Yeah the key is to find a good hand wash place and become a "regular." I have a spot that has no machines, just a bunch of guys with soapy mitts ready to wash.

I go often enough..they dont even ask me what I want...I pay the same guy...same amount of tip...like getting a haircut with the same barber.

I am never more than 5ft from my car, I can see them wash and dry it in front of my eyes.

My pcar has never seen an auto carwash ever. Always washed by hand.

last note...Most of those "auto" tram guide rail wash places do offer handwash. You just have to pay a little more. just ask the manager. I used to own a BMW 540i and the car wash guy if I paid for the hand wax...would NOT take my car through the machine and literally grab a bucket and a sponge. He and one other guy would work on my car...but I would tip alot too...I would spend $20 on the wash, and $10 each guy...they would take forever and really really clean the car well. Most of those places will hand wash for you if you ask. Figure it this way money talks right?