The Protection Package Scam

[Double D]

In April of 2002 I purchased a 3500 Cummings turbo Dodge Ram from Bill Howich Chrysler in Campbell River British Columbia Canada. As part of the purchase agreement I was persuaded to to include their "protection package" which was supposed to include undercoat, rust proof, sound proof, and an exterior paint "Diamond Coat".



In the spring of 2003 I noticed a number of abrasions in the the paint caused by a garden hose rubbing against the fender, a bird poop discoloration on the hood , and cat claw marks on the hood.



Having discussed the foregoing with local dealerships, body shops, and detailers, I was lead to the conclusion that the protective paint coating either was never applied or was improperly applied.



I contacted the dealership and Daimler Chrysler with out any satisfaction, and finally had a local detailer buff out the marks-scratches and apply a quality protective coating.



What a difference, my truck now looks better than new and appears as though the paint is under a layer of glass, and it doesn't scratch!



So my recommendation to our readership is not to be sucked in by dealerships offering the "protection package" but rather go directly to your local auto detailers to have the various protective coatings applied



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[Casey Balvert]

That is one of the oldest dealership scams in the book. Pure profit for them. I told my sales guy not to insult my intelligence by even mentioning it.

 

[Bob Fennema]

My dealer didn't even try to sell it when I bouhght my Ram but there were ads on the wall about it in the finance office. I did go for LoJack and a 5 yr 10000 miles extended warranty .



About a year ago, my wife went to our local DC dealer and bought a PT cruiser and came home with the Protection Package. One of the kids was in fender bender and a fender was repainted. Now my insuarnce company has to pay to make it all match.

 

[SLinse]

I went for. I personally like it. I have had all sorts of comments about how shiny my truck looks! I really like the undercoating as well.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Undercoating actually causes rust in most cases by loosening and then allowing water to get behind it where it becomes trapped. Most car makers don't even suggest it anymore. As for the diamond stuff? You can buy it at any automotive paint supplier for under $35 and easily apply it yourself.

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by Prairie Dog

Undercoating actually causes rust in most cases by loosening and then allowing water to get behind it where it becomes trapped. Most car makers don't even suggest it anymore.

If you do have it undercoated, spray it down with diesel fuel every couple years to keep it soft and pliable, otherwise it will peal and allow moisture to get trapped. Just spraying the whole bottom with good clean oil is a better deal.

 

[Fireman]

It' a scam

Don't buy anything from the finance guy, it's all a rip off. Things like protection packages cost the dealer very little, but they charge you big. Don't forget, if you finance you are financing the cost of the protection plan as well, therefore it will wind up costing twice as much. Not only does the dealer make it on the extras, but on the financing as well. If you finance at the dealership even though it is through your bank or credit union the dealer still makes money on the financing. They "buy" from your bank at a lower intrest rate and charge you the going rate. That isn't a ripoff, but most people don't realize how much dealers make on financing. Don't even get me started on extended warranties, for the most part they just seperate you from your money. Ever wonder why they do the financing in a little out of the way office ? So nobody can see them bending you over the desk !

Fireman