Seeking Ceramic Coating Advice

[Sf-bay-taycan-seeker]

Hi Everyone - I'm picking up a MY22 CT Turbo S in a couple weeks in LA, driving it up to SF. I've been doing some ceramic coating research and have gotten myself thoroughly confused.

I'll be leasing this car and so PPF doesn't appeal to me - it feels like a lot of $ for a car I will in all likelihood return in 3 years (hoping Rivian wait times are down by then!). If I was holding the car, it'd be a different story, but right now just doesn't feel worth it.

I've found a number of shops in LA that do ceramic (thanks to the many recommendations on this forum). I also asked my dealer, who recommended someone down the street w/them who quoted $900 for Cilajet. So I did some reading about Cilajet and not a lot of stuff out there about them. Certainly there are a number of bad reviews here and there. So deciding to compare, I did some reading about Ceramic Pro 9h - and while there are lot more people using it, there seem to be a ton of bad reviews there too. Maybe just complainers are likely reviewers.

So I guess my question is something like: is ceramic coating a borderline scam and not much more than waxing? Or are there brands out there that are really protective (e.g. PPF lite)? Would it be better just to get frequent wax/clay washes at my local carwash?

Or maybe I should really consider front PPF at least - just feels like for the cost of the high-end PPF you could practically re-paint the car, maybe I'm missing something. Would hate to drive to SF on a maiden voyage and end up w/dings.

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[Deleted member 6348]

Ceramic coating makes it much easier to keep the car clean and you don’t have to deal with the chore of waxing. It will do zero to prevent paint chips and scratches, but your paint will look awesome.

PPF will reduce the likelihood of damage to the paint, but will do nothing to prevent dings/dents. Also, understand that PPF itself will start to look weathered after a while. If you’re driving the car regularly, you can expect to replace the PPF every 3-5 years, because even “self-healing” will still show the scars of the road. Ironically, PPF doesn’t hold up as well as paint when it comes to appearance. You will also lose a little color depth by going with PPF.

There are ceramic coatings designed for PPF. Installers will often offer a combination of the two things. Be sure to do paint correction regardless of what you do.

I’ve done PPF, ceramic, and both across a variety of cars.

If you can live with a couple of rock chips, ceramic eases the ownership experience. It makes cleaning a super easy affair. You can blow dry your car and avoid paint swirls. I went with just ceramic on my 992. It looked amazing and after 35k miles and could count the total chips on that car on my hands.

If any paint chips cause you anxiety, get PPF, because it will allow you to better enjoy your car without worry. If you’re constantly worried about damaging your car, it’s no fun.

My 4C Spider is PPF’d because it’s in appreciation mode and I wanted to drive it without worrying about it. This past summer, the PPF protected the car from a hubcap bouncing down the road. It could have been tragic, but the PPF saved the day. Expensive, but worth it.

Truth be told, both are heinously expensive and prices vary wildly depending upon your region. A good PPF installation costs dollars that are well beyond any rational ROI for a common, mass produced car. Remember, it’s not going to last or look good beyond 3-5 years. That being said, if it allows you to keep your OCD in check, that’s worth something.

For my Taycan 4S, I am going with front PPF and ceramic coating for the whole car. It’s going to be clocking in some road trips and I want to be carefree about it.

 

[wurzitup]

I did ceramic myself with NV Nova Evo and love the results. $120 and easy to do.. Did not want to pay $1500 for ceramic after dropping $2k on front PPF.

 

[Torv]

Hi Everyone - I'm picking up a MY22 CT Turbo S in a couple weeks in LA, driving it up to SF. I've been doing some ceramic coating research and have gotten myself thoroughly confused.

I'll be leasing this car and so PPF doesn't appeal to me - it feels like a lot of $ for a car I will in all likelihood return in 3 years (hoping Rivian wait times are down by then!). If I was holding the car, it'd be a different story, but right now just doesn't feel worth it.

I've found a number of shops in LA that do ceramic (thanks to the many recommendations on this forum). I also asked my dealer, who recommended someone down the street w/them who quoted $900 for Cilajet. So I did some reading about Cilajet and not a lot of stuff out there about them. Certainly there are a number of bad reviews here and there. So deciding to compare, I did some reading about Ceramic Pro 9h - and while there are lot more people using it, there seem to be a ton of bad reviews there too. Maybe just complainers are likely reviewers.

So I guess my question is something like: is ceramic coating a borderline scam and not much more than waxing? Or are there brands out there that are really protective (e.g. PPF lite)? Would it be better just to get frequent wax/clay washes at my local carwash?

Or maybe I should really consider front PPF at least - just feels like for the cost of the high-end PPF you could practically re-paint the car, maybe I'm missing something. Would hate to drive to SF on a maiden voyage and end up w/dings.

I’m in Marin and I have a Taycan 4S and I opted for the whole PPF enchilada as I bought the car instead of leasing. That said, these guys will do a fantastic job applying a ceramic coating to your new Taycan. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

https://marinautodetailing.com/

 

[under8sweden]

PPF question, my dealer told me that the headlight already have some type of protection and that PPF can destroy the lights when removed. Is this correct?

 

[Deleted member 6348]

PPF question, my dealer told me that the headlight already have some type of protection and that PPF can destroy the lights when removed. Is this correct?

There is a risk of lens delamination when putting PPF on headlights. To be clear, it’s not common, but this is why putting PPF on headlights is discouraged.

As for “protection”, there is a coating on the headlight that prevents oxidization of the lens. When that layer is gone, the lens will fog up — you see this with older cars.

 

[under8sweden]

So.. has anyone done it despite the warnings? I guess it has to do with how the PPF is removed? I would hate rockships in the lights..

 

[XLR82XS]

PPF will reduce the likelihood of damage to the paint, but will do nothing to prevent dings/dents. Also, understand that PPF itself will start to look weathered after a while. If you’re driving the car regularly, you can expect to replace the PPF every 3-5 years, because even “self-healing” will still show the scars of the road. Ironically, PPF doesn’t hold up as well as paint when it comes to appearance. You will also lose a little color depth by going with PPF.

For my Taycan 4S, I am going with front PPF and ceramic coating for the whole car. It’s going to be clocking in some road trips and I want to be carefree about it.

PPF WILL reduce likelihood of damage no question.. I have used Xpel Ultimate for years and it does not loose color depth even on multiple vehicles. My 2 latest acquisitions both have full vehicle PPF including windshield and headlights. Ease of cleaning and peace of mind is worth it. NO MORE clear coat "love marks" during touch-ups. Paint looks new always.

 

[f10tt]

My experience, OptiCoat Pro Plus is the shizzle. Used it on many cars and love it.

Tried CQuartz on one car and didn’t care for it at all.

Also, using Bead Maker Pro after every wash keeps the ceramic working its best.

Yes! I have Opticoat PRO3 on my Taycan and Pro Plus on all of my other vehicles. Our Bronco is actually getting Pro Plus today.

It's an incredible product and along with Optimum ONR makes for easy maintenance washes.

 

[Dslev]

Hi Everyone - I'm picking up a MY22 CT Turbo S in a couple weeks in LA, driving it up to SF. I've been doing some ceramic coating research and have gotten myself thoroughly confused.

I'll be leasing this car and so PPF doesn't appeal to me - it feels like a lot of $ for a car I will in all likelihood return in 3 years (hoping Rivian wait times are down by then!). If I was holding the car, it'd be a different story, but right now just doesn't feel worth it.

I've found a number of shops in LA that do ceramic (thanks to the many recommendations on this forum). I also asked my dealer, who recommended someone down the street w/them who quoted $900 for Cilajet. So I did some reading about Cilajet and not a lot of stuff out there about them. Certainly there are a number of bad reviews here and there. So deciding to compare, I did some reading about Ceramic Pro 9h - and while there are lot more people using it, there seem to be a ton of bad reviews there too. Maybe just complainers are likely reviewers.

So I guess my question is something like: is ceramic coating a borderline scam and not much more than waxing? Or are there brands out there that are really protective (e.g. PPF lite)? Would it be better just to get frequent wax/clay washes at my local carwash?

Or maybe I should really consider front PPF at least - just feels like for the cost of the high-end PPF you could practically re-paint the car, maybe I'm missing something. Would hate to drive to SF on a maiden voyage and end up w/dings.

My 2021 Turbo is black, Feynlab coated with self healing, amazing, minor scratches disappear in the sun light once it warms up, no damage if hit by bird strikes and is amazingly glossy all the time, also easier to wash. Second Porsche I've had done. The place I get mine done at is Diamond Auto Salon in Westlake Village, typically takes 3-4 days. Have to make advanced appointment. The first step is paint correction, then ceramic. I've shopped around, and typically with paint correction it's $2K plus. Most places tell me paint correction is necessary first step to achieve the shine and deep gloss. Don't know if it's worth it for a lease, good waxing (one year wax) may be the call at a good detail shop.

 

[stirthepot]

ppf on headlights is fine. done it every car i have owned for the last 7 years. no issues.

ceramic can be done yourself, but if the car needs paint correction prior, which it likely will, you may want to have an installer do it if you don't have a proper polisher / polish and the experience to do it yourself.

i have used many ceramics, all with good results. like waxes some ceramics last longer, some are more slick, some apply easier, some have more gloss, etc etc. do your research if you are going to do it yourself. there are a ton of videos on youtube that will teach you process. then decide if you want to do it or have an installer do it.

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