Should I let the dealer wash my new car before delivery?

[Accumulator]

I already told them not to wash it, so Ill leave that be for now. I was hoping to see them pull it off the truck, then Ill know just what Im getting myself (or an unsuspecting pro) into

If you don`t have a good reason to trust them 100% you`d better be there to supervise. Or at least have a "no cosmetic prep" clause written into your sales contract (and be prepared to stand firm on it). Most people just cave and let them mess things up (not Yours Truly, I`ve declined cars over such stuff) so dealers often do what they want to do regardless of the customer`s explicit wishes.

Autopian Bill D once did is own pre-delivery prep of a new Benz right at the dealership, perfect approach IMO.

[JSFM35X]

Is this a troll post? Are you nuts.

Might as well just tell them to scratch it up before they deliver it.

Dealers should never touch the paint on any car.

(and the still will in most cases)

[Ronkh]

Let me change things up here.

YES - If you want to get better at paint correction

[Stokdgs]

Your Opti-Coat will be ok as long as it`s a clear liquid in the syringe..
Prepped properly it will look beautiful and last years, as mine has..
Mercedes has some beautiful paint - it can take whatever happens to it and come back perfectly..
Congrats on the new Benz !
Dan F

[chris03tl]

Your Opti-Coat will be ok as long as it`s a clear liquid in the syringe..
Prepped properly it will look beautiful and last years, as mine has..
Mercedes has some beautiful paint - it can take whatever happens to it and come back perfectly..
Congrats on the new Benz !
Dan F

Hehe, its a Lexus ES350 (I know, E class, ES, I get it)

I dont have enough willpower to own a German vehicle, at least not one that I plan on keeping longer than the warranty!

[GearHead_1]

I agree with what has already been said. I brought home a new vehicle two weeks ago today and peeled the plastic of it in my garage. Having read these type of threads many times I feel like I have a "why would I let them touch it, if I didn`t have to" mindset. That said, it hasn`t been driven, I still haven`t gotten it coated though it has been thoroughly cleaned, splash guards and a no fingerprint screen saver installed. It`s sitting in the garage as we speak with the wheels off. Assuming I can find the energy I`ll coat the wheels tomorrow, then who knows maybe a panel a day. Some day it will be ready to take out of the garage.

Can I tell you how much I dislike New Car smell?

[Bill D]

Autopian Bill D once did is own pre-delivery prep of a new Benz right at the dealership, perfect approach IMO.

Never in a million years would I let the dealer wash it. Theres just too much that can go wrong without the proper, and highest quality washing materials , the know how, and most important of all, the tender loving care only you can put into the vehicle because it`s your own.

[Mike lambert]

Look at before you sign for it, it has already been washed numerous times a cheater waxed!

[chris03tl]

Thanks guys.

Im guessing the plastic has probably already been removed and the car washed a few times. My local dealers inventory system showed the car as in stock for 60-something days.

I did tell them they dont get a down payment until I inspect and approve the car. The deposit I gave them is on a credit card so I could always charge back if necessary.

*Hopefully* Im just being way too paranoid about it, and everything will turn out fine.

[Ronkh]

Thanks guys.

Im guessing the plastic has probably already been removed and the car washed a few times. My local dealers inventory system showed the car as in stock for 60-something days.

I did tell them they dont get a down payment until I inspect and approve the car. The deposit I gave them is on a credit card so I could always charge back if necessary.

*Hopefully* Im just being way too paranoid about it, and everything will turn out fine.

No doubt it`s been washed several times then

[SYMAWD]

Or maybe they`ll do a good job. Ask to see their detail department so you can make an informed decision.

Just a few things done by my dealer.

[Bunky]

No doubt it`s been washed several times then

If it is has been on the lot for any period, it has been sprayed with water and wiped semi-dry. I would not call it a wash.

[Bill D]

Gotta ABC wash it when you get it home That will eliminate contamination

[Swanicyouth]

If you have to ask - prolly should let them wash it.

[chris03tl]

I do know what I`m doing when detailing, I promise

I asked mostly because I knew the car had been sitting for a bit at the dealer already so, unless it was in the showroom, the plastic has most likely been removed and the car sitting outside. I`m sure the elements had their way with it, I can`t prevent that....but I`m guessing the dealer "washed" it a few times already anyway.

Would it be worse to let my dealer wash it on delivery, or me to get it home and wash it myself only to find imperfections that couldn`t be seen with all the dirt on it?

I`m not saying I cant detail it myself, I`m thinking more along the lines of them catching something that they can fix before delivery or work out a fix for it after delivery.