I will be taking my '04 E55 to a detail shop next Friday and I'm looking for tips on things to NOT have done as well as things to request. I have three questions below, but feel free to offer up advice on other things that I may not have considered.
1)
I just had this shop detail my Range Rover, and overall they did a fine job. I'm not too crazy about the slight glossy look on the dash. Would a detail shop accomodate requests for a more or less glossy look?
2)
Also, while I was picking up the car they asked if I had gone out to look at the car. I went to check it out and it looked good to me. However, the way the shop kids were hovering around me, I felt like there was something I was supposed to find for them to touch up. Any tips on things to check immediately when picking up a car from a detail shop?
3)
Now the big question: I am a little concerned about leaving my E55 for the day. Call me crazy, but I have visions of joy riding kids adding a couple hundred miles and removing several layers of tread. How do I prevent such an incident? I guess I could write my mileage on my customer sign-in sheet, and let the manager know that I'll be checking mileage when I pick it up.
I like #3,because recording the mileage will be a sure fire way that your car is NOT taken for a joyride. Imagine you seeing your car out at a restaurant or club when it's supposed to be at the shop. I know I'd wanna kick someone's ass!!! Follow your mind,it's just like insurance...Good Luck
And tipping is a good thing,BUT,only if your car is way BEYOND what you expected,because if it's just passible in terms of the shine,and interior,DON'T TIP,because remember,you just bought a car that most would take the same money and get a house,so it's supposed to LOOK GREAT. That's why you got it in the first place.....[8D]
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2003 Obsidian Black E320
1997 Black E320
1994 Black Acura Legend L (gone,but not forgotten)
1. The glossy look on the dash is most likely the result of using silicone containing compounds like Armor All. I would advise against using these types of compounds on vinyl or leather. Much better to use something like Vinylex on vinyl or Zymöl on leather. Better to have nothing at all on there in lieu of Armor All or similar compounds.
2. The kids were probably looking for complements or tips is my take. Or, they did something they were waiting for you to notice so they could explain.
3. MOST DEFINITELY write down the mileage and inform them of such.
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"The true delight is in the finding out, rather than in the knowing." - Isaac Asimov
'99 SLK230 Sport
'00 ML320
'95 BMW 525iA (RIP)
'99 Honda Passport
Yeah record the mileage. Do you remember the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"? Remember the part when the garage attendant's took the car for a joy ride while Ferris and them were at the parade? I would probably go ballistic!!!
If I had time to hang out and watch them do the work then I might as well do the work myself. It's not that I don't want to or can't clean the car myself (I actually enjoy cleaning my baby), but time is what I don't have. True, the detail shop will probably do a better job than I could, but that's what they are paid to do.
I'll probably go with the idea of marking down my mileage and having a "discussion" with the shop manager before I give him the keys.
Thanks for everyone's comments.
If anyone sees a 2004 Brilliant Silver E55 haulin' ass down a DC area highway this Friday afternoon, please let me know. On second thought, maybe I don't want to know. [xx(]
Damn. I don't get tipped in my job, but that's not customary for my position. I don't tip at Starbucks, but if a guy just spent 2-3 hours of "hardwork" on my $85,000 car I'm sure to tip him. I want him to remember me as a guy that tipped well and will make sure he puts in the effort next time. If something's not up to standard I will point it out. Once it's fixed, I tip.
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