I will be collecting my new Mk7 in a months time and I declined the dealers £300 Auto Gleam finish when I placed the order.
My question is;
a) should I go for the dealers Autogleam
b) get it done privately immediatly after Ive collected the car. Hampshire based so recommendations please.
c) use another product -which is best?
d) do it myself
e) any other option
The car will be kept on my drive, annual mileage 4-5k, only washed a few times a year as I hate cleaning cars so I would prefer a finish that is robust AND final, say for a couple of years life at least.
I will be keeping the car for ten years.
Thanks in advance.
Hi, here's my take on your questions:
a) No. Avoid dealer protections at all costs. They will very likely swirl your paintwork applying it. They will charge you through the nose for it. There's many many better products out there for a fraction of the cost.
b) If you choose to get protection applied by a Pro dealer then they will offer a range of protection packages as part of a new car detail so there will be something to suit your budget. These will make future maintenance of the car easier which for someone who hates cleaning their car is a massive plus. I do my own details but am on other forums and Envy Detailing in Fareham is often recommended. Additionally if you have it done as part of a new car detail then your car will be fully cleaned and decontaminated, machine polished and then protected so will be better than when you first pick it up. Prices would be anywhere from £250 upwards to £1k depending on exactly what you opt for.
c) Even if you pick another product I still wouldn't let the dealer anywhere near it. Best to do this as part of pro detail or yourself.
d) Nothing to stop you doing it yourself. Lots of products to choose from that are designed for non pro amateur application, though they still require a modicum of knowledge of preparation and car cleaning/detailing processes and depending on what product you choose some experience is preferable. However, if you hate cleaning your car then suggests that you might not enjoy doing this yourself. Preparation of the car is key so if you are not into this then perhaps not the right option for you.
e) If you have a mate whose into detailing and capable of doing it for you then that might be an option.
If considering a Professional detail, take a look on Detailing World and do a search for recommended detailers in your area
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/index.phpHope this helps.