In buying my certified used A4, I had available a paint protection, an interior protection, and a tire and wheel coverage.

The interior protection involved putting some kind of liquid on the leather and carpet. The thought of putting liquid on the leather to seal it bothers me, as I think it may have some long lasting, negative effect. Any thoughts or experiences with that? The car has a light gray leather upholstery.

The paint is a liquid buffed on, pretty conventional, I think. I will go with that.

The tire and wheel coverage replaces repairs or replaces your tire if you hit something or just have a flat. It replaces the wheel, also. It was priced at $499, and covers you for five years. I said I would pass on that, and then he said he would sell it as his cost of $399, in case I would still like it.

Unless I ruined a couple of wheels, I don't see how that is worth it. Thoughts on that?

I think the paint protection is a good idea, however.

 

I will never, ever let a dealer touch the paint on my cars. Dealers are in no way interested inthe correct way to wax/polish a vehicle. I speak from being a detailer myself. I've seen more swirls and marred paintjobs done by dealers that I can count. They put buffers in the hands of inexperienced personnel. Not their fault, just doing what they are told. IMO, not worth paying for. Same thing with the carpet and leather. find out by name exactly what they are putting on them, research it's affects before letting them apply it.

The tire/wheel thing might be worth the money. It's only around $80/yr. How much does a new rim and tire cost?

 

I got the wheel insurance with my lease. For the roads around boston its worth every penny. It works out to be like an extra $6/month or something. I have buddies who have paid hundreds extra on leases due to bent/cracked/damaged wheels. I would say its worth it if you live in an area where the roads are really $hity.

 

Oh and talk him down to $299. If I remember correctly, I think I paid around $300 for mine.