Ceramic? PPF? Please help me decide

Hi all - I am awaiting delivery of my 2026 TRD Pro in Wave Maker. I live in Dallas. I currently drive a 2019 TRD Off Road in black, and don't believe I ever had PPF or ceramic on it and it still looks amazing. However, I'm gifting it to my teenage daughter, so this latest 4runner will be my last truck for a long time. I've researched full front PPF and ceramic coating, but I still feel stuck. What recommendations do you have? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your new 4Runner!

I also have a 2019 in black. I had it ceramic coated not long after I purchased and it helped keep the paint looking good. The problem with ceramic is it is best to hand wash to keep the swirl marks from forming from the car washes. If you are up for hand washing, then by all means, keep your 4Runner pretty. Just be aware, ceramic will not prevent rock chips, and issues with tree sap and bird droppings.

Because of rock chips, I had the front of my 4Runner covered with 3M Xpel film after I had the ceramic applied. The film helps prevent the rock chips from removing paint - as long as the object is not large enough and strikes with enough force to penetrate the film. The film also makes bug removal easier without leaving marks in the paint.

 

My experiences.

A high-quality ceramic coating will last about 2 years in 4 season everyday use, it is nowhere near as durable as advertised. It is completely invisible and repels dirt and minor swirls, so when it is working it is a superior product. Best suitable for a garage queen/summer convertible car.

A high-quality PPF is very durable, 8-10 years before it starts yellowing and cracking but it is visible in some lighting/colors. Very important to have a competent shop apply it, had idiots at dealership cut it ON MY CAR, damaging paint. Only found out many years later, when it was time to re-apply.

For a daily driven truck, go with the film, do full hood coverage so there is no visible line. If you going to take it offroad, also do doors. Also pay for paint-correction in addition to applying film.

 

First, don't let the dealer touch it. Have a reputable shop do a full paint correction.

 

With my experience I'm in favor of ceramic coating.

When I bought my white Toyota Venza a company came to the dealership and install PPF. After 5 years I could see slight discoloring on the PPF and I can see dust collecting on the edges. I think if there color is not white the PPF discoloring may not be visible.

Right now I don't use any of ceramic coating or PPF. But if I were to do I would just go with ceramic coating and re-apply as needed whether its 5yrs or 7yrs depending on the coating.

 

I should add to my post, I did not let the dealer touch my truck for either the ceramic, or more importantly as @Sin4R said, for the film application.
The good shops that specialize in film application have either pre-cut film kits or the capability (machine) to cut the patterns in the films themselves.

 

This align with my experience -

 

Welcome

 

Thanks!

I'm definitely NOT letting the dealer do this! I'm just torn - want to find the best way to preserve the color in the Texas sun.

 

^this

 

I had Xpel put on my 23 Tundra and when the new born gets here I will have the same guy do it.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! I'd let my daughter make up her own mind, you could make a suggestion, and see what she comes home with, I'd go with the ceramic if it were me. Good luck.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome.

My vote goes to PPF.
Get it done by a shop that specializes in wraps, PPF, and paint correction.

PPF works way better than any ceramic coating but will have to be re done every 5-10 years. Still, if you want to keep your paint perfect this is the way to do it.

 

At 35 miles I took mine in for Xpel plus PPF on the front clip and entire roof, due to carrying surfboards and snowboards. Then the entire vehicle ceramic coated, again, with Xpel, over PPF too, 10 yr warranty. Finally, I had all the windows, including the sunroof and windshield tinted with Xpel, one step above limo tint, except the windshield, which was done in a almost clear tint, helps with glare and interior temperatures. I wash the truck with CarPro Reset, just a couple capfuls using the 2-bucket system, 1 with Reset and 1 with clear water to rinse the dirt out after going over the paint with the Reset. After, I dry with a Megalodon towel from Chemical Guys, it’s touted as being able to hold 1-gallon of water. You can also use a Milwaukee battery powered leaf blower with a silicone cover on the end in case you touch the paint, it won’t scratch it. Then I go over-the entire vehicle with CarPro Reload 2.0, which has both ceramic and silica for its hydrophobic properties, every 3-4 car washes. The Reload 2.0 gives the paint that “wet look” and reconditions the ceramic coating to extend its life. I did all this out of the gate to protect a vehicle I plan on keeping for a very long time and in light of the 4Runner being the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned. Cost was 4K for everything. Welcome to the forum!

 

Awesome - thanks!

 

I got a full front end Xpel wrap immediately after taking delivery. I had another one three years and loved it. My shop does a lot of high end American muscle cars as well as many Ferraris, Lambos etc and their reputation is top notch

My 4R is not a daily and stored in winter. They advised me to replace the film in about 10 years. I hate small chips so that’s why I got it. It looks amazing. I’d go with Xpel and find an awesome installer.

If you are near Detroit let me know highly recommend my shop

 

I don’t have long term experience, but I just had mine ceramic coated and so far I love it.