Detailing Vehicle / Personal Vehicle

[KJW Detailing]

Good Morning AG's,

As the title states, I'm looking to purchase a vehicle to both detail out of the back of, as well as to use as my personal vehicle. I'm aware that using a truck or van is a tried, tested, and true form of mobile detailing, but I need a vehicle that I can use each and every day, to detail out of, commute to and from my day job, and use for all other general purposes.

Ideas: Currently looking at used 07' or newer SUV's with 4x4 or AWD.
1. Toyota FJ Cruiser
2. Honda Element
3. Ford Edge
4. Even considered a hummer haha.

Anyway, if you have any suggestions that would be fantastic.

Thanks, Kieran

[rmagnus]

Those are al plretty similar style vehicles. Why not consider a Ford Explorer also similar and plentiful meaning less expensive.

Have you considered a trailer? Might be more functional to work out of.

[ryance39]

youve got to add a 4 runner to that list. reliable, easy drivers, easy to find, easy to work on.

[KJW Detailing]

I want to keep my detailing equipment enclosed and out of the elements and safe. Also, living in a condo, I don't have the extra space to park a trailer.

[y8s]

Honda Element can literally be hosed out and has a lot of plastic trim that can stand up to more abuse than paint. Probably would also save some coin at the pump.

[iminaquagmire]

If you're looking more at the personal use aspect I'd say the Honda Element. If you're looking more at a business use for the vehicle, I'd say the Ford Transits might work well. The used ones are more prevalent now.

[KJW Detailing]

I'd likely say its a 60/40 split between personal use and detailing.

[HellaBroke]

Are you up north? Do you need awd/4wd? Down south I see a lot of hhr's being used for shops. And the ford kovach? (Googled commercial ford vehicle and it pops up don't know the USA name) hhr could be a pretty sweet little detailing mobile vehicle if well organized. And iv seen the ones with I rear glass too

[Billand]

What kind of equipment do you have that would be the main question so that you don't buy a vehicle to small for all your stuff. And are you taking your own water.

[KJW Detailing]

Winter in NJ can be a sloppy mess and we get a enough foul weather to make an AWD or 4x4 a smart purchase.

I've thought about running my own water tank and I'm unsure whether I will or won't use one. If I end up using my own water, it would be no bigger than 60 gal tank. I will have an electric pressure washer, vacuum of some sort, Honda generator, and then you common detailing items.