I'm considering getting the exterior ceramic coating done on my 2019 SCREW, living in New England i'm trying to do whatever i can to protect against the road salt, etc. I've talked to 2 shops around here and to get the truck done it will be around $500-600

Wondering if it's worth it for serious protection or if it's mostly a vanity thing.

 

I've never had it done, but know some folks that have and swear by it - ymmv though... Costs in Northern VA for a single ceramic coat start at $1k. Most detailing places here are $300-$500 (wash, clay bar, wax, sealant, clean interior, etc..) so the $500-$600 you were quoted doesn't sound bad to me at all assuming it includes the prep work (wash, clay bar, etc..).

 

Yes.

Do a search as well, many threads on the topic discussing the merits and caveats.

 

A $500 Ceramic Coating - NO ! I paid $2K to have my Mustang done, but its a show car. I would NEVER pay to have my truck done. Keep it washed, and use a good sealant on it, they tend to last at least 90 days per application and you should be fine.

 

Your truck is aluminium why would road salt damage it?

 

I just had it done. I suggest reading about it outside of a forum and deciding for yourself. Get the pros and cons and weight it out. For me I keep my truck washed when possible but the extra time to clay/wax/seal etc is tough to come by. Easier maintenance and better protection with long term benefits was worth the upfront cost.

 

I had mine done a couple of months ago and it is awesome. $500 is about the going price, my detailer did paint correction (minor as I didn't have many defects). I only wash about once a month and it makes washing a breeze. The coating I got is warranted for 3 years as long as I take it to my detailer every 6 months for a wash and inspection. Maintenance washes are only like $25 and if there are any issues with the coating they wlll reapply if needed.

 

I've considered it. The important thing, and a big part of the cost, is the correction work ahead of time. You're sealing whatever's on the paint in... so if you have swirls, bonded contaminants, etc., you seal those in as well.

 

This is true, but keep in mind that it won't look worse than it does now. I've done all 3 of my vehicles myself and I'm very happy with the results. After about a year it still looks like I waxed them yesterday. Other than the prep it's not much harder than waxing, and not much more expensive. I paid about $50 for a bottle that would do 2 cars.

 

Definitely make sure the paint is corrected before you do the ceramic. It's costly but I say it's worth it - makes regular washing a breeze. Just stay out of the car washes.