My GT4 has a full body install of xpel ultimate and it is absolutely worth it. Its been on the car for 7 years now and it still looks great and has saved the paint twice where the wrap got damaged but the paint had no damage. It is very easy to wash the car, and not having to worry about making swirl marks on the paint is a huge plus. If you can afford it, its worth every penny.
I make semi regular trips between Phoenix and L.A. and if you know anything about DRIVING FAST THROUGH THE DESERT WOULD KNOWVYOU DONT NEED A CAR OR TRUCK IN FRONT OF YOU TO GET ROCK CHIPS . Not only that , washing the car takes a forth of the time it takes on a car without PPF, i never have swirls marks on the paint and the PPF has a ten year warranty. If you knew anything about what your talking about , you wouldnt be a hater.@lewislevits1193
Thanks for an honest, comprehensive video that points out both benefits and warnings about PPFs. Completely believable and informative. Pointing out the pitfalls (tucking in the edges) and shortcomings (film yellowing) are important things to point out to those considering such a job on their cars. Thanks again.
This was perhaps the shortest most informative video on ppf that I have seen. I’m in the process of getting a Tesla Model Y and I “might” do (at most) a partial ppf on the front end. On the other hand, I don’t drive that much and when I do, it’s in the city not usually on the highway. I’m wondering if even a partial ppf is worth the money.
Personally on your car I wouldn’t do it, eventually chips will occur and don’t ever let that bother you. City driving you’ll probably never get big enough rock chips for it to be worth it especially if you don’t drive all that much
Very nice and thoroughly presented. I'm taking delivery of a 2025 NX350h next week (1/6/25). The material is XPEL Ultimate Plus. Is that a good product? I never knew there was custom and precut, so I definitely learned something! Thank you very much. Great information presented and easy-to-understand.
PPF absolutely worth it to me. Just had PPF removed from a 2007 911 turbo. Paint looks brand new. New PPF placed. Amazing how yellow the PPF looked after removed after 15 years! You couldn’t tell while it was on car, but when removed looked like a used condom.
@lewislevits1193 what state do you live in? How far of a distance do you expect to keep from traffic? And do you not have flying insects with hard exoskeletons where you live? Do you drive behind the bugs too? Almost one of the stupidest comments I’ve seen. I’ll spend my 5k on PPF, you can spend yours on a car.
@lewislevits1193my wife and I buy our cars new, and keep them 12-15 years. It makes us feel good to care for things we worked really hard to get. My motorcycle I bought new in 2016 still looks new and gets many compliments on the condition. It makes me feel good. 😊
What color is your car? If it were white, I'm sure you would notice it? 2 ppf installs has to cost about the same as a full body paint job right? I was quoted $3000-4000 for just the front clip in stealth ppf (matte) on my 2017 c63s amg
@@SMack-mj2bp as much as a full body paint? Hardly. Painting a 2007 911 turbo that has 23,000 miles, and is 100% stock, is suicide to the cars value. Also would cost way more than having 2 PPF installs
Great overall round up about the pro's and con's of getting PPF on your car. Like everything in life there are swings and roundabouts with everything. I think the idea of looking at what your car is roughly worth and of course how long you plan on keeping it for, will play a very big part in what decision you take. Oh and well done for having two cracking looking cars there, both sports cars but both give you a different feel and way of going down the road.
A lot of people say they're going to PPF because they're "never going to sell" their cars. I've been around for a while. I've had multiple vehicles that I said I would "never sell" and they all got sold at some point. Longest I've ever kept a car was 14 years and it was definitely a car I never wanted to sell, but at some point in life, depending on your situation, you come to the realization that keeping a depreciating object in your garage or driveway (OK, maybe not Porsches, which tend to appreciate - if you don't drive them much) just doesn't make sense anymore. You can't predict a lot of life changes that would preclude you from keeping a car and there's always that bright, new, shiny object that makes that old beater less and less attractive no matter how much nostalgia it may provide. With that being said, when it comes to PPF, you are going to pay dearly for a job well done and if you don't, it's going to look like crap and even the best installs have their flaws.... many more flaws than the factory paint will ever show.
I purchased a new Land Cruiser a few years ago. I shopped around for prices, averaged $8k. I knew it was A LOT of work but, in my mind I was like GTFOH. I bought the Xpel myself and did my entire SUV for $1200, 3’ sheet. It’s not perfect or horrible and does the job, you wouldn’t know unless you walked up to it. I did do my SUV in the winter and outdoors, it was a nightmare but, I wanted it protected. I will admit I had to get the hood redone professionally, because they’re the only one who will have a 6’ sheet. That cost me $600. I have an 2011 Maxima A pillar still wrapped in Xpel, still hasn’t yellowed going on 13 yrs. Xpel is the way to go!!!
That example at 1:28 is not an example of a bad job at all. You can't tuck the PPF into where the bumper and fender meet. Only way would be too remove the bumper. I don't know about you but I don't want my car taken apart for a sacrificial layer of film. That is about as good as you will get without taking apart the car. Right up to the edge as close as possible. The other areas like where the hood opens or the doors, yes you can tuck there because you can open those panels and get the film around the edge. Not a great example of a bad install at all hopefully that helps!
Hello from Chicago. Just saw your video on PPF. Thanks for the video. I was thinking of offering PPF to customers. After seeing this video, probably not. By the way, you have excellent communication skills.
Great video. My 2019 Porsche Cayenne S was 43 k out the door. I still spent 7k on PPF and ceramic coating. It came with full front wrapped and nicely wrapped. So I added full door PPF? A trim with roof trim, rear bumper, headlights and then had paint correction with ceramic coating done. It’s at the shop now and I’m excited to get it!
@ where are you located. My almost full clear PPF WRAP, changes rims from silver and made them black powered coated wheels, changed calipers to red, then had entire car ceramic coated. I was at $7500 out the door.
How much someone PPFs, at least in my opinion, doesn’t necessarily need to be tied to the financial value of the car. A car may not be 6 figures in price, but the car could be just as important to an individual as a more expensive one is to someone else…It’s a relative…Good video…
Thanks definitely enlightening. I bought a used model 3 and was looking at ppf and tinting but due to costs was wondering what to do. Has a few tiny chips and some scratches already so didn't know if I should do ppf or not. It's expensive to me but realistically what you said made sense. I'll just use it as a car, clean it often and hand wash, touch up small paint damages, and get it tinted for uv+appearance instead! I'll likely drive it 5-6 years and then sell/trade and get a newer tesla or other car at the time. Thanks!
I've run XPEL PPF on all of my vehicles for a long time now, some full front and some full vehicle. In my experience it is worth it but the details come down to the prep work of the installation. Great comprehensive review though, appreciate it.
here's the thing that most people don't think about. You actually need the seems to show. It means when time comes to replace the PPF, you don't have to take off panels and run into breaking clups, or clip holders. As cars age, ppf tend to yellow or stain. Also plastic becomes brittle and harder to take off without breaking.
Thank You this was incredibly informative and helpful 😊. I can now cool my jets about the PPF. Your formula sealed the deal and also I have a white vehicle 🤔. Great info! Thanks a million! 👍🏾🙏🏾😊
Just got a used 2017 Range Rover, is it worth PPF? Good condition, very few if any rock chips. Considering bumper hood fenders headlights - company said they will paint correct before etc,. It’s a special order metallic grey want to be sure won’t dull the metallic shine, etc - Or do I just ceramic coat - opinion?
One thing about pre-cut PPF, when you remove it years later, it digs into the clear coat. For example, I have a 2006 GTO that I had pre-cut 1/4 piece of the hood and fenders covered in PPF. I removed it several years later, and there is a line where the PFF was. No amount of compound wax will take out that line. I'm not sure even wet sanding would be a good idea.
thanks for the info, been going back and forth on PPF for my '23 M340i. I know it's not a 6 figure car so I just ended up getting the high impact areas like you suggested (full front, partial roof, rocker panels). Prob not the smartest financial decision but I want my car looking pristine for as long as possible!
I did the same in the past my c6 Z06 I did the front bumper headlights half the hood the a arms and mirrors with above the windshield . it worked great . My c7 Z06 is full PPF self healing so far amazing
Hey, great video! I am planning to get a 911 with white metallic color, would you still recommend the PPF? Or anything else? Also I love to see the rain drops sitting on my car, would water not stay on the car at all after PPF?
Thank you for the enlightening info! A question I had was about Xpel. It seems to have a good reputation online however I am hearing that its precut. My C8 is being shipped from New Hampshire and their contractor only uses Xpel and now I am on the fence. The company Automotive Elegance has a great reputation however your insight to precut PPF and dirty edges gives me pause. I am in a rural area and wish I had more options near me. What are your thoughts on Xpel?
I got a rock chip at the front of my hood in my Camry, wish I got ppf! Have the color matched paint pen ordered & will fix it soon, and then will look into local shops for myself for ppf.
The only problem with not using pre cut is tight gaps like you show between the front bumper and right fender can't be tucked UNLESS body panels are removed. FYI that's not a BAD install. It is what it is for precut. If you don't like that pay the extra 1k to 3k to have the body panels removed and the PPF is then tucked.
Shows he has no idea what he’s talking about and calling that job “bad or atrocious” is idiotic. Especially after he praised them for wrapping everything else. Have fun trying to get a 7-10 mil thick piece of plastic tucked in that hairline gap and it not peeling over time.
I have a 370z Nismo and it has low miles (16k) but the paint is definitely not perfect. As a whole the car really isn’t bad. I’m not sure if it was ever polished, so hopefully it hasn’t been and I still have a good amount of clear coat. I might buy a paint thickness gauge to get an idea. But I want to keep this car forever, I just wish I had it when it was new for the reasons you mentioned with maintaining and preserving its paint well from the beginning, before it had a chance to get a rock chip. The thing is you could eventually get your car repainted for the amount you would save by not getting it ppfed. I mean you could literally take the $6-9k and invest it in whatever is safe and in 10 years when you would go to get your car ppf fixed you would have much more money and just get your car repainted and then ppfed and still have money left. I know collectors don’t like repainting but if you really never want to sell it, then it doesn’t matter what some collector values your car at.
Would you recommend vinyl wrap for accents on bmw grill? I want to put the 3 bmw colors on 3 bars in the front grill of my 2025 bmw x4 m40i. Car is white, grill is black. I just want to have a small color splash on my white car. Thanks. Great video, I learned a lot.
I wanted to but one of the most experienced Bay Area shops was against it (they installed hundreds). The problem was you notice a bit of distortion while driving and isn’t worth it. I would avoid it
Thanks for posting this! Do you have any experience with Ceramic Pro Kavaca ppf? Apparently they have the ceramic coat already on the ppf so you don’t need to have it ceramic coated. I’m also in the Bay Area…any good installer recommendations in the Walnut Creek area?? Thanks!
EXCELLENT review thanks a lot.... Would there be a damage after removing the PPF 7~10 years after installation? Many people mentioned it might rip off the paint beneath it. What are the other disadvantages of removing the PPF after the end of its life. I will be installing ( V-Kool ) PPF which is made by Eastman.
Hi enjoyed your video. I just purchased a 2024 ford GT Mustang $60,000. The Livermore CA installer Luxtint is asking $7,500 for a full body custom PPF install. he said $2,400 for the hood and fenders. What do you think? I considering DIY with Pre cut material which is costly also. I've also considering doing nothing but I love the car and it's already survived an Egg throwing attack. What should I do? I also want to know about your window tint on the white porsche. thanks
I asked the installer for a custom cut with tucked edges. They told me that it was all going to be cut from one sheet. When I picked up the car it was all pre cut. The edges under the hood were all fingers and looked horrible.
Great video! I just got a model 3 and getting it a full front PPF. Would you also suggest to do the rockers or not necessary? Also, would you suggest getting mud flaps or too much? 😅
I’m waiting to receive my ordered F150 Platinum. As soon as it arrives I’m having the entire front end wrapped in clear PPF. Then ceramic coating applied, and having front windows tinted to match the rear. In Canada Niagara Falls 20min from the Border. $4,400.00 Crazy expensive but I’ve recently retired and plan to keep the truck along time. I’m from the Collision Business (Painter) and find my 2021 F150 stone chips far too easy. I avoid trucks, don’t drive in gravel etc, yet the front end is chipped like crazy. I understand that if you throw a rock at any painted surface it’s going to chip, but my truck shows the tiniest chips I’ve ever seen, how does such a tiny stone chip the paint? The paint is incredibly thin, in some area on edges for example I can see through the black to the white ground coat.
It depends if you drive your car daily especially on highway it’ll get rock chips unless just keep it in garage and drive it occasionally. Otherwise it’s a waste of money to have PPF! What do you think if just have another clear coat on the front bumper, fenders and the hood. I know it won’t protect as much as PPF but it might help to against small light chips and much cheaper. Thanks for the video.
Have a new M240 plan on using it as a daily, highway driving maybe 2-3 days every other week. I also live in the upper northeastern region, do you think its worth the ppf or ceramic coat?
i have a 2023 brz and i want to coat it with ppf protection film all over the car. I believe that the best currently on the market is xpel. What do you recommend? Should I put fusion, ultimate plus or ultimate plus 10 for better protection? The fusion has been around since 2022. Should I choose the tried and tested ultimate plus?
waiting delivery on new highly customized pana4 (aventurine green/marsala/grey paldao) - my bud who is all things cars strongly encourages full ppf and ceramic - although car will be low mileage it is a permanent keeper for me - but am concerned about ppf yellowing and seam issues even if the job is top notch - am a bit torn on what path to take - your vid is super informative and you are well spoken and appear quite knowledgeable - so, what would you say/do on ppf/ceramic? also, any suggestion to protect interior hard surfaces? many advance thanks!
Thanks for video. QUESTION: I am picking up new 2025 Cayman this week. My usual PPF installer just switched from Xpel to LLUMAR VALOR. I have only used Xpel in past and I know Xpel is thicker. Should I find another installer and stick with Xpel? Why or why not?
@@COZNA yeah I would because the thickness really does matter. You don’t want to have your PPF get pierced. I had llumar in the past and I personally didn’t like it
@@crointhevette I questioned the installer about thickness and he claims Lamar Platinum is thicker at 8.1 mils vs Xpels approximately 7 mils.....I have no idea.
Thanks for sharing your opinions on what you would wrap vs not. What about a $60k Supra? I plan to keep it for at least 8 years maybe forever. I know this specific car and all low cars are more susceptible to rock chips. Let me know what you think 👍
What do you think about a full body matte ppf (proper quality) on a 24 model 3 performance for 3400$. Do you think it’s worth it if I’m keeping the car 6+ years?
Thank you for this vod i appreciate it, but i have a question. I am getting a 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium in about 2 weeks, it's being assembled at one of the assembly factories as i write this. I am going to be meeting with the salesman at the dealership very soon to discuss the add on packages and Paint Protection Film is going to be on the list they ask me if i want. You talk about making sure if you get PPF, to have a trusted person so they do a good job. Do you think i should get it straight from the Toyota assembly plant? I would think they are a trusted "source" for a good job? Also i have watched some vods where after 3-4 years, the PPF can start to turn yellow'ish in color, and possibly "crack", is this something not to be concerned with? Or what about if you get a dent in a area that has PPF, you can't really fix the dent without disrupting the entire PPF, how would one deal with something like that? I live in a very small city, there are no installers near me that are rated high, i would actually have to travel 3-4 hours to a business that has high ratings. By the way the cost of this car is at 34k. Thank you!
For the price of the car I wouldn’t bother at ppf. At most, just do the front end. Also if it gets dented, you can do paint less dent repair (the ppf won’t go damaged if the guy does it right) my Porsche got dented and got it fixed like new again. I wouldn’t do ppf directly from Toyota because they might not install it that good or use cheap film.
@@crointhevette Thank you for the reply! I will probably just ask for a front end PPF, i still have to think about it, but thank you very much for your insight on this issue 🙂
Thank you for sharing such useful information! Toyota is suggesting putting PPF on on only about a third of the hood, the door edge and the door handle cups. The SUV is a 2023 Highlander limited premium. They suggest this on a black rather than a white coloured SUV because they feel the black will show more scratches. Do you recommend this approach that Toyota is taking? With this SUV what would you recommend in terms of PPF, if any? DO recommend PPF on black vs white more?
I'm right in that range where it kind of makes sense, kind of doesn't. 2023 model s... $2k to ppf the whole front, $1k for ceramic. I got one rock chip on my model 3 a bit up the hood the 5 years I owned it, and I stopped noticing it a bit after I filled it in with the paint repair kit (although you could obviously definitely still find it). Kinda leaning towards nah, even though I'll keep it for a minimum of 5 years. Can almost get a new hood + paint for that cost if it came down to it.
I wouldn’t do that, chances are when you do trade/ sell it back, the rock chips on the front etc won’t devalue your car as much as you think. I’d save the money if I were you.
Awesome data. On a new build, 2023 camaro ZL1, would you recommend a full wrap and ceramic coating? Also, in the Orlando area, do you have any affiliates or bodyshop suggestions?
For a car like the ZL1 and being brand new I would do just the whole front end with ceramic. Full car is only worth it if you will keep this build forever and/or heavily track it. I’m not sure about the Orlando area (don’t know anyone out there) cheers!
This is one reason you should consider buying a car with a darker factory paint. The seems and door stills just show black and it looks 100% normal. You can now get PPF with color too.
1. What brand is your PPF film 2. What warranties do you provide as an installer if something goes wrong (yellowing, cracks, peeling) 3. Do you use a pre cut kit or tuck in the edges?
That was very informative. I thought about ppf my white tesla but I might just go w/ cermaic coat. Adding ppf for just the bumper and in 2 yrs to see it yellow. Likely pass. Thanks.
PPF'ing a vinyl wrap is risky as the PPF can pull the wrap in corners on a complex bumper. When it comes to PPF, it's simple, if you care about the car and she's a keeper, PPF it.
Interesting video. Was contemplating PPF for soon to be received GR86. Full front, rockers and full back bumper primarily to protect back wheel area) was going to cost $3k. Was trying to avoid seams so doing more than I wanted. Now you have me second guessing it. Car is $35k.
@@crointhevette I hear what you are saying. It’s 10% of GR86 and only 5% of a car that cost $70k but the damage is still the same. Low car, New England weather. Lol. Full front is $1600, rockers and sills, $600 and back bumper $600. Suntek Ultra.
How do you go about the rear badges? I want a full wrap but I want to retain the badging. I worry about a precut area for the badge retaining dirt over time
Yes. The standard is 8 mils. They have 10 but my cars both with 8 and no issues. 10 is thicker and may be harder to install so if you get 10 make sure you get an experienced installer.
What will be your recommendation on a 2024 BMW I5 M60 matte deep grey paint? I'm new to all this PPF stuff. I'm concerned about using soap and water to apply the PPF. Will it leave residue on the matte paint?
When you get a ppf on a matte paint finish, you’ll need matte PPF applied. I recommend XPEL STEALTH PPF. As for washing, soap and water will do just fine (won’t leave residue of any sort)
theres a reason for that seam, its not terrible but not great either, but your bumper will rub, my suggestion use a thinner film this way the seam isnt so noticable, also get a good wrapper, those fender corners are not acceptable
I plan on keeping my model 3 performance for at least a decade if not more, and it will also be my daily driver, so whole car protection is definitely going on. Sure, the Porché is $130K and the Tesla is $72K - doesn't matter if you're going to keep both for more than a decade, you should still fully cover both.
PPF "Durability" test - Go drive the 60 on the east side of Phx = PPF destroya!!! My 370z got PPF on entire front bumper and hood. It's now 9 years old - I have zero issues with dirt on the edges - then again - mine was xpel and I don't use car wax - only ceramic, and it's a dark blue in color. They did roll the edges on the front and sides of hood, but not the end by the front windshield. That's the only area where (my fault) a small spot lifted up. They did that and window tint for $1400... not bad.... I still get some rock chips but I think that's due to the PPF being so old and living in phx for a few years = your vehicle will be sandblasted if you're forced to commute.
Hi, yes you can. That’s a even better option since ceramic makes the car much easier to clean. Just keep in mind after a few years the ceramic could wear off and you will need to re apply it.
Hi, What happens when the ppf comes to the end of its life?Is it gonna tear or change colour or something else?How do we know that the ppf I put in my car 10 years ago is expiring?What are the indications?
The areas you showed on the front bumper of the Porsche could not be tucked… there’s no where to tuck the film. And, the corvette is vinyl wrapped.. not PPF
Thank you, this is a great video. Very informative. I'm due to get a Tesla model 3 soon (metallic blue). As a minimum, I'm thinking of getting a Graphene coating. I'm also thinking about getting ppf on the front end only (bumper, bonnet, fenders, mirrors). I do a lot of highway driving. I've never used ppf before so I'm wondering if it's worth it
I was wondering about this as well and not to say your wrong tucking is what i wish i got on my wrap i have found that a clay bar and some detail spray works for maintaining the dirt on the edges in fact it removes it completely now it will take an hour to do the car but it keeps that build up down completely.
Would yall encourage a noob to ppf a motorcycle? I’m getting a new one from factory and want to ppf it. On top of that, it’s a naked bike so it has even less spots with paint. Mostly just the gas tank
My GT4 has a full body install of xpel ultimate and it is absolutely worth it. Its been on the car for 7 years now and it still looks great and has saved the paint twice where the wrap got damaged but the paint had no damage. It is very easy to wash the car, and not having to worry about making swirl marks on the paint is a huge plus. If you can afford it, its worth every penny.
I make semi regular trips between Phoenix and L.A. and if you know anything about DRIVING FAST THROUGH THE DESERT WOULD KNOWVYOU DONT NEED A CAR OR TRUCK IN FRONT OF YOU TO GET ROCK CHIPS . Not only that , washing the car takes a forth of the time it takes on a car without PPF, i never have swirls marks on the paint and the PPF has a ten year warranty. If you knew anything about what your talking about , you wouldnt be a hater.@lewislevits1193
Thanks for an honest, comprehensive video that points out both benefits and warnings about PPFs. Completely believable and informative. Pointing out the pitfalls (tucking in the edges) and shortcomings (film yellowing) are important things to point out to those considering such a job on their cars. Thanks again.
You’re welcome, good luck and if you have anymore questions let me know
Thank you for your advice. Ive just received delivery of an s650 GT and you really put things into perspective. Much thanks and Happy New Year!!
L.R.
This was perhaps the shortest most informative video on ppf that I have seen. I’m in the process of getting a Tesla Model Y and I “might” do (at most) a partial ppf on the front end. On the other hand, I don’t drive that much and when I do, it’s in the city not usually on the highway. I’m wondering if even a partial ppf is worth the money.
Personally on your car I wouldn’t do it, eventually chips will occur and don’t ever let that bother you. City driving you’ll probably never get big enough rock chips for it to be worth it especially if you don’t drive all that much
@@crointhevette I was on the fence about it and your comment just knocked me off. No ppf for me. Thanks!
Agreed! Very concise 👍
Nice meers on the Porsche
Very nice and thoroughly presented. I'm taking delivery of a 2025 NX350h next week (1/6/25). The material is XPEL Ultimate Plus. Is that a good product? I never knew there was custom and precut, so I definitely learned something! Thank you very much. Great information presented and easy-to-understand.
PPF absolutely worth it to me. Just had PPF removed from a 2007 911 turbo. Paint looks brand new. New PPF placed. Amazing how yellow the PPF looked after removed after 15 years! You couldn’t tell while it was on car, but when removed looked like a used condom.
@lewislevits1193 what state do you live in? How far of a distance do you expect to keep from traffic? And do you not have flying insects with hard exoskeletons where you live? Do you drive behind the bugs too? Almost one of the stupidest comments I’ve seen. I’ll spend my 5k on PPF, you can spend yours on a car.
@lewislevits1193my wife and I buy our cars new, and keep them 12-15 years. It makes us feel good to care for things we worked really hard to get. My motorcycle I bought new in 2016 still looks new and gets many compliments on the condition. It makes me feel good. 😊
What color is your car? If it were white, I'm sure you would notice it? 2 ppf installs has to cost about the same as a full body paint job right? I was quoted $3000-4000 for just the front clip in stealth ppf (matte) on my 2017 c63s amg
@@SMack-mj2bp midnight blue metallic
@@SMack-mj2bp as much as a full body paint? Hardly. Painting a 2007 911 turbo that has 23,000 miles, and is 100% stock, is suicide to the cars value. Also would cost way more than having 2 PPF installs
When doing a custom cut, there's always the chance of the installer damaging the paint.. whereas precut is a bit uglier although does the trick
Yea they cut into the paint with the razor blade
XPEL is the way to go. Crazy clarity
Great overall round up about the pro's and con's of getting PPF on your car.
Like everything in life there are swings and roundabouts with everything.
I think the idea of looking at what your car is roughly worth and of course how long you plan
on keeping it for, will play a very big part in what decision you take.
Oh and well done for having two cracking looking cars there, both sports cars but both
give you a different feel and way of going down the road.
A lot of people say they're going to PPF because they're "never going to sell" their cars. I've been around for a while. I've had multiple vehicles that I said I would "never sell" and they all got sold at some point. Longest I've ever kept a car was 14 years and it was definitely a car I never wanted to sell, but at some point in life, depending on your situation, you come to the realization that keeping a depreciating object in your garage or driveway (OK, maybe not Porsches, which tend to appreciate - if you don't drive them much) just doesn't make sense anymore. You can't predict a lot of life changes that would preclude you from keeping a car and there's always that bright, new, shiny object that makes that old beater less and less attractive no matter how much nostalgia it may provide. With that being said, when it comes to PPF, you are going to pay dearly for a job well done and if you don't, it's going to look like crap and even the best installs have their flaws.... many more flaws than the factory paint will ever show.
Good point and you’re right.
Good video
Answers more questions then most -‘pro’ videos 👍
I think it's the most honest review about this topic and yes, if I had GT4 I would keep it for life time, unfortunately in my country it's an $308K
I purchased a new Land Cruiser a few years ago. I shopped around for prices, averaged $8k. I knew it was A LOT of work but, in my mind I was like GTFOH.
I bought the Xpel myself and did my entire SUV for $1200, 3’ sheet. It’s not perfect or horrible and does the job, you wouldn’t know unless you walked up to it.
I did do my SUV in the winter and outdoors, it was a nightmare but, I wanted it protected.
I will admit I had to get the hood redone professionally, because they’re the only one who will have a 6’ sheet. That cost me $600.
I have an 2011 Maxima A pillar still wrapped in Xpel, still hasn’t yellowed going on 13 yrs.
Xpel is the way to go!!!
That example at 1:28 is not an example of a bad job at all. You can't tuck the PPF into where the bumper and fender meet. Only way would be too remove the bumper. I don't know about you but I don't want my car taken apart for a sacrificial layer of film. That is about as good as you will get without taking apart the car. Right up to the edge as close as possible. The other areas like where the hood opens or the doors, yes you can tuck there because you can open those panels and get the film around the edge. Not a great example of a bad install at all hopefully that helps!
Hello from Chicago. Just saw your video on PPF. Thanks for the video. I was thinking of offering PPF to customers. After seeing this video, probably not. By the way, you have excellent communication skills.
Thanks!
Great video. My 2019 Porsche Cayenne S was 43 k out the door. I still spent 7k on PPF and ceramic coating. It came with full front wrapped and nicely wrapped. So I added full door PPF? A trim with roof trim, rear bumper, headlights and then had paint correction with ceramic coating done. It’s at the shop now and I’m excited to get it!
7k wow!!! Im paying 3,500 for basically the same thing you are getting
@ where are you located. My almost full clear PPF WRAP, changes rims from silver and made them black powered coated wheels, changed calipers to red, then had entire car ceramic coated. I was at $7500 out the door.
impressive clarity, thank you
How much someone PPFs, at least in my opinion, doesn’t necessarily need to be tied to the financial value of the car. A car may not be 6 figures in price, but the car could be just as important to an individual as a more expensive one is to someone else…It’s a relative…Good video…
Thanks definitely enlightening. I bought a used model 3 and was looking at ppf and tinting but due to costs was wondering what to do. Has a few tiny chips and some scratches already so didn't know if I should do ppf or not. It's expensive to me but realistically what you said made sense. I'll just use it as a car, clean it often and hand wash, touch up small paint damages, and get it tinted for uv+appearance instead! I'll likely drive it 5-6 years and then sell/trade and get a newer tesla or other car at the time. Thanks!
I've run XPEL PPF on all of my vehicles for a long time now, some full front and some full vehicle.
In my experience it is worth it but the details come down to the prep work of the installation.
Great comprehensive review though, appreciate it.
here's the thing that most people don't think about. You actually need the seems to show. It means when time comes to replace the PPF, you don't have to take off panels and run into breaking clups, or clip holders. As cars age, ppf tend to yellow or stain. Also plastic becomes brittle and harder to take off without breaking.
Thanks for a most informative video! What are your toughts about a SunTek wrap on a new car? Thanks!
I would stay away from SunTek as i had it on my previous vehicle and it yellowed like crazy. STEK (not suntek) or xpel would be a better bet.
Thank You this was incredibly informative and helpful 😊. I can now cool my jets about the PPF. Your formula sealed the deal and also I have a white vehicle 🤔. Great info! Thanks a million! 👍🏾🙏🏾😊
Just got a used 2017 Range Rover, is it worth PPF? Good condition, very few if any rock chips. Considering bumper hood fenders headlights - company said they will paint correct before etc,. It’s a special order metallic grey want to be sure won’t dull the metallic shine, etc - Or do I just ceramic coat - opinion?
Thanks. Very informative. Points to ponder for sure, especially car value vs cost.
One thing about pre-cut PPF, when you remove it years later, it digs into the clear coat. For example, I have a 2006 GTO that I had pre-cut 1/4 piece of the hood and fenders covered in PPF. I removed it several years later, and there is a line where the PFF was. No amount of compound wax will take out that line. I'm not sure even wet sanding would be a good idea.
thanks for the info, been going back and forth on PPF for my '23 M340i. I know it's not a 6 figure car so I just ended up getting the high impact areas like you suggested (full front, partial roof, rocker panels). Prob not the smartest financial decision but I want my car looking pristine for as long as possible!
I did the same in the past my c6 Z06 I did the front bumper headlights half the hood the a arms and mirrors with above the windshield . it worked great . My c7 Z06 is full PPF self healing so far amazing
Don’t do a partial roof. Full roof is the way to go specially if you have a white vehicle like myself!
I recently bought 2025 Acura RDX A spec with advance package. Do you suggest ppf and/or ceramic coating?
Hey, great video! I am planning to get a 911 with white metallic color, would you still recommend the PPF? Or anything else? Also I love to see the rain drops sitting on my car, would water not stay on the car at all after PPF?
Thank you for the enlightening info! A question I had was about Xpel. It seems to have a good reputation online however I am hearing that its precut. My C8 is being shipped from New Hampshire and their contractor only uses Xpel and now I am on the fence. The company Automotive Elegance has a great reputation however your insight to precut PPF and dirty edges gives me pause. I am in a rural area and wish I had more options near me. What are your thoughts on Xpel?
I got a rock chip at the front of my hood in my Camry, wish I got ppf! Have the color matched paint pen ordered & will fix it soon, and then will look into local shops for myself for ppf.
The only problem with not using pre cut is tight gaps like you show between the front bumper and right fender can't be tucked UNLESS body panels are removed. FYI that's not a BAD install. It is what it is for precut. If you don't like that pay the extra 1k to 3k to have the body panels removed and the PPF is then tucked.
Thank you! Honestly calling the Porsche dress a bad install is literally not right! His car is literally good!
@@lanenalyann2931 You need to re-read my comment. I said, "that's not a BAD install."
Shows he has no idea what he’s talking about and calling that job “bad or atrocious” is idiotic. Especially after he praised them for wrapping everything else. Have fun trying to get a 7-10 mil thick piece of plastic tucked in that hairline gap and it not peeling over time.
@@cailebradham9139 Are you guys illiterate. I did NOT say it was a bad install. I said, "that's not a BAD install".
Guy, they’re not talking about you, they’re talking about the UA-camr.
Good vid and nice rides!
I have a 370z Nismo and it has low miles (16k) but the paint is definitely not perfect. As a whole the car really isn’t bad. I’m not sure if it was ever polished, so hopefully it hasn’t been and I still have a good amount of clear coat. I might buy a paint thickness gauge to get an idea. But I want to keep this car forever, I just wish I had it when it was new for the reasons you mentioned with maintaining and preserving its paint well from the beginning, before it had a chance to get a rock chip. The thing is you could eventually get your car repainted for the amount you would save by not getting it ppfed. I mean you could literally take the $6-9k and invest it in whatever is safe and in 10 years when you would go to get your car ppf fixed you would have much more money and just get your car repainted and then ppfed and still have money left. I know collectors don’t like repainting but if you really never want to sell it, then it doesn’t matter what some collector values your car at.
Would you recommend vinyl wrap for accents on bmw grill? I want to put the 3 bmw colors on 3 bars in the front grill of my 2025 bmw x4 m40i. Car is white, grill is black. I just want to have a small color splash on my white car. Thanks. Great video, I learned a lot.
Do you think you will ppf the windshield? Might be illegal here in CA but could be worth it.
I wanted to but one of the most experienced Bay Area shops was against it (they installed hundreds). The problem was you notice a bit of distortion while driving and isn’t worth it. I would avoid it
Thanks for posting this! Do you have any experience with Ceramic Pro Kavaca ppf? Apparently they have the ceramic coat already on the ppf so you don’t need to have it ceramic coated. I’m also in the Bay Area…any good installer recommendations in the Walnut Creek area?? Thanks!
Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺 great information!!!!
EXCELLENT review thanks a lot.... Would there be a damage after removing the PPF 7~10 years after installation? Many people mentioned it might rip off the paint beneath it. What are the other disadvantages of removing the PPF after the end of its life. I will be installing ( V-Kool ) PPF which is made by Eastman.
What is the price for removing PPF? Do you recommend PPF or vinyl if you plan on trading it in the next 3-5 years? Tesla model 3.
Hi enjoyed your video. I just purchased a 2024 ford GT Mustang $60,000. The Livermore CA installer Luxtint is asking $7,500 for a full body custom PPF install. he said $2,400 for the hood and fenders. What do you think? I considering DIY with Pre cut material which is costly also. I've also considering doing nothing but I love the car and it's already survived an Egg throwing attack. What should I do? I also want to know about your window tint on the white porsche. thanks
Does PPF prevent or help with door dings or if some guy parallel parking next to you hits into your rear bumper?
Question: Have you been installing clear PPF on your headlights too?
I asked the installer for a custom cut with tucked edges. They told me that it was all going to be cut from one sheet. When I picked up the car it was all pre cut. The edges under the hood were all fingers and looked horrible.
Great video! I just got a model 3 and getting it a full front PPF. Would you also suggest to do the rockers or not necessary? Also, would you suggest getting mud flaps or too much? 😅
Nah I would avoid rockets and mud flaps unless you’re gonna be on dirt roads all the time then get the mud flaps
@@crointhevette thanks dude. I was indecisive about them and last minute told them to also do them. I’m kinda regretting it now. Welp.
I’m waiting to receive my ordered F150 Platinum.
As soon as it arrives I’m having the entire front end wrapped in clear PPF.
Then ceramic coating applied, and having front windows tinted to match the rear.
In Canada Niagara Falls 20min from the Border.
$4,400.00
Crazy expensive but I’ve recently retired and plan to keep the truck along time.
I’m from the Collision Business (Painter) and find my 2021 F150 stone chips far too easy.
I avoid trucks, don’t drive in gravel etc, yet the front end is chipped like crazy.
I understand that if you throw a rock at any painted surface it’s going to chip, but my truck shows the tiniest chips I’ve ever seen, how does such a tiny stone chip the paint?
The paint is incredibly thin, in some area on edges for example I can see through the black to the white ground coat.
Would you recommend getting ppf on piano black on the exterior of the vehicle ?
@@alvinmanigault6990 absolutely piano black is very prone to swirls
It depends if you drive your car daily especially on highway it’ll get rock chips unless just keep it in garage and drive it occasionally. Otherwise it’s a waste of money to have PPF! What do you think if just have another clear coat on the front bumper, fenders and the hood. I know it won’t protect as much as PPF but it might help to against small light chips and much cheaper. Thanks for the video.
Have a new M240 plan on using it as a daily, highway driving maybe 2-3 days every other week. I also live in the upper northeastern region, do you think its worth the ppf or ceramic coat?
i have a 2023 brz and i want to coat it with ppf protection film all over the car. I believe that the best currently on the market is xpel. What do you recommend? Should I put fusion, ultimate plus or ultimate plus 10 for better protection? The fusion has been around since 2022. Should I choose the tried and tested ultimate plus?
Did a full PPF on my M240i from new. If you have a sports car then I’d recommend it.
waiting delivery on new highly customized pana4 (aventurine green/marsala/grey paldao) - my bud who is all things cars strongly encourages full ppf and ceramic - although car will be low mileage it is a permanent keeper for me - but am concerned about ppf yellowing and seam issues even if the job is top notch - am a bit torn on what path to take - your vid is super informative and you are well spoken and appear quite knowledgeable - so, what would you say/do on ppf/ceramic? also, any suggestion to protect interior hard surfaces? many advance thanks!
Is there a clear ppf?
Nice tips THANKS A LOT !
That's how youtubers SHOULD BE !
Thanks for video. QUESTION: I am picking up new 2025 Cayman this week. My usual PPF installer just switched from Xpel to LLUMAR VALOR. I have only used Xpel in past and I know Xpel is thicker. Should I find another installer and stick with Xpel? Why or why not?
@@COZNA yeah I would because the thickness really does matter. You don’t want to have your PPF get pierced. I had llumar in the past and I personally didn’t like it
@@crointhevette I questioned the installer about thickness and he claims Lamar Platinum is thicker at 8.1 mils vs Xpels approximately 7 mils.....I have no idea.
@ upon research that is true, so you will be just fine with llumar 👍
Thanks for sharing your opinions on what you would wrap vs not. What about a $60k Supra? I plan to keep it for at least 8 years maybe forever. I know this specific car and all low cars are more susceptible to rock chips. Let me know what you think 👍
@@DavidGonzalez-fk8lp yeah I would do just the front end and rocker panels
Very informative video, i just did the Partial Clip for $1200 for my Lexus TX500h
Thinking of buying a new 4runner. If I do light off roading should I wrap the whole car in your opinion? Or just the hood etc?
What do you think about a full body matte ppf (proper quality) on a 24 model 3 performance for 3400$. Do you think it’s worth it if I’m keeping the car 6+ years?
So many risks for chips on the sides when on the highway. I'd probably cover the sides as well as the hood/front bumper/A-pillar.
Great video! When do you recommend just a ceramic coating on cars?
Like your Porsche. 👍🏾
Thank you for this vod i appreciate it, but i have a question. I am getting a 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium in about 2 weeks, it's being assembled at one of the assembly factories as i write this. I am going to be meeting with the salesman at the dealership very soon to discuss the add on packages and Paint Protection Film is going to be on the list they ask me if i want. You talk about making sure if you get PPF, to have a trusted person so they do a good job. Do you think i should get it straight from the Toyota assembly plant? I would think they are a trusted "source" for a good job? Also i have watched some vods where after 3-4 years, the PPF can start to turn yellow'ish in color, and possibly "crack", is this something not to be concerned with? Or what about if you get a dent in a area that has PPF, you can't really fix the dent without disrupting the entire PPF, how would one deal with something like that? I live in a very small city, there are no installers near me that are rated high, i would actually have to travel 3-4 hours to a business that has high ratings. By the way the cost of this car is at 34k. Thank you!
For the price of the car I wouldn’t bother at ppf. At most, just do the front end. Also if it gets dented, you can do paint less dent repair (the ppf won’t go damaged if the guy does it right) my Porsche got dented and got it fixed like new again. I wouldn’t do ppf directly from Toyota because they might not install it that good or use cheap film.
@@crointhevette Thank you for the reply! I will probably just ask for a front end PPF, i still have to think about it, but thank you very much for your insight on this issue 🙂
Awesome vid man! What do you do for a living if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks!
Thank you for sharing such useful information! Toyota is suggesting putting PPF on on only about a third of the hood, the door edge and the door handle cups. The SUV is a 2023 Highlander limited premium. They suggest this on a black rather than a white coloured SUV because they feel the black will show more scratches. Do you recommend this approach that Toyota is taking? With this SUV what would you recommend in terms of PPF, if any? DO recommend PPF on black vs white more?
Great video. Thanks for the breakdown.
I'm right in that range where it kind of makes sense, kind of doesn't. 2023 model s... $2k to ppf the whole front, $1k for ceramic. I got one rock chip on my model 3 a bit up the hood the 5 years I owned it, and I stopped noticing it a bit after I filled it in with the paint repair kit (although you could obviously definitely still find it). Kinda leaning towards nah, even though I'll keep it for a minimum of 5 years. Can almost get a new hood + paint for that cost if it came down to it.
I wouldn’t do that, chances are when you do trade/ sell it back, the rock chips on the front etc won’t devalue your car as much as you think. I’d save the money if I were you.
Awesome data. On a new build, 2023 camaro ZL1, would you recommend a full wrap and ceramic coating? Also, in the Orlando area, do you have any affiliates or bodyshop suggestions?
For a car like the ZL1 and being brand new I would do just the whole front end with ceramic. Full car is only worth it if you will keep this build forever and/or heavily track it. I’m not sure about the Orlando area (don’t know anyone out there) cheers!
This is one reason you should consider buying a car with a darker factory paint. The seems and door stills just show black and it looks 100% normal. You can now get PPF with color too.
What should I look for or questions to ask when selecting an installer?
1. What brand is your PPF film
2. What warranties do you provide as an installer if something goes wrong (yellowing, cracks, peeling)
3. Do you use a pre cut kit or tuck in the edges?
That was very informative. I thought about ppf my white tesla but I might just go w/ cermaic coat. Adding ppf for just the bumper and in 2 yrs to see it yellow. Likely pass. Thanks.
Great video and advice. Thx
PPF'ing a vinyl wrap is risky as the PPF can pull the wrap in corners on a complex bumper.
When it comes to PPF, it's simple, if you care about the car and she's a keeper, PPF it.
Interesting video. Was contemplating PPF for soon to be received GR86. Full front, rockers and full back bumper primarily to protect back wheel area) was going to cost $3k.
Was trying to avoid seams so doing more than I wanted.
Now you have me second guessing it. Car is $35k.
Yeah skip it, if anything just do bumper at the very most.
@@crointhevette I hear what you are saying. It’s 10% of GR86 and only 5% of a car that cost $70k but the damage is still the same. Low car, New England weather. Lol. Full front is $1600, rockers and sills, $600 and back bumper $600. Suntek Ultra.
Get as much PPF as you can afford
@lewislevits1193 you got paint chips under the PPF? Are you following gravel trucks. Lol.
How do you go about the rear badges? I want a full wrap but I want to retain the badging. I worry about a precut area for the badge retaining dirt over time
Is XPEL a good company or the best company in this area of car protection?
What’s your opinion on the thickness of the ppf? Is it really the thicker the better?
Yes. The standard is 8 mils. They have 10 but my cars both with 8 and no issues. 10 is thicker and may be harder to install so if you get 10 make sure you get an experienced installer.
@@crointhevette I found someone apply double 9.5 to make it 19mil, is it really help?
What will be your recommendation on a 2024 BMW I5 M60 matte deep grey paint? I'm new to all this PPF stuff. I'm concerned about using soap and water to apply the PPF. Will it leave residue on the matte paint?
When you get a ppf on a matte paint finish, you’ll need matte PPF applied. I recommend XPEL STEALTH PPF. As for washing, soap and water will do just fine (won’t leave residue of any sort)
thank you, super helpful video :)
Doesn’t PPF protect against car wash Swirl marks by “self healing” when exposed to heat/sun? That seems like a great benefit!
Would you PPF a new Z4 40i BMW? Thanks.
If my car already has ceramic coating on it, will PPF still stick on top?
What about from the factory? Considering this for a new ranger
theres a reason for that seam, its not terrible but not great either, but your bumper will rub, my suggestion use a thinner film this way the seam isnt so noticable, also get a good wrapper, those fender corners are not acceptable
Can you recommend a good wrapping place? I am located in Orange County, CA. Thank you.
What about full body PPF to change from gloss to matte?
I plan on keeping my model 3 performance for at least a decade if not more, and it will also be my daily driver, so whole car protection is definitely going on. Sure, the Porché is $130K and the Tesla is $72K - doesn't matter if you're going to keep both for more than a decade, you should still fully cover both.
I’m in Sacramento area. Who did your corvette? Bay Area isn’t too far.
Ceramic pro Sacramento did my Tesla model y. Power inn road next to chandos tacos . Full PPF and looks nice
Which brand of ppf film in your opinion is the best??
Xpel
Nice cars! Appreciate the info 👍
PPF "Durability" test - Go drive the 60 on the east side of Phx = PPF destroya!!! My 370z got PPF on entire front bumper and hood. It's now 9 years old - I have zero issues with dirt on the edges - then again - mine was xpel and I don't use car wax - only ceramic, and it's a dark blue in color. They did roll the edges on the front and sides of hood, but not the end by the front windshield. That's the only area where (my fault) a small spot lifted up. They did that and window tint for $1400... not bad.... I still get some rock chips but I think that's due to the PPF being so old and living in phx for a few years = your vehicle will be sandblasted if you're forced to commute.
Thanks for the Video, Its very helpful. I have a model Y. Can I apply ceramic coating on entire car while I get only full front PPF?
Hi, yes you can. That’s a even better option since ceramic makes the car much easier to clean. Just keep in mind after a few years the ceramic could wear off and you will need to re apply it.
Do a video on how you afford those cars so young, my bro.
Hi,
What happens when the ppf comes to the end of its life?Is it gonna tear or change colour or something else?How do we know that the ppf I put in my car 10 years ago is expiring?What are the indications?
The areas you showed on the front bumper of the Porsche could not be tucked… there’s no where to tuck the film.
And, the corvette is vinyl wrapped.. not PPF
Thank you, this is a great video. Very informative. I'm due to get a Tesla model 3 soon (metallic blue). As a minimum, I'm thinking of getting a Graphene coating. I'm also thinking about getting ppf on the front end only (bumper, bonnet, fenders, mirrors). I do a lot of highway driving. I've never used ppf before so I'm wondering if it's worth it
The coating will help for washes and ppf on front end only is all you need.
How long ago did you receive your trust fund?
How long should ceramic coating last if you put it on top of the PPF? Or in general how long should ceramic coating last?
In theory it’s about 2-4 years depending on how many coats, conditions, etc. overall worth it
I was wondering about this as well and not to say your wrong tucking is what i wish i got on my wrap i have found that a clay bar and some detail spray works for maintaining the dirt on the edges in fact it removes it completely now it will take an hour to do the car but it keeps that build up down completely.
Would yall encourage a noob to ppf a motorcycle? I’m getting a new one from factory and want to ppf it. On top of that, it’s a naked bike so it has even less spots with paint. Mostly just the gas tank