New Car Essential Protection from Dealer or Elsewhere

kavinfrost on 22/07/2020 - 23:41

Hey guys, I am wondering if you can assist me again regarding the new car protection which you believe is essential to have. Also is do you believe it is worth getting it done from the dealer which costs more or elsewhere.

I am in Victoria and recently bought Rav4 with leather seating. After we finalize the car deal, they told me that there are essential car protecting which I should consider buying it separately.

All those protection features sound really catchy and I feel like getting it done but I am pretty sure there will be catch and want to get out from me as much as they can. There's why I require your expert opinion on what I should get and why also is it worth getting it done from the dealer as they charge a bit more.

I am posting a poll but please comment below as well.

1) Ceramic Coating ($1295)
2) Tinted glass ( for leather seating $1295) It will only cover back seating and rare glass.
3) Interior Protection (Protection for leather seating $1295)
4) Dashcam ($595)
5) Exterior Protection (Schmick membership goes by months and year) Price varies by monthly membership

I guess Dashcam is optional as I was considering either Xiaomi or VIAFO but open for suggestions if you know other brands.

Thank you all and will appreciate your response.

Poll Options

  • 8
    Ceramic Coating
  • 4
    Tinted Glass
  • 1
    Schmick Membership
  • 0
    Interior Protection
  • 0
    Exterior Protection
  • 11
    Dashcam
Automotive

Comments

  • Hybroid on 22/07/2020 - 23:43
    +7

    Common dealership upselling. They make good margins on these packages. My opinion for a RAV4:-

    1) No.
    2) Yes but get it done elsewhere that doesn't cost $1295..
    3) No.
    4) Yes but get a decent unit for half the quoted price.
    5) No.

    • kavinfrost on 22/07/2020 - 23:55

      Thanks mate appreciate your response. Just wondering your thoughts about ceramic coating and Schmick membership. The way they were describing those options specially ceramic coasting and shchmick membership I feel like getting it.

      • Hybroid on 23/07/2020 - 00:02
        +8

        It's entirely up to you if you feel it's worth paying for peace of mind, but do bear in mind it's a RAV4, not an AMG GT. You could spend that money elsewhere. Buy a nice bicycle and roof rack.

        As always with new cars, smartphones, furniture etc, the first scratch is soul-destroying at first then after a while you don't really care anymore over time.

        • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 00:05

          Cool, thanks again. Cheers.

  • loropy9 on 22/07/2020 - 23:57
    +9

    Don’t forget to ask for the Shmuck membership too. It’s free for people who pay for the essential illusion to the stealership.

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 00:03

      Thanks mate, I like the way you phrase Stealership. I did ask, I think minimum membership you can get it for 3 months which cost $795 and also $50 for each time I want anything to be done.

      • ShortyX on 23/07/2020 - 09:52

        He's being sarcastic… he said Schmuck, not Schmick. :)

      • iand on 23/07/2020 - 09:54
        +1

        had a bad dent above rear wheel and two very minor dents in the back passenger door that you could only see in the right light and regretted not taking the shmick package until I got a price to have them fixed then regretted not looking into it sooner $180 🙂 for the 3 to be fixed and so glad I didn't do shmick where it would have been I believe membership( gold 3 years @ $250) plus $150 at $50 per dent total cost for Shmick $900 my cost $180

        • ozdesi on 02/08/2020 - 09:28

          Where did you got them fixed in Melbourne?

          • iand on 02/08/2020 - 11:40
            +1

            @ozdesi: Wantirna south area Ace Paintless Dent Repairs (Chris Phone: 0416 474 957) note he does dents not paint repairs but I only had very minor paint damage on the worst dent which I have touched up with paint from ebay and you really have to know where the dent was to see the touch up

  • ihavok on 23/07/2020 - 00:55
    +6

    1) Ceramic Coating - Only worth it if YOU personally clean your car regularly and properly (not drive thru clean and no paying some car wash cafe to do it for you).
    2) Tinted glass - Yes, but get it done by a tint professional not thru the dealership (shop around) - it becomes much cheaper.
    3) Interior Protection - No. Most don't last very long. And those that last longer will actually leave behind a film/coating (your leather will not feel like leather any more).
    4) Dashcam - if you want to. Probably better off doing this one yourself (more choice and cheaper)
    5) Exterior Protection - I assume this is one of those 'minor damage repair' insurances. Don't. If you have dings that really bother you, get them fixed individually later on.

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:17
      +1

      Thank you ihavok for your comment, very helpful.

  • kahn on 23/07/2020 - 01:31
    +1

    $1300 paint protection on a new car? That price would only make sense if the paint needed correcting (claying and 2 stages of polishing). Get a couple of quotes from local detailers unless you love paying for convenience.

    There's been discussion in these forums about the pros and cons of ceramic paint protection, so have a read of that to make an informed decision. It might not be suited to you.

  • Richardc on 23/07/2020 - 03:56
    +1

    Is the dashcam 1ch or 2ch? 2ch takes much more time to install the rear cam on the tailgate.

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:20

      Thank you chenrenchun. I didn't know dashcam comes with channels, the reviews I looked for above more covering cam video quality specially night time.

  • MS Paint on 23/07/2020 - 04:30
    +4

    with leather seating.

    Hate to disappoint you but it isn't real leather.

    No to all of the above at a dealership. Just get window tinting elsewhere. Anywhere will be cheaper than this.

  • mapax on 23/07/2020 - 04:42

    I’ve never bought a new car so here I am thinking most cars except for trade/pov pack commercials already have tinted windows, but are you sure they’re not just trying to sell you extra dark rear window tint and there’s already normal tint on the windows?

    • ShortyX on 23/07/2020 - 09:48
      +2

      It's typically privacy glass (dyed) on the factory rear windows, not tinted. Privacy glass doesn't provide UV or heat protection like tinted does.

      • mapax on 23/07/2020 - 09:57

        Good to know

      • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:23

        That is a really good explanation, thank you ShortyX

  • Euphemistic on 23/07/2020 - 05:41
    +8

    Your response should be:

    1) “so your telling me the factory paint is no good? Maybe I should get a Hyundai”
    2) “Why doesn’t it cover the front glass where I spend most of my time”. if they then offer front glass as well “so you think I don’t want to be seen in your vehicle?”
    3) “so you are telling me the interior finish is so poor that it needs extra protection? Maybe I should get a nissan”
    4) “we don’t live in Russia”
    5) “I can drive”

    All of these are designed to maximise dealer profits and can be purchased elsewhere at a fraction of the price. Doesn’t it tell you something that they are all the same price?

    Alternatively, if the salesperson for these extras is really attractive maybe if you buy them all you will know you are more attractive too. The other phrase she is known by will be ‘Ming mole’. Specifically an attractive young female designed to lower your guard and extract your hard earned.

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:25

      Thank you Euphemistic.

  • Gronk on 23/07/2020 - 06:32
    +1

    Massive rip, you can do just as well with cheaper off the shelf products.

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:29

      Yeah agreed, they were offering a discount if I combine ceramic and tint glass. A bit discount on the interior but not much on Schmick membership.

      • Gronk on 24/07/2020 - 13:42

        They could offer you a 50% discount across the board and still be making plenty of money, that's how much margin is in these types of products.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 23/07/2020 - 06:57
    +1

    Add all that "sell up" and your $40k RAV4 now could have been a Alfa Stelvio now that's a car you buy with your heart….

  • modsec802 on 23/07/2020 - 07:00
    +2

    As everyone else says all are a rip off

  • Fredfloresjr on 23/07/2020 - 07:33

    I have the Schmick membership for 5 years and paid 1k$. Had a small dent on my door after a long drive probably due to rocks. Someone came and fixed it after a day or two after lodging it. Only paid 50$ which is not bad and at the comfort of your own home. These things will only be handy until you need it.

    • pegaxs on 23/07/2020 - 10:58
      +7

      Only paid 50$ which is not bad

      No you didn’t, you paid $1,050 for it. The initial membership + call out fee…

      • Fredfloresjr on 23/07/2020 - 11:49
        -1

        was mentioned isn't it? 50$ for a repair on the dent + paint is something I would not get anywhere if I do not have the membership. Like I said, this will only be handy until you need it.

      • Euphemistic on 23/07/2020 - 11:55

        This. Of course a second repairs will mean each repair cost $550, a third repair $383 etc.

        What was the real cost of a resort at retail rates? Unsure, but if it’s $200 you are way behind for now.

  • jimbobaus on 23/07/2020 - 07:53
    +6

    Used to sell this crap for a living and can tell you its overpriced. I lasted 6 months in the job as I had a lot of trouble looking people in the eyes and telling them how much stuff cost.

    Schmick is the biggest scam ever avoid like the plague its only benefit is in making the dealer ship money.
    The mark up is huge and the dealer gets a massive commission for selling it, it was so bad for the consumer that the dealership i used to work at pulled it and stopped selling it as they just didn't feel right scamming the consumer that much, was ok in other areas just not scratch and dent.

    As others have said get the tint and dashcam elsewhere as they will be massively marked up at the dealer.

    Paint and Interior protection costs the dealer around $200 max to apply yet they charge $1300

    There are arguments for and against PP and IP but i honestly believe they are a waste, they offer not more benefit to you than a good clean and wax once or twice a year wont already do.

    • KSMLJ on 23/07/2020 - 07:58

      When even the dealership says nope, thats too much, you KNOW its bad.

      Good on ya.

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:33

      Thank you jimbobaus, appreciate your comment.

  • Skramit on 23/07/2020 - 09:24
    +2

    All these extras after the sale is where the dealer tries to make back the margin they lkost in the car sale.

    Basically all those things you mentioned will have 500% markup on them.

    AVOID AVOID AVOID.

    Anything extra you want like paint protection or a dashcam, go elsewhere to a small business where prices are 10x better.

  • Joney on 23/07/2020 - 09:43
    +1

    Get window tint, but ensure you get a ceramic product, it will provide far better heat rejection.

    As an idea, I had my sedan tinted, front and rear side windows, and rear glass, in ceramic, for $400. I wouldn't pay more than $600. So you can easily save half on that tint job.

    • ShortyX on 23/07/2020 - 09:53
      +2

      Agreed - if you really want tint, get it done elsewhere.

  • Headless on 23/07/2020 - 10:07
    +2

    I bought a new car in 2007 (still have it) and was offered most of those things.

    1) Ceramic Coating - You can buy the same stuff they use in a bottle for way cheaper - they do it out back… huge markup
    Also I guarantee you won't be going back every year to get it done again at a similar cost - I got suckered in the first year, havn't had it since.

    2) Tinted glass ( for leather seating $1295) It will only cover back seating and rare glass.
    Your paying the dealer premium for them to call someone else to do it - again I got suckered in and discovered the same local company can do it for 50-70% cheaper by going direct to them.

    3) Interior Protection (Protection for leather seating $1295)
    So your paying $1295 for a guy to put cream on your seats - you can honestly do it yourself - as the car is your new toy, I highly suggest doing it yourself at a fraction of the cost.

    4) Dashcam ($595)
    Yes, but depends on what model they use, if its a month to month subscription brand forget about it.
    Also 2 channel is a must - I live in Melbourne and have been rear ended (P plate ute tradies sped away) & crashed into in a carpark - video footage was amazing - had I of not had the camera, I wouldv'e been out insurance money due to hit and runners.
    I bought a Dod 1080p 2 channel and its gold - I hear VIAFO are amazing too.
    What you want to look for is quality of video, whilst others may have amazing features, if you can't read licence plates its practically worthless + capacitor type is better than no capacitor.
    2 channel can be installed yourself, not hard but it takes time and patience - Buy the 2 channel.
    DM me for more info about this if you want.

    5) Exterior Protection
    More money than it's worth - you are going to get dings, the first is the worst, but its a part of life.
    Other people don't care about willingly dinging your car - People blindly swing their doors open and dont give a sht

    • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:42
      +1

      Thanks mate, appreciate your comment. The dashcam wasn't on subscription, the only difference the cam they use with other is SD card does not install on the cam. It goes into a unit that is not easily visible. I will surely go for a 2channel cam as I wasn't aware of it before. Cheers.

  • Hackney on 23/07/2020 - 11:55
    +1

    A sheer waste of money.Good old “Ming mole”! Outsource everything! Do not go near a dealer.You can even “scotchguard” your own interior(assuming it is not vinyl or faux leather).Very easy.Plenty of excellent car care products on the market.

  • skid on 23/07/2020 - 11:59

    If you keep your car in a lock up garage, all of it is a waste of money.

    • Euphemistic on 23/07/2020 - 15:13
      +2

      If you keep your car in the lock up garage all the time having any car at all is a waste.

  • ThirdRonnie on 23/07/2020 - 21:39
    +1

    If all this stuff is "essential" it should be standard on the new car.

    …and it's the Ming Moll, not mole….

  • Levathian on 23/07/2020 - 21:44
    +1

    Ah the good old ming moll bullshit. Say no to everything then make decisions later.

  • kavinfrost on 23/07/2020 - 21:46

    Thank you all for the comments, really helpful . Cheers.

  • ol mate on 24/07/2020 - 10:31

    1) Ceramic Coating ($1295)

    Get it done aftermarket from a detailer - they'll correct the paint first, use a better product for same/less money.

    2) Tinted glass ( for leather seating $1295)

    It will only cover back seating and rare glass. - Tint is <$400 at a good place…

    3) Interior Protection (Protection for leather seating $1295)

    Do you really need it? Go get leather cleaner and treatment from SCA/Repco and do it once every 6 months.

    4) Dashcam ($595)

    Price is good depending what it is. At this price, I'm going to guess it is the Toyota genuine (which is a $350 part + 2 hours labour or so). I would get a Blackvue DR750-2CH for $450/500 on sale + $60 for the parking mode power box and DIY (or pay an auto sparky $250 to install it) for front and rear.

    5) Exterior Protection (Schmick membership goes by months and year) Price varies by monthly membership

    are you someone who touch parks, gutter rashes, dints, etc. cars? If so, it could be worth it. I know someone who paid $500 for 3 years and easily got it back on on the first call out (gutter rash on one wheel - $200 repair if it was done via a repairer, scraped a pole - would've been a $400 bumper respray at a smash repairer for $100 fee on top of the $500 membership)

  • Jeev1 on 24/07/2020 - 21:46

    It's all BS. Because if that's the case companies has already considered that aspect before doing paint job. I bought a CX-9 this month, didn't do anything, sales girl was trying to sell paint protection and interior protection BS, at the end she said whatever they apply you can't even feel it, which means even if they don't apply you would never know. Yes I am applying tinted glass from 3 Rd party top of the line and customised, saving around $395 compared offered by dealer which was &$595 at single shade.

    Consider this you bargained you car $$$$ and now they will recover with all this BS after products. Think about it.

    • rtfmoz on 12/06/2023 - 21:01

      I am looking at this for a new Tesla Y – https://nxtzen.com applied by https://www.protektauto.com.au. Ceramic is about $900, graphene $1250
      I previously had one applied by superior shine to a Mazda CX-9, and sold the car six years later and it still looked fantastic in the wine red it came in. (that was two weeks ago) We used Meguiars Gold Class Wash to clean it, never needed to wax it. Never get it from the dealer.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2020 - 18:35

    Nah except for window tint as couldn’t be bothered doing later and like to pick up all done, I get a new car every 5 years, always full leather interior, never had any protection from new. Get a full detail yearly.

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