Autogard vs Opticoat vs ToughSeal vs Ceramic Pro?

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jmillar82

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Hi guys,

I've wanted to get paint protection on my car but I got quoted about $1100 for cQuartz just for the external and I'm not willing to pay that. I've since got the following quotes and just wondering what your thoughts are on the different products? I really didn't want to spend more than $500 or so if I can avoid it. I really just want something that will add a bit of extra shine to my Mercedes C200 and also make it easier to clean.

Autogard $399
OptiCoat $745 for one layer, $945 for 4 layers (Lifetime warranty, free yearly checks)
ToughSeal $750
Ceramic Pro $660 for outside, $120 for interior and $40 for wheels (lifetime warranty)

Also, what is a good alternative to Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner? I've been using that with great success but the bottle hasn't lasted very long and it's expensive and not available locally.

Cheers!
 
jmillar82 said:
I really didn't want to spend more than $500 or so if I can avoid it.I really just want something that will add a bit of extra shine to my Mercedes C200 and also make it easier to clean.
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If that's the case then all you need is a good Sealant like Finish Kare 1000P; or, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Only an ~$18-39 out-of-pocket expense.
jmillar82 said:
Also, what is a good alternative to Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner? I've been using that with great success but the bottle hasn't lasted very long and it's expensive and not available locally.
Click to expand...
What brands of car-care products do you have available locally?Bob
 
FUNX650 said:
If that's the case then all you need is a good Sealant like Finish Kare 1000P; or, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Only an ~$18-39 out-of-pocket expense.What brands of car-care products do you have available locally?Bob
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Hi mate, I don't want to do it myself, I'd rather get a professional to do it even if it's a bit more expensive.

Thinking about it, I don't particularly need a wheel cleaner that's available locally (I bought Sonax from eBay), but would like to find a cheaper alternative if possible...

Cheers
 
FUNX650 said:
If that's the case then all you need is a good Sealant like Finish Kare 1000P; or, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Only an ~$18-39 out-of-pocket expense.What brands of car-care products do you have available locally?Bob
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Truer words have never been spoken, and I've seen Bob's ride so I can vouch for him. FK1000P is undoubtedly one of those way more bang for your buck type products. Bob just saved you and many others ~$480. Even a cave man can do it.

If you won't OR don't know how to maintain a coating to keep it swirl free by learning proper washing technique, then you're wasting your money unless you want to learn. IF you want to learn, OR if you want to pay someone else to apply AND maintain a coating for you...then that's all good too. Nothing wrong with paying someone to coat AND maintain it.

Autogeek or maybe one of your local auto parts stores like Advanced Auto here in the states. Look for either of these at auto parts stores...Meguiars DUB Wheel cleaner (turns purple too...don't see it on the Autogeek store...maybe I missed it) and http://www.autogeek.net/griots-heavy-duty-wheel-cleaner.html .
 
Well unfortunately you are going to pay for a quality coating job. A lot of the shine comes from the prep work.
 
Of course, there's no Lifetime warranty on locally applied sealants. BUT..an arrangement could be made with a local detailer to keep your finish in top shape for an annual fee that would probably total less than the pro-coating treatments. Yep, paint prep is the key.
 
Opti Coat 4 layers??? 1 will suffice just fine. I see 0 difference adding additional coats and find it's a total waste of time. Cars that come back 1 year later with 1 coat of Gloss Coat acts and looks exactly the same as multiple layers.
 
With regards to the paint protection, I applied Hydro2 wrong and now have some spots on my car so I'd prefer a professional buffs and preps it first and then applies the coating properly. Appreciate the suggestions though!

Hoytman said:
Meguiars DUB Wheel cleaner (turns purple too...don't see it on the Autogeek store...maybe I missed it) and Griot's Garage Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner, Griots wheel cleaner, hd wheel cleaner .
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I can't find Meguiars DUB Wheel Cleaner on any Aussie auto parts stores website, and not on eBay either. Also Griots seems to be about the same price on eBay as Sonax :'(

Any other alternatives?
 
Not sure if DUB is available over there or not. Likely not since you can't locate it. I'm out of alternatives for you without knowing what brands are available on Aussie websites. Obviously, you can always find alternatives here at Autogeek. I think Carpro Iron x will work too. Not sure of some of the newer brands here have alternatives or not. Try looking at these brands here Gyeon, and Britemax...maybe even some of the house brands too like Pinnacle or Wolfgang will turn purple for you to show iron content on your wheels. I have no experience with these brands and can't even say for sure if they have similar products. Just look around the store a bit.
 
jmillar82 said:
Hi mate, I don't want to do it myself,
I'd rather get a professional to do it
even if it's a bit more expensive.
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OK...then have a professional
do the paint correction.

But, IMHO, it doesn't take a
professional to wipe-on/wipe-off
a paint Sealant. Especially ones
like I previously mentioned.



Bob
 
If you are going to go the coating route, have them do the wheels too. Then you can clean them with soap and water and a brush or mitt.

Get a list of wheel cleaners that you can find locally. Then we could more easily point out a good one.
 
jmillar82 said:
Hi guys,

I've wanted to get paint protection on my car but I got quoted about $1100 for cQuartz just for the external and I'm not willing to pay that. I've since got the following quotes and just wondering what your thoughts are on the different products? I really didn't want to spend more than $500 or so if I can avoid it. I really just want something that will add a bit of extra shine to my Mercedes C200 and also make it easier to clean.

Autogard $399
OptiCoat $745 for one layer, $945 for 4 layers (Lifetime warranty, free yearly checks)
ToughSeal $750
Ceramic Pro $660 for outside, $120 for interior and $40 for wheels (lifetime warranty)

Also, what is a good alternative to Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner? I've been using that with great success but the bottle hasn't lasted very long and it's expensive and not available locally.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Well, given what I have learned through the other responses and responses-to-responses (mainly yours), try Autogard.

Whether you know it or not the biggest value-add you need is rooted in the correction step; especially if you want a coating. . You seem to imply that you are willing to maintain your vehicle but you are not looking to heavily invest in it and take detailing as a hobby (which is fine).

Regardless of the durability and performance of each of these products, you can always go the route of a spray sealant to maintain the vehicle on your own afterwards - which will add that bit of shine and make it easier to clean.

Good luck!!!
 
jmillar82 said:
Hi guys,

I've wanted to get paint protection on my car but I got quoted about $1100 for cQuartz just for the external and I'm not willing to pay that. I've since got the following quotes and just wondering what your thoughts are on the different products? I really didn't want to spend more than $500 or so if I can avoid it. I really just want something that will add a bit of extra shine to my Mercedes C200 and also make it easier to clean.

Autogard $399
OptiCoat $745 for one layer, $945 for 4 layers (Lifetime warranty, free yearly checks)
ToughSeal $750
Ceramic Pro $660 for outside, $120 for interior and $40 for wheels (lifetime warranty)

Also, what is a good alternative to Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner? I've been using that with great success but the bottle hasn't lasted very long and it's expensive and not available locally.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Hey jmillar. Where are you located? The information you are provided regarding Opti Coat Pro is definitely off. As for the CQuartz quote, it sounds like you were quoted for CQuartz Finest. Judging by your budget, I would not spring for a coating honestly. Your best bet would be to read up on great over the counter sealants such as CarPro Hydr02 where you can seal everything and then read up on proper maintenance.

As for wheel cleaner, if you seal the wheels or have them coated, you can clean them with soap and water honestly. The Sonar could be used a few times a year for deep cleanings.
 
mwoolfso said:
Well, given what I have learned through the other responses and responses-to-responses (mainly yours), try Autogard.

Whether you know it or not the biggest value-add you need is rooted in the correction step; especially if you want a coating. . You seem to imply that you are willing to maintain your vehicle but you are not looking to heavily invest in it and take detailing as a hobby (which is fine).

Regardless of the durability and performance of each of these products, you can always go the route of a spray sealant to maintain the vehicle on your own afterwards - which will add that bit of shine and make it easier to clean.

Good luck!!!
Click to expand...
Thanks, I can't find much information on Autogard anywhere.. Have you used it?

You're definitely right - I don't want to spend too much, but I do spend 1hr+ every weekend cleaning it properly (foam wash, pressure washer, microfibre only etc).

CarolinasFinestDetailing said:
Hey jmillar. Where are you located? The information you are provided regarding Opti Coat Pro is definitely off. As for the CQuartz quote, it sounds like you were quoted for CQuartz Finest. Judging by your budget, I would not spring for a coating honestly. Your best bet would be to read up on great over the counter sealants such as CarPro Hydr02 where you can seal everything and then read up on proper maintenance.

As for wheel cleaner, if you seal the wheels or have them coated, you can clean them with soap and water honestly. The Sonar could be used a few times a year for deep cleanings.
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I'm located in Sydney, Australia.

I tried using Hydro2 and it left marks on my car because the instructions on the bottle said 3:1 (but I've since learnt this is too strong) so it's left marks all over my car and this is part of the reason I want someone else to prep my car properly now and apply a coating.

Cheers
 
jmillar82 said:
Thanks, I can't find much information on Autogard anywhere.. Have you used it?

You're definitely right - I don't want to spend too much, but I do spend 1hr+ every weekend cleaning it properly (foam wash, pressure washer, microfibre only etc).
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I have not. I did a little googling on it but that's it. If it is a coating it is worth a try; and $399 for correction and coating is reasonable. Again, getting the correction step alone is worth $400 on a Mercedes.
 
Put the $500 towards a buffer and some basic products including McKee's 37 paint coating, a 6 pack of Sports Drink and a Saturday afternoon and do it yourself. You'll thank me later. I don't like to do things myself much either as I my time is not free, especially my free-time but polishing a car and applying a sealant or coating is relaxing to the soul if you're a car-guy. Rewarding to step back and see the results too.
 
mwoolfso said:
Unfortunately I have not. I did a little googling on it but that's it. If it is a coating it is worth a try; and $399 for correction and coating is reasonable. Again, getting the correction step alone is worth $400 on a Mercedes.
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Thanks a lot for your comments.

If anyone else has any feedback on these products that would be great.

Also thanks for the other suggestions to everyone, but I won't be applying any sealants or coatings myself.

Cheers
 
Hey bud

Your in Sydney yeah? And the OptiCoat 4 layers - let me guess, it's applied by someone that sprays it on?

I would definitely get the OptiCoat but don't fall for the 4 layers. PM me and I will recommend you some good places in Sydney for OptiCoat - I'm in Canberra by the way.

I recommend visiting ZAS.com.au and picking some quality detailing products there.
 
Saad, PM sent.

Anyone else had experience with any of these products? :)
 
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