Detailing Vehicle / Personal Vehicle

I see your predicament, but I would rather have an economical sedan or coupe for personal use and a 4wd SUV for my detailing, to do that right. The kind of vehicle that would be best for your detailing business will cost you a lot more in gas, which, quite frankly,could cost you more money in the long run if you also use it as your personal car.

It might be cheaper to have two cars long term. I don't know for sure in your case, since it depends upon how long you will keep them. I might consider keeping the detail vehicle in storage when not in use if parking isn't possible at home. These are costs you should figure out. The kind of SUV you would want for detailing would likely cost you 2 or 3 times as much in gas than a economical sedan for personal use.
 
I really appreciate the discussion that has developed.

Essentially, my wife's Altima or my Kizashi would be our economical car (one of these will become a trade in), while the detailing vehicle would be a mobile detailing/day job vehicle/rolling
 
ImWatchdog said:
Personally, my decision would be based on space & weight. If I were going to go with the 60 gallon water tank you mentioned, I would definately get a full size truck/SUV. The tank & water alone would be over 500 lbs. I believe that much H2O would soon be the end of an Element. Let alone your zero to sixty times being gauged with a sun dial. Merging with freeway traffic could be a little dicey.

You also mentioned doing basically a job a day so you wouldn't need all your tools every day. Well, unpacking & repacking for every job sucks. Here's why.... You get out on the job. You're scrubbing away & making good progress. Things are going great until you reach for something that isn't there. Or your customer says they would like something additional done that you didn't bring with you. "Oh yes sir, I've got plenty of that...." (at the shop where it does me no good at all.)

A small SUV might get the job done for now. But a full size might make more sense in the long run if you add to your services. So if you're that serious, bite the bullet & buy something that has the room, weight capacity, & power to do the job.

Because you can wash a car with a cotton ball. But who wants to work that hard?
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I completely understand and know that if I go the route of having my own water, then I need something with a solid suspension. I wouldn't remove most items at the end of my day, just the items that need to be cleaned and or refilled.

I want a vehicle that will be able to do the job over the long run, but the long run will also include a day job, and general commuting.
 
Blackthorn One said:
It might be cheaper to have two cars long term. I don't know for sure in your case, since it depends upon how long you will keep them. I might consider keeping the detail vehicle in storage when not in use if parking isn't possible at home. These are costs you should figure out. The kind of SUV you would want for detailing would likely cost you 2 or 3 times as much in gas than a economical sedan for personal use.
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The fortunate aspect to this, is when the weather is nice and I'm not detailing, I can replace any four wheel vehicle for that of my two wheeled sportbike! It does really well on gas haha!
 
KJW Detailing said:
The fortunate aspect to this, is when the weather is nice and I'm not detailing, I can replace any four wheel vehicle for that of my two wheeled sportbike! It does really well on gas haha!
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Very good. I'm sure the motorcycle gets great gas mileage. If you really need this vehicle for detailing, make sure you get one that can perform best for that task.
 
Go for the Honda... good gas mileage, great reliability, and they have TONS of room inside.
 
As a rule of thumb, I don't buy vehicles that are no longer in production. Of the list provided, I'd go FJ for sure. It's a great vehicle with good payload and towing capacity. I noticed you mentioned hummer - you may like the interior stylings of the FJ as they favor an H2.
 
Continuing my search and making sure I explore all avenues, I contacted a local trailor company. I received a quote of 2500$ for an enclosed 6x10 (assumed that's the largest I will need).

I'm still trying to locate a vehicle that would/could potentially carry everything, including a water tank. Obviously a truck is ideal, but I also think that the H3 could be a solid possibility, as its rated to carry 1300lbs. It's not the greatest on fuel economy, but if I want a self sufficient mobile detailing vehicle that double as my personal vehicle, it could work.

The Search Continues!
 
OMRebel said:
As a rule of thumb, I don't buy vehicles that are no longer in production. Of the list provided, I'd go FJ for sure. It's a great vehicle with good payload and towing capacity. I noticed you mentioned hummer - you may like the interior stylings of the FJ as they favor an H2.
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I recently bought a black 2003 Hummer H2, and I LOVE IT! They are a great choice, impress clients as somewhat of a specialty vehicle, and the gas isn't as bad as it would seem...
However, the Element does sound like a great choice with its versatility. Good luck!!
 
The Element my dude. Especially after I noticed you say that you wanted to commute and detail out of it. My brother has 08fj. Although it is a monster (runs over everything, probably the toughest japanese car I ever drove), the gas SUCKS!! LOL you'd regret getting a humm or the fj if you were trying to be frugal. It all comes down to your personal preference of course.
 
ever consider something like this?

FordTC_1.JPG
 
A crew cab P/U with a cap will do the trick if a trailer can't be parked safely. Great personal vehicle as well...

Caps are very nice and several models are available to choose from, look like an SUV if you have the right window combo. Just Saying....:props:
 
bill buxton said:
A crew cab P/U with a cap will do the trick if a trailer can't be parked safely. Great personal vehicle as well...

Caps are very nice and several models are available to choose from, look like an SUV if you have the right window combo. Just Saying....:props:
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A truck would definitely make the most sense, but I've never been much of a truck fan. Will obviously look past that, as it may make the most sense.

The other day I did look at a Chevy Avalanche and liked it.
 
Fj is a gas guzzler and the element while being practical. It's payload is only 600lbs. Not very much, especially if you are looking at moving lots of supplies.

Personally, I'd say take a look at an Infiniti EX35. They hold a lot, powerful V6, makes a great sound. Lots of fun to drive. Reliable and won't break the bank looking at a used one!
 
If I went towards a more economical vehicle, ie a honda element or maybe a kia sportage, would upgraded shocks or springs be enough of a change to the suspension to carry 60 gallons of water?
 
KJW Detailing said:
If I went towards a more economical vehicle, ie a honda element or maybe a kia sportage, would upgraded shocks or springs be enough of a change to the suspension to carry 60 gallons of water?
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No, rims/tires aren't rated for it, bearing, frames, axles, the list could go on and on. My vote goes to a Ford Excursion :)


Sent from my iPhone using AG Online
 
Out of left field...how about a Toyota Rav4?
Gas mileage in the mid 20s, carries about 1,000 lbs according to the manufacturer, bulletproof reliability.

At 8 lbs per gallon, 60 gal is less than 500 lbs. Not as limiting as one might think.
 
ScubaCougr said:
Out of left field...how about a Toyota Rav4?
Gas mileage in the mid 20s, carries about 1,000 lbs according to the manufacturer, bulletproof reliability.

At 8 lbs per gallon, 60 gal is less than 500 lbs. Not as limiting as one might think.
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I would consider a rav4. Also looked at a Pathfinder and a Kia Sportage. Anyone know the load the Kia could carry...I know the Nissan would be fine.
 
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