Anybody feel like helping a complete noob save some money?

[Bldgengineer]

I need to completely start from scratch and created a shopping cart for myself but at over $600 its making me pucker a little bit. I don't plan on starting a business but I do want my personal vehicles looking pretty decent for a long time. My vehicles are a 2010 Ram 2500, 2004 Escalade esv, and 2013 Hyundai Elantra.

So far this is what I've come up with:



Porter Cable 5.5 x 7/8 Inch CCS Foam Pad Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-low-profile-pad-kit.html)- $240 Only reason why I like this kit is the amount of pads you get with it
Home Depot Buckets - $7(x2)
The Grit Guard Insert - 2 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html)- $18
(http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html)
CarPro Wool Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/carpro-wool-wash-mitt.html) - $18

Supreme Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)- $10
(http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)
The Guzzler Triple Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/guzzler-triple-kit.html)- $60
(http://www.autogeek.net/guzzler-triple-kit.html)
Super Soft Deluxe Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges, 6 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/super-soft-microfiber-towels-6.html)- $18
(http://www.autogeek.net/super-soft-microfiber-towels-6.html)
Mothers Tire, Wheel & Well Brush Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-tire-wheel-well-brush-kit.html)- $15
Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicators 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/tire-applicator.html) - $13
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Bar Replacement 3 Pack -G1001 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-detail-clay.html) - $19
(http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-detail-clay.html)
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine 32 oz (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html)- $16
(http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html)
Duragloss Car Wash Concentrate #901 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-car-wash-concentrate.html)- $6
Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)- $16
(http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 32 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mirror-glaze-105-ultra-cut-compound.html)- $26
(http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mirror-glaze-105-ultra-cut-compound.html)
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 32 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html) - $28

Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection (http://www.autogeek.net/four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html) - $30
Meguiars D103 All Purpose Cleaner Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-all-purpose-cleaner-plus-d103.html)- $28
Detailer's Gloss Tire Gel (http://www.autogeek.net/dp330.html) - $20
303 Aerospace Protectant 16 oz (http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html)- $13
(http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html)
Meguiars Gold Class Rich Leather Spray (http://www.autogeek.net/megoclrilesp.html) - $9
(http://www.autogeek.net/megoclrilesp.html)

Does anybody see somewhere where I'm wasting money or I don't need it right now or am I missing anything?

In the past it would take me at least 4 hours just to do a wash and wax on just one of my trucks. I've never done a compound or used a machine for this type of work before. I'm hoping to speed the process up some as well as come out with a better result.

[Setec Astronomy]

Kind of the price of admission. If you're trying to shave a little off of there, you might want to cut the 105/205 to the small bottles, should be enough to get your vehicles done. If you buy the quarts, the unit price is cheaper but you will have a lifetime supply that you will probably never use.

Also, I see you have wax and sealant LSP's, which is fine, you could pick one or the other. A lot of people like Powerlock, which is on sale for $5 less than the UPP.

Those Guzzlers are really nice towels, they are a bit pricey, when I buy something like that I look for a sale or BOGO.

The bad news is that if this is bothering your wallet, you might want to turn back now, it only gets worse. Other than that, I think you made good choices, looks like you thought it out well, just what I would expect from a building engineer ;)

[Eandras]

I would go with a griots unit. More power and better warranty. The microfibers are just average that comes with the kit. Most of the time you can get just as much not using a kit.

You can also use a discount code that will allow additional money off but they usually are not offered on kits that are discounted.

Just some thoughts

Ed

[Setec Astronomy]

You can also use a discount code that will allow additional money off but they usually are not offered on kits that are discounted.

Good point, make sure to use a discount code or wait for a sale.

[ScottB]

The first order is often the most expensive as it covers every area. I would use reviews and search the BOGO and sample areas to try things first and find the greatest value too.

[dougaross]

I need to completely start from scratch and created a shopping cart for myself but at over $600 its making me pucker a little bit. I don't plan on starting a business but I do want my personal vehicles looking pretty decent for a long time. My vehicles are a 2010 Ram 2500, 2004 Escalade esv, and 2013 Hyundai Elantra.

So far this is what I've come up with:



Porter Cable 5.5 x 7/8 Inch CCS Foam Pad Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-low-profile-pad-kit.html)- $240 Only reason why I like this kit is the amount of pads you get with it
Home Depot Buckets - $7(x2)
The Grit Guard Insert - 2 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html)- $18
(http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html)
CarPro Wool Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/carpro-wool-wash-mitt.html) - $18

Supreme Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)- $10
(http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)
The Guzzler Triple Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/guzzler-triple-kit.html)- $60
(http://www.autogeek.net/guzzler-triple-kit.html)
Super Soft Deluxe Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges, 6 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/super-soft-microfiber-towels-6.html)- $18
(http://www.autogeek.net/super-soft-microfiber-towels-6.html)
Mothers Tire, Wheel & Well Brush Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-tire-wheel-well-brush-kit.html)- $15
Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicators 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/tire-applicator.html) - $13
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Bar Replacement 3 Pack -G1001 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-detail-clay.html) - $19
(http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-detail-clay.html)
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine 32 oz (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html)- $16
(http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html)
Duragloss Car Wash Concentrate #901 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-car-wash-concentrate.html)- $6
Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)- $16
(http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 32 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mirror-glaze-105-ultra-cut-compound.html)- $26
(http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mirror-glaze-105-ultra-cut-compound.html)
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 32 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html) - $28

Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection (http://www.autogeek.net/four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html) - $30
Meguiars D103 All Purpose Cleaner Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-all-purpose-cleaner-plus-d103.html)- $28
Detailer's Gloss Tire Gel (http://www.autogeek.net/dp330.html) - $20
303 Aerospace Protectant 16 oz (http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html)- $13
(http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html)
Meguiars Gold Class Rich Leather Spray (http://www.autogeek.net/megoclrilesp.html) - $9
(http://www.autogeek.net/megoclrilesp.html)



You have made a great list.
I would suggest the following changes. Some of these are personal preferences.

You probably don't need 3 guzzlers, pick a large size

I would get Optimum Power Clean (http://www.autogeek.net/128oz-optimum-power-clean-apc.html) instead M103. More versatile and safe on most surfaces. BTW the OCW that comes free is a great product for after wash

PERL (http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html)can replace 303 Protectant and maybe Gloss Tire Gel. Use on External plastics, Engine, Tires, Interior rubber / dashboard / leather / vinyl

Is your plan to seal and top with wax? If not, you could eliminate either 845 or FSUPP

[Bldgengineer]

Kind of the price of admission. If you're trying to shave a little off of there, you might want to cut the 105/205 to the small bottles, should be enough to get your vehicles done. If you buy the quarts, the unit price is cheaper but you will have a lifetime supply that you will probably never use.

Also, I see you have wax and sealant LSP's, which is fine, you could pick one or the other. A lot of people like Powerlock, which is on sale for $5 less than the UPP.

Those Guzzlers are really nice towels, they are a bit pricey, when I buy something like that I look for a sale or BOGO.

The bad news is that if this is bothering your wallet, you might want to turn back now, it only gets worse. Other than that, I think you made good choices, looks like you thought it out well, just what I would expect from a building engineer ;)

Lol Thanks! I've actually been racking my brain with this since I got the Hyundai last Friday.

Do you mind suggesting a couple of towels? Also, do you think the 8oz bottles of the 105/205 will be enough do all three vehicles? I don't plan on compounding the new car but would like to clay and polish it.


I would go with a griots unit. More power and better warranty. The microfibers are just average that comes with the kit. Most of the time you can get just as much not using a kit.

You can also use a discount code that will allow additional money off but they usually are not offered on kits that are discounted.

Just some thoughts

Ed

Got any suggestions on the MF? I wasn't even paying attention to the ones in the kit and didn't even know they came with it.


You have made a great list.
I would suggest the following changes. Some of these are personal preferences.

You probably don't need 3 guzzlers, pick a large size

I would get Optimum Power Clean (http://www.autogeek.net/128oz-optimum-power-clean-apc.html) instead M103. More versatile and safe on most surfaces. BTW the OCW that comes free is a great product for after wash

PERL (http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html)can replace 303 Protectant and maybe Gloss Tire Gel. Use on External plastics, Engine, Tires, Interior rubber / dashboard / leather / vinyl

Is your plan to seal and top with wax? If not, you could eliminate either 845 or FSUPP

What size bottle of PERL would you suggest? There's a lot of leather in the Caddy. Also, I do plan on sealing and coating with a top wax. Is one bottle of sealer enough for these size of vehicles?

Thanks again for the responses guys! I really wasn't expecting so many so quick!

[Setec Astronomy]

Normally I would say about 1oz of polish/compound per vehicle, maybe more on the Escalade. Depends how often you change pads, etc. The sealant and 845 more like 1/2-1 oz per vehicle.

Those rolled edge towels are a good price, better than some of the other Cobra towels. If you can get them on sale or BOGO, do it. AG isn't the cheapest place for towels, so I usually don't buy towels here unless they are sale or BOGO, but the regular price for the rolled edge is a fair price.

A couple of other options for your interiors are Duragloss Leather Conditioner (LC) #221 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-leather-conditioner.html) and Optimum Protectant Plus offers complete protection for interior leather, vinyl, plastic & rubber dressing. vinyl and rubber dressing, vinyl (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-protectant-plus.html)

PS Those Elantras are really nice, I want to go look at one of the new GT's. And just to confuse you on the pads and polishes you might want to try this: Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html) It's really easy and works well.

[Wheelzntoys]

After your initial order and you want to save money....stop reading the forums...lol

Then you'll wonder about a rotary, a Flex, Gtechniq products, AIOs, water based polishes .etc....

[dougaross]

Lol Thanks! I've actually been racking my brain with this since I got the Hyundai last Friday.

What size bottle of PERL would you suggest? There's a lot of leather in the Caddy. Also, I do plan on sealing and coating with a top wax. Is one bottle of sealer enough for these size of vehicles?

Thanks again for the responses guys! I really wasn't expecting so many so quick!

For leather PERL is diluted 5:1 so 500ml is fine. As far as sealant, I haven't used UPP but 16oz is a lot of sealant. Sealant are applied very thin. See CEE DOG's review (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/49189-review-four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html) for more insiight

[Bldgengineer]

Normally I would say about 1oz of polish/compound per vehicle, maybe more on the Escalade. Depends how often you change pads, etc. The sealant and 845 more like 1/2-1 oz per vehicle.

Those rolled edge towels are a good price, better than some of the other Cobra towels. If you can get them on sale or BOGO, do it. AG isn't the cheapest place for towels, so I usually don't buy towels here unless they are sale or BOGO, but the regular price for the rolled edge is a fair price.

A couple of other options for your interiors are Duragloss Leather Conditioner (LC) #221 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-leather-conditioner.html) and Optimum Protectant Plus offers complete protection for interior leather, vinyl, plastic & rubber dressing. vinyl and rubber dressing, vinyl (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-protectant-plus.html)

PS Those Elantras are really nice, I want to go look at one of the new GT's. And just to confuse you on the pads and polishes you might want to try this: Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html) It's really easy and works well.

Looks like Sam's Club has a 24pk of the proforce MF towels for $12 and I've read some good things on here about them so I think I'll pick those up since Home Depot is right next to it.

I did look at the Meguiar's kit and thought hard about it but I just think I'm getting more for my money with the PC kit I picked. I also thought about getting the Griot's DA but I'm not going to be doing this for a living so the PC warranty should be more than adequate as well as its power with a 5.5" pad.

[Bldgengineer]

For leather PERL is diluted 5:1 so 500ml is fine. As far as sealant, I haven't used UPP but 16oz is a lot of sealant. Sealant are applied very thin. See CEE DOG's review (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/49189-review-four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html) for more insiight

Thanks a lot!

[Bldgengineer]

Ok so I've changed a couple of things and lessened the quantity of some things. One last check before I pull the trigger:

Porter Cable 5.5 x 7/8 Inch CCS Foam Pad Kit FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-low-profile-pad-kit.html)
The Grit Guard Insert - 2 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html)
Supreme Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)
CarPro Wool Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/carpro-wool-wash-mitt.html)
Mothers Tire, Wheel & Well Brush Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-tire-wheel-well-brush-kit.html)
Duragloss Car Wash Concentrate #901 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-car-wash-concentrate.html)
Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine 32 oz. New & Improved! (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html)
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Bar Replacement 3 Pack -G1001 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-detail-clay.html)
Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicators 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/tire-applicator.html)
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 8 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-105-compound-8oz.html)
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 8 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-205-polish-8oz.html)
Optimum Power Clean™ All Purpose Cleaner 128 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/128oz-optimum-power-clean-apc.html)
CarPro PERL Coat Plastic & Rubber Protectant 500 ml. (http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html)
Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant 16 oz. (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html)
Stoner Invisible Glass Aerosol Can (http://www.autogeek.net/stoninglas.html)
The Guzzler Combo Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/guzzler-microfiber-combo.html)

This list from Autogeek is down to $501 + buckets from Home Depot and spray bottles and MF towels at Sam's Club, I should be at around $550.

[Wheelzntoys]

I really like using a drying aid, something like DG Aquax or Prima Hydro Spray Wax.

Reason is it helps avoid water spots and great toppers to extend your just wax look.

[RPPM]

I just sent you a PM.