Mwalker5280

I wanted to ask the forum if anyone has had any experience having their car detailed at their local Porsche dealership and how it might compare to a private dedicated detail shop. I am considering getting a ceramic coating put on my car but will of course need to have it detailed first. Surprisingly it seems that the dealers offer decent pricing for detailing services and wanted to know how good they are and if it is worth it to go the dealer route. Any advice on the topic would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

voiceprint1

I doubt any dealership does in-house work, typically they farm it out to local shops near them at a discounted rate. If you can't do the work yourself I would do some research on a local reputable shop and get a quote.

snaphappy

100% do not trust Porsche. I seriously doubt they'll use the three bucket method and air dry your car like a professional would. I doubt they even use a foam canon. Paint correction and ceramic coating is a serious business. It must be done properly. Do not try to save money and hire the best. I would expect to pay $1000-$1500. But when you're done, my god, it's like a brand new car. And thanks to the coating it stays that way. I'm a big fan!!

voiceprint1

For a grand you could buy all the tools and supplies and work on the car for years to come.

OKB

it depends on the guy doing the job, I would rather go look at shops doing the work and see what they are doing , ask questions

hexagone

why go to the dealership for anything besides warranty coverage? Especially not something where craft and care is required like a professional detail.

Bxstr

Wouldn't trust the dealer. Plenty of very good detailers out there.

Ironman88

If you're a member of the PCA, I would look to pull together information from other members within your local area / region. I'm sure you can get some valuable information based on experiences they have had or know of.

I would also visit the Porsche dealership that you're contemplating using and ask to speak directly with the individual that will do the work. Have that person inspect your car and provide you with an assessment of the specific work they think is needed. Every situation is different. The estimate that you receive for the cost should be based on the condition and needs of your car. The meeting with the detailer would also provide him / her with an opportunity to hear firsthand from you what you expect and the results you're after. If the Porsche dealership won't accommodate that request - that to me would disqualify them as a possible choice to do the work.

If you don't know much about car detailing yourself, I would recommend that you devote some time reviewing YouTube videos on the topic. AmmoNYC has some really informative / great videos on many aspects of car detailing. From those videos, you'll be able to get more grounded on processes, products, and the do's and don'ts.


Best of luck with the process.

tapcon

Plus one for PCA and Ammo, great techniques and very informative.
Also Obsessed Garage. The detailers rabbit hole.
https://www.obsessedgarage.com/pages...he-911-gt3-991

Wouldn't waste time with the close Porsche Stealership in my area. Not in the dollar class he prefers.

Nero_tDriveway

I'd assume dealerships would sublet their higher end detailing jobs anyways.

Rulaxin12

Find a good independent detailer that specializes in wraps/coating paint correction. It’s worth the cost for a pro to do it right, and the amount of time to do on your own is at a minimum 8-10 hrs

JoeFromPA

To offer a different perspective: Ask your dealer who they use, meet them, and walk through their process. You'll know whether they are an absolutely ****-retentive OCD perfectionist, which you want your detailer to be, and take great pride in their work. Or if it's just a job.

There's a local detailer by me that I used 6 years ago and swear he put machine polisher swirl marks in my carbon black BMW paint which didn't show up until the fillers wore off weeks/month later. 6 years passed and countless social media posts showing beautifully detailed high end cars and I went back again. He quoted me one figure, charged me more (like $390 with tax), and it was an "ok" detail finished off with a wax - not a sealant. He also supports local dealers. It was an "ok" job charged a pretty premium price at the end of the day.

My point is there's no sure thing in a good indy or dealer, it's all about the person DOING the work. Go by reputation and experience of others or get to know THEM and decide.

VT Blue

Personally, I would absolutely go to an independent detailer. Their lifeblood depends upon their reputation, and detailing is not a core competency for any dealer I know.

Thx!

Bob

Ironman88

Very good point ^^^^^^^^
Expertise - and the right products. You want the car to look great when you pick it up - but more importantly, you want that look to last. The statement above (that I highlighted in red) is particularly valid.