Ford Escape - Sealant value

[EagleKeeper]

Ordered a '08 Escape for the wife yesterday.:heart::gift:
$10K below MSRP

Dealer is pushing for an addon alarm and also a paint sealer (lifetime against fading) as well as an interior stain protector.

the alarm I figure I can do better at any aftermarket place.

The sealer and stain protector - is it worth it? ($700)
We normally keep vehicles for 10+ years.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I've never had problems with paint even on older cars. The sealer seems like it would definitely be a waste as long as you wax the car a couple times a year.

As far as the stain protector, again, this seems like a waste unless you really plan on letting the car get filthy.

Think of it this way, you can get a car fully detailed, inside and out, for $200 or less. If you take reasonably decent care of your car, you'll only need that every 5 years or so, if at all. Cheaper in the long run to just take care of the car and have it occasionally detailed.

As far as the alarm, the factory Ford immobilizer isn't bad and the Escape isn't a high-target vehicle. I think there are better ways to spend money.

ZV

 

[EagleKeeper]

That is along the lines that I was thinking - but I needed to have backup to justify to the wife - it will be hers.

 

[PCMarine]

Agreed, don't waste your money. If the dealer add-ons were THAT beneficial, they would be added at the factory.

 

[Gillbot]

I'm sure the sealer is probably a good coat of wax. The alarm is iffy, some places that install aftermarket alarms are a hackjob at best, so this depends on your area and if you NEED the alarm. Skip the stain protector, they probably only buy a can of Scotchguard and spray the seats.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: PCMarine
Agreed, don't waste your money. If the dealer add-ons were THAT beneficial, they would be added at the factory.

I did get $2400 worth of add ons (MSRP @ dealer) for $1600.

Would have been about $1300-1400 on the street, but the wife wanted it done before we take delivery so she can inspect them.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
I'm sure the sealer is probably a good coat of wax. The alarm is iffy, some places that install aftermarket alarms are a hackjob at best, so this depends on your area and if you NEED the alarm. Skip the stain protector, they probably only buy a can of Scotchguard and spray the seats.

I intend on have a detailing place hit it with the scotch guard (connections)
Wax every 2-3 months should handle the sealant issue.

I have to think about a remote starter and ignition kill system.
Vegas in the summer for her A/C and Colorado/Wisconsin in the winter for the heater.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Common Courtesy

Originally posted by: Gillbot
I'm sure the sealer is probably a good coat of wax. The alarm is iffy, some places that install aftermarket alarms are a hackjob at best, so this depends on your area and if you NEED the alarm. Skip the stain protector, they probably only buy a can of Scotchguard and spray the seats.

I intend on have a detailing place hit it with the scotch guard (connections)
Wax every 2-3 months should handle the sealant issue.

I have to think about a remote starter and ignition kill system.
Vegas in the summer for her A/C and Colorado/Wisconsin in the winter for the heater.

FWIW, the factory setup is an ignition kill system. The key has an RFID chip in it from the factory and without that chip, even if the alarm isn't sounding, the car will not start. Adding a second immobilizer really won't do much except create another point for something to go wrong.

ZV

 

[bananapeel42]

10k below MSRP seems pretty high on just an Escape. How much was the MSRP.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Paint sealers are worth absolutely ZERO. This is from someone who worked in a dealership for over 16 years. Even sold cars there for awhile, and occasionally someone would buy the sealer while they were in the finance office. I damn sure never sold it to anyone.

If you're lucky, they put a coat of wax on it. If it's a normal sale, they do absolutely nothing. It's simply a warranty on your paint, just like nitrogen in your tires is really just a road hazard warranty.