New Mobile Detailing Vehicle Suggestions

jarred767

jarred767

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Hey guys, so I'm looking for a little advice on a new detailing rig. I don't need a big van, and would rather not a truck (I'd like to keep everything enclosed).

Top choices so far are a Honda Element, Chevy HHR, and Subaru Outback (like the AWD option but less space). I'm looking for something used and in the 6k-10k range and am definitely still open to other ideas if others have used similar types of vehicles.

So here are some basics on my business and needs:

Been in business about 8 years (5 of those full time - no employees) and have been using an older model Explorer. It's getting to be quite old and less dependable and it's time for an upgrade. I will be moving the business from Seattle to Bend, OR this spring and want to get it all set up with graphics and all before the move to help with brand appearance once I get there.

Most jobs are rinseless, and I'm pretty minimalist in what I need (no pressure washer, no generator, no water tank, no compressor). What I do need room for though:

Medium sized shop vac
Smaller interior steam cleaner (vapor clean)
5 gallon water drum
One smaller ladder
2 5 gallon buckets (in case I need a 2BM wash)
5 buffers
Three roughly 3'x2' containers with bottles and product
A few bags and containers for MFs and all other smaller random stuff
Couple hoses and extension cords

It all easily fits in the Explorer with room to spare, and I don't see myself needing/wanting much more as in generators/compressors/water tanks in the near future.

Thanks for any input everyone!
 
I would go with something small like the HHR

The Transit will be nice, but like you said, you're not trying to buy everything underneath the sun
 
Scion xD or maybe Kia Soul. Even a Mazda 5 (thats more mini van but a tad cooler)

Before you do the graphics I would make sure you have your new phone number...just in-case you hadn't thought about that.
 
Check out the nissan nv200. If you can find a used one in that price range.
 
Thanks for all the replies so far everyone!

EVOlved said:
Ford transit for the win!!!
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They look really cool, but I just don't feel I would be able to utilize all the space, if I had tanks, compressors, and generators and all, then it would probably be on the top of the list.

Kengo123 said:
Xb??
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I had forgotten about the XB, thanks! I've detailed a few of them over the years and thought they would work pretty nicely as a detailing rig, anyone have any idea how reliable they are?

thebamboo23 said:
I would go with something small like the HHR
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Yeah, the HHR does seem pretty good for what I need, I'm just not a huge fan of the looks, and it will be my "personal car" as well (although the wife's car is still the "family car" and the one that gets used 95% of the time outside of work.

dcjredline said:
Scion xD or maybe Kia Soul. Even a Mazda 5 (thats more mini van but a tad cooler)

Before you do the graphics I would make sure you have your new phone number...just in-case you hadn't thought about that.
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I like the XD and Soul, but tough to find one in that price range as they are that old, the Mazda 5 might just be too close to a minivan for me to feel that comfortable in it:) Thanks for the reminder on the number, I had thought of it, and will be sure to get the new number before doing the graphics. :xyxthumbs:

U.C.D.L.L.C. said:
Check out the nissan nv200. If you can find a used one in that price range.
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I've looked and they are a little outside of the price range, and kind of like the Ford Transit Van - probably a little too big for what I need though.
 
I had a 2008 or 09 HHR and loved it initially. I bought it for the wife and was sold on how much space for a small car. My wife like driving stick so I got a 5 spd and it averaged over 30 mpg all the time. Sadly by the time it had 40k it was starting to feel like a loose used car. I have a 96 Passat tdi wagon with 250k on it that still feels tight. I was very disappointed with the quality of construction overall. I know you don't need a van but I am shopping Florida for a mid 2000 Chrysler minivan and you can buy a lower mileage unit under 4k and have the convenience of 3 access doors and extra space. My wife now drives a Subaru legacy 2013 and we love the Subaru. My extended family has had a few and never any problems but all newer. 2011-2014. Some of the older ones you might be looking at had head gasket issues. If you can swing a newer outback that would be my first choice if you need awd. Keep us updated with your choice. If you drive a lot of miles you might consider a tdi gold 99-2003 with a 5 spd . Rear seat folds and gives a surprising amount of space and 40-50mpg. If taken care of they drive great forever.
 
Subaru seems doable but seems like it would be packed. I suggest a chrysler/dodge minivan with stow n go seats that fold into the floor. Lots of space and many of them have dark privacy glass so noone can see all of the stuff youll be hauling.
 
Look at Ford Explorer

Lots of seven used ones out there in your price range

Fuel economy is OK and lower initial purchase price may help the gas math
 
allenk4 said:
Look at Ford Explorer

Lots of seven used ones out there in your price range

Fuel economy is OK and lower initial purchase price may help the gas math
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I've got an older Explorer right now, and I just feel like I need something else (6 years driving the same model car is too much for me), but yes they aren't too expensive for what they are.

215Detailing said:
This is from the OP - original poster he owns and operates an HHR and great guy to speak with see his post on the listed thread with photos
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rs/76233-hhr-panel-mobile-detailing-unit.html
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That looks like a great thread, gonna spend some time looking through it.

BrandonS said:
I had a 2008 or 09 HHR and loved it initially. I bought it for the wife and was sold on how much space for a small car. My wife like driving stick so I got a 5 spd and it averaged over 30 mpg all the time. Sadly by the time it had 40k it was starting to feel like a loose used car. I have a 96 Passat tdi wagon with 250k on it that still feels tight. I was very disappointed with the quality of construction overall. I know you don't need a van but I am shopping Florida for a mid 2000 Chrysler minivan and you can buy a lower mileage unit under 4k and have the convenience of 3 access doors and extra space. My wife now drives a Subaru legacy 2013 and we love the Subaru. My extended family has had a few and never any problems but all newer. 2011-2014. Some of the older ones you might be looking at had head gasket issues. If you can swing a newer outback that would be my first choice if you need awd. Keep us updated with your choice. If you drive a lot of miles you might consider a tdi gold 99-2003 with a 5 spd . Rear seat folds and gives a surprising amount of space and 40-50mpg. If taken care of they drive great forever.
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Great info to know, I haven't test drove one yet, but will keep this in mind. I'm currently driving a 20 yr old Explorer with all original suspension, so I doubt the drive and feel could get too much worse:laughing: I do like the idea of trying to find something with a 5 spd, as that would be much preferred.

expdetailing said:
Subaru seems doable but seems like it would be packed. I suggest a chrysler/dodge minivan with stow n go seats that fold into the floor. Lots of space and many of them have dark privacy glass so noone can see all of the stuff youll be hauling.
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The space in the Subaru would probably make it a little tight, plus I've found that in most models, the rear seats won't fold flat, which is less than ideal if they will be folded down 99.9% of the time. I just can't bring myself to a minivan, plus probably more space ( and thus less mpg) than I really need.


Currently, the one's I'm highest on are the Element, the HHR, and the Scion XB. If anyone else has info on anyone that's used either of these (or if you've used them yourself) for a mobile detailing business, I'd love to hear it. Thanks!
 
Now that the Element has been discontinued, the prices should be down
 
allenk4 said:
Now that the Element has been discontinued, the prices should be down
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Problem with them is people love them and don't want to sell, since they cant trade in for the new model. In my area, it almost seems like it has kept prices higher.
 
I recently bit the bullet and bought a full size cargo van (A 2010 Chevrolet Express 1500 side barn doors no rear windows at all) even thought I initially wanted a Ford Transit Connect. I wanted to be prepared for anything and be completely self sustainable if need be with water, compressed air, etc, and after taking a look inside the Express it's hard to beat it in sheer interior capacity. I can load it down with a big 16 gall shop vac, 12 gallon air compressor, 120 gallon water tank, HP60 extractor, electric pressure washer, supplies, tent etc and still have room to spare. I opted for the 6 cyl in effort to save fuel cost, although fuel economy is dismal compared to that of the little Transit Connect, which I really still like a lot.
 
I myself use my 2009 Scion xB and 2011 Scion xD for detailing when I have to go mobile. I fit everything in both, no problem as I don't carry a water tank or generator. My xB is actually lowered 2" all the way around and the weight isn't even enough to cause any change in the driving. If I had to choose.....HHR.
 
Johnnyboy said:
I myself use my 2009 Scion xB and 2011 Scion xD for detailing when I have to go mobile. I fit everything in both, no problem as I don't carry a water tank or generator. My xB is actually lowered 2" all the way around and the weight isn't even enough to cause any change in the driving. If I had to choose.....HHR.
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Thanks Johnny, that is exactly the kind of info I was trying to get when I started this thread, that's very helpful.....but why do you feel you'd rather the HHR?
 
jarred767 said:
Thanks Johnny, that is exactly the kind of info I was trying to get when I started this thread, that's very helpful.....but why do you feel you'd rather the HHR?
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I was basing my choice on the options you gave but didn't really read the part where you mention that you are open to suggestions. Personally, I like the style of these types of vehicles like the Scions I have and the HHR. The HHR in fact is available in a Panel vehicle version which also gives plenty of room for advertising. I have recently purchased a very small trailer that is big enough for a 60 gallon tank and a generator and I am more than able to pull this with these cars without being abusive to the vehicles. Apart from that, I can very easily fit what you have in mind and more except that I don't really carry a folding ladder but it would fit for sure if I did.

of course, this would all be very different if I was working big quantities of vehicle a day but that is not what I'm interested in doing.
 
Johnnyboy said:
I was basing my choice on the options you gave but didn't really read the part where you mention that you are open to suggestions. Personally, I like the style of these types of vehicles like the Scions I have and the HHR. The HHR in fact is available in a Panel vehicle version which also gives plenty of room for advertising. I have recently purchased a very small trailer that is big enough for a 60 gallon tank and a generator and I am more than able to pull this with these cars without being abusive to the vehicles. Apart from that, I can very easily fit what you have in mind and more except that I don't really carry a folding ladder but it would fit for sure if I did.

of course, this would all be very different if I was working big quantities of vehicle a day but that is not what I'm interested in doing.
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Cool, yeah, it sounds like my business is similar yours, only a couple cars a day and it's just me, that's why I've narrowed it down to the scion, HHR and element as of now. Gonna go start test driving the three of those to see which I like the feel of more.

The panel HHR does seem like the perfect little mobile detailing vehicle and it may be the leader right now. Thanks for your help! It's appreciated. :dblthumb2:
 
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