Hi all,
Recently bought a car (yes yes, laugh at me, I'm the AMG kid)
Getting my car washed professionally fort he first time.
I planned on getting it washed tomorrow, but the forecast looks like it may rain in Sydney throughout the week.
Do you think it's a waste to pay so much for a full detail only to have water/rain marks, and polished wash off potentially, a few days later because of rain?
Should I Wash my car?
I don't have an AMG but I think his question is fair.
When I bought a new car, I paid for manual hand wash for about a year (I was too lazy to do it myself, plus they would do a better job), paying $20 each time.
I was told to avoid auto car washes even though they're more convenient, because their bristles might scratch your car. Later I found an auto car wash that was contactless and used that for $10 a wash. It obviously wasn't as clean as a hand wash, but without bristles, it should be safe unlike the contact-auto-wash, right?
Later I got too lazy to even do that, and just left it in the rain until it got really dirty. Once you've had your car for a few years you stop babying it.
However, I'll be getting a new car again, and going through a year or two of babying it. Do you think it's safe to stick with the auto-contactless-car wash? $10 for a very quick job seems worth it to me. I don't care if it doesn't look showroom condition, as long as it's safe to use and clean.
Thoughts?
Depends on the model of the car.
Dirty large sedan = sloppy.
Dirty urban SUV = spoilt soccer mom.
Dirty urban hatchback = pleb
Dirty offroad vehicle / rally car = life well spent
Is this spam? AMG washes itself!
Misconception. It’s actually washed by one of the parents hand servants. Usually while you sleep. So it just appears to wash itself…
Troll thread is troll thread.
OzBargain is getting filled with trolls.
Not an AMG.
Not even the AMG "lite".
It's an A200 with the extra plastic and the AMG sticker.
But he is still entitled to call himself the AMG boy if he wishes to.
I wouldn't detail an A200. Decent detailing for a second hand three year old car requires paint correction and swirl mark removal, topped off with a decent hydrophobic sealant, it may end up being >$1,000. I wouldn't spend $1,000 on the cosmetics of a $18,000 car.
Hey mate,
Like I said earlier, I don't see why you have a problem with me calling an AMG an AMG.
I didn't come up with the name, and I didn't put a badge on there myself. It was made like that.
In the same sense, it appears we're talking about two different types of details here. I paid for a detail on Groupon. It was literally called "Full detail" and it's about $100.
Also, the car was a lot more than $18,000. I'm not saying that because I want to "show off" (lol, still makes me laugh), but I'm saying that to justify that the $100 price to "detail" the car, doesn't seem all that irrational now, does it?
If my detail cost in the thousands, and my car was $18k, you would have a valid point. But it didn't. And you don't.
It is not an AMG regardless of how much you want to believe it is. The Audi have their "S-line", it doesn't make it an S badge. BMW has their M styling, it doesn't make it an M car. An AMG badge doesn't make it an AMG car.
If you paid much more than $18,000 on a second hand A200, you didn't get that "great deal" you thought you got. Just because you say you got a good deal doesn't mean it was a good deal.
A full detail for $100 is not financially possible in Australia. A car wash isn't a full detail regardless what it is called.
Ps. I am trying my best not to come off as confrontational, just stating facts. You getting defensive does not mean others intend to be offensive. It's a forum, we all talk sh!t intentionally, but sometimes we do it unknowingly and get called out. You've done the latter, just roll with it. It's all just a bit of fun.
I'm sorry you can't comprehend.
If the car says it's A Mercedes Benz A200 AMG then that's what I'm going to assume I should call it lol.
I did get a good deal. You know literally nothing about the car. Anyway, with the benefit of knowledge on my side, let me tell you that you're wrong.
RE: "Full detail for $100…" argument: Again, I paid for a "full detail". I don't know how else to tell you lol.
And, I am also in a similar boat to you - I'm stating facts also. It's not really a matter of me being "defensive". You were just wrong, so I was politely pointing that out.
Again, If my detail cost in the thousands, and my car was $18k, you would have a valid point. But it didn't. And you don't.
@unistudent1:
https://www.mercedes-amg.com/en/vehicles.html
Please look for your vehicle model here.
And I could pull your car apart and put it back together. I know your car. You don't.
I've tried to find an A200 AMG on the web and have come up with nothing. Could you please post a link to one?
Lol, maaaan, what do you want from me? Gee whiz! I'm a simple man - It says AMG on it, so I call it what it says. Just like you call a Toyota Corolla a Toyota Corolla.
@unistudent1:
You can call it whatever you want, and you can give yourself whatever name you want. I've never at any point told you what to name yourself, infact, I am defending your right to give yourself and your car whatever alias you wish.
I'm just telling you that your car isn't an AMG. I am not naming it, I'll leave that up to you as you are clearly very imaginative.
I don't say I own a GT3RS but my Lego sure says it is one.
You have an A200. It has some AMG inspired cosmetic attachments. Name it as it pleases you. We'll keep calling it what it is - not an AMG.
@tshow: I'm with you on this, @tshow.
Just cause a turd is rolled in glitter, doesn’t make it anything other than a turd…. rolled in glitter.
I hate when I get people call the workshop for repairs/service and I ask what car it is and I get some unknown variant that a dealer put on it or the manufacturer put some decals on it to sell a few units they couldn’t shift otherwise…
My favourite are the M style BMW and S line Audi. "it's and A4 S…" a (profanity) what now? No, it's an A4 with some S line stickers and a plastic body kit.
It's a shame that MB have started going the same way, but if it helps sell more cars to gullible trust fund burning uni students, I guess we are only going to see more econo-boxes with big name sticker kits on them…
@pegaxs:
I can see the frustration you would face as a mechanic. Just remember, most people are not car people, and most people who claim to be car people are just happy to spend money and regurgitate marketing crap.
In this case, I'm just hoping OP didn't negotiate the price comparing an A200 to an A45. Seeing as how he thinks anything with the AMG badge is the same, his great deal may not be so great.
I wish I could strip my car's fairings and replace it with econobox parts alas my radiator and IC won't fit. Crack those things every few track days. Would be cheaper to get wrecker parts
I had my X5 detailed and cleaned to use as my wedding car. Cost me just under $500. At $100 they wouldn't be spending much care or effort on it.
@omguleh:
$500 will probably just be a thorough in and out wash, claybar and wax. Hydrophobic sealant for an X5 would be $250-750 on its own, based on brand/quality.
As a DIY, it costs me just under $1k to condition leather, and seal the glass, panels and rims. Takes about 14 hours of labour.
Yea no sealant or anything. I just needed it to look nice and shiny for the photo shoot lol.
Everybody getting wound up by this kid need to calm their tits man.
Maybe try this app from this deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/360880
How is someone who is asking whether or not to wash a car when it might rain in the next few days is studying at uni?
Don't get it professionally cleaned. Theres no point. Just wait for a nice rainy day and go over your car with a chamois to dry it off. Like brand new again ;)
(I professionally clean my car in my driveway whenever it rains.)
Recipe for introducing swirl marks everywhere drying your car without washing it properly
I put a TRD badge on my old car, a Celica. So it was a TRD. Screw you all :p
You can call it whatever you want at the end of the day, but the most fitting name would be "AMG package A200"
Just remember, most car wash places don't do a great job. They don't use the best of materials to wash. For instance, I use lamb skin wool. Easy on the paint. Plus knows what products they use.
Personally washing my new car is timeout for me. I enjoy it quite a bit and marvel at it when I'm done. Mmmm.
Thanks for the input!! Everyone's comments about the car washes is admittedly got me feeling a bit nervous.
But people go there. Hence why it's such a big industry. It's a risk I'm willing to take!! Fingers crossed I get a good result!!
People who care enough, wash and detail their own car.
If it's on Groupon, I'm pretty sure it's there because people are not going there.
I remember reading x,000 purchases and decent reviews. Again, a risk I'm willing to take.
< Asks a question
< Has already made up his mind
< Blows off advice of people trying to genuinely trying to help.
Why even post this?
lol your joking right ?
Hey AMG kid, if you're so adamant you've got an AMG, would you be happy to pay real A45 AMG insurance prices for your fake "AMG"?
Some people may even call A45 not a real AMG
I'll be in that camp. If it doesn't use their flagship engine block and doesn't have carbon ceramic brakes, and camber adjustment in a fully rebuildable suspension system, it ain't no AMG.
The AMGs of old were the marriage of Mercedes' best parts for the ultimate in performance.
Now they have an "AMG" engine that's just a bit larger than a cruiser bike and cross drilled rotors to complement the pretty 4 pot painted calipers. Aiyayai.
A35 coming. lol
Bored enough that I looked up the insurance for the A200. Apparently RACV is with us on this one - there's no A200 AMG variant.
There is no Variant it was end of range when it was due for a cosmetic change and they offered a free upgrade to give it the look of an AMG like the diamond grill.
Basically getting rid of old parts they weren't going to be using on the newer version of A45 from memory the only thing that said AMG anywhere was the centre of the hub on the wheels
The Rear has A200 on the boot and unless it's a desperate case of rebadging like some of the WRX's were to be pretend Sti's and i'm sure he has had this argument with the insurance company who had to break it to him that his imaginary car didn't exist.
Some variants are acknowledged by insurers as they are insured for a different market value. In this case, it doesn't even make the cut.
@tshow: i know because it's not a real model it was a limited offer they ran upgrading a few cosmetic details that hold no real world value.
no different to saying any manufacturer offering a free sport pack if you buy before XXXX or 7 year warranty instead of 4
the ones you're on about actually had a tangible upgrade that was actually worth something actually increasing the insured cost or value of the car.
Hahaaa, damn this guy is dumb, I can't even suffer through all his replies, maybe one day he'll wake up to himself and realise status symbols (or attempts at them) don't mean anything to anyone worth a damn!
To stay on topic though, any car enthusiast knows that you wash and clean it your damn self, you can't trust others to do it at the usual places, even at a dealer. Sure, get the interior detailed this once, it's a used car, you want a good baseline to work with, but from then on try to make yourself useful.
The dealer for detailing?
I ask for my car to be delivered undetailed. Usually comes with a bit of salt (both literal and otherwise.)
If I paid good money for a brand new car, the "duuude" they have running the orbital polisher ain't rubbing down my clear coat with a pad so over used I'd have it tested for STDs (or STIs if you're a stickler doctor).
Do you think it's a waste to pay so much for a full detail
Yes, seeing as you aren't actually engaging the services of any "professionals".
This is clearly a joke. Someone old enough to drive a car, a Mercedes Benz at that, is apparently smart enough to go to university, but doesn't know how to wash said car.
Honestly university charges international students so much for university education and as a result the standard for university has dropped so much.
Like I said this should be a joke otherwise this might be the biggest idiot I have ever seen on this website.
Hi all,
I'm in a similar situation but my quandary is over whether or not I should respray my car.
I recently replaced my Ferrari 457 with the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
Unlike my previous Ferrari, which was gun metal grey, I decided to go the more traditional route and went with red. This has proven to be a somewhat poor choice as the more flamboyant colour has garnered a lot of unwanted attention.
To make matters worse, my fiancee is a notable runway model and celebrity which means that when we step out of the car ALL EYES are on us (I'm 6 foot 8 and very masculine so a lot of the attention is laid upon me as well. I would say it's about a 51% to 49% split in my favour). That said, I've been toying with the idea of getting my car resprayed to a pearlescent black. Not only would this give us a lower profile but it would also pair tastefully with the black dials on each of the three (soon to be four) Rolex watches that I own.
Should I respray my car? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Regards
Gary LeWanker
Welcome to my world. Believe me, Rolexes are so passé when one becomes a Brand Ambassador. My solution was to get a second helipad added to the yacht.
This is the exact solution I've been searching for. Thank you for your wise words. I raise and slightly tip my Goût de Diamants filled crystal champagne flute in your direction.
Peasant!
I enjoyed reading your comment on my custom white Gold iPad X SE(oh, I think I'm supposed to keep that on the down low. Too late now).
It is good to know I can find solidarity for my daily problems.
Sent from Gold iPad X SE
Sorry it takes me a while to reply, internet is not so good up here on my Gulfstream III, so i will be brief.
just paint it gold, that color goes with anything and I wouldn't worry so much about staying low profile.
Wait until your car has an issue/defect/recall and MB will wash the car for free when you bring it in.
Nice Lancer did Mitsi put the body kit on and convince you it was an EVO
Does your car leak? If it doesn't then get it cleaned from inside and let the rain do the rest.
And, by now 1001 folks here on the forum have told you it's not a AMG. Agree and move on.
I think you should be allowed to post a question once a month. It's a good read. Anymore it will be annoying. Lol.
This is a real question. In fact I made an account just for this.
How do you stay so positive in the face of overwhelming facts to the contrary? Like what's your secret? I see it a lot these days. Psychologists would say 'cognitive dissonance' but they also state how cognitive dissonance is unstable in the mind. Is it just simple denial or does it go deeper? Are counter arguments always perceived as 'fake news'? Your answer might help those who have the goods but lack the confidence.
PS: Originally looking for why my Surface Book pre-order was delayed.
I loved this podcast episode: https://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/06/10/the-backfire-effect/
(These days they probably call it the Trump effect)
In this case there is an even more direct and personal connection to facts so ego magnifies the effect even more.
Yeah except the backfire effect is not real. See:
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2819073
"The present paper presents results from five experiments in which we enrolled more than 10,100 subjects and tested 52 issues of potential backfire. Across all experiments, we found no corrections capable of triggering backfire, despite testing precisely the kinds of polarized issues where backfire should be expected."
I guess my point is this. I know you're lying. You know you're lying. The community knows you're lying.
But you continue your charade. And I'm not even trying to be a smartass here when I say, that is a truly amazing gift - the unyielding resilience to public humiliation. Most people give up. So what's the secret?
Sometimes ignorance is bliss called the (water off a ducks back effect)
They cross a threshold were they would rather continue as they have programmed themselves to respond believe in the lie, it gets to a point that admitting they are wrong is worse than holding on to the lie at all costs.
Normally the only way to snap them out is to show overwhelming proof and present them with a no win scenario where they will lose something other than credibility for not coming clean.
Which obviously would't work here but in personal life where a major loss be it friends he cares about significant financial loss or losing a job they fold.
That's a great answer.
Describes almost exactly how we ended up in this weird circular feedback loop.
Jimmy, the guy was stuck in penalty box for 24 hours first thing he did was rattle off 30 or so smart arse replies.
I'm not even buying the fact he is staying positive there has been nothing to actually show that.
He is looking for affirmation attention seeking in real life you're probably going to find a somewhat different person.
It's not hard to play this game when nobody knows the real you
Wash it! Do it yourself if you can. It's a tiny car anyways. Make sure you put a layer of wax so your paint stays shiny in the long run. I see people avoiding this and clear film just dies and flakes off unless you know you got the paint protection. They offer it for a reason. Plastics also dry and break. You got an amg.. not a civic lol
No offense but it's an expensive car for the specs. You wanna look like a cheap ass AMG driver? Either you'll look like you spent your life savings on it and can't afford a wash or a rich bastard thajust doesn't give a shit but you need the latest model for that. That's my opinion.. I judge people on how they take care of their car on the roads, sorry y'all that don't wash.. you guys look like you own a car to get from a to b and have other important things to do
Wtf people need to post on the forum to decide to wash their car or not? Should make a post to ask if it's okay to make a post too or get up in the morning
Took a dump this morning. Didn't ask forum first. Was big mistake.
I pinched off too early, had rub through cause I didn't use enough folds of paper, smeared the poo way up my scrote and realised I had more in the tank. It was a mess.
Damn that wouldn't have happened if you consulted ozbargain forum about your next bowel movements first
Please close this stupid thread.
Please don't. Not all of us can afford fancy cable TV (I sure as hell can but reception from cruising altitude second hand G6 private jet - got a great deal - can be sub par).
am i still on ozbargain? why are you paying to have it washed? wash it yourself
Wax makes the paint drip off. It's nicer
This thread has gone way off course but the poll result is wrong. Wash your car regularly regardless of forecast. Do you say "I won't brush my teeth tonight because I'm just going to drink coffee for breakfast in 6 hours." No, for continued dental health and to stop plaque build-up you brush regularly (I hope). Similarly for the health of your cars paint it needs to be washed regularly. It's actually worse if your car is dusty and then it rains, you now have a cement like substance stuck on your car that is harder to wash off.
Whilst it's true that it is harder to clean baked on dirt, it is actually not detrimental to the clear coat if dirt is left on.
Of course if you live where there's a lot of construction dust or have bird poo on the car, you want to wash it off because it is corrosive.
But isn't it fun that it has gone off course? It it were on course, we would be talking about when to wash cars. Boring!
Now we're talking about Rolex, helipads, private jets, and super fun nicknames.
AMG kid can be one-upped. Ever heard of Brabus? Who wants to claim Bra-boy?
ruf kid?
alpina lad
polestar bloke
nismo man
trd lass
mugen mate
I am a rather lazy bloke and I own a RUF (no I don't, they're bloody hard to import).
Can I be anointed RUF bum?
is M140i an M car ? Regardless, anyone who knows how to stripe information from a sentence knows that, "wash a car" is not the key information. "AMG" is being highlighted.
OP probably shall try pass uni first.
Yes its a M performance car - not just a M sport package.
Paint it in graphite colour and you will have to wash it only twice a year.
Or you'll be washing it non stop and it'll still be dirty.
jesus christ… do you post up a thread on ozb every time you have a tiny decision to make?
next thread will be "should i take a poop now or in 10 mins when i get home"
Ofcorse…next post. Had a late lunch. Should i brush my teeth now or later since im going to eat dinner soon. #FML Decisions decisions.
Lol so many triggered people by OP's post, its awesome
Most people are actually throttled.
Vroom vroom
OK, OP has his answer. Thread closed.
Don't forget the AMG Spezialwachs "die beste" edition wax. At $300 per 10 grams, it's a steal. If you buy it before the end of this week, there's also a microfiber cloth given with it for FREE.