I just purchased a 2003 4runner and I’m debating if I should put a clear coat on the paint. I don’t know if it’s worth it or not. I have applied Maguire’s Gold wax on it. I’m wondering what will protect the paint from small scratches. Will the clear coat do the job or should I save my money and keep applying the wax? If you guys know of any good, hard waxes please let me know. Your input is appreciated.

Troy

 

i think i know what youre talking about and if its what i think it is save your money, you can buy a lot of wax for $300.


am i right?

 

Hey Troy, welcome to YotaTech. All '03 colors except white and black have clear coat applied at the factory. If yours is one of those, I'd say keep it polished and waxed. You'll get all kinds of finish care ideas here. Most work well, some like Zaino have cult followings. I use all the P21S products (carnauba based) because of reflectivity, ease of use, and durability. YMMV, but whichever you choose, get it on right away.

 

It's a dealer $$$ maker...save yours....

 

I won’t put a clear coat on my new 4runner then. I’m looking for some strong hard wax that will keep the pant from getting fine scratches. I know that carnauba in a wax is a good thing. Some one mentioned Zaino what make this wax so great?
Thanks for your suggestions

 

romus,

Welcome. I and others here are Griots Garage users. Here's a few links for you to see our 03's with the Griots Best of Show (BOS) Wax and use of the Porter Cable buffer.

Enjoy.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ghlight=griots

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ghlight=griots

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ghlight=griots

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ghlight=griots

 

I think what you may be refering to is paint sealant . All dealerships offer this expensive option. When I had my detail biz, we would apply this sealant after buffing and full detail. (Late model used cars) I got 80 bucks for doing the complete detail and sealant...they charge the customer 300 clams. You can buy similar products at any detail supplier. You'll still need to wax every month or so, and reseal every 6 months if you like. A semi-annual polish/buff and waxing every 1 or 2 months is all ya need to preserve a good shine. Before, a lot of black, white and reds had no clearcoat. Without diligent waxing, they will get dry and chalky. I've noticed a lot more of these colors are now clearcoated, still, waxing (not polishing) is important on a regular basis.

 

hey we got some griot freaks here and some zaino freaks here. Im a zaino freak and I have a black 03. This stuff is amazing. Most of the black 4runners on this forum use zaino.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

his site says it all. Mr zaino was a legend in the car show industry ages ago. He was pissed off with what was on the market so he made his own products. Everything he makes is amazing and it smells good to. He now sells is products out of NJ and has a custom paint shop. All of his products are pure, no silicone(or oil) and no carnauba and no abrasives. carnauba is a yellow agent, that if you wax a white car with it long enough it will discolor you car. I defenintly recommend ZAINO.

Chris