Well! As title says really.. I'm after a pressure washer - but it seems to be a minefield.

I've been using my local garages jet-wash every few days since October, and they've recently changed it so you get about 4 minutes in total; wash - soap - wash.. I gave it it's first hand wash last month and have since got the detailing bug.

Previous owner seems to have washed the roof with a sponge, rest of the car doesn't seem to bad, but the swirl marks on top get me down.. been watching plenty of videos on DA's and wouldn't mind a go!

Anyway. Keeping it clean is a pain. Looks lovely for all of an hour.

The pressure washer is going to get a fair bit of usage.. it will be washed every weekend - and therefore needs to be one that can cope with that usage. Was going to go with the Karcher K4, but have seen some mixed reviews online with regards to Karcher. My parents have one, but they inherited there's from a coach park my step-father used to manage, it's about 12 years old and going strong!

Been addicted to cleanyourcar the past few days.. if anyone can recommend a foam as well - that would be grand..

Thanks in advance folks!

I've had a few higher end karchers. The older one without the water cooled motor was better quality. The newer ones seem a bit cheap but they are meant to last longer due to it being water cooled. (old one got nicked)

 

I would make sure you get one with about 140Bar pressure 400-500 l/h. Don't be tempted to get a cheap one as IMO they arn't worth the hassle of getting them out. The K4 is a good model

 

I got mine off amazon, reduced for £400 to nearly have price IIRC. They always seem to be doing deals on them if you are patient

 

P.S the snow foam lances are a must have

Edited 14 February, 201610 yr by SuperbTWM

Id personally get a nilfisk. I've only got a C110 and it gets a hammering. 3 years old now and is fine.

For foam I suggest either Bilt Hamber Auto Foam or Envy Car Care Bubbly Jubbly.

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I'd second the Nilfisk. My first lasted 9 years, just bought another. Shop around as good offers usually to be found.

Nilfisk and Karcher are both good in their own right.... and will do you proud.

 

Depending on your budget - check out the outlet websites for some bargains on these:-

 

http://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/subcat.asp?mID=Pressure-Washer&sID=Sale

 

https://www.nilfiskoutlet.co.uk/

Thanks for your input guys. I used the search prior to posting, and noticed on the last thread I could find (2013) - that most were recommending Nilfisk..

I'll have a shop around! Spotted a K5 Karcher on amazon reduced..

Although that K4 refurbed on the outlet for £112 looks a steal! Presume these reconned units are as good as new?

Was planning between £150-250.

Edited 14 February, 201610 yr by MidWalesVRS

I have a Nilfisk C100 4.5 X-TRA. Great piece of kit. Plenty of power to remove crud and grime of the car and cleaning the patio

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Whatever you go for make sure it has a metal pump (rather than plastic) as it’s the quality of the pump that will make it last (or not if its plastic)

 

A bit OTT but Kranzle are superb jet washers

I have a Karcher k4 and it's great, get the underbody and snow foam lances there a must. I have had

A few jet washers by Karcher and the k4 is the best, one thing is though I have gone through 3 guns as where the pipe goes in , as its prone to cracking. Also you must make sure all the water is out the unit in the winter as it freezes and cracks the internals, tip it upside down to make sure there is no water left in. Defiantly go for 140bar or higher.

Ive just bought a Nilfisk C120 X-TRA big pack. Came with lance, foam lance, couple of nozzles and patio cleaningtool. Just done the yard it And its done a cracking job, going to foam the car tomorrow - my first ever attempt. 
Also look on Amazon Warehouse, I got mine for £13.78 delivered. Yes THIRTEEN POUNDS! 
Just need to have a look at different foams now as I bought the Karcher one from Halfords just to start me off.

Kranzle.

 

Had mine coming upto erm 8 years, gets serviced, keeps going.

 

Can work from tap, tanks, water butts, swimming pools etc

I have a Nilfisk had to buy a foam gun for extra 25 pounds. Original gun not upto much, but the washer is very good.

I used a Karcher for about a year and it gave up, this was a replacement of another one which also broke.  Depending on funds I would really highly recommend a Kranzle, small and super well build quality

I have a Nilfisk and would defo recommend them over Karcher any day. The Karcher internals have gone to plastic to cut costs and mine only lasted 18months before it was left beyond economical repair after frost damage (Think it cost me around £200). The Nilfisk I replaced it with (C130 I think which cost me around £120 it think with various extra bits of kit) is still going around three years later kept in the same shed and through three cold winters!!!

Are the refurbished Nilfisk washers worth a look or are you buying someone's duff machine?