New Polo GTI - is ceramic coating worth it?

[kevvie]

I've just put a deposit on a Polo GTI and got the inevitable follow up call to ask about window tint and paint/interior protection.

I'll get the tint done as the car is white, but does anyone have experience with ceramic coating? I searched the forum and couldn't find much info.

Interested to hear from people who:
1. Have it on the car and would/wouldn't recommend
2. May have put it on themselves vs having professionally done.

Seems the cost is about $1100 to have it done, but I can see DIY Ceramic or Graphene kits for less than $200. I have a garage and plenty of time to DIY.

[MIG]

Ceramic coating is worth it; it makes cleaning the car so much easier you can pretty much just foam cannon the car and pressure wash it off, blow dry it and have a complete touchless wash.

Getting it from the dealer is a ripoff; they don't put the effort in to do the perp work and overcharge for it.

I did a full 2-stage correction with a DA polisher, then finished with CarPro Cquartz UK Edition about a year ago, and it is still holding up very well. It took about two full days to do.


If you have the time to do the perp work and application, DIY is great and you can buy some new tools (DA polisher, detailing tools) and still come out cheaper than the dealer

Otherwise, get a pro to do it; plenty of detailers would do a great job.

[Suncoaster]

I have a ceramic coated T Cross that was done through the dealer three years ago; it has been very successful and made cleaning a breeze. I acknowledge that you may pay more through the dealer but, it is then covered by the dealer on the same terms as the vehicle 5 year warranty. I haven't tested the warranty although I had a dealer fitted dash cam that has played up and the dealer has had that rectified under warranty three years into the car's life. Having said that most reputable operators will offer a two year warranty, but it may be subject to inspection unlike the dealer option. Cheers-John

[Flipper Dog]

Is ceramic coating worth it? Yes.
Is the dealer supplied option worth it? No.

No matter what your car cleaning regime is having a ceramic coating is only going to enhance your vehicle in keeping it clear. The next better step up is a film covering (PPF paint protection film) applied all over your vehicle.

If you have the time and skills to prepare your paint work prior to applying the ceramic coating, then there are heaps of DIY kits available for under $200.
If you don't know how to prepare your paint work for the coating then seek the services of a professional car detailer. They will be a bit cheaper then the dealer cost and they will need your car for a full day or two, but the final result will look better and outlast what the dealers offer.
Most dealers contract the work out in volume and allocate a minimum time to have the vehicle ready, so this doesn't allow the detailer time to properly prepare the paint work. Normally a quick wash and polish than apply the coating. 1/2 a days work for $500-$600 and the dealer pockets the remainder.
No matter how new or good your paint work is there will be some correction required, this is where the effort of someone who has the time to attack this is worth the cost.

If you want ceramic coating then your options are-
Best - Seek a professional detailer
If you have the skills - DIY
Don't really car too much - Pay for the dealership offering. Note - read the fine print with the dealership product, most will state that you will need an inspection service (additional cost to you) every 12 months and use only specific cleaning products to maintain the warranty.

[davopolo]

I paid a private detailer $899 to have my Polo GTI ceramic-coated in June, and he seemed to do a thorough job (with claying and other refinements I didn't trust myself to do). He used G-Techniq products, which I had read were good. He also commented that the paint seemed "soft". Certainly the paint seems to stay shiny for a longer period before washing now.