XPEL Stealth Cost: How Much to Protect Your Car?
Whether you just bought a brand new luxury sedan or have a classic sports car you want to preserve, keeping your vehicle’s exterior in pristine condition is a top priority. But with all the insects, road debris, errant shopping carts, and extreme weather out there, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle trying to keep minor scratches and chips at bay.
So how much would you pay to shield your car or truck with an invisible barrier that deflects damage? What if it was also self-healing, meaning small scratches disappear with a little heat? And could last up to 10 years if properly cared for?
That’s the promise of XPEL Stealth, a virtually invisible paint protection film that coats your vehicle’s exterior in a protective barrier that can resist scratches, rock chips, bug splatter, road debris, and even some chemical stains and etching.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about XPEL Stealth PPF, including:
- What factors affect XPEL Stealth installation costs
- Average prices for full front wraps, partial wraps, and spot coverage
- Additional charges for covering mirrors, lights, bumpers, hood, etc.
- How long XPEL Stealth lasts and holds up
- Whether the investment in this premium product is worthwhile
We’ll provide example price ranges so you can ballpark how much it would cost to XPEL Stealth wrap your own vehicle. Use this information to decide if XPEL Stealth PPF is right for your car and budget.
What is XPEL Stealth PPF?
Before we dive into costs, let’s quickly cover what exactly XPEL Stealth PPF is and why it commands a premium price.
XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film is a nearly invisible urethane film that is expertly computer cut and applied to your vehicle’s most vulnerable exterior surfaces. It acts as a sacrificial barrier that protects the actual painted finish underneath from rock chips, bug splatter, minor abrasions, and other environmental damage.
The soft urethane material absorbs impact and deformation so your paint doesn’t have to. And the surface has a self-healing property, meaning light swirl marks and scratches can disappear with a little heat, like from sun exposure or a hair dryer.
XPEL Stealth PPF is different from traditional vinyl wraps because it is completely transparent and virtually invisible once applied properly. It also remains crystal clear for years without yellowing or cracking. So you get the protection of a wrap, without altering the look or feel of your car’s OEM paint.
It’s an investment to professionally install, but XPEL Stealth PPF can save you money over your vehicle’s lifetime by keeping the exterior in mint condition and maintaining higher resale value. Plus there’s the peace of mind of having an invisible barrier keeping your prized possession safe from damage.
What Factors Affect XPEL Stealth PPF Installation Cost?
Like most automotive services, cost will vary depending on your location, the vehicle being wrapped, the shop completing the work, and how much surface area you want covered in XPEL Stealth film. Here are the main factors that influence the price:
1. Geographic Location
Labor rates and the general cost of operating a shop influence how much installers have to charge. Prices will be higher in areas with a higher cost of living and higher wages for skilled automotive technicians. Major metro areas on the coasts tend to be most expensive.
2. Vehicle Type
The size of the vehicle and the complexity of its exterior design will impact the difficulty and time required for the install. For example, a low-slung sports car with curvy lines and pronounced edges will take more materials and time than a basic sedan with simple flat panels. Trucks tend to be most expensive due to size.
3. Coverage Area
How much of the vehicle you want wrapped in XPEL Stealth is the biggest variable in price. Full front wraps with bumpers, hood, fenders, mirrors and lights cost the most. Partial wraps are cheaper. And getting only certain parts like the hood done is most affordable.
4. Film Thickness
XPEL Stealth comes in standard 8 mil thickness but 10 mil is available for extra protection and durability, at an added cost. Thicker film is more rigid during install but nearly impenetrable once applied.
5. Shop Reputation & Expertise
High end detailing shops and premium dealership service centers tend to charge the most for XPEL Stealth installs compared to independent mechanics or general automotive customization shops. Their expertise commands a premium.
Now that you know what factors impact the price, let’s look at typical costs for the most popular XPEL Stealth PPF coverage options.
How Much Does XPEL Stealth PPF Cost?
Full Front Wrap
A full front wrap covers the entire hood, front bumper, front fenders, side mirror housings, and headlights & taillights. This provides complete protection for the surfaces most prone to damage from bugs, road debris, shopping carts, etc.
Typical cost range for a full front XPEL Stealth wrap is $4000-$6000.
The high end of the range is for luxury and high end sports cars with greater complexity that have to be done by the most qualified shops. Expect to pay $5000 or more for a full front Stealth wrap on something like a Porsche 911.
You can sometimes get full front coverage for closer to $4000 if you have a basic economy car with simple lines and surfaces that doesn’t require as much labor and skill to install properly.
Many owners of high value sports and luxury vehicles opt for full front XPEL Stealth coverage because it provides comprehensive protection with minimal visible change to the car’s appearance.
Partial Wrap
To save some cost, you can opt to just partially wrap the most vulnerable areas of the front. This typically includes the entire hood, partial coverage of the front bumper and partial front fenders.
Typical cost range for a partial hood plus front-end XPEL Stealth wrap is $2000 – $3500.
This provides protection for surfaces most likely to get chipped or damaged while skipping some of the tighter seam and edge work needed for a complete wrap. It saves 30-50% off a full front wrap.
Partial wraps are great for daily drivers and family vehicles that you want to protect without a huge investment. Full front wraps are best for delicate paint jobs where complete coverage is key.
A La Carte/Spot Coverage
Some shops will install XPEL Stealth PPF on a targeted, a la carte basis. Common parts to protect individually include:
- Hood – Prone to chips and patrols shade underneath
- Fender/Rocker panel – Vulnerable to gravel and debris on road
- Bumper – Scrapes from parking blocks and minor accidents
- Mirrors – Chips from carwashes and sideswipes
When buying XPEL coverage piece by piece for only certain areas, expect to pay around $100 to $500 per part/panel. Cost scales with surface area covered.
This a la carte approach allows you to customize the protection and only pay for sections you really want or need covered. It’s the most budget friendly way to leverage XPEL Stealth PPF.
How Much Does XPEL Stealth PPF Cost for Other Exterior Parts?
Beyond the main full and partial front wrap options, here are average price ranges for adding XPEL Stealth coverage to other exterior sections:
- Side mirrors – $100 to $250 per mirror housing
- Headlights & taillights – $100 to $300 per light pair
- Rocker panels – $400 to $600 for full side coverage
- Full bumper (front or rear) – $600 to $1,200
- Full hood – $1000 to $1500
- Roof – $1200 to $2000
As you can see, the price scales proportionally with the size of the part and complexity of wrapping it. Shops will ultimately provide a quote based on your specific vehicle model and coverage request.
Larger sections like the hood and roof cost over $1000 because they require significantly more material and labor. For complete 360 degree protection, expect to invest $8000 or more for a full vehicle XPEL Stealth wrap.
How Long Does XPEL Stealth PPF Last?
When properly maintained and cared for, XPEL Stealth PPF can last 5-10 years before needing replacement. That lifespan exceeds cheaper DIY films or front bras.
Key factors that shorten longevity are:
- Improper film installation with edges lifting or peeling
- Not following XPEL’s care instructions for washing and maintaining
- Physical damage from impacts that puncture or tear film
- Extended exposure to harsh chemicals or fluid spills
With occasional touch-ups as needed and avoiding damage, you can expect nearly a decade of protection from a professional XPEL Stealth install.
The self-healing properties also enable the product to maintain clarity and durability longer than traditional vinyl wraps which can crack or yellow as the adhesive degrades.
Is the Investment in XPEL Stealth PPF Worth It?
There’s no disputing that XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film represents a significant upfront investment to protect your vehicle’s exterior. But for many car enthusiasts and collectors, the cost brings valuable peace of mind by protecting the long-term value and appearance of their prized possession.
The verdict? If you own an expensive luxury or sports car, have a classic ride, or just want to maintain a showroom quality exterior for years, XPEL Stealth is likely worth every penny. It offers unrivaled protection with minimal change to the vehicle’s visual aesthetics.
On basic transportation vehicles, lower cost DIY kits or partial coverage just on vulnerable areas can provide protection on a budget. But for the ultimate shield for delicate exotic paint jobs, XPEL Stealth is the gold standard.
Conclusion
We hope this detailed guide provided the information you need to make an informed decision about investing in XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film. While cost varies based on your vehicle, coverage, and installer, you can now ballpark realistic price ranges to wrap your own car or truck.
The prices reflect the premium quality of XPEL Stealth and ability to protect your vehicle for years while maintaining flawless exterior condition. For many car lovers, the peace of mind is worth the initial investment. Just be sure to use a skilled installer and follow care recommendations to get the longest life from the product.
