PPF/ceramic on a MY21 Taycan 4S - or too late?

[travisfickle]

Introduction
I know there are numerous helpful threads on this forum about the pros and cons of PPF and ceramic coatings, as well as paint protection spray, general car care etc. The forum is a great resource and it is brilliant to have so many people willing to contribute their experiences.

However, I do not think that there is a thread on this particular topic. I am happy to be corrected if I am wrong about that.

Summary of my understanding
All of the feedback points towards getting PPF done as early as possible, immediately upon delivery, if one considers that the cost is not too prohibitive and one can find a decent/recommended detailer.

It seems that PPF wins over a ceramic coat for genuine protection, although some applications of ceramic can do a decent job with particular types of contact, such as minor surface scuffs and scratches.

My question
Is it worthwhile to try to apply PPF (or a ceramic coating, or ceramic on top of PPF) to a Taycan that has done 20k miles?

My position
I did not get anything (PPF or ceramic) done for various reasons when I picked up my 4S. I cannot regret that, since I needed my vehicle in the weeks after the delivery date. Things then slid. I did not get around to having PPF done. I crossed my fingers and put my foot down. What a great car notwithstanding the hiccups with the HV heater, temperamental Connect app, and the at times clunky PCM.

Lo and behold, several years on, and there are a few scuffs and a handful of fairly visible stonechips following a good few motorway miles and some enthusiastic (and very pleasurable) long distance drives.

It is still a great car. It has been washed carefully so the paintwork has a lovely shine. There are minimal swirl marks. These are only really visible in strong sunlight.

I would now like to see if I can do something about this situation.

My aim
I would like to apply some kind of protective layer or coating to the bonnet, front bumper and wings, and possibly the front and rear door panels.

Given the grit, sap, and bird droppings close to where I live, the condition of the paintwork is not bad at all but could be better. I would like to restore it to something like close to new or maintain it as far as possible, whilst appreciating that, to an extent, the ship may have sailed on that aim.

Debate
I have the following thoughts.

Pros for PPF

• PPF is a no-brainer for minimising the risk of semi-permanent chips and scratches.
• Later is better than not at all.
• I am keeping this vehicle for another 3-4 years at least and would like it to continue to look great, which PPF can do (whereas doing nothing will mean deterioration in the condition of the paint- and bodywork is guaranteed).

Cons for PPF

• Cost vs value (although the idea is to maintain my own satisfaction and the 'd' word or 'resale value' is not a factor for me).
• It may be difficult or practically impossible to apply PPF satisfactorily, without first getting paint correction. Even then, the result may not be great since it could lock in imperfections and I will end up disappointed.

Pros for ceramic

• The result may be more forgiving of imperfections etc. which currently exist and cannot be easily removed without extensive preparation and respraying.
• Not as expensive, even if the entire car and glass panels/sunroof are treated.
• It should not require reapplication for at least the next 3-4 years if not a few years longer (which does the job for me).

Cons for ceramic

• It is not paint protection so it does not actually do the job I want it to do and I will end up disappointed.
• It could make the car look and stay pretty, and make washing even easier, but I will regret it when the next stonechip crashes into the bonnet.

Alternative view
I suppose I could do nothing. It is a car, not a museum piece. I will still enjoy driving it regardless. However, as you may be able to tell from the above, I would like to do something. I think there is something to be said about at least preserving its condition if I cannot now improve it.

Your views
It would be great to read anyone's considered views, particularly if you have gone through a similar thought process or actually applied PPF or a ceramic coat to your Taycan a few years into your ownership.

Thanks for reading.

Sponsored

 

[TAYC4S]

I will never buy a car without PPF again having had it on my last 3 cars. It is just peace of mind and ceramic would not stop road rash in all honesty.

In 1 case I bought a car, delayed the installation and got a stone chip on the bonnet. It had to be corrected before PPF could be applied, as otherwise PPF extenuates the chips. Even corrected (touch up as opposed to respray/blending in) it still drew my eyes to it but, I was still happy to have PPF knowing I could drive the car how I wanted to and not worry too much.

I would suggest getting paint correction and PPF. They can apply ceramic on top if you really want it.

Also XPEL means swirls and minor scratches can self-heal (but you probably know that already).

 

[Tooney]

Regarding ceramic coating on older car: After having PPF and ceramic coating applied to new Taycan, I had the same shop apply only ceramic to SUV that was 9 years old. The SUV had never been treated but existing finish was good. The shop prepped the SUV to remove "swirls" and other imperfections, and applied ceramic. The SUV exterior looks new.

The key is finding the right store to prep the car and apply the coating.

 

[mikezhang31]

PPF prevents chips. is it so bad already that you dont care anymore if you get more? if no, then get PPF to essentially prevent future damage

 

[travisfickle]

Thanks for the replies so far @TAYC4S , @Tooney & @mikezhang31 .

The chips are not atrocious. There are a couple on the bonnet measuring around 2mm in diameter with another couple measuring 1mm, and a handful of hardly visible specks on the bonnet and front bumper. There is a lot of real estate on the bonnet of course, and these blemishes are all spread out over the 'bottom' half. I do not think I have any stonechips on the door panels but there are a few scuffs/scratches from other people opening car doors or clothing/bags being brushed past.

There are a few outfits nearby (London/north London) which I know are recommended. I think I could go with correction and a coating but that may accentuate the chips and will do very little to avoid new ones.

As things stand, I am leaning towards XPEL Ultimate on the areas mentioned with Gtechniq coating all over. I will mull over this a bit more though!

 

[ShiftyWolf]

I added PPF to a 5 year old car and the result was basically perfect, although the original paint was still in terrific condition prior to application. I did not do ceramic to any of my three cars with PPF.

 

[Porsche-Guru]

Your views
It would be great to read anyone's considered views, particularly if you have gone through a similar thought process or actually applied PPF or a ceramic coat to your Taycan a few years into your ownership.

Thanks for reading.

It is car... and you are going to sell it in 3-4 years anyway - so I would spend the minimum.

I would get a basic paint correction, that gets the odd swirls removed, pops the paint - and then get it coated with Gtechniq products.
I would go with Crystal Serum Ultra and then popup with EXO. Get the glass done as well.

The car paint will look like new, easier to wash & maintain.

You are already aware that anyone (dealer or private) buying a circa. 7 year old car is expecting a certain amount of wear & tear....

The PPF will not yield much of a resale value - and the overall looks (something that you will see everyday) will be better with a coating rather than PPF; as a ceramic coat will hide the existing underlying imperfections.

 

[mikezhang31]

^ regarding the above, I am a person where imperfections bother me and if it is on things I own (house, car, etc) I go crazy thinking about how to fix it (I will probably die of a heart attack one day). hence the PPF is really for my own peace of mind when I look and admire at my car after parking

 

[travisfickle]

Thanks for the further input.

I genuinely see both sides of the argument. I think I am more torn now!

I think I will be guided by the detailer. If in his opinion PPF will still 'work' once the existing chips are repaired, and any paint correction is completed, then I think I will go with that option.

 

[shawn]

If the stone chips are noticeable clear PPF, even after paint, correction, may not be what you hope for, but it depends where they are and how extensive. You could consider a colour wrap That will completely cover up any imperfections and refresh the car with a new colour of your choice. It will look like a new car. This assumes you want to keep it for a few years anyway as it’s typically a little expensive (4K -5k where I am) but less expensive than a complete clear PPF would be. My 2 cents

 

[travisfickle]

If the stone chips are noticeable clear PPF, even after paint, correction, may not be what you hope for, but it depends where they are and how extensive. You could consider a colour wrap That will completely cover up any imperfections and refresh the car with a new colour of your choice. It will look like a new car. This assumes you want to keep it for a few years anyway as it’s typically a little expensive (4K -5k where I am) but less expensive than a complete clear PPF would be. My 2 cents

I had not thought of that - thanks for the suggestion. Another factor in the mix.

 

[shawn]

What I would do: Get the car detailed ($150 bucks probably) and see if you like it. If you do then ppf the front and ceramic coating for the rest (5 year coating). This will make the car look consistent and be less expensive then a full ppf. If it does not look good then full wrap. Lots of great wraps. Nardo Grey is a good look but whatever you like depending on its current colour.

 

[iamai]

don't do it....
it will cost you less to repair paint chips and imperfections than to inevitably replace the PPF in two-years time
My car had PPF put on the entire front and there are so many tears all over the bumper area that it needs to be replaced two years later as this guy describes...

 

[travisfickle]

Thanks @shawn and @iamai .

I think the video does a good job of showing (1) possibly poor application of PPF, but also (2) the limitations of PPF, and the fact it is not a magic bullet since damage will probably still occur (if not to the paintwork then the PPF, which could become an eyesore). I really do not want to apply PPF multiple times.

I can see the sense in repair/correction, wrapping the front facing parts as a matter of personal preference whilst knowing this may not be entirely effective, and having an all-over ceramic coat. I think that ticks all of the main boxes.

 

[Vim Schrotnock]

If you like the way the car looks now, and are planning on keeping the car 3-4 years, definitely get the PPF and ceramic. As you and others have stated, ceramic WILL NOT protect you from any road damage whatsoever. However, keeping the ceramic coating 'refreshed' every year or so will give you a car that always has that 'just been detailed' look. It's really quite incredible how much of a difference the ceramic makes.

Get the PPF from a top-quality applier - it is NOT an easy thing to apply. And definitely get the paint correction - they will be able to do quite a bit if they are good. XPEL has been amazing on my car, and my wife's Mercedes 450e. She had a minor scrape with another car as she was backing out of our garage. The dealership quoted her $2,400 to repair. Turns out all that was needed was a replacement of the rear fender PPF. Amazing.

Sponsored