looking at an 06 laguna blue, 15k miles, needs tires, all stock apart from a carbon 'air deflector' on top of the radiator.

It also has a 3M protective clear film over the front end - any views on this, is it good/bad????

TIA.

 

It's all in the dollars.

for 10 grand, it's a screaming deal

for 21 grand, it's a fair deal against market price

for more than that, pass.

 

how do you expect anyone to give sound advice if you don't even give us a asking price? is this coming from a dealer? where is the location? does it need all four wheels or only the rears?

 

some people really like it, but its up to you. its designed to prevent rock chips. in any case, dont bother paying extra for it.

as for price:
edmunds: 21,162 = trade-in = deal
22,957 = private party = decent
24,311 = dealer = too much, imo

blue book prices are about $1000 higher.

 

Ok guys, I should have made myself clearer, it was your views on the 3M protective film I was after rather than pricing.

I'm familiar with the pricing, this one is Private, asking 25k, and as you point out Ace it is too much, I am thinking of an opening offer of 21-22k. Needs all four tires replaced. Car is in FL btw.

 

I wouldn't allow the seller to use the 3M film in adding any value to the car but as far as the product, I don't think it's bad for it.

 

Depending on the install job though. Poorly installed film is worse than no film at all.

 

so you know, $25k is about what the seller would owe on the car loan if he financed it all, so from his/her point of view, it probably seems reasonable to ask the loan balance for the used car. tires are maintainence, so he should have to change them. i'd use that to help negotiate the price.

and the 3M clear film.... personally i don't like it. some people love it. it helps with rock chips, but it doesn't prevent all front end damage, and i personally always notice and dislike the line. the owner probably paid anywhere from $500-$1000 for the 3M job if it was a full front end and done properly. sometimes they tape more or less and cost corresponds to how much of that crap they tape the front end with.

and if you're wondering, i don't know if that stuff is really removable--you'd have to first peel it all off without it tearing everywhere (maybe that can be done i dont know) and then you'd have to get all the residual adhesive off. if it can be done, the front end will be fairly ding/chip-free, unlike mine. but i dont have to notice the stupid line, and i'll never have to do the work.

in any case, the 3M film doesn't add any value to the car.

 

Ace/Bear, I agree with you both, personally i'm not too keen on the line that is visible (approx 1/3rd up the front end) and it really does not add value to me, if anything I see it as a negative from an aesthetic point of view even though it will save stone chips, thanks for the feedback, at least I can make an informed decision now.

Ace, understood and agree on the outstanding loan, it will be a delicate negotiation on that front and I suspect we will be too far apart to agree, but we'll see...

Thanks again.

 

The 3M will protect your front end from bugs and stuff. I've only heard good things about the 3M. Don't let it add any value to your negotiations and you'll be fine. You can remove the film if the hood line bothers you.

I was tempted to get the stuff done to my car, but ultimately decided against it as I don't find it necessary. With a plastic front, I'd rather just save up for a repaint years down the road if I really care. Cars will get nicks and scratches anyways.