Car Washing question

[ElAntonius]

So, I have a problem...I currently live in an apartment, so washing the car myself is a bit problematic (the only option available is a 25c/5min hose where the spots next to it are frequently occupied, and even if they weren't, it's hardly an ideal location, being crowded and in the sun).

That being said, these are my options for washing my car:
1) Suck it up and use the hose as best as possible.
2) There are several reasonably priced 'detailing' places in the area that basically run the car through an automated wash and then perform a hand cleaning and optionally a hand waxing (otherwise automated). Is that a viable alternative?
3) Touchfree wash at a nearby gas station with a hand touch up as best I can.

I've heard before that these automated washers are bad for the paint...and in the ideal I'd give my car TLC in my own driveway, but I can't until I find a home.

WRT to option 2: we've taken cars there in the past and it's come out looking great, but I'm more concerned about the long term maintenance of the car.

[philthy]

Check around for a local detailing shop that will do a hand wash. We have several around here that offer hand wash...anywhere from $15 to $25 a pop. See if they will do a "frequent flyer" type of discount price structure, since you will probably take it to them on a regular basis.

[MB2010CC]

Call up one of your buddies and ask them to borrow there driveway and water hose! That's what I would do.

[SirBrad]

This is what I do.

I fill up a 5 gallon bucket with 3 gallons of water and drive it to the nearest self-car wash which is less than a mile away.

Then I mix in soap with the water when I get to the wash. I hand wash it. Then use the gun to rinse it. Dry it off. Done.

[Angelo@Autopia]

One can't wash a car in this part of Florida, due to water shortages. Maybe after the 1 of August when/if they lift the ban.

[MB2010CC]

Yeah. We are not supposed to wash our cars in our driveways here in Nevada either. But I still do it. Funny thing is the water guy saw me this morning. haha.

[DDustiNN]

*sigh*

Water shortages... on a planet that is over 70% water...

[SicSix6]

Originally Posted by ElAntonius

So, I have a problem...I currently live in an apartment, so washing the car myself is a bit problematic (the only option available is a 25c/5min hose where the spots next to it are frequently occupied, and even if they weren't, it's hardly an ideal location, being crowded and in the sun).

That being said, these are my options for washing my car:
1) Suck it up and use the hose as best as possible.
2) There are several reasonably priced 'detailing' places in the area that basically run the car through an automated wash and then perform a hand cleaning and optionally a hand waxing (otherwise automated). Is that a viable alternative?
3) Touchfree wash at a nearby gas station with a hand touch up as best I can.

I've heard before that these automated washers are bad for the paint...and in the ideal I'd give my car TLC in my own driveway, but I can't until I find a home.

WRT to option 2: we've taken cars there in the past and it's come out looking great, but I'm more concerned about the long term maintenance of the car.

I'm assuming you must be introverted and have no friends! Because if you had friends you could likely go to their house and wash your car. Or even your parents. Or even your work. The options could be unlimited if you wanted to wash the car bad enough.

[ElAntonius]

Originally Posted by SicSix6

I'm assuming you must be introverted and have no friends! Because if you had friends you could likely go to their house and wash your car. Or even your parents. Or even your work. The options could be unlimited if you wanted to wash the car bad enough.

First, I'll type this out from my mom's basement .

But the quote about water shortages is true. And any friends within a reasonable distance live in apartments as well. See, I'm not that long out of college, which means I have two types of friends...people that live in apartments, and people who live out in cheaper homes in the boonies.

My parents live in....South Carolina. 9 hours and a couple of hundred in gas...that's a lot of detailin' money.

My office is just...silly.

And I know there are plenty of options, hell, I'm soliciting them here, aren't I?

Thanks for the suggestions all, I have a few leads on good detailing and hand wash centers in my area, I'll try 'em if I find that the hose is really as unusable as I think it might be.

[Nova65]

Originally Posted by DDustiNN

*sigh*

Water shortages... on a planet that is over 70% water...

The majority is salt water

[homerlex]

Originally Posted by Nova65

The majority is salt water

Ya think that would cause spotting?

[DDustiNN]

Originally Posted by Nova65

The majority is salt water

Originally Posted by homerlex

Ya think that would cause spotting?

That's what those giant water-processing facilities are for... cleaning up the water for city use

[ElAntonius]

Don't get me started on our desalination plant...efforts.

[SpeedRacerX]

Google "Elite Car Wash". They have a branch down the road from me in Clermont FL. They offer a decent rate where you come in as often as you want and use their water and wash bay to wash your own car. You pay a "subscription" fee but the price is not too bad seeing how they furnish the location and water. Of course they do offer the full detailing services if you want some one else to do it for you.

...Just wish they used Zaino products.