Dealer add-ons: ceramic coating, door/handle/bumper guards

I'm not entirely sure what the door/handle/bumper guards are, but all of that sounds like a waste of money.

You're going to love the car though!

 

If you're interested in any of the add-ons, I recommend you ask the dealer for an itemized list (with prices) of what they offer. For each item you think you might like, search your local area to see if there are any shops that could do the same thing (or something better) for a competitive price. You could then use that information to either tell the dealer "no thank you" and go to the other shop(s) or attempt to negotiate a better price if you prefer the convenience of having that done before taking delivery.

I assume the door/handle/bumper guards are a paint protection film (often referred to as "PPF"). It wouldn't hurt to ask them to clarify, though.

We have discussed ceramic coating and PPF a couple times before, so reading these threads may help you form an opinion about whether or not you would be interested in either (or both) for your car:

• Tint, Paint Protection Film, Ceramic Coating
• Paint Protection Film Revisited

 

I used these to protect the door handle cups (if thats what they mean?) Certainly didn't cost $399!

 

Better Image, sorry.

 

Interesting - how do those attach?

 

They are just adhesive backed. I’ve used them on all my Mini’s. They look smart.

 

My experience driving MINIs over the years say a protective film on the front is a good idea, especially if you drive a lot. The low profile of the MINI makes it susceptible to damage from flying rocks.

 

My definition of a "rock" would cause PPF, paint, and metal damage. There is a size (and angularity) threshold below which the PPF will protect the paint from an incoming projectile, but what a bummer when that threshold is exceeded. The repair will cost even more because it will include re-application of the PPF.

I'm curious, do incoming projectiles affect the appearance of the PPF? Do the most vulnerable surfaces begin to look hazy like old windshields?

I purchased a scoopless hood for my SE (because electric cars don't need hood scoops), and had it painted and installed for less than some outfits charge to put PPF on a MINI hood. It took me more than 8 months, but I finally found a buyer for my original one-week-after-I-took-delivery Moonwalk Grey hood who was willing to pay $250. I believe a new hood-scoop insert alone costs nearly half that much.

 

My experience with ECP ceramic has been great. The paint looks glossier, water beads up, and washing the car is a breeze. It also protects the plastic parts (like the tray between the windshield and the bonnet) from going grey in the sun. I also had the interior done. My dealer did everything. Some things might be worth going cheap, but this is good protection.

 

Congrats on finding a home for your hood!

 

A good home: it went to a guy in Chicago who is restoring a salvaged Moonwalk Grey MINI Cooper S for his son to drive.

 

I've had PPF on the front of all five MINIs I've owned, and never noticed a change in the looks. As for damage, lots of things bounce off the car, especially if you have to drive behind semi trucks or on gravel roads. The worst impact I had was a tumbleweed that dented my unprotected hood, but that wasn't one of my MINIs.

 

Wait, isn't the clear 3m film on the door edge and behind the handle standard? I sure didn't pay for it and it came on my Signature...

 

My Iconic did not have either when I took delivery.

 

Not standard. I had that added to my Iconic SE when I got it. I've had it on all my MINIs, but had to pay for it to be added after delivery. So lucky you if your dealer threw that in as a freebie.