A few pics and a slide show had the from end covered in the 3M clear coat protection film cost a couple of hundred quid but i think its worth it.
(http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r616/exiledviking1/3M%20protection%20film/IMAG0565_zpsa5963d40.jpg)
http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/exiledviking1/slideshow/3M%20protection%20film <-------- click for slide show and thanks for taking the time to look
The film might cost £200 but having been involved with wrapping, which this is, I would want another £400 to apply it.
I don't think it's a d.i.y job unless you really know what your doing.
For instance apply, using a didital themometer, at around 55deg. then when complete re-heat to 85deg to re-memorize the material.
I guess a car like an RX8 could take one guy one to two days.
If you only did part of the car I think you would see a difference in the amount of 'gloss' between the painted section and the vinyl wrap
I wish you well if you have a go.
I would suggest trying a bendy section first buying a minimal amount of material.
its all ready fitted i got it done for well under your price and would agree that its expensive but this was mates rates, but against a two pack spray job i think its worth it the guy who did it for me took one and a half days and as you say its not something i would attempt yes you can see the lines close up but i rather replace a section of plastic than a spray job each time it gets stone chipped.
I do think jobs like these are left to the guys that do it for there bread and butter so to speak and as said must agree with your points .
will be having the roof and other carbon fibre rap done later this year.
Sorry I didn't realise you'd had it done, thought you were thinking about it.
Is there a difference in the look between the the wrapped and unwrapped panels that are next to each other.
No difference between the panels the guys done a fantastic job