The great news is that I'm moving to the San Fran Bay Area and plan to buy an 06 or 07 RL in the next few weeks. The so-so news is that I won't have a garage. Plans are to be a daily commuter with some weekend trips, less than 10k miles per year.


So without a garage, I was wondering how much effort and/or expense I'm looking at to keep it looking good? Anyone else in a similar spot, Bay Area weather considered?

Thanks!

 

I think the detailing process is pretty much the same, but perhaps more frequent as the exposure to the elements is accelerated. Twice a year for a polish, sealer + glaze then wax. A quarterly wax in between a 3 step is my policy.

For me, I find that keeping the finish slick after every wash using a minute detail spray helps preserve the wax longer, prevents dirt, grime and water spots sticking to the finish and it makes it easier to wash next time.

Also parking outside, be aware of what is overhead for run off and fall out. Parking under a tree may offer shade, but tree sap, bird droppings, seed pods and leaves may do more damage to the finish than UV rays.

Perhaps a good quality car cover should be considered. It will keep fallout off the car, shade the interior from UV damage and preserve the wax put on the finish.

 

Great ideas! I always smile when I see your posts because I was born and raised in Tampa, but once I found a place that wasn't summer 10 months of the year...

Anyone currently using a car cover? How has it been? Brand recommendations?

Could anyone in the Bay Area recommend a car detailer? I'm also open to recommended dealers for purchase and/or service (likewise for those to avoid!), either post or PM.

Thanks

 

CDR..... I sent you a PM, but I believe you must reach 30 posts before you can utilize this utility.

Acura makes custom fit logo car covers available from Acura.com. You can also find them from Acura vendors on Ebay. There are many good quality car cover vendors out there with custom fitted covers, lockable and storage bags.

Aye Aye!

 

I would also highly recommend a bi-monthly interior wipe down of the leather seats (cleaning and conditioning) and dashboard due to the intense UV & chemical air pollutant *since the RL is outside 24/7* which cause color fading and premature leather creaking.

 

It depends on bayarea. SF/Dalycity/SSF has highs of 70s in summer but most of time it is in 60s and foggy.so i wont worry that much about sun. instead of detailing i will ask for paint protection sealant both interior and exterior. it cost couple of hundred buck but there is warrant of 4 to 7 years. carrying and putting cover on car outside is hassale and gives unwanted attention to car.



http://www.ctpc.com/Professional/war...y_benefits.asp
RESISTALL® PREFERRED PROTECTION

 

^^^

If you are referring to the auto dealership added options such as "premium" paint sealant or " triple guard" fabric protection". That is the biggest SCAM to fatten up their profit margin!

 

I would agree with TampaRL on the basic yearly exterior maint. If you find you are going to follow that, I would highly recommend investing in a good buffer, like the Porter Cable 7424, often sold under the PC name or others (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/udm-1000-na.html) I have one, with the DAS pads. Use a good product to clean up the car, like 3M Finesse It and follow with something like Klasse All-in-one and their sealant. There are other good products out there as well. A little shopping around the net will get you a wide range of prices on the Klasse products, and the DA buffer.

 

The color you buy is important as well. Once you go black, You'll wish you went silver/grey! (At least for me). Black was a pain to keep on top of, but looks the best when polished and clean IMO. All of my silver or grey cars have been a joy to keep clean and maintain. Spots, dust and even small scratches, dont show NEAR as much. Ive never had a white or red car so I cant say about those colors.

 

^^^

Indeed. Darker colors do show the exceptional gloss and depth of the hand sanded finish of the RL. But darker colors also highlight dirt, water spots, etching and typical fine scratches more than medium to light colors.

If you have a dark color, expect to be doing a lot of washing and waxing with more frequent polishing to keep the finish blemishes to a minimum.