Should I get the dealer’s Rust / Ceramic / Leather Protection Package for $2,499? Worth it or skip?

[OWW]

Hey everyone,

I’m going to picked up my first body-on-frame truck this Friday, and I’m still learning a lot about maintenance and protection. The dealer tried to sell me a package that includes:

• Ceramic coating

• Rust protection

• Leather trim protection

Total: $2,499

Personally I feel like that’s pretty expensive, but at the same time I’m a bit worried about rust. Since this is my first BOF truck, I’m not sure how big of a concern rust actually is long-term. Is rust protection a “must” for vehicles like this?

Also — are there any good DIY options or third-party shops that offer the same thing for cheaper? I’ve heard some people say dealerships really overprice these add-ons. If DIY is doable, what products do you guys recommend for:

• Undercoat / rust inhibitor

• Ceramic coating

• Leather protection

Just want to make sure I’m not getting ripped off but also not neglecting something important. Any advice from experienced owners would be super helpful! Thanks!

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[OWW]

Also, if I don’t buy the dealer’s rust protection, is there anything else I can do to prevent rust? I’m in Canada, so winters are cold and there’s salt used on road. Will washing the truck frequently actually help slow down rust, or is that just a myth? Any specific routines or products you guys recommend for maintenance?

 

[Limotint]

Just my opinion, seems like a waste doing this through the dealership.
Krown (Canadian owned) is an effective oil undercoating that needs yearly applications at around $150 a pop. Ceramic coating I think is a waste. If you want paint protection, get the protective pre cut film from Toyota. Leather protection… I’m old school and just get a bottle of leather protection from an auto store.

Also, I’m pretty sure the manual says wash the vehicle immediately after driving in salt.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Move from Canada to a warmer climate.

 

[OWW]

Just my opinion, seems like a waste doing this through the dealership.
Krown (Canadian owned) is an effective oil undercoating that needs yearly applications at around $150 a pop. Ceramic coating I think is a waste. If you want paint protection, get the protective pre cut film from Toyota. Leather protection… I’m old school and just get a bottle of leather protection from an auto store.

Also, I’m pretty sure the manual says wash the vehicle immediately after driving in salt.

Appreciate for your help and information!

 

[EverestOR707]

110% skip. Dealers are all scam artists. I got duped by my dealers "ceramic" and later found out it wasn't even really ceramic. They just buy some BS bulk wax that washes off in a month.

 

[adwightm11]

Skip the dealer rust protection. Get your car undercoated every year by Krown (or something similar). I had a 2012 Tacoma for 13 years, undercoated it every year with Krown, and when I sold it the frame and body had 0 Rust.

 

[Tarekith]

Dealer ceramic and leather protection is WAY WAY overpriced for the cheap stuff they use.

 

[SouthCoast]

$2500 in scam junk. Almost never go with dealer applied protection of any kind. They either don't put it on at all, don't put it on correctly, or it's complete garbage of a product. Not to mention, they're probably charging 10x what it costs...

 

[Markland]

I just bought a new off-road 4Runner In Canada. i have always used Crown to undercoat my trucks and SUVs.
‘However with all the new sensors, I understand problems related to the aftermarket undercoating voids the warranty.
The Toyota 1 time undercoat is guaranteed for life Which is around $1000.00. They are responsible for any touch ups necessary. If you plan on keeping your 4Runner for any length of time, I would suggest the Toyota approach.
As mentioned above, forgo the ceramic and leather treatments. After market leather treatments Will work just as well.

 

[Rotor-RPM]

I would go with a yearly rust coating approach. Krown is awesome if you are close to a shop that does it and if not fluidfilm is a great option.

 

[OWW]

I’ll book an appointment with krown as soon as I have my vehicle.

Is there any recommend product for leather protection?

thank you all for your help!

 

[brumey]

Leather protection - $20 bottle from Amazon. Wipe on, buff off, repeat once in a while.

 

[Tarekith]

Griots makes really good products that are cheap and easy to find. Their 3 in 1 ceramic spray is dead simple to apply and will last for 6+ months. Their leather spray works well too.

 

[TurboGuy2000]

We are going to use https://www.ziebart.com/ as they are really affordable and experienced. Although I am not happy about not having a "CLEAN" truck to work on as I hate working on dirty, old cars I am a bit of a clean freak. The kind of tech who always has gloves on whenever working under the lift. A really princy dude lol.

Sucks I am going to have to do exhaust, suspension, sliders, etc after having to do the undercoat.

Well, actually do you guys know if Spokane, Northern Idaho and Montana use salt? We are also in Okanagan BC often as well. Thanks in advance to you salt pro bros for any advice. I am new to the rust game.

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