Adan's, two buckets and or?

[slalemand]

Ok so what do folks here use and why?

Two buckets, one bucket, drive thru car washes or what?

What, why and where to get these products?

Getting a new 2013 Avalon and want to keep it looking sharp.

Do I take the car from the dealer not cleaned and it it myself? That seems extreme but if it's the best thing to do, I sure will do it that way..

What if they won't let me take the car not cleaned? Can I make any suggestions o requests?

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[Xander Crews]

I use two Home Depot Homer buckets, both with grit guards in the bottom. I never take it to a car wash and I'd never let the dealer wash the car either.

I like autogeek.net for detailing supplies. It's also where I got the grit guards. My 10 year old car still gets lots of looks and looks better than when new -- aside from some rock chips here and there. It's not garaged and typically in the Florida heat. I am currently in the middle of her 4th strip and wax/seal. Hopefully with your new Avalon you will only need to wash and dry her for a little while.

-Cheers!

[slalemand]

Originally Posted by Xander Crews

I use two Home Depot Homer buckets, both with grit guards in the bottom. I never take it to a car wash and I'd never let the dealer wash the car either.

I like autogeek.net for detailing supplies. It's also where I got the grit guards. My 10 year old car still gets lots of looks and looks better than when new -- aside from some rock chips here and there. It's not garaged and typically in the Florida heat. I am currently in the middle of her 4th strip and wax/seal. Hopefully with your new Avalon you will only need to wash and dry her for a little while.

-Cheers!

Thanks for the insight.

I just drove the new Avalon, and here's my first impressions:

Well first my quick first impressions. (about 30 minute drive, 18-22 miles +-)

The good:

- The fit and finish is very good
- The doors feel real good and solid opening & closing
- The interior, (seats, floors, Center Console, Dash) is very nice
- The Nav is much nicer in appearance
- The GRILL is fine with the nice larger plastic plate frame that comes with the car
- Back Seat Heated and spacious

The NOT so Good
- The sunroof cover is WAY to thin, and cheap (weight savings)
- The seat belt straps are thinner and feel cheap Although they pull nice, firm and smooth. (weight savings)
- The steering wheel will take some getting use to (it's slippery so you have to hold on tightly (maybe making you tired))
- Back seat should have a fan control along with the temp control
- Rear seats took a long time to heat up
- An awful lot of plastic (and thin too) (weight savings)
- Super Saver Spare Tire (weight savings)

The Not sure yet:

- The seats are nice and firm (Long rides?)
- Controls on the dash are a bit of a reach for me
- Not any quieter then my 2011
- Different ride then my 2011

These are just a few of the things I got out of my first test drive.

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