Auto Butler Experience

[rondre]

Hi everyone,

 

Just bought a new 2019 Mazda CX-5 and the dealer was doing a promo for free auto-butler service.  I know this wasn't wrapped into the cost of the vehicle as we got it $550 under invoice due to a screw up on their end and I've always declined those dealer packages because I know they're a rip off, however, since this is "free" I'm wondering if anyone has ever heard of auto butler or their service.  I feel like I'm at a crossroads - if I let them perform the service it requires them to "touch it up" every 6 months which basically tells me it's a sealant and not a coating.  This option requires us to bring it in and for the dealer to do the work which could be swirl inducive, but also provides a "warranty" of which I really know nothing about.  On the other hand I have paint sealant already and can probably put a better product on but at my own cost as well.  

 

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about the Auto Butler service?  Really not sure which way to go here.

 

Thanks,

Ron

[Parad0x]

I'd personally find a local detailer with good reviews and have them apply a quality coating to the vehicle.  Or just do it yourself using one of Adam's many options.  This sounds like a dealer 'free now but pay up later' scam or it is provided free with no cost later but you did pay for it as it was 'bundled' into the whole final price of the vehicle without specifically saying you're paying $XXX for it.  Nothing is free, especially when it comes to car dealerships.  They may like using this as a way to get you back every 6 months and while there, they find you can have or need various other services performed which aren't 'free'.

 

I stay away from the dealer after purchasing my car unless I have an issue under warranty or am getting an included free oil change.

 

Edited February 14, 2019 by Parad0x

[rondre]

I agree with you 100% Paradox - I have a friend who is our all the time mechanic barring recall work and I do my own detailing so there is no additional cost that could be incurred other than them potentially screwing up the paint - but would also include a warranty.

 

I confirmed it is a sealant and not a coating so I might just polish off half of the hood and put adams paint sealant on the other side so I can get a side by side comparison.  The other advantage is my garage is literally full ceiling to floor with a project i'm working on so I have nowhere to detail it myself.  I think I'll let them do at least one since I can't get a sealant on anytime soon and compare results w/ APS.

 

 

[Mbrazelton]

22 hours ago, Parad0x said:

I'd personally find a local detailer with good reviews and have them apply a quality coating to the vehicle.  Or just do it yourself using one of Adam's many options.  This sounds like a dealer 'free now but pay up later' scam or it is provided free with no cost later but you did pay for it as it was 'bundled' into the whole final price of the vehicle without specifically saying you're paying $XXX for it.  Nothing is free, especially when it comes to car dealerships.  They may like using this as a way to get you back every 6 months and while there, they find you can have or need various other services performed which aren't 'free'.

 

I stay away from the dealer after purchasing my car unless I have an issue under warranty or am getting an included free oil change.

 

 

One thing I always told my self thru a lot of new cars lately.  Is I find a dealer that I trust their service work.  New cars are getting more and more expensive to fix, and mechanic shops are getting harder to find.  We have a Toyota, and there detailing and service is spot on! We have a Ford Dealer, their service is spot on, but detailing I will keep that on my own. 

[Parad0x]

I hear you, I make my dealer aware during any visit I do NOT want the vehicle washed or detailed in any way.  I even have a hang tag I hang from the rear view mirror making them aware "Do NOT wash this vehicle" etc etc.  It is important to try and find a good dealer if you have multiple choices near where one lives.

 

I'd personally not let the dealer apply their 'stuff' to the vehicle OP but if it is something that doesn't bother you and you want to test half the hood, by all means, we'd love to hear your findings down the road.  I just feel don't let them introduce swirls or do anything if you're a competent detailer yourself.

[Mbrazelton]

8 minutes ago, Parad0x said:

I hear you, I make my dealer aware during any visit I do NOT want the vehicle washed or detailed in any way.  I even have a hang tag I hang from the rear view mirror making them aware "Do NOT wash this vehicle" etc etc.  It is important to try and find a good dealer if you have multiple choices near where one lives.

 

I'd personally not let the dealer apply their 'stuff' to the vehicle OP but if it is something that doesn't bother you and you want to test half the hood, by all means, we'd love to hear your findings down the road.  I just feel don't let them introduce swirls or do anything if you're a competent detailer yourself.

 

 

We have used AutoArmour a couple times, but that is mostly because of leather tears and things like that.  They add a coating, but I usually strip wash the car and paint correct it when I get them home.  

[rondre]

13 minutes ago, Parad0x said:

I hear you, I make my dealer aware during any visit I do NOT want the vehicle washed or detailed in any way.  I even have a hang tag I hang from the rear view mirror making them aware "Do NOT wash this vehicle" etc etc.  It is important to try and find a good dealer if you have multiple choices near where one lives.

 

I'd personally not let the dealer apply their 'stuff' to the vehicle OP but if it is something that doesn't bother you and you want to test half the hood, by all means, we'd love to hear your findings down the road.  I just feel don't let them introduce swirls or do anything if you're a competent detailer yourself.

 

Competency - perhaps lol.  Definitely wouldn't consider myself a detailer but enthusiast yes.  I've watched enough videos to know what needs to be done - just haven't done it other than my own vehicles.  Regarding this service, the experimental side of me really wants to see how it compares with APS so I've decided to go ahead and do it.  I did some more research and this is basically a brand new service for them and seems to be not long in the industry - it's essentially a "car wash" with "super soft" cloth fibers that work the sealant in automatically.  Honestly when I saw the video I was scared $hitless to run a brand new vehicle through it - but I've got a decent flashlight to check it out after and I'm going to tape off half the hood for comparison.  I figure if it swirls I'll just have to fix, but at least I can talk smack online w/ proof and help others out with real world experience vs an opinion.  Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised - but doubt it.

 

Will keep ppl posted long as RL doesn't get in the way - The way my garage is right now the suv will be outdoor only.  Northern California doesn't see too much bad weather but we're heading to Reno in a week so good chance of some nasty conditions on I-80 - will see how it holds up - I think I might need to do a side panel as well for comparison now that i think of it