Earlier in the week I took delivery of a new Subaru WRX STI. I was looking for a *fun* daily driver and my two primary candidates where the Mitsu Lancer EVO MR and the Subaru WRX STI. I really think you can't go wrong with either one but I opted for the Subaru based on personal preference. I'm in my mid 40's (probably going through a mid life crisis -- who knows
) and I do get some interesting looks while I'm in the car -- especially from the 20 somethings. Must be the huge wing -- who knows.
Anyway, the dealer was wonderful and at my request they didn't remove the protective paint plastic until I was ready to take delivery (just to inspect for any damage prior to me taking delivery) and at my request they didn't wash the car (to avoid the dealer induced marring and swirls).
Not having them wash was a good move. The paint is probably as flawless as I've gotten on any new car. The color is Urban Gray Metallic.
I have a garage full of products (everything from Zaino to over the counter stuff) and after giving it some thought here is what I've done so far and the results are very nice indeed. I'll see if I can get a few snapshots to share soon.
- Washed the OEM BBS wheels using some Simple Green Automtive foam followed by a mixture of water and
Meguiars GC. A
meguiars wheel brush, spoke brush and a microfiber cloth allowed me to get them nice and clean (in the near future I will remove the wheels, clean and clay them and then coat them with some wax and/or Klasse)
- Washed car using my autogeek foam gun with a mixture of
Meguiars Gold Glass and water. Foamed the entire car and then gently wiped down with a chenille wash mitt (Costco), while hosing down with fresh water
- 2nd wash using the traditional method using
Meguiars Hyper Wash and a the two bucket method using a fresh chenille wash mitt.
- Rinsed the car again and clayed the entire surface using 3M clay and water/Meguiars GC as a lube. I was amazed at how clean the car was (it was on the dealer's lot for less than a week (from arrival at port) and the plastic was still on which I'm sure helped a lot). The clay removed the dirt line where dirt collected in the adhesive at the edges of the paint protective plastic sheeting.
- All the rinsing was done with a CR spotless water deionizer (I love this thing -- I have very hard water)
- After giving it some thought I decided to go with the Klasse twins. First I went over the entire car (including all glass) with AIO and then SG
- Next I treated all exterior rubber, seals and under hood rubber to 303 Protectant
- I treated the tires with Zaino Z16
- I let the car sit in the
- This morning I went over the car with some Duragloss AW
The results are quite nice.
During the week I plan on giving it another wash and adding a layer of P21 or Collinite 845. I want to get a nice base on as this is going to be a daily driver.
I also went over the interior which was pretty spotless (should be). The windows needed a good cleaning and I treated everything plastic or vinyl to some 303.
Nothing makes me smile like a nice clean car. Thanks to many of you for all the great tips posted here. I don't post often but I'm here reading just about every day. - Cliff
Detailed my new '07 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
), and was looking at the same two cars as you. I ended up going with the Evo though, and couldn't be happier. It's not a daily driver though, so whenever I do get to drive it, it makes it all the more special.
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