Car Polisher Worth It?

Sodium on 07/06/2024 - 12:06
Last edited 07/06/2024 - 12:07

Hi Guys,

Weekend warriors here, I look to wash my car like twice a month. Is it worth getting a polisher to use once a year or better off getting car detailed professionally.

Ideally would be looking to spend $150 or less because like it will barely get used (once a year) I guess.

I have been looking for a few such as:

$79

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/rockwell-shopseries-rockwell-shopseries-180mm-multi-function-car-polisher-600w/344537.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvIWzBhAlEiwAHHWgvfZ6CTkrXtkYGo8XlV-rmWfLv9vQdc09IePZ5Zw_b6ZE8756THat1hoCdQcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

$109

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/toolpro-toolpro-150mm-car-polisher-720w/581559.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvIWzBhAlEiwAHHWgvZSyBgVnCO_jPjiFatypD4sRCSzpW6VW6toL89t3qb965lzaPi7UbBoC0GQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

$105

https://autobarn.com.au/ab/p/TO31339?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvIWzBhAlEiwAHHWgvXpROqqVCeDPFvlr3CSf8_aLLywGmjpFELzgK6DVsFHgnn9KauImGRoC9lUQAvD_BwE

$130

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-panel/car-detailing/car-polisher/mechpro-blue-variable-speed-dual-action-polisher-125mm-mpbp125/p/A5457321?rgfeed=true&cid=google-shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&region_id=100245&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvIWzBhAlEiwAHHWgvcqactVkjXUFY5OCt1Xc3Oc-Lk_OzmXkfHwcKcsS-8RPAoicFNnrNhoCIhUQAvD_BwE

Quotes from car detailers are around $350-400 for paint correction.

Is it worth buying a polisher for less than $150/any other recommendations or just get the car detailed professionally.

Automotive Car Polish

Comments

  • Murkymerv on 07/06/2024 - 13:04

    Id go the polisher , even if its once a year . Besides you'll do a better job im sure..

  • forged on 07/06/2024 - 15:54
    +2

    I got the $109 Supercheap one a while back and have found it pretty decent.

    You can correct your car's paint with a DA polisher and a bottle of compound, but it's a very time consuming process (wash, clay, compound, polish).

    I got great results but was at it for probably 6hr/day for a week. A professional detailer would probably use a rotary polisher and wool pad to do it a lot faster but it's easy to f**k up your paint with those if you're not experienced.

    Now that I'm working full time I think I'd rather just pay a decent detailer instead of spending 3 weekends on it.

  • JIMB0 on 07/06/2024 - 16:58
    +5

    It's not as simple as just getting a 'car polisher'. You need to educate yourself about the process.

  • MelbEng on 07/06/2024 - 17:22

    I’d do the one at Autobarn. It has the best specs.

    Don’t forget that you will also need the right pads and polish. Try waxit.com.au

    Your car should only need to be polished once. That is after you clay bar it and then give it an iron decontamination. Then you apply a long lasting coating. Ceramic if you are confident or something like Bowdens Bead Machine which you can reapply yearly.

  • cz888 on 07/06/2024 - 17:28
    +2

    Definitely worth it, but lowest I'll go is $150.
    The main thing you'll need to factor in is your time/backache and pad/polish. You'll also need a good enclosed space with bright lighting.
    If you enjoy this process, I would recommend budgeting more for a Rupes. You'll break even on tools on just the first car.

    The $400 paint corrections sound way too cheap for a whole car, it must be just a rough over. If you're doing it yourself you would pay much finer attention. I've done several cars as a hobby, but I can't be bothered anymore and would gladly pay $2-3k for a full ceramic coating multi-stage detail by someone else in a big workshop.

  • Gunnar on 07/06/2024 - 20:55

    I have the super cheap one. It’s decent. I only use the polisher to remove issues and when it needs it - remember stuff like this if not done correctly can f.ck up your paint.

    I’d only paint correct when it’s needed, rest of the time it’s a hand polish job so that you don’t over do it. The real value is how you treat the car in the months/years after it’s been paint corrected

  • El cheepo on 07/06/2024 - 23:51

    Pay someone to do it for you.

    A cheap polisher and lack of experience is a recipe to accidentally put swirls in your paintwork.

  • MilkDrinker on 15/06/2024 - 10:14

    Similar situation to you, Im thinking the mechpro blue on ebay thanks to various ozbargainers and whirlpoolers saying its the best for bargain class polishing. If youve got ebay plus it can come down to $66.07 instead of $130 at repco.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/186208703537

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join