To detail or not?

Chris344

Chris344

Chris344

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Joined
2 Oct 2006
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2,393
Location
Bexleyheath, London.
Hello all

Just after some advice and recommendations really.

I've had my MK7 Golf GTI for a few weeks now.

This is the first car I'll have had from brand new and reading other sites it seems detailing is a popular option. Having done some research in to it, I'm still not completely sold on the idea.

I would therefore like opinions on the following - Is having a car detailed money well spent and is there a vastly noticeable difference in appearance or is it more to maintain the looks in the long run?

In addition to this can anyone recommend some super-amazing DIY alternatives? Any brands of car cleaning products that will be beneficial more so than the average car shampoo, etc.?

I've been quoted £325.

Thanks in advance
 
It's something I'd consider on a fairly old car (such as mine for example, it's an X plate 325i with a billion swirl marks) whilst it's a fair outlay on a relatively low value old heap, it should absolutely transform its appearance.

Assuming your car is 7 weeks old, I'd expect it to not need it nor should you notice any appreciable difference unless it's been washed daily by dodgy hand car wash types with grit engrained sponges!!
 
Some people will tell you it's worth every penny, others will tell you it's a waste of money.

On a new car it'll be about getting rid of any imperfections from the factory then getting it protected for the next few months.

Personally I wouldn't bother paying someone else for a new car as it's unlikely to make such a difference that you can tell without getting very up close and personal, but it's worth getting hold of a DA/Rotary and the appropriate products for your paint. Shouldn't cost more than £150-200 all in and you'll then be able to practise doing it yourself.

It's really not difficult to fix small issues like light swirls etc and if you've got the time to do it properly then it's worthwhile being able to do it imo.
 
Check out detailingworld forum for tons of info on how to do things. The basics are really easy to pick up. Correcting paint work will require some more reading and time to pick up.

For £325 you could buy everything you need to DIY, check out polishedbliss and cleanyourcar for products. Recommendations can be found in the Car Cleaning thread on here or on detailingworld.
 
It's more so for the protection and sealant.

The paint work seems perfect and I'm keen to protect it.

I am just not sure it's worth £325.
 
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Its better than SuperGuarding it from the dealer which costs the same money!

Limited prep means you probably have satisfactory results running over the car with a light clay, super resin then getting some wax/sealant on.

Particularly the complete wheel as it makes a big difference to retaining as new look.
 
Jonnycoupe said:
Its better than SuperGuarding it from the dealer which costs the same money!

Limited prep means you probably have satisfactory results running over the car with a light clay, super resin then getting some wax/sealant on.

Particularly the complete wheel as it makes a big difference to retaining as new look.
Click to expand...

The dealer did super guard it but for free as I knew one of the guys in the garage.
 
If the paintwork is decent already, i'd be tempted to clay it, use a nice glaze and then drop a decent sealant on it, thats like a £50 outlay. you dont need a couple hundred quid detail on a new car.
 
You are right, the cost of two buckets, a wash mit, shampoo, polish, sealant and a drying towel and some buffing cloths and a bit of reading time does not equate to £325.

A seven week old car should need correction.

If anything a detail with correction can be carried out annually or on delivery if you are really anal.
 
it all depends on if you are going to put the effort in too keep it looking that way afterwards otherwise it just seems like a massive waste of money

Superguard can be a good product when applied correctly so I would just leave it as it is and get some good shampoo and other cleaning products
 
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No matter what the age of the car, cleansing and protection is always worth it!
Don't think our gert's car looks back for 10 years old!
 
I would love to have my Focus fully detailed - it's three yrs old and Panther Black - I tried my best at washing it carefully - after each soapy wipe I hosed microfiber mitt out - I clayed it - pressure wash foamed it but now it's full of swirl's -(before soapy wash) from a distance it looks good but up close it's horrendous.

If you go down buy your own stuff go to scrappy and get a old bonnet to practice rotary polishers on.

If anyone has a Charlies store where they live then call in and buy some of their microfiber drying towels - only £3.50 and quite good.

Dave
 
I could do it myself but if I was in your position then I'd do all the prep myself.

As said, have a look on detailing world and go through the processes yourself.

1. Wash/Dry
2. De-tar
3. Clay

Then pay someone for a paint correction.

Then you can wash the car and get rid of most of the dust and wax it yourself.

Then just keep the wax topped up once a month/2 months and repeat steps 1-3 every 6 months.

Try and use some decent wash mits and pads as that'll reduce putting more swirl marks into the paintwork.
 
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