[rdmustang]

My order for a BGTS is in. I want to cover it in Xpel Ultimate (definitely would appreciate any opinions around Xpel vs other brands or what areas should be covered). My issue is that I'm buying the car about 4 hours away and driving it back. Couple of questions:

1. Dealers won't allow the car wrapped until after purchase, right?

2. Any harm driving the car home and having it wrapped near home? Should I instead try to have it wrapped local to the dealer? There are more authorized installers near the dealer (not sure how much that matters) but this would probably mean a second trip.

3. Any other options/suggestions?

 

[RGM718]

The only risk you run is a possible stone chip on the way. That is relatively small chance. I did exactly that with my current Cayman. The advantage of taking it home first for me was that I clay bar'd it (yes brand new car) before the clear was put on............

 

[Porsche2018]

I prefer Suntek Ultra better optical clarity than XPEL and same 10 year warranty:

1. generally yes; purchase than wrap
2. would recommend a local well reviewed well qualified installer verses dealership........based upon my personal experience
3. Suntek Ultra as above


Questions:
Headlights? Coverage desired*? Windshield?

*track kit minimal in my opinion

 

[JakiChan]

My order for a BGTS is in. I want to cover it in Xpel Ultimate (definitely would appreciate any opinions around Xpel vs other brands or what areas should be covered).

I concur on the Suntek.

My issue is that I'm buying the car about 4 hours away and driving it back. Couple of questions:

I'll be driving about 8 hours. ish.

1. Dealers won't allow the car wrapped until after purchase, right?

Probably, but you might want to ask your dealer. Also, depending on how you're paying for the car - if they have your money they might let you coordinate with a local installer if you can find one you'd trust. But for warranty reasons finding one close to home might be better.

2. Any harm driving the car home and having it wrapped near home? Should I instead try to have it wrapped local to the dealer? There are more authorized installers near the dealer (not sure how much that matters) but this would probably mean a second trip.

Theoretically, yes. You can consider temporary protection, such as Xpel Tracrwap or blue painters tape.

 

[Third]

My order for a BGTS is in. I want to cover it in Xpel Ultimate (definitely would appreciate any opinions around Xpel vs other brands or what areas should be covered). My issue is that I'm buying the car about 4 hours away and driving it back. Couple of questions:

1. Dealers won't allow the car wrapped until after purchase, right?

2. Any harm driving the car home and having it wrapped near home? Should I instead try to have it wrapped local to the dealer? There are more authorized installers near the dealer (not sure how much that matters) but this would probably mean a second trip.

3. Any other options/suggestions?

My initial advice would be to pay the dealer to have it wrapped before you pick it up. Two reasons: the finish will never be more perfect, and you have leverage through (over) the dealer in the event you're not happy with the work. That said, I would want to see examples of the installers work before agreeing to whomever the dealer shops it out to. (Note that any installer worth his/her salt will detail the car before wrapping so I see no need for the clay bar step.) On the downside, you'll have to pay the dealer's markup if you go this route.

Finally, for all it's worth, mine is wrapped (hood, etc.) with Suntek, and I'm very happy with finish. It's thin though, so I'm anxious to see it actually save the paint! I don't know how it compares in thickness to XPEL.

 

[Amiroquai]

I had the same concerns with my order. I had advised the dealership to not prep the car in terms of cleaning or removing any of the white protective film that these cars come with from the factory so that I could drive it directly to the shop for ppf.

I made sure to inspect the factory film as best as I could to reduce the risk of finding any paint damage when removing the film at the shop, after signing off on the car at pick up.

Your hood and fenders should be covered with this film but not the front bumper. Note that the white protective film will not be as protective as Xpel but would serve as a nice base for painters tape for an added later of protection, if you desire. If rain is not expected that day, I would also put painters tape on the bumper, A pillars, and side mirrors.

Drive as slow as road allows while maintaining good distance from the car ahead of you and you should be fine.

I had the option to take 30 MPH roads from dealership to shop. Made my trip one hour instead of the 20 minutes on highway but the lower speed roads alleviated the concern for stone chips.

 

[Sonny]

My order for a BGTS is in. I want to cover it in Xpel Ultimate (definitely would appreciate any opinions around Xpel vs other brands or what areas should be covered). My issue is that I'm buying the car about 4 hours away and driving it back. Couple of questions:

1. Dealers won't allow the car wrapped until after purchase, right?

2. Any harm driving the car home and having it wrapped near home? Should I instead try to have it wrapped local to the dealer? There are more authorized installers near the dealer (not sure how much that matters) but this would probably mean a second trip.

3. Any other options/suggestions?

I had paint protection done at the dealer on one car and by an independent on another car. The independent (Suntek) did a better job (for $200 less) that included the hood (half), fenders (half), bumper, mirrors, door edge guards, and door cups. My only suggestion is you get the full hood and fenders. I already have two chips in those locations.

 

[rdmustang]

I had paint protection done at the dealer on one car and by an independent on another car. The independent (Suntek) did a better job (for $200 less) that included the hood (half), fenders (half), bumper, mirrors, door edge guards, and door cups. My only suggestion is you get the full hood and fenders. I already have two chips in those locations.

I'm thinking of doing the entire car so that it looks consistent. I know Suntek and new Xpel are virtually invisible but I think I'll feel better if it's completely covered. Is this silly and a waste of money?

 

[Sonny]

I'm thinking of doing the entire car so that it looks consistent. I know Suntek and new Xpel are virtually invisible but I think I'll feel better if it's completely covered. Is this silly and a waste of money?

Most things (maybe everything) in life involves probability. Even in Arizona where stone throws from other vehicles are common, I have few, if any, chips beyond the the windshield. So I would say the probability of a chip farther back is unlikely. However, if it makes you feel better to do the whole car, go for it.

 

[jt4006]

The Xpel is fantastic. I forgot to set the parking brake one night and the car drifted into the garage door. When I opened the door in the morning one of the ribs rubbed up the front of the apron. Like a fool I shut the door thinking it to be a door issue; thereby repeating the rub on the down stroke. There were scratches on the Xpel wrap, and I planned on returning from work ready to try to hide the damage. Amazingly, the wrap "healed" during the day. No signs of the door encounter at all. Definitely worth it.