Finally ordered my car at the weekend, I feel like it's been a mad few months trying to decide what my next car will be, I've gone from Peugeot 208 to Audi A3, to Octavia, to Golf Estate, back to A3, then A6, then finally settled on the Octavia.

 

Anyway, the salesman gave me a load of speel about Gap insurance, which I've read about before and also about protecting the car with this amazing (his words) Autoglym service where they apply some stuff to protect the paintwork and also if your choose the interior.

 

I was wondering peoples thoughts on the Autoglym and if they've gone for it? I was looking into getting a proper detailer instead as I have read a few horror stories on Audi forum about cars being prepped and having swirls and scratches on day 1. After spending all that money on a new car I would be SO miffed if they had done a shoddy job on my car!

 

The detailer I found that is local to me is a bit more expensive than paying for the autoglym, but he also offers a service where he will inspect the car at PDI stage for any defects and if found you can barter with the dealer to pay for the detailing to fix the things that are found, which sounds like a pretty good idea as I'll be honest after 12 - 16 weeks of waiting for my car I am going to be so excited I will totally glance over anything but a window missing!

Shop around for the gap insurance. The autoglym (or whatever actual product it is) is overpriced. Bear in mind the salesman is on commission for these extra bits and so will be keen to get you to sign up.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Their GAP insurance is definitely too expensive, I think he said it was £350 but I have found on GapInsurance123 I can get 5 years cover for less than that!

I think that's been discussed on here many times. Have a look as there are quite a few detailed threads on it.

In short:

GAP insurance will be about 1/3 of the price your dealer probably quoted you if you get it elsewhere like ALA or gap123.

AutoGlym is technically also overpriced as you can get the car detailed elsewhere probably for less. I took it though and have to say that in my non-expert opinion, they made a good job of it. You get a bag full of AutoGlym products with it and a lifetime warranty.

Take it to your detailer, Dealer valeters are clueless and still using sponges! We had a dealer throw in a Gap insurance for free after we had refused it as they needed to make their quota 

Take it to your detailer, Dealer valeters are clueless ans still using sponges! We had a dealer throw in a Gap insurance for free after we had refused it as they needed to make their quota 

 

Agreed.

Do not let the dealer touch it.

I always take them as they come off the transporter, remove the plastic, then get the paintwork cleaned and protected properly.

 

A car cleaner at a dealership is just someone on minimum wage throwing water at a car and wiping it off.

They don't generally have a clue what they are doing, or care.

Your insurer almost certainly does gap insurance.

My dad has a mate who owns a garage and he is going yo get hold of the paint protection kit for him and get his body shop guys to do it. I think they will take a little more care than the dealer normally would.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Agreed.

Do not let the dealer touch it.

I always take them as they come off the transporter, remove the plastic, then get the paintwork cleaned and protected properly.

A car cleaner at a dealership is just someone on minimum wage throwing water at a car and wiping it off.

They don't generally have a clue what they are doing, or care.

I think that's a bit of a harsh generalisation. You'll probably find some examples of that but it won't be the case for all dealers. Most of them do want you to return so probably want to make sure they deliver a decent service.

I think that's a bit of a harsh generalisation. You'll probably find some examples of that but it won't be the case for all dealers. Most of them do want you to return so probably want to make sure they deliver a decent service.

No dealer will spend 8 hours prepping a car, my EX local dealer, I'm now VW had 40 cars for delivery on the new plate, its like buying flowers on Valentine's day at 4.30, you get what you get! 

I think that's a bit of a harsh generalisation. You'll probably find some examples of that but it won't be the case for all dealers. Most of them do want you to return so probably want to make sure they deliver a decent service.

 

I've been in one or two dealerships (apparently) and in every one I've visited you can see light marks in the paint on the cars in the showroom.

The simple fact is that you just don't get the paint protected by giving it a quick wash over with water and soap.

 

Also previously cars I've bought have had light marks in the paint and some scratching on the gloss plastic trim.

They get paid per car quite often, there is no benefit to spending a long time doing a good job.

 

Harsh maybe, but in my experience fair.

 

This is why I specifically don't let dealers wash my cars.

I get them done myself by someone that is not only a lot better, but really cares about their work as their reputation relies on it.

My dad's car was delivered to the dealer on a friday and he picked it up Monday morning, so I can't see that they would have had much time to do stuff, especially as I assume they would have had other new cars at the same time.

I think that's a bit of a harsh generalisation. You'll probably find some examples of that but it won't be the case for all dealers. Most of them do want you to return so probably want to make sure they deliver a decent service.

 

Sorry but it was entirely correct and most sales staff know they will have moved on to another garage by the time you come around to buy another car.

 

Most don't care, next to none know how to properly and safely clean and protect a car.

 

You are kidding yourself if you believe all these add-ons are anything more than commission for the sales people and a top up to the dealerships annual margins.

 

Sorry to be blunt.  try re-posting this question in the Styling and Car Care section, get a few more opinions from people who spend a lot of time on this stuff. Same for the Gap Insurance, try canvassing the insurance section, maybe a sponsor would cut you a deal.

With regards to the GAP insurance depends on how long your are keeping the car. Most insurance companies used to have a new for old policy for cars under 1 year old; however, as I have just found out moving back to UK not all do this now - check the small print. Obviously if you are keeping the car for only 1 year then your insurance may cover you. Otherwise there are some companies that have cheaper GAP insurance if the car is under 3 months old / 1000 miles so you don't have to buy immediately.

With regards to the autoglym don't bother. I too have had bad experiences with dealerships - after detailing a black Volvo to a pristine standard, imagine my shock when after a complimentary wash during its first service it came back looking like it had been washed with a brillo pad - and this was from a franchise where Volvo were the poor relations compared to the 100k+ cars in the adjacent car halls.

Whoever details the car, I hope that they take good care around the gloss black plastics on the window surrounds as swirl marks show up really badly in bright sunlight.

Many people don't like the dealer preparing their car as they prefer a dedicated dealer do it.  I had all my work done by the dealer including autoglym lifeshine and I can't see any problems at all.  My lad spilt juice inside the car and it just beaded up as promised. Outside, even in bright sunlight and squinting to see them, I can find no swirl marks, not one.  My dealer has done a good job.  When I picked mine up, it was next to one which didn't have autoglym done and mine definitely looked much better.

 

Make your choice but don't assume that you'll get a better job done by a different detailer. I know that on my treatment, I've paid VAT which has gone back into the economy and if there is ever a problem with it I'll get it re-done free of charge.  Got to say, I work down the road from a few "detailers" who offer new car protection.  They have different Eastern Europeans waving their sponges every few weeks until someone from the Home Office pays them a visit.  I'd only ever go by the reputation of someone I trust and whose work I have seen for myself or a dealer who I know will put right any issues that may arise in future. 

 

There's loads of fake autoglym stuff about but I think the real deal is a good product and there's good reason why it's the clear market leader.

Unsurprisingly, I'm going to second the above. My car looked and looks stunning from the day I picked it up. People's opinions, including mine, are generally based on individual experiences with one or two dealers so it wouldn't be fair to make assumptions that all of them are just trying to rip you off. Although when it comes to GAP insurance, I maintain that you can find a better deal elsewhere.

There's loads of fake autoglym stuff about but I think the real deal is a good product and there's good reason why it's the clear market leader.

 

The real deal is OK.

What a lot of us don't like is paying £250-£500 for £20 of product that's easily applied.

The reason it's so popular is that dealerships earn a huge mark up on it.

 

If the customer is happy that's good.  I'm honestly glad you are.

But the reason they all offer it is increased profit per car.

Exactly the same with GAP, which is a high profit item and can be purchased much cheaper elsewhere.

 

 

Got to say, I work down the road from a few "detailers" who offer new car protection.  They have different Eastern Europeans waving their sponges every few weeks until someone from the Home Office pays them a visit.  I'd only ever go by the reputation of someone I trust and whose work I have seen for myself or a dealer who I know will put right any issues that may arise in future. 

 

I don't think that's what many people would call a detailer.

I call it a hand car wash.

 

This is what I call a detailer:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=333874

 

Many people don't like the dealer preparing their car as they prefer a dedicated dealer do it. I had all my work done by the dealer including autoglym lifeshine and I can't see any problems at all. My lad spilt juice inside the car and it just beaded up as promised. Outside, even in bright sunlight and squinting to see them, I can find no swirl marks, not one. My dealer has done a good job. When I picked mine up, it was next to one which didn't have autoglym done and mine definitely looked much better.

Make your choice but don't assume that you'll get a better job done by a different detailer. I know that on my treatment, I've paid VAT which has gone back into the economy and if there is ever a problem with it I'll get it re-done free of charge. Got to say, I work down the road from a few "detailers" who offer new car protection. They have different Eastern Europeans waving their sponges every few weeks until someone from the Home Office pays them a visit. I'd only ever go by the reputation of someone I trust and whose work I have seen for myself or a dealer who I know will put right any issues that may arise in future.

There's loads of fake autoglym stuff about but I think the real deal is a good product and there's good reason why it's the clear market leader.

All I can say sir is that from the above you have no appreciation of what the world 'detailer' means. I think you mean to say valeter which is not the same thing at all.

I suggest everyone checks out the credentials of their 'detailer' first but I beg you to google Baker21 And his work and then tell me someone like that allows others to do the work his reputation is built on. The people who really do this stuff and earn the name Detailer are as specialised technicians as a good mechanic.

There will be no, I repeat no, sponges involved

I bought my gap insurance online, much cheaper that way.

As regards to autoglym, supagard etc. I bought mine from well known auction site and did it myself. I paid £20 for a kit which done paintwork and interior. I didn't bother with exterior (used a superior wax instead) just done interior, seats, mats, carpets etc. I wasn't keen on dealer prices, so did as above.

There is alot of generalisation about valeters at dealers. I spent 4 years doing this. Everyone I worked with during this time did their best with what we could get hold off. We were giving our budget and in control of what we needed each week. Plus 9/10 if a car needed a little bit more than what was required it got it

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

I purchased my autoglym life shine from ebay for £13. Spent half a day cleaning the car and applying the protection, I must admit it looks good. The glass protection also works well. There may be better products on the market but I'm happy with it.

I also got my gap insurance from ALA, return to invoice for £112 ( with £10 off voucher code )

There is alot of generalisation about valeters at dealers. I spent 4 years doing this. Everyone I worked with during this time did their best with what we could get hold off. We were giving our budget and in control of what we needed each week. Plus 9/10 if a car needed a little bit more than what was required it got it

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

Fair comment

Sadly the good will always be tainted by the bad

Sure you did good work bud, unfortunately it's far from guaranteed in a lot of places

All I can say sir is that from the above you have no appreciation of what the world 'detailer' means. I think you mean to say valeter which is not the same thing at all.

I suggest everyone checks out the credentials of their 'detailer' first but I beg you to google Baker21 And his work and then tell me someone like that allows others to do the work his reputation is built on. The people who really do this stuff and earn the name Detailer are as specialised technicians as a good mechanic.

There will be no, I repeat no, sponges involved

 

Ha ha.  I said 'detailer' and used the inverted commas as that's what they call themselves on their premises and their promotional material. I certainly wouldn't call them that, I'd call them crooks who support illegal working by exploiting foreign migrants and pay about as much tax as Amazon and Starbucks.  As I said, I'd never go anywhere unless recommended by someone I trust and posts on forums such as these do not indicate trustworthiness.

 

I beg to differ.  Whilst I've seen some outstanding work done by them, detailing is detailing.  There is a clear difference between specialisms.  Good technicians and mechanics are constantly updating their skills to learn the intricacies of new technologies.  It is this continual improvement and development of knowledge that signifies a professional.  It is for this reason that you can obtain a masters degree in several aspects of motor vehicle technology but not detailing. 

The real deal is OK.

What a lot of us don't like is paying £250-£500 for £20 of product that's easily applied.

The reason it's so popular is that dealerships earn a huge mark up on it.

 

Can't disagree with you there.  It's one of the most negotiable prices because the mark up is huge.  I usually pay £200 with the after care kit.  I'd spend about £50 on this anyway as I prefer autoglym products to most others on the market.  So, a net price of £150 for someone else to apply a treatment and give me a warranty works for me.

Can't disagree with you there.  It's one of the most negotiable prices because the mark up is huge.  I usually pay £200 with the after care kit.  I'd spend about £50 on this anyway as I prefer autoglym products to most others on the market.  So, a net price of £150 for someone else to apply a treatment and give me a warranty works for me.

 

 

What warranty do you get on a dealer supplied Autoglym?