After buying a brand-new Ford truck from the dealership, a man noticed scratches on the truck's paint job. Now he blames the factory. But is something else going on? TikTok creator Jaime (@jaimec213) posted a video with his complaint on Dec. 21. "I just wanted to show you that these trucks come like this from the factory," he says, zooming in on the back fender. "If you recall, I’ve had my truck in the shop. This truck, I got brand-new with 40 miles. This is how you’re getting your new trucks. Just be prepared. They all come like that, at least from the dealership where I got them." It seems like Jaime is noting subtle scratches on the paint. In the comments section, a viewer said, "It’s usually from the lot washers or the dealership detailing department." Jaime agreed, "It’s the car washes at the dealer." Another viewer weighed in, suggesting that new cars and trucks require specific detailing methods to look their best. "A polish and [Paint Protection Film (PPF)] are necessary for these new cars and trucks, unfortunately," they wrote. Jaime wrote back, "Yes! However, that’s pricey." How to Preserve the Paint on a New Vehicle Detailers often recommend against subjecting vehicles to the rigors of an automatic car wash because components can scratch or chip the paint. Unfortunately, once the paint is damaged, the vehicle will need to go to a specialist in paint correction. That’s why some car owners opt for PPF, which adds a glossy outer layer of film to the paint that makes it much harder to chip or otherwise damage. The service is expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on exactly how impervious you want the car to be at the end. A brand-new Ford F-150 typically costs between $40,000 and $75,000, depending on trim level and optional add-ons. While another $5,000 to $8,000 on top of that might seem steep, it could also be viewed as a smart way to protect the investment. In a Reddit thread posted to r/F150Lightning two years ago, commenters debated whether PPF is worth it for a truck at the $50,000 price point. One segment of Ford owners said they think it helps keep trucks looking newer for longer. Another thinks it’s a fad that doesn’t reliably preserve the truck's value. As one person said, "I think it’s a personal choice. For me, I take pride in my car and its appearance." A second person added, "It also depends on how much highway driving you do. I do a fair bit and don’t like rock chips. It wasn’t an investment I expected a return on." Motor1 contacted Jaime via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We also contacted Ford via press email for comment. This story will be updated if either party responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team