New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

[Jbirk]

Hi, I recently purchased a brand new 2008 Mazda 3 4-Door Sedan. I went with the Sport Package (S Touring). Among the features are Side Airbags, Fog Lights, Stability Control, Traction Control, 4-Wheel Disc with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Brake Assist. The S trim models come with slightly larger braking hardware i.e. larger rotors.

Color is Galaxy Grey Mica. I know the wheels are painted and clear-coated 17" alloy. I have already waxed them and have been wiping off the brake dust twice a week with a microfiber. Within the first week it cleared enough for me to wash and wax the car.

Here is what I had time to do:
Return Christmas Gift (Armor-All package. All their product sucked in the past, glass cleaner streaked, and their protestant was a greasy mess that never lasted and on tires turned brown)

I bought:
Gold Class Wash (Yes I ran out)
new wash mitt (Chenille)
Microfiber Towels
Absorber Synthetic Chamois (Feels a bit like soft plastic but works great)

I just washed then waxed with NXT Tech Wax 1.0. I did not clay as the paint felt smooth. I used Invisible Glass to clean windows (can't find NXT glass cleaner), and I used Meguiar's Insane Shine on the tires.

This is not my car, but the color, style, and wheels look identical. Probably some minor changes as mine is 2008 and this is 2006

http://au.carnewstoday.com/car-news/images/article_4415-img_0.jpg

I will take real pictures after the weather clears

Here is the only Picture I have (taken at night with Digital-Flash Kodak Z730):



I have tried:
Cleaning surface with Quik Detailer (original formula) and microfiber to remove dust.
DC 1 and Microfiber (Did nothing at all)
ScratchX and Microfiber (No Results either even with a lot of elbow grease)

Do I complain bitterly to the dealer?

Do I try ScratchX and a Terry Cotton towel? As for the rest of the paint, it is perfect. I could not find a single swirl mark on it though the weather is not exactly bright and sunny.

[Jbirk]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Also, I have a stainless steel or some other metal exhaust; I think. It is definitely metal and I doubt Mazda clear-coated it. I tried very hard to get Nxt Metal Polish, but I failed.

1. I went to Autozone in Fallbrook, CA
2. I went to Kragen Auto Parts, Fallbrook, CA
3. I went to Napa Auto Parts, Fallbrook, CA (Though I did not want too, I gave up and tried to buy Mother's Mag and Aluminum... They said $10 minimum for credit card, so I just left without buying anything... still looking for Meguiar's)
4. I went to WalMart, Temecula, CA
5. I went to Autozone, Temecula Parkway, Temecula, CA
6. I went to PepBoys, Temecula, CA (I Gave UP! They had Meguiar's Hot-Rims Mag & Aluminum all Metal, so I bought that instead).

I am glad I was able to buy it being that it is Meguiar's and I have read story after story about how Meguiar's stands behind their products. I have read about product application gone wrong by a novice user, free advice given, and etc... one common theme is that Meguiar's is always here to help; hence, I know I have a forum to communicate my ineptness. For no other reason than this, I bought Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum. :-)

When it stops raining outside, I am going to polish the blank junk off my exhaust tip and post pictures. I am betting everything will go well, though I have never polished metal before, so I am inexperienced.

Things I have learned:
1. Cannot find Meguiar's NXT Metal Polish easily in stores, but Mother's was at each of the above locations (Maybe some market penetration is needed)
2. Don't close a car deal to buy a new car in the dark. Always examine the entire paint. I just looked it over made sure there were no obvious dents or scratches. I completely missed one that I found the next morning.
3. I can spot swirls and holograms easily everywhere after seeing the pictures here, but unless it responds to ScratchX, I still can't fix it because I have no experience with DA, PC, or Rotary.

My options:
1. Try to fix it myself (Process: ScratchX, Microfiber, and I NO CHANGE)... I would need training, a machine, and machine product.
2. Try to work with the dealer (Will they be able to see it? Do I trust someone to fix a paint defect if they are not even trusted to wash my car? They might succeed, but I would hate the appearance of swirls or holograms.)
3. Hire an experienced, local detailer, and have he/she work on one specific, small defect, with the least aggressive method (I cannot even feel the defect with my finger tips; hence, I think it is removable)

I live in Fallbrook, CA (Anyone Close?)

How far to someone great like OctaneGuy or Superior Shine? Someone who's pictures speak magnitudes for their work quality. Would one of the masters even work on just one defect considering how small the job likely is compared to detailing the regular 4-5 cars a day at $400 each? About how much would it cost (cash $$$) to work on just one area? If I drove the car over to someone, would it be okay if I watched the work be done, so I could learn?

Thanks for any info

[Murr1525]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Can you feel those scratches with your finger nail?

As for the exhaust, Nxt or Hot Rims Metal Polish would definatly be great. I have clayed mine, then used those, and the shine is great for a non-chrome piece. But I have ordered online from ADS for most of my stuff these days. The stores here, as much as I like to buy local, just dont cut it.

[Jbirk]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

No, I cannot feel the marks with a finger nail. The paint feels absolutely smooth.

I will try the metal polish soon. I hope tomorrow. I don't want to clay my exhaust because then I can't use the clay on the paint again. When I get an old enough piece of clay, I will use it for the exhast and wheels.

[Murr1525]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

If you cant feel them, they should be removeable. I would try ScratchX with a terry cloth again in those areas, working it in well of course. Dont be afraid to see the car rocking on the springs. Try and go across the scratch as well, not just in line with it. Then follow up with a foam pad after it.

As far as claying, yeah, ***** to use a brand new piece. I guess if you cut in thirds or so, you are not sacrificing as much.

[Duff]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1516

Here is an excellent article about removing paint defects with Scratch X. It works very well if you put enough passion behind it but it has it's limitations.

[benhui86]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

since you paid good money for your car and how much you care about it.... you might be interested in a G110(PC) buffer.... since you have tried scratch X, i am sure you will appreciate how much less effortl you will need to be able to get even better results than you ever would by hand.... it is a very save and durable machine where the only way you can damage the car while using meguiar's products is to take the buffer and throw it at the car...

total cost for the most basic products you would need to use the G110 would be around $200~ + tax + shipping....

G110 including backing plate and one 8006 pad $149.99
one more 8006 pad 6.5" $13
80 32oz $17
83 32oz $20

one bottle goes a long way if you are just doing your own car....

you might be interested in getting some ultimate wipe towels which are very very good at removing polish/wax residues $3/each you would just need around 3 if you are only using it for paint....

thats about all you would need to buy for paint since you already have NXT tech wax

[Andy M.]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Unfortunately, you are having a bad experience buying a new car that you probably saved for or really looked forward to getting. From your pictures, in my opinion, scratch-x applied with a terry cloth applicator will remedy this problem. Use passion behind the pad and maybe even go over the area 2 or 3 times. I think you will be OK.

Andy
101impala

Hi, I recently purchased a brand new 2008 Mazda 3 4-Door Sedan. I went with the Sport Package (S Touring). Among the features are Side Airbags, Fog Lights, Stability Control, Traction Control, 4-Wheel Disc with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Brake Assist. The S trim models come with slightly larger braking hardware i.e. larger rotors.

Color is Galaxy Grey Mica. I know the wheels are painted and clear-coated 17" alloy. I have already waxed them and have been wiping off the brake dust twice a week with a microfiber. Within the first week it cleared enough for me to wash and wax the car.

Here is what I had time to do:
Return Christmas Gift (Armor-All package. All their product sucked in the past, glass cleaner streaked, and their protestant was a greasy mess that never lasted and on tires turned brown)

I bought:
Gold Class Wash (Yes I ran out)
new wash mitt (Chenille)
Microfiber Towels
Absorber Synthetic Chamois (Feels a bit like soft plastic but works great)

I just washed then waxed with NXT Tech Wax 1.0. I did not clay as the paint felt smooth. I used Invisible Glass to clean windows (can't find NXT glass cleaner), and I used Meguiar's Insane Shine on the tires.

This is not my car, but the color, style, and wheels look identical. Probably some minor changes as mine is 2008 and this is 2006

http://au.carnewstoday.com/car-news/images/article_4415-img_0.jpg

I will take real pictures after the weather clears

Here is the only Picture I have (taken at night with Digital-Flash Kodak Z730):



I have tried:
Cleaning surface with Quik Detailer (original formula) and microfiber to remove dust.
DC 1 and Microfiber (Did nothing at all)
ScratchX and Microfiber (No Results either even with a lot of elbow grease)

Do I complain bitterly to the dealer?

Do I try ScratchX and a Terry Cotton towel? As for the rest of the paint, it is perfect. I could not find a single swirl mark on it though the weather is not exactly bright and sunny.

[Jbirk]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Can you feel those scratches with your finger nail?

As for the exhaust, Nxt or Hot Rims Metal Polish would definatly be great. I have clayed mine, then used those, and the shine is great for a non-chrome piece. But I have ordered online from ADS for most of my stuff these days. The stores here, as much as I like to buy local, just dont cut it.

You are awesome. I did exactly as suggested. First I cleaned the surface with the Quik Detailer and a microfiber to remove any dust residue. Then I used Terry and more pressure than every before. I kept re-applying as I know the abrasives are stronger before they break down and that most of the cleaning ability happens in the first few seconds. I then fully worked the product and followed with a re-application by Microfiber. Then I applied DC1 to the entire panel with Microfiber, and I re-waxed that panel with NXT Tech 1.0 Liquid Wax.

After Picture (20 Minutes labor)

[Jbirk]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Now for my first time polishing metal.

I bought the Meguiar's Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum (All Metal Polish).

The stuff is strange as it has a sort of reddish/pink hue. As I applied this to my stainless steal (Assumption) exhaust, the terry towel turned very black and hideous, but the exhaust looks chromed now. It is way better than when I took possession of the car. There was some black staining on the very tip of the exhaust, but that wiped up instantly leaving a better than new clean.

I thought this would take a while and planed to polish half the exhaust then take a picture of half polished and half not. However, I got carried away, so there is no before picture.

Exhaust tip after polish (10-Minutes Labor):

[Jbirk]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

I am assuming my wheels are painted and clear coated. Is that correct?

I want to keep my wheels bright, but I do not think Hot Rims Metal Polish is right for them. Instead, I should wash, clay, and use paint products correct?

I just want some input to help me identify what I should use on my wheels to keep them looking clean. Right now, I have been just wiping up the brake dust with a microfiber.

Thanks in Advance

[Murr1525]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Just to mention, the Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum polish and the Nxt All Metal Polish are a bit different, with the Nxt being a bit milder. The Nxt is actualy safe for paint (basically in case someone accidently used it on their wheels), but if you have painted wheels, you would be better with paint products.

For washing, I like to use the Hot Rims Multi-Piece Wash and a brush. And some APC for the tires. If they need a deeper cleaning, then yes, you can clay and clean like any other paint.

You might want to start using some QD with your MF for removing brake dust, or even the Quick Wheel Detailer.

[Jbirk]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Thank you. My wheels are definitely painted and clear coated. I will keep the Metal Polish away from them.

I will just clean them weekly with a microfiber perhaps damp with water. I will definitely try Quik Detailer on the wheels too, and I will keep them waxed.

If I encounter any stubborn bonded brake dust, I will pull out the clay and follow with DC1 or ScratchX and Microfiber or Terry. I bet with those products, I can keep my wheels looking mighty clean and sharp since they are just painted.

The metal polish worked so well on my exhaust, it makes me wish wheels were bare, uncoated metal that was remarkably workable. I was flabbergasted how much improvement the metal polish made. Took my exhaust from a dull, lifeless gray to the brightest chrome.
Thanks very much for your help. I will definitely begin using Quik Detailer on the wheels. I am going to buy the Hot Rims Wheel brushes, and am at a toss up between Hot Rims Multi-Piece Wash and P21S Wheel Gel, due to some amazing videos of it being very safe and effective on painted wheels.

[Murr1525]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

You might want to get a couple foram applicators, can be quite handy when something gentle is needed.

Gotta get under and clean up any visible parts of the muffler as well. Mine is soo visiblue, I have to clean and polish almost the whole thing.

Hopefully you can still find some of the Meguiars brushes, they are very good.

As far as the cleaners, you can certainly compare them, see what works best for you. Remember the cleaners will remove wax. And you will also have to see how long wax lasts for you.

[Murr1525]

Re: New MAZDA 3 2.3L Sedan PROBLEM

Here's a pic of what I had to deal with:

Before and after here: