New S3 Pre Delivery Preparation

[pluves1]

Okay I've read numerous threads on here about not letting the dealership prep your new car.

I've owned a few cars from new and until now hadn't really considered having this done. Over the years I've learnt that Supaguard isnt really worth the money and the last few new cars we've had I have simply not had any prep work done.

Having splashed out a significant sum on a new S3 I thought it about time that I gave consideration to this and am now looking at the following:-

1. Can anyone recommend a detailing company in the North East preferably close to Stockton/Middlesbrough?

2. What should I pay for a new car prep? I appreciate that this could differ depending on the stuff used but, what the min - max?

3. I am not good at washing and polishing cars. I have neither the time nor the patience to do so. However, I realise that looking after them is important and I'm therefore looking for an easy maintainence system once the initial treatments are done. I dont mind washing my car once a week/fortnight and waxing say once every few months. I am thinking the Werkstat stuff (even though I have buckets of Autoglym stuff!)

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Edit - Should also mention that if I do buy new products they should be good for both cars - Sprint Blue S3 and Silver Golf Pirelli

 

[johnnythepie]

I totally agree in not letting the dealer PDP your car.I had to have mine mopped to get rid of the swirls that the chimps left all over the paint, and bieng phantom stood out a mile.My mate is a valeter (and really anal about it) and he sorted it for 300 holes.That included the mop, and doing the paint/wheels with blackfire, and now looks great.The alcantera/leather was also treated.Supaguard is shy*te and overpriced (buy it on ebay for about 20 quid and diy) but is a real pig to polish off if left to long.Plus you have to avoid the swirls etc when applying it.The 'guarantee' is
worthless, having tried to claim when my old b7 got tree lime on the roof that burnt through the lacquer in the heat for one day.Not covered.It would appear that PDP generally is pretty crap, my mate does new bentleys that are delivered to him bypassing PDP.Unfortunately hes in solihull but im sure that someone else on the forum will be able to help.Ive been re educated on how to look after the paint wash wise by using the lambs wool mitt, two buckets with gritguards and drying towels....you get back what you put in.There are some great guides on the Polished Bliss site on this forum.It would be a real shame not to keep that paint on your new S3 gleaming!

 

[WX51TXR]

I can't help with a recommendation, but hopefully some others will make suggestions, but when it comes to cost, assuming the dealer does not make a mess of the paint (and thus make machining essential), then a simple one day all surface protection detail should suffice, and you will likely pay £250 to £400 for one of these, depending on who you use. In terms of a routine to follow, I'd suggest the one on the following link would be great for both cars, with the detailer doing the bulk of it at the outset, and you just doing the routine maintenance thereafter...

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?t=73248

There are some images of Werkstat Acrylic on metallic mid-tone blue paint on this thread to give you a further idea...

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?t=73250

:icon_thumright:

 

[pluves1]

Thanks for the response.

Having just read your write up on prepping your Dad's RS I wonder if you could do mine?

I am thinking that I would have to bring the car to you but, I will have to ensure the dealer doesnt prep the car before handover to me - is this feasible?

I can enquire via your website or send me a PM. Car is not due for delivery till some point in July.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WX51TXR]

We'd be delighted to help, but right now we are fully booked until November, and we are over 6 hours drive away from you! Let me do some checking with regard to coverage of your area by trusted contacts and I'll report back - I'm almost certain I don't know anyone we'd happily recommend in your area, but a though has come to mind that I need to check out. Bear with me!

 

[pluves1]

Rich

Any joy?

Haven't got a date for delivery yet but, I imagine its going to be some time soon

 

[JimC64]

Hey there...you could always try John Reilly from this forum ( jr001 ) He's based in Falkirk.
Check out his website, he's done some wonderful work and may be available.
I'll certainly be getting John to do my A6 when time and finances allow. I'm looking for the paint correction ( swirl removal ) as the car is essentially in great shape, although I'm sure John won't agree
He's got an assistant now as well which helps to speed up the process

good luck

Jim

 

[WX51TXR]

Rich

Any joy?

Haven't got a date for delivery yet but, I imagine its going to be some time soon

I'm afraid not; my initial thought about somebody's location turned out to be way off the mark. John's work (mentioned above) is sound if you don't mind a jolly up to central Scotland; in this respect, Paul at http://www.theultimateshine.com/ in Fife is also a safe bet, and is only booking into August. Going south, the nearest I can suggest would be Glyn at http://www.elitedetailer.co.uk/ in north Yorks.