acuramatTL

Was talking with a colleague last week and we rode together for lunch, their car was immaculate. Not a special model or make, and I commented on it, and they said that they took it to be washed about twice a week and had an unlimited membership at a local place. So I started looking around, and here in the Chicagoland area there is a franchise that has several locations and it's possible to get a pretty good wash package, for about 470 per year. That would be for unlimited washes, and discounts on details. Since I have two little boys that run me ragged around the house, this seems like a pretty good fit. I was wondering if this was a good deal or not. I think if I had a membership, I would be much more likely to get my ride washed regularly. Any of your thoughts would be welcomed.

marmaladedad

iTrader: (5)

What kind of car wash place? Automatic, or all hand-wash? Even with the latter, they're probably using the same sponges over and over, and those build up contaminants.

I really don't trust anyone else to do my car, but that's just me.

Red Voodoo

There are many people here who wouldn't let Zeus Himself touch the car, much less a full-serve car wash facility.

I don't care so much. My car is a daily driver with its share of knicks and scratches. $470/yr seems to be stretching it for me.

YeuEmMaiMai

hand wash only except for the middle of the winter where I use a carwash and then buket to wash it.

MR1

I agree 100%
Sometimes I take advantage of a similar deal but pay monthly. Just figure out how many trips per month to break even. The other reason to try for shorter term is the rate at which businesses are going belly up.

You will probably get lots of negative post re pay car washes. Keep the Zeus comment in mind. I keep cars a long time, go to auto washes all the time. When I sell, my cars are among the best looking and best maintained available.

Spiritman

OK,
I think that in Minnesota anyway. Land of the salt plagued winters. If you want too keep your car for more than six years. You absolutely MUST wash it like every other day in the winter anyway!

That is just a fact here in the north. I pay $360 a year at the Mister Car wash chain. Now that is for the exterior ONLY. But that does get my Baby hand dried and it's is clean 24 x 7. I think its worth it in any state you live in. But up north, here you must - or rust!!!

erick3

sounds like a plan...but i'd be careful of running it through non-touch free washes. the only way i'd get that package is for a touch free wash. we have one around the area, and it does wonders!

nothing beats a wash @ home though and a nice polish/wax job! i'd say pocket the $470 and pass on the wash...how "immaculate" could their cars be after a year of (i'm assuming) automated car washes?

BASISON

I've been a Turtle Wax Club card holder for 5+ years now and I'm very happy with the service. For $429, you get unlimited 7 days a week access to a full service car wash. They vacuum the interior, wipe down the dash, clean the windows, clean the mats, and hand dry the exterior. Even though they are not touch free, they use a soft cloth wash. Now I know all of you are going to say that I'll get scratches because it isn't touch free, but I do a full detail myself twice a year that takes care of any swirls and scratches that might have happened. For a parent with a toddler this is a timesaver because I can get my car washed on my lunch break.

acuramatTL

Thanks for the response. I am leaning towards getting it done. I am glad to see that Turtle Wax has a good reputation. I also noticed today that they are close to my office, so that’s another favorable factor.

thanks again.

BASISON

FYI...Turtle Wax give you a $20 discount when you renew your card. If you purchase 2 or more, they give you an additional $40 off each card. My buddy and I used to renew our cards together every year and we would get $60 every year. This also works if you buy a card for 2 cars in your household. In addition, Turtle Wax gives discounts on their services as well (interior cleaning, carpet shampoo, wax jobs, and full detail services).

MAC TL

Put your boys to work, make them earn their keep.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Acuramat, this all sounds well and good, but if you go on the Wash & Wax Section of Acurazine, you'll get tons of guys saying that they do not trust anyone with their car. I get alot of pride from cleaning my Type S myself. I understand you're from Chicago and you have 2 little boys that keep you busy. But MAC kind of has a good idea. Take those boys outside and let them get wet and help you clean your car!