Is 303 worth the $?

III

97 bonneville/98 Z71
I've been a 303 user for probably about 2 years now and I like it.

However, seeing that armor all is water based now I was thinking of maybe holding off on the 303. I would use it, but only for my tonneau cover and my leather.



Here be my question folks: I can get a 32 oz of armor all for about $6.00. 303 costs me about $24.00 for the same oz. Is 303 really worth spending almost triple the money for???? What makes it so expensive? The UV ingredients?
 
AA was always water based, its just apparently at some point in time the formula was changed to now include the "good" silicone.



I never bought 303 at a retail store where only at best, the 32 oz is availible . Instead, I bought a gallon online, still expensive but less than buying the equivalent locally I believe TOL may be have the cheapest price for a gallon of 303. That said, AA will always be cheaper than 303 for whatever reasons: actual costs of ingredients, more mass distribution, etc. etc.



As for use on the *interior*, I only have 303's marketing literature to "trust" and it appears it has the "best" ingredeints in terms of UV prtection. So I'll continue to use it on my interior indefinitely.



As for tires, I think I'm going to start rotating various products again.
 
303 has the highest resin content of any PDMS product I'm aware of, at around 33%. It offers the best "protection" for the surface, and IMO, it's worth the $$$$. It's all I use for interiors.
 
I haven't stopped using it on tires as of yet and I've had my gallon for about a year now. I may try out various other stuff for tires partly to conserve 303 and partly just to have some fun with how the others will look and last.
 
I love the stuff. I did a 10 year old BMW 3 series my brother had and the interior plastic was a mess. The 303 cleared it right up.
 
i love the stuff... plus knowing that it will prevent fade 100% on exterior trim is nice... i use it on everything... tires, trim, handles, grills...
 
I bought a 16oz bottle just to try it out and now it's almost empty. I gotta order more cause I just love this stuff. Last week, I used it on my dash, door panels, leather seats, door seals, engine bay, and last but not least, the tires. It performed above my expectations on every surface. The tires still look great after a week of brake dust and a few rainstorms.
 
III said:
Do you think it's a waste if used on tires?

I only use it on my interior. I think it's a waste for tires. There are a lot of nice tire dressings out there. I'm on 2 year old bottle of Eagle One Wet Tire Shine.

If you're happy with AA on your tires, then use it.
 
303 works quite well. Apply and wipe off to avoid the glossy look.



Also works VERY well in engine bay detailing! Use it in place of Megs EK for now and love how long everything that is rubber or plastic glows for months w/o a boat-load of dust!



I've use 1Z Cockpit Premium and find it a good cleaner, as it goes on and off flat. No shine whatsoever. I follow with the 303, then wipe/buff it off to get the satin look.



Having a convertible with a black dash I'll do what ever it takes to keep it UV protected! 303 seems to be the answer.



Regards,

Deanski
 
Deanski said:


Also works VERY well in engine bay detailing! Use it in place of Megs EK for now and love how long everything that is rubber or plastic glows for months w/o a boat-load of dust!








I'll definitely second that! :bow :xyxthumbs
 
I think it is worth the money. I charge my customers more than the average guy, and that's partly due to the fact that I use all premium products on their vehicles, 303 being one of them.



I use it on tires for a few reasons. 1= UV protection, its good for the rubber, doesn't just look nice. 2= I like the fact that I can use one coat for an almost "no gloss" natural, brand new look, or 2 coats for more shine, depending on the vehicle and the owners tastes. 3= I like that I can get it on the wheels, then wipe off. This seems to brighten the wheels a bit, and supposedly helps repel brake dust.



Heads up: Camping World is selling 32oz. for $14.95. Good option if you don't want to go for a full gallon (which is still the best deal.)
 
I just got my shipment of 303 today and tried it out. This is by far THE best looking dressing IMHO. It gives me the matte finish I've been searching for on my dash. I had been using Vinylex but it was a bit too shiny for my tastes and it actually wasn't very shiny at all; I just prefer no shine. I definitely am happy with the look of 303 but can any of you long-time 303 users speak on its durability and UV protection.
 
(I haven't read all the responses to this post yet...so I hope I don't double up replies)



I think 303 is totally worth it of INTERIOR use...dash, leather...because of the UV protection, but I DON'T think it is worth it for tires because tires are a wear item, so I am planning on replacing them at somepoint as it is. Dash, no plans on replacing that.



AA on tires and wheel wells, and 303 for the interior fer me!

(sometimes I go with 303 on trip and flaps and such too...kinda which off products for the misc items on the exterior)



just my 0.02$
 
Yeah I'm thinking of going that route too. I have AA already, now thinking of Hyper Dressing, previously was also thinking going Vinylex again or One Grand ERV
 
Guys I am sold on Hyper Dressing, this stuff just flat out rocks even on tires where it lasts like 1-2 weeks. I also love 303 which I do use occasionally myself. AA:doh is just OK, better products out there I believe.



Can you buy 303 carpet cleaner by the gallon?
 
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