is it wort getting a new car detailed?

[Luton Town]

Sorry posted in the wrong thread earlier.
Getting my new A45 soon and have heard by some that you should get it professionally detailed asap.Is it really important to do this?If so is it wise to have a ceramic coating on it as well or just some really good quality waxes?Is it just a case of light washing every week after this is done?Thanks.

 

[whitenemesis]

How do you intend looking after the car during your ownership? Will you use a car wash, or will you spend a couple of hours a week cleaning using the two bucket method?

Detailing is only of worth if one intends to maintain the paintwork meticulously..

 

[SamW]

I wouldn't have said so but many people seem to think otherwise.

I've always thought of detailing as paint correction and when it's new, there's not really much to correct unless you're incredibly particular.

A friend had a newish black car 'corrected' and a month or so later a lot of what he wanted rid of returned and then got a bird mess on the bonnet and it burnt through in literally minutes of it landing. We couldn't help but think that may have been amplified by some of the meat that's been removed during the correction process.

 

[Luton Town]

detailing

Yes will be doing myself with the 2 bucket method.

 

[whitenemesis]

Yes will be doing myself with the 2 bucket method.

Think I would inspect the finish from the factory and if good get it treated with Gtech (Crystal?) sealant.

If not so good get it corrected then sealed.

 

[merc85]

I take it having a car's paint corrected doesn't effect the warranty of the new vehicle? If there ever was a issue in the future.

 

[MDC250]

Modern paint = orange peel finish. Only way to truly sort that is to have it sanded which is time consuming and expensive, certainly if you are not doing it yourself.

Next best thing is a multi stage polish which will remove a fair degree of imperfection. A pro will achieve this with minimal removal of paint and we are talking microns.

After that you will really want to get best protection on the paint you can. A ceramic coating professionally applied is probably the most durable protection you could apply but it doesn't remove the need for a good wash and drying regimen which is where most damage comes from.

Lots of good products out there Gyeon, GTechniq, CarPro, SiRamik...

If the car is in good order when you pick it up I'd look into a 1 or 2 stage correction with one of the above and try and look after it yourself.

 

[Luton Town]

what is stage 1 and 2 and how is it done,rough price etc?

 

[neilrr]

Did you buy it or is it leased?

How long do you intend to keep it?

 

[Bewva]

I picked mine up on Wednesday from the dealer and gave it a good wash, clay mitt and wax on Friday. It made a fair difference.

 

[Red C220]

I had our SL detailed when new. The idea being it will be easier to keep in the long run. Especially internally as the car has porcelain leather.

It is easier to clean than our E which hasn't been detailed.

Cost for this was £500, which was less than the starguard and other upsells the dealer is obliged to try and sell you along with the car.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/deta...l400-new-car-detail-divine-detail-surrey.html

 

[whitenemesis]

My S203 came with Starguard applied, inside and out, by the dealership. Lasted well but I wouldn't bother if I had to pay for it..

 

[CaptainRAVE]

Depends how much you want to spend. Wax is only worth it if you will keep it topped up every few months. A good nano coating is pricier, but will last longer. I would always do it myself.

 

[Luton Town]

3 year pcp

 

[neilrr]

3 year pcp

**** it, it's the equivalent of a rental car. Wash it once a year with Fairy Liquid.

 

[Luton Town]

ha ha pal like it!.....But it's my rental car!

 

[MDC250]

what is stage 1 and 2 and how is it done,rough price etc?

Refers to level of correction so a 2 stage would be a cutting compound then a finishing polish. Might get away with one stage, or in parts may need various stages to finish down to as clear/flat a finish in the lacquer as possible.

Best bet is to go and see a pro to get a personalised quote and to check out their work before taking a final view. You might think however much extra it would cost to chase down the final 10% of correction for example isn't worth it.

Goes without saying more correction you want/need the longer it will take them to sort. Lots of the ceramic coatings need time to cure and a proper correction will typically take in the order of days so can you spare the car for that time.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Walk onto a main dealer forecourt. If you can see paint faults on brand new cars that annoy you, get your car detailed.

If you can't, save your money for a year and get it detailed later to remove the grime, make it look like new again, and protect it for the future.

Detailing makes a huge difference to an older car, but not so much on a new one.

 

[thompssx]

id was more frequently but as only a rental, as long as you dont get done for unfair wear and tear, its up to you

 

[GaryD]

As originally mentioned it all depends on how you will go about looking after it. I have a company car that was sent to the detailers the day I got it to ensure it was tip top ready for the 35k miles I will do in it each year. There are plenty of times I don't manage to do the 2 bucket method.. but definitely stay away from the local car wash!!!