[mkeodyssey]

New to group. Have 2002 EX on order, coming within two weeks. (Redrock Pearl) Looking for comments on protection packages. Dealer will give me the "Protector" for $599. Comments on price,quality, or need. I've gotten them both ways. By the way, talked to four dealers in area, all were at MSRP with varying waits for delivery. This deal is thru Boyland.

 

[jasoninwi]

I also wrestled with this issue, both debating with myself over whether to get it, and also looked for feedback here. My dealer offered it as an "environmental package" (rustproofing, paint sealant, fabric stain guard) for $400. There seems to be no clear answer on this issue (can't find anybody here to say "if you don't get it, your car's going to rust" or to say "it's a total scam and it does nothing") but the majority opinion I've found is that it's mostly unnecessary. Comments I've found against it usually cite better materials and processes used at the factory now on newer cars, the many loopholes within those rust protection plans, and the possibilty that the very application of this stuff could, if done wrong, actually harm your vehicle making it more prone to corrosion than before.

I decided not to get it. I'm betting that, if I keep it washed regulary, ridding it of road salt and debris, and keep it protected with occasional waxing and garaged from the elements, I'll be okay for a long time. The protection the dealer is trying to sell you is, no doubt one of the highest profit margin items they've got, so keep that in mind while they're offering it to you.

Good luck with your decision and your new Odyssey!

---------------
Jason
'02 Ody EX SS
'99 CR-V EX

 

[Homer]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by mkeodyssey:
Dealer will give me the "Protector" for $599. Comments on price,quality, or need.</font>

Welcome! Re price, $599 is not very competitive. If this is a must have for some reason (although I have no idea why it should be), I'd look to bargain down in the circa $300 price range. Even at that level, the dealer makes a nice piece of change.

The Lincoln dealer did my Navigator for $259 and, frankly, I don't think I got my money's worth. It just isn't very likely that I'll file considering the disclaimers.

The stain guard, for example, excludes just about everthing (from grease to nail polish, ink to lipstick). In fact, what is actually covered is a rather short list; dirt, coffee, soda, milk, alcoholic beverages, and mildew. Stains caused by dyes or bleaches are limited to dyeing of the carpet or upholstery. So really, anything truly serious is not covered or the remedy is far too radical.

The paint and surface rust protection is nothing more than a hoax, IMHO, primarily for this reason; it is the customer's duty to use the Maintenance Kit **every six months after the original product application**. Huh? The warranty is void unless I purchase and reapply **their** stuff every 6 months? Further, they will not guarantee color match for any repaired components. Never again and I should have known better this time.

[This message has been edited by Homer (edited 12-08-2001).]

 

[Llarry]

I'll wade in here. The primary purpose of these packages is to generate extra profit for the dealership. In my opinion, they can be replaced (actually, surpassed is a better word) by (1) an exterior detail (wax) at a detailing shop (or a good wax job by you) and (2) application of Scotchguard or other carpet/fabric protection by you (or a detailing shop.) The detailing job should be $100 or so for a good hand wax, etc. and the couple of cans of Scotchguard might run about $20.

 

[nurcomp]

I would suggest you carefully read the warranty. I got burned by the dealer on the fabric guard. "Fabric" guard does not mean carpet, if you have any spills that you cannot remove...you are out of luck. The dealer didn't clarify this at the time of my Ody purchase. He indicated that all is covered and I ASSUMED that the carpets were included. When I did have a spill that I couldn't get out. The dealer immediately said look at your warranty...only fabric is covered...F*@#*&...was I ever mad....

...never ASSUME anything...