I know this must have been asked before, but I need to pose the question:

I have just bought a low mileage 2005 Fabia VRS in red.

Unsurprisingly, the salesman tried to sell me Lifeshine for the princely sum of £299. I am considering it because of the colour (red) and the nature of the light coloured seating, but something tells me its all a bit of a rip off.

Now a few things come to mind:

1. Is the product any good or is it frankly a waste of money?

2. Is there a better alternative that I can get done on my drive. Ultimate Car Protection quote the same product done on the drive for £240.

3. I have always believed that my own regular washing and polishing routine is the best way to look after my car. (that is how I treat my Octavia after all)

Any views would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot

IMO, and probably that of a few others on here:

1. AG products are generally very good and offer excellent value for money. Lifeshine is one of these products and can be good if applied correctly and time is taken to apply as such. The reality is that it won't be applied correctly and the people the dealer chooses to use for this will just chuck it about (the likelihood is that the markup is huge on these products, it's where the dealer really makes his profit as there won't be much in the car sale)
   
2. Yes there are alternatives - see 3 or pay a pro detailer to prepare your car for you
   
3. Yes doing it yourself is an option, and you know that you'll take car of your car during the work
   

I think in asking question 3 you've already made the decision.

HTH

Coops.

Thanks for your prompt response.

I am actually open minded about it and willing to pay if the product is good. I just don't like being ripped off. I know people on here will help me make an informed choice. Thanks again.

It's just another money spinner for the dealer, gap insurance is another.

I had supaguard done on my other car and it was a waste of money. The keen detilers will hopefully give some options, but either way I personally wouldn't use the dealer. If you're keen to do something I'd use a specialist as preperation and care in application are critical. If you do go ahead make sure you find out what cleaning products are safe to use because if you use stuff that's too aggresive it'll remove it, so wasting your money. If you have the time and commitment best buy some decent kit jetwash, buckets,grit filters, good quality micro fibre towels and prepare and seal

/wax it yourself twice a year.

You're not that far from Mr Baker

http://www.youtube.c...r/polishedbliss and, surprisingly, other car prep advice sites are available. DW for instance.

You're not that far from Mr Baker

Babs.

That one has gone right over my thick head. Mr Baker?

Babs.

That one has gone right over my thick head. Mr Baker?

Baker21, top detailing guru

Check out Dooka Detailing

Life Shine is basically 6 coats of Ultra Gloss Protection. You could do it your self for the cost of the products, micro fibre pads,decent polishing cloths and a weekend to do it your self.

Despite appearances Lifeshine is not Extra Gloss Protection in a different bottle!

'Bodywork gloss shield' is a good product if applied correctly - not many dealers do!

'Interior protection spray' is not great - bettered by the Supagard version or g-Techniq I1!

'Glass guard' again a good product if applied properly, very good durability, if not quite as efficient as other branded rain repellents.

I'm sure Simon, Dooka or Summit Detailing can look after you!

£289 labour ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autoglym-Lifeshine-Professional-Car-Kit-/181160466353?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item2a2e0157b1

Thanks for responses everyone. Given the lifestyle I now have (old git), the mileage the car will do and the general feedback I have elicited, I have decided................................(drum roll)............................. to detail the car myself.

If you want any tips just ask away

ChrisRs and Baker21......thanks, you are true gentlemen.

Thanks,

Kev

I was just reading this and was about to suggest doing it yourself. I you were willing to pay £299 or thereabouts for the Lifeshine Protection, for that money or perhaps less if you get a few bargains, you could kit yourself out with some decent equipment (wash mitts, buckets, grit guards, clay, drying towels, dual action polisher, pads, polishes, wax etc).

I considered having someone detail mine when I first got it but bit the bullet and bought all my own gear. I find it oddly satisfying admiring the results after a few hours at it. Be warned though; it is a slippery slope! In my opinion, worth it every time though. If you have the time to do it all, have a go. I'm far from an expert, merely an enthusiast, but the results you can achieve with a bit of reading up and buying the right kit is surprising.

Good luck!

I was just reading this and was about to suggest doing it yourself. I you were willing to pay £299 or thereabouts for the Lifeshine Protection, for that money or perhaps less if you get a few bargains, you could kit yourself out with some decent equipment (wash mitts, buckets, grit guards, clay, drying towels, dual action polisher, pads, polishes, wax etc).

I considered having someone detail mine when I first got it but bit the bullet and bought all my own gear. I find it oddly satisfying admiring the results after a few hours at it. Be warned though; it is a slippery slope! In my opinion, worth it every time though. If you have the time to do it all, have a go. I'm far from an expert, merely an enthusiast, but the results you can achieve with a bit of reading up and buying the right kit is surprising.

Good luck!

Yes, strangely enough I have already started on the slippery slope of buying products. Even stranger is that the purchase of a Mk1 Fabia VRS has been the catalyst for this despite the fact that I have an Octy as well.

Hope I can replicate your efforts.