Dealer supplied protection package??

rlirwin · 08-29-05, 06:55

Just took delivery of a new Subaru Outback. Naturally, the dealer offered their version of the interior/exterior, 5 year no maintenance, $750 protection package. I declined on my last car, but it has leather upholstery so the issues are different. I've been using Zaino all around and have been happy and the car looks great. But this car has a beige cloth interior and I'm wondering if it's worth the expense to protect the interior. What could I use to protect the light colored upholstery, carpets, and headliner? Thanks

Accumulator · 08-29-05, 07:18

If I'm reading you right, you're concerned about staining of fabric interiors. I can't reall help with any proctective measures (beyond seat covers and spare floormats) but somebody will chime in with something that works. FWIW, I've had fabric interiors in two Subarus. Never used seatcovers/etc., never had a problem even though these were year-round dog haulers. As long as you don't let stains set up too long (and don't have some awful accident) I just don't see it being a problem. Come to think of it, almost all of my dog haulers have had cloth upholstery, I can only think of one with leather, and it's just not a problem.

I would protect the vulnerable areas of the carpet somehow. But IMO anything the dealer's gonna apply will be a rip-off. Better to get some similar product and apply it yourself.

drewski59 · 08-29-05, 07:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I would protect the vulnerable areas of the carpet somehow. But IMO anything the dealer's gonna apply will be a rip-off. Better to get some similar product and apply it yourself.

I agree. The dealer stuff is a major ripoff 99% of the time. $750 could buy you lots of detailing products!!

3M makes a spray fabric protector called Scotchgard. It is widely available in aerosol form. It does a decent job of protecting fabric. In my car, when liquid spills on the carpet, it forms into little beads that can be easily soaked up by paper towel.

NickcZ28 · 08-29-05, 07:59

Scotchguard is definitely the way to go. I have been using it in my '95 jeep since day one and never had any stains to contend with. Periodic re-application is necessary, but it certainly does the job.

salty · 08-29-05, 08:48

There are many fabric protectors out there. I would be surprized if it cost you more than $15 to buy and apply. Basicly the more an area is used, like driver area, the more often it should be applied. It is the friction that wears the product off, as well as cleaning.

AutoNova · 09-06-05, 06:28

What can I buy for leather treatment? I would like to find something that works on the leather to seal it and protect it form stains and dirt so I could upsell this in my add ons.

salty · 09-07-05, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlirwin

Just took delivery of a new Subaru Outback. Naturally, the dealer offered their version of the interior/exterior, 5 year no maintenance, $750 protection package. I declined on my last car, but it has leather upholstery so the issues are different. I've been using Zaino all around and have been happy and the car looks great. But this car has a beige cloth interior and I'm wondering if it's worth the expense to protect the interior. What could I use to protect the light colored upholstery, carpets, and headliner? Thanks

It's not that hard to apply fabric guard yourself. Many places sell Scotch Guard and you could also buy it from carpet chemical companys. I pay $20 for 5L of water based protectant.

You could also visit a detail shop and have them apply it, do not pay more than $50 if no cleaning is involved.

jfelbab · 09-08-05, 05:43

Scotchguard? I read that 3M stopped making it due to the PFOS issues causing health problems. This is the same stuff that Dupont is now in trouble over. PFOA is used in the manufacture of Teflon®. Dupont is currently facing a couple Billion in lawsuits and 300 million in EPA fines for withholding adverse health effects for 20 years. Turns out this stuff is a carcinogen and is now in the blood of 90% of Americans. The EPA and the scientific community is now doing an accelerated health test of this substance. That team of scientists call it a cancer causing substance. You really sure you want to subject yourself and your family to this stuff?

3M Scotchguard

EPA

psl car wash · 09-08-05, 02:35

BigAl3 · 09-08-05, 03:56

i would say NO! buy some products and maintain the car yourself. congrats on the new ride!