dennison17

Just picked up my 450h and I love it after only 75 miles!! It is Black / Black.

The dealer was leaning hard on me to get either a "clear coat" over the entire vehicle... or just the plastic wrap across the front (because of the black finish). My wife hates the plastic wrap, so I'm shying away from that. Wonder if anyone knows much about this "clear coating" that supposedly protects the entire car's paint from even minor scratches. Also reduces need for waxing, etc. Cost is ~$850. Hmmmm... wonder what it looks like in 4-5 years..??

Jack129

Sounds like a plan to lighten your wallet by about $850.

rx10owner

See the thread "waxing vs teflon coating". To repeat what I said in that thread:

Save your $$$. It's a scam, and pure profit for the dealer. All so-called protective coats are basically wax jobs. If "teflon coating" was that good, the car makers would add it during the paint process.

Before my '10 RX, I've had BMWs and Audis and always rejected this "service". And, I've always had compliments on the finish several years down the road.

Here's a link to ponder:

http://www.prlog.org/10114706-consum...customers.html

b67

The parts guy told me its a kit they buy for 35 to 70 bucks and charge you $700-850 to apply. I checked ebay for the brand name and sure enough they were selling a kit for that brand...

tazdevl

Don't do it... a good wax like Zaino will do a better job protecting your finish than that crap. My parents bought an SC430 a few years ago... the dark blue. Anything that fell on the car made it through the "clear coat" and marred the finish. I personally have never done it.

If you're doing paint protection film... I'd recommend ventureshield.

b67

While the finance lady was trying to sell it to me she mentioned not to go to a car wash that uses brushes since the finish is so soft the brushes will cut into it and it will look bad. This threw up a red flag for me right away.

J LEX

Ive used the clear plastic sticker,tape,vinyl whatever it is and it works.I have no chips on the protected areas

tazdevl

Utter and complete BS. Her job is to sell you on these "valued added services" that just add value to the dealership. I'd bet she knows jack about the cars. You think they didn't test this thing in your standard automated car washes?

The other thing to keep in mind is that this is a new car, there's no history established yet on the paint from a commercial perspective. I'd ask her if the paint formula changed between 2nd gen and 3rd gen. I'd also ask her she read the characterization, durability, and accelerated aging test data for the paint used in the RX if it is a new formulation.

dennison17

Thanks to all!!! I dodged that bullet and instead I have invested in a high quality package of waxes / sealants from Klasse. I looked at a variety of offerings (from Meguires to whatever....) and these testimonials from Klasse are compelling. The one thing I did NOT do is dump $850 at the dealership!!! Thanks to all those who weighed in on this issue. I guess that's what this forum is for..... and it’s TERRIFIC!!! Hope I can reciprocate to any and all at some point!

b67

It might not be an idea to invest that cash in a clear plastic film for the front, 2500 miles I already have a buch of chips

4482

I'm sure your wax and sealant purchase will enhance the looks of your Lexus.
A "clear bra" will help protect it from stone chips.

jclem

I bought the "invisible bra" plastic film for the front end on my previous Lexus and my '10 RX. I think the front end protection it provides is well worth it. They were asking $800., I got it for $400.
I agree that the $800. wax jobs are just snow jobs.