Friend has hook up to get car permaplated for $150 but was wondering if worth it. I know dealerships charge a lot more than that. What is it and what is the process involved when they do it? Is it just a wax or is something like Zaino? Thanks for any 411 on this.

 

It's a paint sealant. Unlike natural wax it can withstand high temps without breakdown and usually lasts 6 to 12 months per application.
Most of the process is involved with the preparation of the paint surface. Wash car, remove bonded surface contaminants (clay) ,if needed polish with buffer and a good polish/cleaner, apply sealant or wax by hand or with random orbital.

The dealerships tell you that the sealant has a 5 year guarantee. They usually don't tell you that you need to get it re-applied every 6 -12 months. So basically they charge for 5 years worth of applications that most people don't come back for.
$150 is reasonable for a single application.

 

two words, rip off, just get $150 of Zaino that will last you a LONG time

 

I didn't get the treatment done, but my belief was that it appeared to me to be a way to sell more insurance / warranty stuff. If you're poking around this forum, hyper, then you are surrounded by folks who like to wield towels and rags ourselves. I doubt you'll get much here in the way of encouragement to get the dealer's stuff.

My opinion (and, please, just my opinion) is that a car's warranty should be enough just the way it comes. The Honda dealers hit you up for extended warranty, paint treatment, etc... That said, I think the S2000's warranty is pretty darn short. If you're planning to drive it year-round you might wanna stretch to more time / mileage. Put your money into the actual warranty rather than the exterior treatment warranty. (again, just a personal opinion).

Best wishes, Hyper.

 

Do Not - repeat - do not - get PermaPlate. Use the $ for Zaino or another high quality wax or sealant.

My Suzuka was marked up $895 for PermaPlate. Yea, I know. Don't get me started. But I was naive and uninformed when I purchased my car. (wished I known about S2ki) It's got a 7-year warranty on it, but it's not gonna last two months. Of course, if anything does turn out unusual or fade within 7 years, I'm gonna make a beeline to the dealer for any little thing I can find.

$895. I'm still not over it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VinceD
[B]Do Not - repeat - do not - get PermaPlate. Use the $ for Zaino or another high quality wax or sealant.

My Suzuka was marked up $895 for PermaPlate. Yea, I know. Don't get me started. But I was naive and uninformed when I purchased my car. (wished I known about S2ki) It's got a 7-year warranty on it, but it's not gonna last two months. Of course, if anything does turn out unusual or fade within 7 years, I'm gonna make a beeline to the dealer for any little thing I can find.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VinceD
[B]Do Not - repeat - do not - get PermaPlate. Use the $ for Zaino or another high quality wax or sealant.

My Suzuka was marked up $895 for PermaPlate. Yea, I know. Don't get me started. But I was naive and uninformed when I purchased my car. (wished I known about S2ki) It's got a 7-year warranty on it, but it's not gonna last two months. Of course, if anything does turn out unusual or fade within 7 years, I'm gonna make a beeline to the dealer for any little thing I can find.