The ceramic coating for a black car is incredible. Way easier to clean, way easier to dry. The drying part is what takes me the longest, plus the headache of water spots. the ceramic coating makes it so much more hydrophobic so I can get the water off before it dries up.
I'm still debating. I definitely know all the benefits, but had it previously years ago and it just didn't last and for the cost, I felt the occasional wax and detail spray would suffice. Also, I want to minimize maintenance but I still have to be careful using deionized water, drying quickly, no wax based products, hand wash, etc. I don't want it to be more work to maintain it versus just doing normal detailing. I am on roadtrips often so I can't maintain strict maintenance all the time.
The $500 quotes are usually attached to the XPEL work, rather than by itself. At least that's what the shop that I'm talking to is doing. If I did it alone, it would be $1500, which I agree, isn't really worth it.
I had it on a 2021 Model Y which I still have, and it just didn't last (Its been 5 years).
The $500 add-on I got an option for is a "5-year" ceramic coating. I think there's a $1000 for a 10-year version. On my Model Y I got a 3-year one... and it still looks great (maybe it could use a refresher, but I'm probably not going to at this point).
I also thought it was pointless over PPF, since PPF is already hydrophobic and all that. But the last shop I got my car at convinced me it would be great. It does seem easier to clean and it's way shinier without any waxing etc... but that could be a placebo as well.
Exactly, and @twraps did a test of half the windshield. I have it on video, the ceramic side was dirtier than the plain WPF side. He also had a conversation with someone at the wrap vendor or a chemical engineer or something, who said what you said. It's already fully sealed.
