Census on dealer prep

[danman2_2999]

I've been cruising the forums for a while now as I am waiting for my 14 WRB BRZ A6 to take delivery... and the time has come.

My question is should I request to skip the dealer prep ("detailing" and spraying whatever they typically do on the engine and tires)? I have read and seen some youtube videos about how they wish they would have opted out for this service.

Is it typical to get a discount for not getting the detail? Is the dealer prep really that useless/detrimental to the paint?

Obviously if the worker scratches the car with his belt, that is bad... but what about best case scenario??

Anyways, I look forward to taking delivery and posting in the future.


- Dan

[ericmpena]

Originally Posted by danman2_2999

I've been cruising the forums for a while now as I am waiting for my 14 WRB BRZ A6 to take delivery... and the time has come.

My question is should I request to skip the dealer prep ("detailing" and spraying whatever they typically do on the engine and tires)? I have read and seen some youtube videos about how they wish they would have opted out for this service.

Is it typical to get a discount for not getting the detail? Is the dealer prep really that useless/detrimental to the paint?

Obviously if the worker scratches the car with his belt, that is bad... but what about best case scenario??

Anyways, I look forward to taking delivery and posting in the future.


- Dan

I would definitely avoid. When I purchased my car they didn't wash it and told me, "Come back during the day and we'll give you a full detail." I waited a few weeks until I was in town again and decided to drop the car off for that detail. Came out worse than if I had just gotten an automatic carwash somewhere. Complete waste of time.

Also, every time I take my car to the dealership...even when it's already clean...they give it a complimentary car wash and I get my car back with tons of water spots, swirl marks all over the roof and hood, and the interior is dirtier than when I dropped it off (i.e. they don't clean off their boots or dirty hands when they step inside your newly cleaned car)

So, 100% avoid.

[cnk]

Most dealerships don't use a dedicated detailer to prep their cars. That means dirty towels that have been used to dry cars all day, probably the same filthy water in the wash bucket, etc. Then they usually use some rather thick waxes to give the car that "new car" shine, but once you get it home and give it a proper washing you'll find micro scratches everywhere.

Best advice is to tell them not to wash it, leave the plastics on it and wash it when you get home yourself or take it to a detailer. When I picked my car up, I had them leave all the plastics on until I saw the car. I told them they could remove the plastic, but don't wash it while I finished the paperwork. I also told them not to drill my front bumper for the license plate since I went with a tow hook mounted option. Brought the car home, 2 bucket washed it, fixed any imperfections and then OptiCoated it. Took it for tint and Xpel clearbra a few days later and the car has been pristine ever since.

[Muskokan]

Kind of a catch 22, I've heard of people not getting the wash, clean there car once they get it home, and find scratches and shit and by then it's out of there hands.

Not to mention if your getting a whiteout, they do an acidic wash for the rail dust.

If they detail it for you and it's not to your liking, you can get them to fix it before you take it off the lot.

Id ask for the front bumper not to be drilled, but that's about it, enjoy op!

[danman2_2999]

Thanks for the feedback... besides detailing the outside, are you guys also against any type of silicon spray they might use on the engine bay and tires?

I was looking into OptiCoat myself, but have not found a dealer for it in my area (although I am outside of Los Angeles so there must be a few good options, if anyone has any suggestions). How much did the OptiCoat cost?

Thanks again!

[AVodka14]

I would have them remove all the plastics and thoroughly inspect the paint for defects. As you might find scratches where they were removing the plastics. Do not let them wash and/or detail it. I learned my lesson. My next new car will not be touched by the dealership. Good thing is that a nice polish and/or wetsand if necessary will bring it back to where you want it if you find some swirls/clear coat scratches.

[cnk]

Originally Posted by danman2_2999

Thanks for the feedback... besides detailing the outside, are you guys also against any type of silicon spray they might use on the engine bay and tires?

I was looking into OptiCoat myself, but have not found a dealer for it in my area (although I am outside of Los Angeles so there must be a few good options, if anyone has any suggestions). How much did the OptiCoat cost?

Thanks again!

You don't really need to have anything done in the engine bay or tires. My engine bay was spotless although I did get it right off the truck. If it's been sitting or been taken out for test drives then it may be dirty. The tires should look brand new as well and not require any kind of dress up.

For OptiCoast, it cost me $60 but that's because I did it myself. For a professional detailer I would think the cost would depend on if any paint correction is needed. Just call around and get some price quotes. See if anyone in your local forums has any recommendations as well. You can also check the detailer forums like autopia.org, autogeek.net, or detailingbliss.com for referrals.