[Moo Man]

Definitely get some quotes from local tinters and car detailers.

The paint protection packages the dealers offer vary in quality but with a reputable car detailer the chances are you'll either get a cheaper price for the same job as the dealer provides or a much better job for the same $850 the dealer wants to charge you.

As an example of the above I know a detailer who does paint protection on new cars for a large dealer, it's a good quality product (ceramic coating) but for the amount the dealer pays the detailer he can only spend 2 hours max prepping and coating the car, it's still an OK result but if you went to him direct with the same $$ you paid the dealer he'd spend most of the day on your car and the results would be far superior - even paint on brand new cars can be improved substantially by an experienced detailer and if the car you are purchasing has been in the yard for a while it's probably been washed a few times and covered in swirl marks. I can't recommend any one for you as I'm in NSW but I'm sure other members can steer you in the right direction.

I've never purchased a new car from a dealer but a friend purchased a Mustang and was looking at rolling up the dealer paint protection and tinting in the financing. They were ready to sign with the dealer but I encouraged them to look into an independant detailer first and they couldn't be happier with the results, ended up 1/3 of the original price the dealer offered and the end result was flawless, full paint correction and ceramic coating (including removing all 4 wheels for coating and the brake calipers).

It's easy to feel pressured by the dealers, but you can say no to them. Don't forget it's their job to sell and quite often these packages that they end up charging sub $1,000 for start at $2,000+ plus so their margins (and incentive to sell) are huge, even after they do you a 'huge' favour and bring the price down you're still paying more than you have to.

You mentioned the extras were outside your budget so also consider what you really need and if you want to spend the extra. Paint protection can be great but still needs to be looked after for the best long term results, ceramic coatings do offer that extra level of protection but if you're willing (and have the time) to learn correct techniques and have a regular washing / waxing routine you can still maintain an excellent finish on the paint. Super important to get that bird poo off asap too, regardless of whether you end up with a ceramic coating or a less permanent sealer or wax!

There's a heap of information on the forums for cleaning and maintaining paint so look through that to help with your decision. A little bit of extra knowledge on the subject will help with the dealer too, either finding out exactly what they are offering with their packages or give you a bit more confidence in declining their pitch if it's not for you.