Dang, I was hoping to spend $3-4k on a wrap, max, but to be honest, I don't even know what a baseline for the service is. I thought $3-4k seemed like a reasonable esitmate given that Metropolitan Detail's website says that a full front mask starts at $2200, and I figured that the front is generally the most complicated part to wrap.
I'm definitely willing to spend a good amount on a wrap since it's it will help keep the car 'as new' as long as possible (I already have a couple rock chips :crying: ), and I was definitely interested in Xpel due to the claimed self-healing properties. However, at $7500, the thing that concerns me is, how long can I go before it needs to be replaced due to wear? I mean, I don't know about Xpel, but other wraps will get damaged over time by rocks, etc. I mean, if this wrap is going to last five years, then I'm all for it (though I still think it's on the high side), but I definitely don't feel it's worth it for me, if the wrap will only last two years or something. If that's the case, I'd rather just get a cheaper one and replace it more often. I see that they claim that they have one of the best installers in the industry, and I do feel that it's worth it, even if they charge more for labor, if it lasts a long time.
I see that Xpel gaurantees that the film will not yellow, crack, or peel for 7 years, which is great. However, what about normal wear and tear from rocks, dirt, washing, etc? How long can I realistically expect the film to look great? Again, if it's 5+ years, then I think it's a slam dunk for me, definitely worth it. If it's less, then I'd have to think about it and weigh the options. Also, does "full wrap" include headlights, glass, and other non-painted surfaces?
Holy crap! I just re-read buzzbuzz's post about MD including quarterly waxes for the life of the film, which, if that is for 7 years, that is a great benefit! That definitely helps with the decision.
Thankss for the feedback about Metropolitan Detail's car wash by the way. I would definitely use their $35 service if it is top notch, though I probably would do it no more than once a month. Keep in mind that I actually enjoy spending a few hours cleaning my car in great detail, and my primary purpose in finding a cheaper place, at $15 or so is to get a wash in between when I am too busy or lazy, and also I like either doing quicker washes myself or getting a cheaper hand wash every 1-2 weeks, and then doing either my own really detailed, hours-long wash, or getting amore expensive professional wash less often, like once a month or maybe a little less than that. Of course, I do get the details with wax, etc too once in a while.
P.S. Has anyone heard of protective film for the wheels? I'm assuming that it would be an expensive custom job, but I would really want it. I already have small scratches on a couple wheels. It's not from curbing! I assume it's from something like small rocks hitting them while driving on the freeway.