My story about Perma-Plate and whether you should do it...

[4RunnerRon]

This posting is specifically targeted towards those members or guests browsing this forum doing research prior to purchasing a 4Runner. Since you are here and many of us have been through the experience of buying a Toyota, here's is a warning, or simply some advice, that should help you save some cash during the purchasing process:

This January, when I went to buy my 4Runner, I was offered a "perma-plate" package that was designed to protect the paint and interior from damage. The way they described the package was vague, but basically it was a "special" detail job that only the dealership can do for your vehicle. When asked specifics (like the products they used and the process of application), the salespeople changed subjects. They mentioned that my paint/corrosion warranty would be extended for a few years because the Perma-Plating is like "armor" for your paint. Thinking this was a sales tactic, I declined. After all, unless you park your ride in the pounding surf or under a snow drift, your Toyota paint is not going to flake off and rust away in the first five years. Not to mention, $600 is a lot of money! Maybe if I was buying a Porsche Cayenne... but I digress.

So after I declined the offer, the salesperson quickly offered to give me the exterior portion of the Perma-Plating for free, to see if I liked it. And if I did, he said, I could purchase the whole package and they'd complete the detail and re-do the exterior again. Sounded good, right? I was still speculative, but they rushed off to start it, so I figured, why harp on the little things?

So as they started the prep of the vehicle, I signed paperwork and threw down some cash. About 30 minutes later, my 4Runner was ready, all gleaming and shiny. If 30 minutes sounds quick for a Perma-Plate detail and a PDI (pre-delivery inspection), it is. After all, the whole process includes the checklist (taking the seat plastics off, inspecting, washing, vacuuming, etc.... all prior to doing the "Perma-Plate"). Nevertheless, the truck's paint was lookin' good under the streetlights, so I hopped in and drove it home.

After a good night's sleep, dreaming of aftermarket upgrades and mountains just waiting to be climbed, I met with a friend to show off my new Toyota. While admiring the beatiful galactic gray paint in the sunlight, my friend alerted me to some pretty significant scratches all over my finish. Thinking he was playing a joke on me 'cause I'm anal about my cars, I looked halfheartedly at what he was looking at. Much to my dismay, there were scratches on the hood, front bumper and tailgate! Since I picked the truck up at night, I hadn't spotted them upon delivery. Now that it was sunny out, I could see that it looked like the Toyota detail guys had washed my car with a rock-embedded sponge. If I'd ever wanted to smash my head into a wall out of anger, this was my time.

The next day, I took the truck in and complained (as politely as possible) about the scratches. After all, it's brand new and should be perfect! The dealer offered to have their best detail guy work out the scratches with some compound/polish. Since I prefer to be the only person to touch my paint, I hesitantly allowed them to remedy their mistake. It helped that the detail guy was nice and seemed to take pride in what he was doing to my paint. In addition, he gave me a little insight about the "perma-plate" process, which I now pass on to you.

So the detail guy asked me if I bought the Perma-Plate option with anxious eyes. When I told him I had not, he showed signs of relief and slyly mentioned that I made a good choice. He told me the Perma Plating process simply consists of a wash, polish, and wax for the outside, then an interior cleaning and conditioning, followed by some tire and exterior trim dressing. The vehicle looks great afterwards, but there are no special products or superior paint protection that wouldn't be available to a consumer.

So I thought about what he said and it made perfect sense... after all, my truck was in the prep phase for only 30 minutes before delivery. If that 30 minutes included the exterior portion of Perma-Plating, plus the normal dealer prep checklist (removing plastic from seats, checking fluids, etc.), then it didn't really take much time at all for them to "completely protect my paint." And if that was almost half of the $600 process, the dealership must be making a killing. The detail guy (while telling me not to tell his boss he told me) agreed wholeheartedly with a smile on his face.

So, long story short, my new friend got most of the scratches out, but it wasn't perfect. Since he tried his best, I thanked him, threw a $20 in his hand, and went home. I ended up removing the rest of the blemishes myself with some Scratch-X, then spent a full day doing a full detail, including wash, clay bar, paint cleaner, polish, and wax. Now the 4Runner looks even better than the day I picked it up and I know what products are on there to protect the finish, not some mystery generic spray on polish/wax.

So the bottom line is, save your money and put it towards something you really want. If you have the time to detail the truck yourself, you'll end up with an end result that you can be proud of. And you may even save yourself the hassle of dealing with scratches that were the result of letting someone else touch your ride.

Hope this helps someone in the adventure of their future vehicle purchase. Good luck!

 

[sharp4runr]

And that is the reason I decline that and the scotch guard protectant interior detailing fancy shmancy packages. When I declined, the accessory lady told me that Toyota no longer included rust protection from the factory and that the package she was selling me would protect me for years. I then proceeded to ask her if I should be even buying the truck since Toyota doesn't feel the need to offer rust protection and the thing would be falling apart after 3years/36k. She pretty much shutup after that

 

[sketch1]

I didn't get offered any sort of Perma-Plate from the dealership. I did get the vehicle shield package, simply because it offered a Rhino Lined under carriage, and after driving a non Lined 4Runner and Mine I could notice a signifigant change in road noise. The shield package also comes with a couple other things but I can't remember quite what.

Also I am pretty sure the 4Runner does come with an Anti-Rust Warranty. I remember the dealer telling me about it when I picked my car up.

 

[4RunnerRon]

Yes, the standard warranty does include some period of anti-corrosion coverage. Any salesperson who says it doesn't is trying to scare someone into buying the extended warranty. As for an undercoating option, like the Rhino Liner, that sounds like a good option if it's priced fairly. I would think this option probably varies from region to region, since I haven't seen it anywhere here in the SF bay area. It probably depends on your proximity to sea salt or snowy roads.

By the way, I think there are other packages similar to "Perma-Plate," but named different things in different areas (Toyo-Guard, Vehicle Shield, etc.). Just make sure you check the price and what it entails, because most everyone can wax their own car or pay a truck performance shop to handle the application of a rhino-lining type undercoating. As for the Toyota-brand sealer, save your money and go with some good Meguiar's or Mothers wax.

 

[sketch1]

I just want to add that the Rhino Lining coating on my undercarriage wasn't necessarily Rhino Lining brand, just some sort of a spray on coating similar to Rhino Lining. Also it was a factory option, not added by the dealership. The package also includes some sort of a paint sealant (there is another thread going on about this right now) as well as free car rental in case of long factory repairs or service, and one other thing which I can not remeber at the moment

 

[Mike415]

When we got the 4r I think we got the permaplate put on. they gave us the kit also with the perma plate and leather gaurd stuff as well as paint for touching up areas. Also when we got our Acura they gave us the permaplate kit and maybe even the highlander, but we didnt have them put it on for 600. it is like a wax thing, but its a liquid. They say it has to be machine applied but our detailer said it didnt so we just got the tubes of the stuff and the leather stuff and had him put it on when he detailed the car. Its basically like a kind of wax I think, but its suppose to protect better I guess.

 

[4RunnerRon]

When we got the 4r I think we got the permaplate put on. they gave us the kit also with the perma plate and leather gaurd stuff as well as paint for touching up areas. Also when we got our Acura they gave us the permaplate kit and maybe even the highlander, but we didnt have them put it on for 600. it is like a wax thing, but its a liquid. They say it has to be machine applied but our detailer said it didnt so we just got the tubes of the stuff and the leather stuff and had him put it on when he detailed the car. Its basically like a kind of wax I think, but its suppose to protect better I guess.

Well, I'm glad your detailer was honest about the stuff he was applying. The products he used (wax and leather conditioner) are nothing special or out of reach for us consumers. Perhaps you've only used paste wax in the past... liquid wax is very common and easy to apply, so that is probably what he was putting on your car. It's good, but not some secret squirrel product.

If you'd like to maintain the detailing that was done by the dealership, I recommend you start shopping at an auto parts store instead of getting the dealer stuff, which tends to be expensive. There are good leather protectants (Lexol, Meguiar's Gold Class, etc.) and the same goes for the "paint sealer." Sealing the paint = waxing, therefore a good wax (Mothers, Meguiars, etc.) will do the same thing as the more expensive dealer-brand wax. Just remember, wax is wax and it needs to be reapplied occasionally to maintain the protection it's providing. If you wash your car twice a month, figure on waxing every other time. The dealer's perma-plating does not extend your waxing intervals... it just makes people think they can cause "perma-plate" gives a false sense that the paint finish is armor plated or something. Stick with the basics and your paint will last a long time and look great.

Anyway, for those of you who already got the Perma Plate done, that's fine. Hopefully, you got a good detail job done. Just remember to maintain it because it's not invincible! The purpose of this thread is mainly to inform those who haven't been offered this type of service yet. Whether they choose to buy it or not, I just want everyone to be educated!

 

[blumax]

Well, I'm glad your detailer was honest about the stuff he was applying. The products he used (wax and leather conditioner) are nothing special or out of reach for us consumers. Perhaps you've only used paste wax in the past... liquid wax is very common and easy to apply, so that is probably what he was putting on your car. It's good, but not some secret squirrel product.

If you'd like to maintain the detailing that was done by the dealership, I recommend you start shopping at an auto parts store instead of getting the dealer stuff, which tends to be expensive. There are good leather protectants (Lexol, Meguiar's Gold Class, etc.) and the same goes for the "paint sealer." Sealing the paint = waxing, therefore a good wax (Mothers, Meguiars, etc.) will do the same thing as the more expensive dealer-brand wax. Just remember, wax is wax and it needs to be reapplied occasionally to maintain the protection it's providing. If you wash your car twice a month, figure on waxing every other time. The dealer's perma-plating does not extend your waxing intervals... it just makes people think they can cause "perma-plate" gives a false sense that the paint finish is armor plated or something. Stick with the basics and your paint will last a long time and look great.

Anyway, for those of you who already got the Perma Plate done, that's fine. Hopefully, you got a good detail job done. Just remember to maintain it because it's not invincible! The purpose of this thread is mainly to inform those who haven't been offered this type of service yet. Whether they choose to buy it or not, I just want everyone to be educated!

Missing the point entirely. Does anyone really believe there's a product that will protect your paint for 7 years against bird droppings, acid rain, or other materials that will damage your paint? Really...... Well it won't but what it will do is pay to have any damage repaired. So Perma Plate will not keep little Johnny from dropping his soft drink or some other stain making material on the interior but Perma Plate will pay to have it repaired. And I don't mean just cleaned. If it can't be cleaned they will pay to replace the material be it leather of cloth. I just had two leather door panels replaced due to something getting on them that could not be cleaned. So when a dealer offers you something like this use a little common sense. Yes, the dealer is going to make money but he is also going to make money on the purchase of the car so think before saying no.