[Kasher_Khan]

I am double minded about whether or not I want my dealer to wash the car as part of the PDI. I don't want them to mess up the new paint with a standard machine wash. Although I am hopeful that the Porsche dealer uses better equipment than the VW dealer across the street - given the value of the cars they deal with.

I am not super OCD about paint and I am not planning to PPF or using coating on the car. It is a daily for me. I am relegated to the fact that eventually one of my kids or someone at the grocery store is going to ding\dent\scratch the paint. As someone suggested on this forum before, I'd much rather do a paint correction process a few years into the life of the car (Which I plan to keep for a while), and refresh the look.

On the other hand, I want to be able to examine a clean car so I can spot the defects versus dirt or other superficial residue. Swirl marks can be dealt with with a light polish (most new cars likely need some sort of minor paint correction anyways). I figure if I tell the dealer to not touch the car and then get home with defects I can't spot on a dirty car, I will have no recourse.

I am curious what others who have taken delivery decided about this issue. Hence the poll. Please mention the condition of your overall paint if you did let the dealer clean it.

 

[TheSeeker]

My car was washed by the dealership as a part of the PDI, but there were no scratches or swirl marks in the paint. When detailing the car for the first time, I recall seeing what I thought was a defect under the clear coat, but it must have been a surface defect that was removed with the clay bar and waxing, because I can’t find it now. The overall condition of my paint was excellent even though the dealership washed it.

BTW, I had the dealership ceramic coat the wheels only, because after reading about the brake dust I figured it would at least make that part of the car easier to keep clean.

 

[rasetsu]

I'm not particularly OCD but no, I instructed my dealer to not wash the car as advised by my detailer. I hand washed it myself when I brought it home and already had an appointment with my detailer the following week for paint correction and ceramic coating.

 

[yrralis1]

I didn't answer because the choice wasn't there . By saying "yes" it does not mean I am not OCD with my car . My dealership has decent detail staff but not as good as my personal detail person. They are fine for delivery day .

 

[as7920]

I had already booked a new car protection detail and PPF with my supplier and wasn't too concerned about the initial state of the car however I was very pleased during the handover that it looked pretty good already.

Didn't get any UV lights or paint depth tools out but happy nonetheless.

 

[mcmackr]

I'm a dealer's dream customer. When I ordered my 2021 S I asked the dealer to make arrangements for PPF, Ceramic and installation of a Escort ix ci radar system. When I was able to take possession of the car it was perfect! I have another 2023 S order and I'm doing the exact same thing to it with the exception of adding leather protection to the Pebble Gray seats. I'm aware I could have done this by going to independent shops but the time wasted getting the vehicle to each shop would have meant getting my car a lot later! I could not have asked for a better experience from my SA or Dealership .

 

[patrickoleas]

I am double minded about whether or not I want my dealer to wash the car as part of the PDI. I don't want them to mess up the new paint with a standard machine wash. Although I am hopeful that the Porsche dealer uses better equipment than the VW dealer across the street - given the value of the cars they deal with.

I am not super OCD about paint and I am not planning to PPF or using coating on the car. It is a daily for me. I am relegated to the fact that eventually one of my kids or someone at the grocery store is going to ding\dent\scratch the paint. As someone suggested on this forum before, I'd much rather do a paint correction process a few years into the life of the car (Which I plan to keep for a while), and refresh the look.

On the other hand, I want to be able to examine a clean car so I can spot the defects versus dirt or other superficial residue. Swirl marks can be dealt with with a light polish (most new cars likely need some sort of minor paint correction anyways). I figure if I tell the dealer to not touch the car and then get home with defects I can't spot on a dirty car, I will have no recourse.

I am curious what others who have taken delivery decided about this issue. Hence the poll. Please mention the condition of your overall paint if you did let the dealer clean it.

OCD..?

 

[wishntoboutside]

I specifically asked to not wash and do not install front plate. when I picked my car up it when straight for paint correction. PPF front end and then Ceramic Coasting. I waited another two weeks for this to get done. it was a tough wait but much shorter than the 5 month lead time.

 

[PS4]

I originally told them to only remove white protective film without washing but after my car got flagged with “port handled quality action” I had them wash it so I can inspect much thoroughly at handover.

 

[speedrx]

I am purchasing out of town, I am going to ask them to detail it so I can thoroughly inspect it for defects before I drive it home. Once you dive it out of there, it gets more difficult to determine who is responsible if any issues are discovered. They details many of these every day so I am not worried about them damaging the paint.

 

[///Bruce]

I also purchased out of town. And, it came in an enclosed trailer. It was 'clean' since i bought it off the showroom floor from Byers Imports. They're located in Columbus, Ohio. Good people. I will say I don't even let my wife wash my cars. Hers or mine. If it goes to a dealership, the very first thing that is mentioned: DO NOT WASH. But, that's me...

 

[iconoclast]

I am double minded about whether or not I want my dealer to wash the car as part of the PDI. I don't want them to mess up the new paint with a standard machine wash. Although I am hopeful that the Porsche dealer uses better equipment than the VW dealer across the street - given the value of the cars they deal with....

Ask your dealer if they hand wash vs. machine wash. Hopefully, they hand wash.

 

[Sizzle Chest]

Had mine delivered in the wrapper and then I had it professionally done/coated.

 

[dtrykow]

I’ve relaxed a lot about my paint. Still fussier than most people I know. Case in point. My brother opened his car door into my driver side door. Nice ding. I looked at him and said “it just metal “. Years ago I would’ve flipped out. I’ve used the ceramics etc. still enjoy applying a nice paste wax. Dave T.

 

[macanadian]

Haven't got my GTS yet, but my detailer is coming with me on delivery day to inspect the paint. He has advised to keep the wrappers on until then so he can spot factory issues and put the cost to remedy them on the dealer rather than having me foot the bill later.

 

[THX_ZORA]

The first thing I do with a new car is run it through my detail regime of clay/polish via random orbital/followed up with wax, so I don't really care if they wash it or not.

Picked up our GTS yesterday....Looks like a PDI crew from a Chevy dealer did the job: water spots all over the place, hazing on the paint, swirls, etc....Getting on it tomorrow and after about 5 hours it will be right as rain..

I am actually shocked that premium dealers don't spring for a pro detail on a $105k car......pretty pitiful....

 

[Mustangshar]

My dealer hand washes all the cars.