| OLS07MDX |
Hey everyone! I'm new to the the Acura brand and thus new to this forum. I picked up my 07 MDX in early March at the Acura of Denville, NJ. Base model in Formal Black/Taupe with front and rear lower garnish, roof rails(no cross bars), and black running boards cost me $38, 548(plus tax/fees). Picked up some all-weather mats and the cargo tray for some interior protection.
As for exterior protection, I opted to have the 3M Paint Protection Film applied. I love my cars in black and prior experiences have led me to conclude that the color is so darn demanding. I'm not complaining as I like to take the time to keep her clean with weekly/bi-weekly washings. However, we all know how much it pains us when we find that new ding, scratch, chip, swirl, etc. during her washing. I had to do something different this time around. I needed to know that the next time I find my self in back of a gravel/asphalt load dump truck, the spray of the unavoidable debris is less likely to cause permanent harm to front facing surfaces of the car. I wanted functional, durable, maintenance-free, yet very inconspicuous protection. The 3M Film offers all of the above.
Nelson Espinosa of Clear Image, Inc in NY(web site: http://www.clearfilmprotection.com/) did the excellent install(see pics of my MDX @ http://public.fotki.com/oohhgeee/3m...rotection-film/ ...I hope they came out well for you guys). The cost was $894.00(NY slaes tax included) which initially included coverage of the front half of the hood, front bumper, front half of fenders, side-view mirrors, headlights, and rear luggage area(area where trunk door meets bumper). Upon delivery, he said he threw in extra coverage areas which included both A-pillars, gas filler door, fog lamps, and behind all 4 door handles.
The film is now about 2 months old and I am very happy with its performance. Film is hardly noticeable, unless you are looking for it or are about 3 feet away. I couldn't have asked for a cleaner install. Nelson's clients include a regular flow of exotics like Ferrari's, Vipers, Porsches, etc.
I am a happy Acura owner, just looking to share this experience with my other fellow MDX owners....enjoy!! |
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| tazdevl |
894 is very high... sounds like he charged you for the extra pieces. Should have been around 600-650 unless he did a full custom and did not use templates.
PPF is always a good investment these days. There is no longer lead in automotive paint so it's a lot less resistant to chips.
FYI... Venture Shield Clear Coat film (www.ventureshield.com) does not have an orange peel texture like 3M, is more transparent (can use it on the more difficult colors) and durable than 3M.
Maintenance-wise you need to wax the film every 2-3 months. 3M has a tendency to yellow much quicker than some of the other films on the market if you don't take care of it. |
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| shootist |
OLS07MDX-
I've noticed some "dirt blasting" on the bulge in the lower front of the rear wheelwells. Did you have film applied over that area, too? did it flatten out? |
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| OLS07MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by shootist
OLS07MDX-
I've noticed some "dirt blasting" on the bulge in the lower front of the rear wheelwells. Did you have film applied over that area, too? did it flatten out?
Not sure what "dirt blasting" refers to, however, I did not have any film installed near/around the REAR wheelwells(nor did I take any pictures near the rear wheelwells.....i dont think:8: ) |
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| Sinecure |
I wish I'd done this to my X when it was new. I did the headlights and fogs myself. The headlights worked great. The fogs get a bit hot so there is some crazing in the film now (of course its been 6 years).
One other part you want to consider is the rear end behind the mud flaps. Mine are pretty well sand-blasted back there now (where the stuff flies up off the wheels and doesn't get caught by the mud flaps). Of course I have more miles on mine that most people ever log on a car. |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by OLS07MDX
Not sure what "dirt blasting" refers to, however, I did not have any film installed near/around the REAR wheelwells(nor did I take any pictures near the rear wheelwells.....i dont think:8: )
Dirt blasting = Little pits in the paint caused by dirt hitting hitting the bulge in front of the rear wheels. Expecially noticeable on dark colors after polishing, when the dried polish fills the pits with white spots. |
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| G. COLTON |
Conventional wisdom has always said that these type of aftermarket applications are not worth the cost. What has changed to now make them a better buy?
G |
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| seang |
| The clearbra is the only way to go. I had this on my 06' TL and on my 06' RL now on my 07' X. The paint used on 2001+ cars is crap. I will not buy a new car without adding this option. Especially if you do alot of freeway driving. The grill on my RL looks like it has been sandblasted, while the clearbra protected areas look perfect. |
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