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New Car due March - Ceramic Coating?

SteveR_Chester

PCGB Member
Member
hi all, the new GTS is now on the production line, due for delivery in February, and so I'll be registering it in March.
I am really faced with a dilemma and would appreciate thoughts. In short, I cant decide whether or not to go ahead with the ceramic paint protection.
The new car will not be a daily driver, it will be mainly weekends / summer tours, and I expect 6000-8000 miles at most per year. Its kept garaged, and I a already a fastidious (some may say obsessive) detailer.
I've done my research and narrowed it down to the Gtechniq range (and I'm not really interested in the debate between the different ceramic products).
My feeling is this - its expensive - £1100-£1200 to do the whole car, glass, wheels - but as this is a car I anticipate keeping for a long time, if it helps maintain the paintwork, then isnt a huge expensive compared to the value of the car - but its still a lot of money. What concerns me more is that clearly the protections doesnt prevent scratching, and I wonder about the scale of correction that would be needed to a car that gets a scratch and has had the coating. That sort of money would allow bodyshop repairs as needed to correct any scratches.
Thoughts - if it were you - would you spend the money?
 
To answer the question, yes I would. A good detailer will significantly improve the paintwork that comes out of the factory/PC and the Gtechniq will give it a shine that lasts for ages. (Mine still going strong after 2 years) I think the amount you quote is a bit high, actually, mine was £750 last time around.
Scratches, along with stone chips, I see as separate issue. Would you have the paintwork corrected for these immediately they occur? If you did the suggested 6-8k per annum you will get some! Anyway, if you needed paintwork or just machine polishing to remove the offending blemish then that panel alone could be retreated. That is no bigger deal than if it just had wax on it, as far as I'm aware.
What colour are you getting, btw?
 
Gtechniq is the preferred treatment for most 991 members posting here, myself included. Your quotation seems a little expensive for a new car that should require minimal paint correction. But full treatment takes 2-3 days, so this is the reason for the cost. There is usually only one approved detailer in each area, but if you can find another within reach, it's worth getting a second quote. Also, discuss options with your detailer. Wheels and glass are labour-intensive, but need no particular specialist skills, so perhaps just purchase the treatments and do those jobs yourself.

Most will tell you the results are worth the expense if you enjoy keeping your car looking in tip-top condition. Gtechniq do a handy DIY maintenance kit, so it's worth negotiating for one of those with your deal, if you can. This will take care of any repaired localised areas. For long-term results, it is recommended you have a top-up done on an annual basis.
Regards,

Clive
 
Mine was done just before Christmas and was the all singing, all dancing GTechniq Crystal Serum Ultra with Exo on top. Comes with a 9 year guarantee. It took the best part of a week on a new car but as you say the finish is first class and the cost is a small percentage of the new price of the car.

What it can't prevent is scratches or chips though it is a tough coating. It does make maintenance easy, and our three year old Cayenne has had a hard life and still comes up like new with a quick wash. Well worth it IMO.

Congratulations on your choice of car btw.

If you're based anywhere near the Bristol area we can recommend an excellent authorised detailer and the price would be less than your quoted figure (not a lot...!)
 
Racing Yellow!
Its bold I know - but after a history almost exclusively of dark cars, I thought the GTS with its black details suited it.
 
Lancerlot said:
Gtechniq is the preferred treatment for most 991 members posting here, myself included. Your quotation seems a little expensive for a new car that should require minimal paint correction. But full treatment takes 2-3 days, so this is the reason for the cost. There is usually only one approved detailer in each area, but if you can find another within reach, it's worth getting a second quote. Also, discuss options with your detailer. Wheels and glass are labour-intensive, but need no particular specialist skills, so perhaps just purchase the treatments and do those jobs yourself.

Most will tell you the results are worth the expense if you enjoy keeping your car looking in tip-top condition. Gtechniq do a handy DIY maintenance kit, so it's worth negotiating for one of those with your deal, if you can. This will take care of any repaired localised areas. For long-term results, it is recommended you have a top-up done on an annual basis.
Regards,

Clive
Thanks Clive. GTechniq have a standardised quote system now it seems for their approved detailers, and I've tried the two closest two me who have come back with very similar quotes. Its a good idea though to see if I can get a maintenance kit in with it.
 
My comments reflect those of the others and I do a similar mileage to you. The car was done in the OPC before delivery and I am now past the four year mark, driving it through the winter. Chips will happen, but not so often! My real problem with the windscreen and interior treatments is that they don't seem to work very well. The wipers smear on the windscreen and I have now taken it off and use rain racer instead, a much better product and the interior is no easier to clean than leather without the treatment. So if you want to save money I would focus on those areas.

Enjoy ??????
 
I can only echo the words of pwebb regarding finish and price. My new GTS had the full inside and outside Gtechniq treatment by an accredited detailer in Peterborough last June and, IMO, it was worth every penny. After every wash the car looks like new again and should continue to do so for some years. Result!
 
I also can echo Peter's comments. When I got my brand new R Rover Sport last July I had the Gtechniq full treatment but was advised by the detailer that the most expensive crystal coating was not necessary as only I wash the car with deionised water etc etc. The full treatment including windows, leather, all internal surfaces and wheels inside and out cost about £650 with a 5 year guarantee. I am delighted with the result and cleaning is a breeze. This is far superior to the Nanolex treatment that I had for my 991 5 years ago. Do suggest that you get the Gtechniq washes and use snow foam though.
Enjoy your car
 
SteveR_Chester said:
Thanks Clive. GTechniq have a standardised quote system now it seems for their approved detailers, and I've tried the two closest two me who have come back with very similar quotes. Its a good idea though to see if I can get a maintenance kit in with it.


Would have thought there was some element of negotiation on paint correction since not all vehicles will require the same amount of work. My car was done last June for much less than your quote, however I did the wheels myself (and paid in cash!)
Regards,

Clive
 
If I were buying a new car like that, I'd definitely get it done. I have it (Gtechniq) on my Cayman, which is a daily driver. As good as it is, I have to say that it's not magic though. Dirt will stick to it, bird droppings will still etch into it etc. Dirt is easier to wash off, but don't expect to just snow foam it then rinse with deionised water. You'll still need to "wash" it in the normal 2 bucket way etc.

Cheers,
Bryan
 
I'd "hybrid", which is what's happening to mine in the spring. I will correct the paint myself and then have self healing film placed on the front and GTech the rest.
PPF works particularly well with solid colours.

 
I have a Carmine Red GTS scheduled for March delivery and was thinking about protection myself. Can anyone recommend a suitable detailer for a North Londoner?

Thanks
 
Hi Ellis

[FONT=calibri"]See copy of email regarding GTechniq detailer below.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]

[FONT=calibri"]" From: Paul Grundy [[FONT=verdana,geneva"][FONT=calibri"]mailto:paul.grundy@car-paint-protection.co.uk[FONT=verdana,geneva"][FONT=calibri"]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 8:43 PM
[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]
Subject: Re: Quotation[FONT=verdana,geneva"]

[FONT=calibri"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]Jonathan[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]Thank you for your enquiry regarding GTechniq protection for your Range Rover, Ultimate Car Paint Protection are able to provide this service via trained team of technicians who can work at your home if you have sufficient indoor space or at one of our centres around the UK. [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]The GTechniq treatment is completed by a fully trained technician and provides protection to the exterior paintwork alloys wheels and the interior fabric and leather. This can also be extended to include the glass if required.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]We apply GTechniq Crystal Serum Light on the exterior paintwork initially with a top coat of EXO, GTechniq L1 Smart Fabric Protector and GTechniq L1 Leather Guard on the interior carpet and upholstery along with GTechniq C5 Wheel Armour on the alloy wheels. The cost of providing the service is £595 including vat payable in cash or by debit card on the day of your cars treatment.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]We would be delighted to complete the work for you to ensure you receive our personal service, exceptional quality and outstanding value.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]Thank you again for your enquiry and I will call you in the next few days to further ascertain your interest and timescales for the cars treatment. If you have a more immediate requirement then please call me on the number below.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]If the quote is not of interest then please let us know as all feedback is much appreciated.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]Regards[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]Paul Grundy [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]Ultimate Car Paint Protection Limited[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=calibri"]0330 1000034 "[FONT=verdana,geneva"]



[FONT=calibri"]The detailing was done a day after I took delivery of my new car in Totteridge N20. Very pleased with the result and the costs for your new baby will be of the same order.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]

[FONT=calibri"]The detailing took a half day in an enclosed private garage and left to cure for about 24 hours before driving the car.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]

[FONT=calibri"]Enjoy[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
 
ScaredJimmy said:
I'd "hybrid", which is what's happening to mine in the spring. I will correct the paint myself and then have self healing film placed on the front and GTech the rest.
PPF works particularly well with solid colours.
I would second this. On my 981 Boxster Spyder I had paint protection film across the whole of the front and bonnet, including the windscreen frame and wing mirrors. The film was then taken long the cills and over the area of the wing in front of the rear wheels.

I then had GTechniq Crystal Serum on the un-filmed paintwork, and the the whole lot topped off wirg Exo.

The paintwork looks fabulous, one year later and, perhaps more importantly, there are no discernable stone chips on the front bumper, front lid or in front of the rear arches.

Had mine done by APM in Deeside (outskirts of Chester) and they did a very good job
- as an aside the Porsche Club NW are visiting APM on 15th Feb
 
paul08 said:
ScaredJimmy said:
I'd "hybrid", which is what's happening to mine in the spring. I will correct the paint myself and then have self healing film placed on the front and GTech the rest.
PPF works particularly well with solid colours.
I would second this. On my 981 Boxster Spyder I had paint protection film across the whole of the front and bonnet, including the windscreen frame and wing mirrors. The film was then taken long the cills and over the area of the wing in front of the rear wheels.

I then had GTechniq Crystal Serum on the un-filmed paintwork, and the the whole lot topped off wirg Exo.

The paintwork looks fabulous, one year later and, perhaps more importantly, there are no discernable stone chips on the front bumper, front lid or in front of the rear arches.

Had mine done by APM in Deeside (outskirts of Chester) and they did a very good job
- as an aside the Porsche Club NW are visiting APM on 15th Feb


Thanks Paul08. I had quotes from REEP NW - which I now realise is the same firm as APM. Cant make the club night, but may give them another call to discuss!
 
Hello all . A new member here that will be in a similar situation to Steve R later in the year, contemplating PPf or the Gtecniq option. The later becoming the favourite after reading the experienced comments read here. Can anybody recommend a detailer that offers the Gtecniq service in South West.
 
Yes, mine got the Gtech treatment upon purchase last October from Porsche Exeter. Cracking finish and car looked great on delivery!

Steve
 

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