cost to me, had it done last year going again this year once its nice out to get it redone.

[ypl102]

i paid a few hundred for that with window etching. so far so good. it came with a free 6 mo insurance which they will fix any dent or paint damage and I had them fix a scratch on my fender and they fixed the scratch, repainted it and reapplied the teflon coating

[smockers83]

Wish I was offered this. Knowing now how easily the paint chips, I would have jumped on this. It's not because paints aren't lead-based anymore, it's because they aren't oil-based anymore and are water-based.

[telcoman]

Naturally, at the end of the purchase process, the dealer was telling me about Simoniz (sp?). Apparently, for several hundred dollars (I think $599) they will apply an entire coat to my car. Apparently, this is supposed to help with the pain since paints no longer are lead-based, and, as such, are porous.

I'll probably get an extended warranty from Infiniti, BUT, I'm highly skeptical of this.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

~Vinny

Vinny14369

It is a ripoff by the dealer for extra profit.I did a quick search and found this.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"To those with the eternal question: "To Teflon Coat or Not"

"To give a slight insight to my knowledge on the subject, I have owned and operated an auto detailing company for the past 15 years. Needing to be competitive in the industry (and wanting to keep my personal vehicles in immaculate condition) I have stayed on top of many different products, procedures, and processes pertaining to the upkeep of ones automobiles.

Now understand that the companies claiming protection from the "TEFLON COATING" (usually applied by the dealers) is a tactic to increase their own bottom line. Understand that the dealer is there to make Money...and as much as possible whenever the opportunity arises. Not that I have a challenge with profit.

I have had several clients purchase new vehicles over the years, and have had the "TEFLON COATING" applied to their vehicle, thinking that the process would in fact not only maintain the beauty of their automobile, but would decrease the cost of upkeep over the life of the car. With personal, long term accounts of a "TEFLON COATED" automobile, I feel I can make an educated assessment of the procedure, and if it does indeed hold up better than a vehicle without.

Again, remember that I have a soft spot for that beautiful word "Profit" and feel that in this Great Nation we call America, that life would no longer exist without it (profit). That being said, if I could "TEFLON COAT" a car, AND it did what they (Dealers and Teflon Coating Companies) claim it does, I would find a company, or start one myself that actually performed the procedure to have the process done to all of the hundreds of cars I have direct ties to (not to mention my own collection of automobiles). I would charge the $300, $400, or even $500 that it cost to have this procedure done, make all of my maintenance profit in one day, maintain the "TEFLON COAT" ANNUALLY (which most companies will tell you is needed, and which cost another $500) to where I would never worry about the paint for the rest of the year (with the exceptional regular washing) and be a happy camper with much more "PROFIT"

In conclusion I feel the best and most effective way to maintain the beauty and over durability of you car is to wash it regularly (weekly). Wax it frequently (monthly). Most reputable companies in the automotive protection (wax) business make several good products.

Hope this helps. And Good Luck with whatever you decide to do."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for the warranty, I decided to spend $1950 for the Infiniti elite factory warranty offered by the dealer as parts and labor are so expensive and I drive 2k miles a month. In retrospect I should have just added $2k in a separate savings account as in 3 years two tire pressure warning sensors and one drivers side air bag control module were the only problems I've had and were covered under the warranty that came with the vehicle.

Telcoman

[Vinny14369]

Telcoman,

Thanks very much for the article you found and for your insight. Although I'm all about protecting my investment, I'm usually skeptical of the dealer add-ons. I'm sure it must help to a certain extent, but I don't know if it would necessarily help any more than maintaining a good consistent monthly wax and weekly washing.

As far as the extended warranty, I think you made the right call because, after all, you are buying peace of mind in the form of insurance. I haven't quite decided if I'm going to do the Elite Warranty Program, but I'm leaning in the direction since I've been stung in the past with out of warranty issues.

Thanks again, and if you know where after market seat covers are sold, let me know!

Thanks,

~Vinny

[s-mark]

Of course it's not a good deal. Look at this way, if it really worked as claimed, all cars, at least high-end cars, would come from the factory with a Teflon coating.
Modified by s-mark at 2:21 PM 1/5/2009

[joe603]

They screwed me on a "rim warranty". Should have listened to my gut.

I agree with Telco and just wash/wax you ride to keep it looking great. Infiniti/Nissan paint is soft on the front bumper but a few options are available.

1. Get a Clear Bra. Needs to be done ASAP on a new car. This will protect the front of the car from damage.

2. Repaint after you have significant damage. Get it repainted at a collision shop...it's not that expensive!

I had to have a nasty scratch fixed on my driver's side door, so I had the shop repaint my front bumper too. 10x better than OEM!!