One of the first decisions every new Dark Horse owner faces is what to do about paint protection -- and your dealer is usually ready with a $2,000-$4,000 answer the moment you sit down to sign. Here's a breakdown of what's actually worth it based on what the community has been doing.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is the heavy-duty option and the one most owners prioritize. For the Dark Horse, focus on the front clip first -- hood, bumper, fenders, and mirrors. That's where rock chips do the most damage. A quality 8.5mil self-healing film on the full front end runs $800-$1,500 through an independent shop. One thing to avoid: partial panel coverage on a single piece (like half the hood) -- over time the edge becomes visible and the paint ages differently on either side. Also worth knowing: Ford offered a factory-warranted PPF option for 2024 Mustangs, so if your dealer is quoting that specific program (not just a generic third-party package), it may be worth asking about the coverage terms before passing.

Ceramic coating pairs well with PPF but order matters. The car needs paint correction first -- otherwise you seal in swirls and imperfections permanently. After application, wait seven days before the first wash, then stick to pH-neutral soap and a SiO2 drying aid going forward. Traditional wax on top of a ceramic coating is a waste of money and can actually interfere with the coating.

The dealer shortcut on both is almost always the same product at 2-3x the price with no real warranty advantage. Independent detailers who specialize in film and coatings will give you better results and better pricing.

What protection route did you go with your Dark Horse? PPF only, ceramic only, stacked both -- or did you skip it entirely? Did you use the dealer or go independent? Share what you did and what you'd do differently below.