Auto Armor, is it worth having it done.

[OldHillcrestGuy]

I've just bought a new Toyota and have a question about the paint protection that the dealer offered. Its by Auto Armor, and suppose to be good for 7 years, has warranty for that number of years. Has anyone else ever had this done and is it worth it or not. Thanks

 

[Kain99]

Sounds like a BIG rip off.... but I'm not really an expert.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

I've just bought a new Toyota and have a question about the paint protection that the dealer offered. Its by Auto Armor, and suppose to be good for 7 years, has warranty for that number of years. Has anyone else ever had this done and is it worth it or not. Thanks

I'm no expert either but I've owned plenty of vehicles over 7 yrs old without it and the paint was just fine. If you care for your car, wash & wax it, you'll be fine. Those things are money makers for the dealer and unecessary in my opinion. I give it a

 

[Oz]

Our weather is so moderate here, it's hardly worth it.

Perhaps if you lived near the ocean, or an area with a lot of winter weather where they're treating the roads constantly, it might be worth it if you don't take care of (ie. wash regularly and hand wax annually) your vehicle.

Actually, a clear coated vehicle shouldn't be waxed so soon anyway. The clear needs to harden to protect your paint, and that takes at least 90 days. First wax should be after enough time has passed for that process to occur.

Wait - is "Auto Armor" a chemical application or a clear plastic covering over the nose/mirrors/front of hood? If it's the clear plastic, then depending on the car and the price it might be worthwhile...

???

 

[Ponytail]

Even in Salty weather, a car will last 7-10 years with no protection.

I had an '83 Ranger that spent most of it's life in Connecticut...salty air, long cold salty winters.

It was 14 years old when I killed it. (death by rollover on I95) And it had absolutely NO rust on it anywhere with original paint.

I have a '94 jeep with original paint that has no rust anywhere.

Gettin' the picture?

 

[Petter Solberg]

Is "auto armor" is the same as autogard, stonegard, or rockblocker?

If so, Yes it can be worth it if you are concerned with stonechips in your paint. I have seen the stongard and read/heard /seen that it works well.

www.stongard.com
www.rockblocker.com
http://www.autogardusa.com/

 

[Kizzy]

I think it is a rip off.

I have always thought that Toyota used more clear coat than most of your American cars.

I owned a Toyota, and I never had a problem with the paint. 6 years later, the paint looked brand new and I washed it when it needed it and waxed it 1-2 times a year.


WTG on chosing a Toyota, a very wise purchase, IMO.

Now if they had something that kept my windshield from cracking or chipping, I'd be all over that. Right now, I'm sporting 3 big cracks.

 

[Ponytail]

... Right now, I'm sporting 3 big cracks.

 

[mainman]

 

[OldHillcrestGuy]

Thanks for the input. I do keep my vehicles clean wash at least twice a month wax at least once a year sometimes twice. Just concerned this vehicle is white, and they did say this coating which I believe covers the entire car prevents stone chips and stone chips proably are more noticeable on white then say a darker color. I dont believe I have ever had this done to any other new car Ive gotten in the past. I think I will elect not to have this done. Thanks again.

 

[itsbob]

Right now, I'm sporting 3 big cracks.

WOW must have been one hell of a party!! You pass out?? Does it hurt to walk, or smile??

 

[itsbob]

Thanks for the input. I do keep my vehicles clean wash at least twice a month wax at least once a year sometimes twice. Just concerned this vehicle is white, and they did say this coating which I believe covers the entire car prevents stone chips and stone chips proably are more noticeable on white then say a darker color. I dont believe I have ever had this done to any other new car Ive gotten in the past. I think I will elect not to have this done. Thanks again.

These ar HUGE moneymakers for car dealerships.. spray on $10 worth of "protectant" and charge you $400 for it.. and when the paint peels, it's not covered..

Rust proofing was a HUGE money maker.. only cost the dealership about $10 - 20 in material, and 1/2 hour of labor to apply.. and charged $500 - 1000 for it..

 

[Oz]

Thanks for the input. I do keep my vehicles clean wash at least twice a month wax at least once a year sometimes twice. Just concerned this vehicle is white, and they did say this coating which I believe covers the entire car prevents stone chips and stone chips proably are more noticeable on white then say a darker color. I dont believe I have ever had this done to any other new car Ive gotten in the past. I think I will elect not to have this done. Thanks again.

Right - White is the one of the easiest colors to take care of. Dark colors are of more concern. Don't spend the money.

 

[mingiz]

Armor All

I had it put on a new truck from the dealer. Isn't what it's cracked up to be. Don't waste your money. A good cleaning and wax job will do you better.

 

[Oz]

I had it put on a new truck from the dealer. Isn't what it's cracked up to be. Don't waste your money. A good cleaning and wax job will do you better.

Is Auto Armor the clear plastic film applied to the nose and other areas which might catch a stone and chip the paint?

 

[Bruzilla]

No. It's just a wax treatment designed to give peace of mind to the owner and good financial return to the dealership. You have to bring the car back every year and they wax it for you is about what it amounts to.

These treatments are supposed to protect against road damage, but they don't. If you want your car's paint to last and look great, you need to:

1. Get an automotive clay bar, and run it along every body panel. This pulls out all sorts of nasty road debris that can barely be felt by your hand but does roughen the texture of the paint, leading to a flatter finish.
2. Polish the car using a good polish. Wax is not polish, so don't confuse the two. Polish will remove oxidation that dulls the paint, and will smooth out all of the deformities that are left over after the clay bar pulls the crap out of the paint.
3. Wax the car.

Do that once a year and your car's paint will be smoother than a baby's butt and your paint will stay looking great.