is a PC *REALLY* worth it?

S

SRT4

New member
Now for most car colors, I can see it as a vital tool and such, but for people with lighter cars like me (Silver), is there really a point to owning one?



I ask because I am considering getting one, because I am kinda lazy and really don't wax the car often, but that's because after a simple wash the car looks great. Granted, I can see some lighter swirls, but you REALLY have to look to see them. Here are some examples, this is just after a wash and I haven't waxed the car in 4 months.



day2.jpg


day3.jpg




I know I need to clay/polish/wax the car soon (had it for 3 years and have yet to claybar *embarassed*) so I am wondering if it is really going to make much of a difference over how it looks now.



Thanks,



- Jason
 
if your never going to use the pc then id say no its not worth it. It really depends on how anal you are about swirls and scratches an such. I have a silver car myself and everytime the sun hits it or im at a gas station an the light hits just right an the swirls just pop out at me......well i couldnt deal with that anymore.....lol



just remember, the better your paint surface is the better you car will look when waxed, and the longer the wax will last.
 
Since you are satisfied with the cars looks and admittedly don't wax or clay I would say a PC is not worth it for you.
 
i am going to say you don't NEED it, (you really don't even NEED a car do you?) but you'll want it and you won't be able to live without it, once you get it and use it.



The PC smooths out paint like it's glass...something your hand will NEVER be able to fully replicate no matter how hard and often you polish
 
Your cars finish looks really dull to me. But since its good enough for you, I would say no a PC is not for you. Give that car some love.
 
I suggest there are 2 good reasons you might want to get one.



First, I find it easier to wax/polish with a PC. I have some arthritis in my arms/shoulders and find the PC is easier on my joints than polishing by hand. This might not apply to you.



Secondly, you say you don't wax very often. If a PC made it easier, maybe you would wax more often and thus give your paint a bit more protection.



There is a third reason. It's a toy. I like toys.
 
I've only been able to get silver to "bling" by using my PC compared to hand. "Shiny" and "bling" are distinguishable once you train your eyes on what to look for. I say buy it, use it with some good products, and when you see the "bling" it will justify it for you.
 
Meh, if you just going just adding wax over and over w/o polishing the defects. Your ride will look nasty. The panel will feel like 800 girt sand paper. Get a PC,its under 120.00 or lower by now. I mean you spend that much money during Friday night out with you gals/guys friends. I think its worth it, I have PC n Rotary and loving it and cant live with out it. :cool:
 
cj99si said:
Your cars finish looks really dull to me.
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Considering the nasty overcast sky it looks quite good to me. :D



Oh...and get a PC...then you can come and play with us. :har:
 
To answer the question is a PC really worth it?.......I'd say that mine is worth it's weight in gold! Detailing without it is like painting without a brush. You can do it, but the end result will be quite questionable. :2thumbs:



In all seriousness. Your car looks great just like it sits, but what are you going to do if it develops swirls, or you scratch it while moving something in or out of the trunk, etc. The PC is a must have tool for any detailer. You may not use it every time you detail your car, but you definitely will use it.
 
By your own description of your techniques I'd say it isn't worth it for you. It might save you time applying your wax, but thats about all.



Now if you're thinking of really getting into it and doing defect correction, polishing, etc... Then yes it's worth every penny. To be realistic it's probably going to cost more like $200 when you add in pads and polish which it sounds like you don't have.



You might want to take your money to a pro and let them detail it annually, then you can touch it up all year with a coat of wax
 
chpsk8 said:
You might want to take your money to a pro and let them detail it annually, then you can touch it up all year with a coat of wax
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that's $200 each time for a complete job with boutique products.....for $200, he can get th buffer/pads/polish and do it himself...two jobs will pay for the products themselves



:bigups
 
Keep in mind that if you just use it to wax, you have to factor in the time to clean the pads, put away the extension cords, etc. So, it may not actually save you much time.
 
really don't know ... i'd say if there comes a time where your not able to get a look your happy with (by hand clay/polish/wax), then consider it. might even pay someone else to do machine work if its going to be very infrequent.
 
Alfisti said:
Considering the nasty overcast sky it looks quite good to me. :D



Oh...and get a PC...then you can come and play with us. :har:
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overcast or not its dull and needs love. No offence just commenting on the picture he showed me.





you can do it without a PC it will just take more time.



Just get one you wont be disapointed, who knows you might be able to make a couple bucks on the side with it.
 
Doesnt matter what color car you have, the PC will simplify the task at hand. Well worth the money !! :xyxthumbs
 
Now, I have used a PC on the car before with my friend matt, I think his name is MattZ28 here. I was happy with how the paint was smooth and such, and was going to buy one anyway.



I just needed some sort of justification to buy one as I get compliments from a lot of people as to how "good" my paint looks...when in actually I haven't washed the car for 3 weeks (stupid hurricanes).
 
Awesome car! I traded in my E-Blue '04 SRT for a 99 Vette. I loved that car, and I wish I had my PC back then too. I've had my PC for about a month and I've already used it 3 times (once on mine vette and on two other practice cars). Using it to apply wax is so much faster than by hand. I'd say go for it and keep that SRT lookin' good! :bigups
 
NT2SHBBY said:
that's $200 each time for a complete job with boutique products.....for $200, he can get th buffer/pads/polish and do it himself...two jobs will pay for the products themselves



:bigups
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Thats not my point. The point is that by his description he isn't going to get any value from a PC unless he really wants change his processes. He might as well have someone else do it regardless of the cost. The value factor is probably time, since quality is obviously not in his equation.
 
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