Cilajet on a Stinger question

[cnaf]

I was talking to the dealership about the Paint Protection Package option for the Stinger, and his response was to go with a Cilajet option. Gave me a quote of $995 and said they could apply it inhouse while I wait. I don't have much of a clue when it comes to the ends and outs of ceramic coatings and Cilajet applications, only what I've read here on the forums. Does that price seem about right? I read that ceramic coatings have a shelf life of maybe 5 years, is this the same (or worse) for cilajet? Any concerns I should have or questions to ask? Is cilajet something you would trust a dealership to apply, or could they ruin the car? Going to be applied on a HiChroma red, as I'm really concerned about that color. Not to mention the stuff I read about Stinger paint in general. Thanks!

 

[AtomicGTL]

Steep price imo. Paint correction with addition to ceramic coating should be around $450-500. Lower in USD.

Shop around more and find a reputable shop.

 

[RedCal]

Get a detailer to a proper ceramic coating - or do it yourself...

 

[MerlintheMad]

@AtomicGTL that seems way too low from the reading I get on here; paint correction alone can run over a thousand, depending of course on how extensive it needs to be.

The Cilajet reviews online are mixed, but I am more impressed by the negative reviews: they are really bad: Cilajet appears to be scam level as a product, and yes, even several years ago the application was easily over a thousand bucks.

 

[AtomicGTL]

@AtomicGTL that seems way too low from the reading I get on here; paint correction alone can run over a thousand, depending of course on how extensive it needs to be.

The Cilajet reviews online are mixed, but I am more impressed by the negative reviews: they are really bad: Cilajet appears to be scam level as a product, and yes, even several years ago the application was easily over a thousand bucks.

I guess you're right on the severity of it. But most here I've seen range from $300-500 on stages 1-3. I personally got stage two for about $350 and came out nice from a reputable shop.

Edit: Wow I'm dumb. I realized OP said paint protection, which I assume would be PPF, 3m bra, xpel etc. not correction smh.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Never. Ever. For the love of baby Jesus ever let the dealership (or someone they “hire”… which means their car wash guy with rock infused towels) anywhere near the finish of that car.

 

[boosted1g]

I paid $1300 for paint correction and (if I remember correctly) IGL ceramic coating.
Labor rates vary by location clearly. Unless you get your car straight off the truck, it will likely need a Stage 1 correction which (if done right) will take several hours. Even more so after the bottom guy at the lot washes it (usually with the same dirty rag from the other cars they washed).

I have no knowledge if Cilajet is good or not, but I would not have a dealership do ceramic coating.
Not only do you have to worry about a tech who does not specialize in body work doing a mediocre rush job, but also wonder if the dealership is even doing what they are charging you for. Their standard "paint protection" application typically does little to nothing.

 

[Rodtheviking]

They put that junk on my Sonata and it still water spots. I ended up using Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax, works much better but have to do it twice a year but its super easy to do.

 

[95oRANGEcRUSH]

Nope, would never use anything a dealership recommends because all it is for them is a profit generator.

I had a professional put GTechniq Crystal Serum Ultra on my car. $700 including spot polishing. Worth every penny. There is GTechniq Crystal Serum Light which is geared towards a consumer.

Crystal Serum Ultra | Professional Car Ceramic Coating

Crystal Serum Ultra by Gtechniq is a professional-grade 10H ceramic coating for scratch resistance, durability, and gloss that lasts up to 9 years!

gtechniq.com