(Sorry if this is the wrong forum Marv, but I know I can get the answer to this question here better than anywhere else.)

OK, I bought a new car today. (see my other thread) I haven;t bought a new car since 1988, so I'm not up to date on this stuff.

The sales people and the finance lady were not really pushy about anything else, but they really did want me to buy this Simoniz System5 teflon coating thing for $595.

I declined 3 different times. The salesman, the sales manager and the finance lady all did their best, but I said no. We had my payment right at $200 where I wanted it and I just wasn't willing to budge any more. My dad always told me this sort of thing was a rip-off.

That said: I live at the beach. I work directly across the street from the ocean. The car will be parked there 12 hours a day, 5-6 days a week when I go back to work.

Is this something I need to help protect my new car from the harsh elements here at the beach? Is this just a way to pad dealer profits? Is there something I can do myself or cheaper that will work just as well? I still have 1 month to get this from the dealer if anyone can convince me that it's really worth it.

Thanks for any help!

Save yourself the money. Funniest thing is my dad also said it was a waste of money. I really wish I listened to him since I fell for this trick myself when I got my G35. I am not sure what they told you about this system, but when I was offered it, they told me that it would protect me a year straight...all I had to do to maintain it was it wash it. After a month or two, the coating was nearly gone and after researching it on the web, I found out that other people had come to the same conclusion.

The best way to protect your car from the elements is to coat it with wax or synthetic sealant. There are plenty of sites on the web where you can learn how to take care of your car (autopia.org is one of the most well known ones out there). Since your car faces the elements often, you will have to probably do this 3 or 4 times a year...maybe more, maybe less.

I am actually glad that I'm able to write this reply. I was fresh out of college when I got my car, and I wanted to do everything to keep the paint protected. So, I fell into their teflon coating marketing. After a couple of car washes, the coating was gone. Knowing that I got scammed, I'm hoping that I can save someone else the money.

Plus, detailing your car makes you definitely appreciate the car more.

Yup this is a rip off, like most add-ons from the dealers. Since your by the ocean I would make sure to wash my car often and keep it waxed. A good wax every three months should keep your paint in good shape.

Thanks very much for the replies. I guess that pretty much confirms what I knew in the back of my head already. I Googled on it a bit and seems a whole lot of people have a poor opinion of this process and it's cost.

Yes, most people have a poor opinion of the product. It is a very good wax. And for those people who have purchased it, over the years I've processessed a number of claims where they got their automobile repainted.

I believe one reason for the expense it that it comes with a warranty. You make your own decision.