My OCD may get the best of me.. need help

[Qbop_7]

Just joined. Bought a '24 BB and I'm really enjoying it so far. 1k miles in first road to Florida and some off roading on the beach to break her in. The one I could find new and in my price range was in shadow black. I forgot what a pain in the a** it is to keep black clean. Need some support or good Ole tough love from the forum to make me not regret getting it in black. I love keeping my tools clean and orderly but I feel my OCD might get the best of me on this one.

 

[V8 Yankee]

I hear you, 3 years in and tried a few things. Here is my list.
1. Never take it thru an automatic car wash that uses brushes.

2. While the paint is new apply a ceramic coat. Every 6 months do a clay bar treatment and coat it again. There are shops that do 1, 2 and 3 year treatments but they are spendy. I found I can do it in about 2 hours when the the temperature is right. The Chemical Guys kit is good but there is many other brands out there. Just spend a little extra and get everything you need. Should last you a couple of years. The first treatment is the most important, after that is gets easier.

3. If your pocket book can handle it get a PPF, 3M is the best.
4. Always hand wash using a very soft hand mit or sponge.
5. Dry with a soft towel immediately after washing.
6. Use a mild detergent made for automotive finishes.

Black is beautiful but the biggest pain in the ass to keep from getting those micro scratches. And seeing how you are in Florida you know full well it will rain exactly where you park your car a few hours after washing it. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Qbop_7]

Thanks. I use to own a 450sl that was jet black. I would hand wash that thing every week and keep a cover on it. After a while I kinda gave up on keeping it so clean. But this being a new car I'm definitely anal about it right now. My biggest concern like you said is the swirls and micro scratches. I have paint protection from the dealer.. you think that's any good? I'll probably take it in to get a paint correction/wax in about 6 months. I dont trust myself to do it.

 

[sswalters]

100% agree with the ceramic coat.

 

[V8 Yankee]

The dealer coating is pretty good, especially since it is applied on brand new paint. Really hard to say how long it will last. To many varibles, sun, rain, heat, cold and everything else nature can throw at it. There are some good treatments and some are a waste of time. The best way to prolong it is to cover it and do a light dusting now and then. I do mine every 6 months and it looks great although there is 3 years and almost 48K of road rash and small scratches that I can see. I don't think I would buy another black one but when it is clean and shiny it does look good, at least for a couple of days.

 

[RSH]

Considering the Sport is designed to accommodate off road activities, it's okay for it to get dirty whenever the situation arises, even if the color is black.
It is even okay to let it stay dirty now and then to show others that you actually use the Sport for it's intended purpose and that you are an adventurous person.

 

[BritNowInOhio]

I had a black car once.
Once.
It fooled me, sitting there on the dealer forecourt, looking all awesome and shiny. 2 years later when the lease was up, never again.

I think black shows dirt worse than white (I have a theory), scratches can be seen from the International Space Station, and despite it having the brightest DRLs in the world, people cut out in front of me constantly in a way I hadn’t experienced before or since.

Also, I have OCD too.

 

[errgnomeous]

Ceramic coating is a must in my opinion. It won't stop scratches from happening or even chips but it can help with abrasion and it makes cleaning so much easier. Some coatings are so good now, that they almost self clean because of the crazy hydrophobic properties. The water and dirt just slides off.

If you really want an amazing rundown of ceramic coatings and just detailing in general, then I recommend the guys over at DIY Detail (https://diydetail.com/) (https://www.youtube.com/@diydetailofficial).

I would also suggest paint protection film too on certain areas of the vehicle even if you ceramic coat the vehicle.

 

[Qbop_7]

There is a new OB down the street from me that I was really into and considering. had a sunroof like mine and the trunk shelf upgrade that I really liked and it was in the azure grey. Really liked the leather and cloth combo too. Crazy question. But do you think it would be worth trying to trade in for a higher trim and different color? I know it would be atleast 5k difference but I could just look as if I painted the car and got a few upgrades... I'm split on that cause I already spent alot to get to this point. Part of me just wants rock with the one I got other part of me wants the upgrade. The black does look really sick when it's clean.

 

[bstn rnr]

You'll never have a hard time finding touch up paint.

 

[Mark S.]

I forgot what a pain in the a** it is to keep black clean.

Here's what me old Gaffer told me: Wash one half of the car at a time. After washing the first half, take a photo of that side, because by the time you wash the second half the first will be dirty.

 

[Jube]

I have four black vehicles and my son has two. Some good advice has been given. They show dust almost instantly after cleaning but they sure are pretty. Remember the old saying, " once you've had black you'll never go back".

 

[Mwittke5857]

Just joined. Bought a '24 BB and I'm really enjoying it so far. 1k miles in first road to Florida and some off roading on the beach to break her in. The one I could find new and in my price range was in shadow black. I forgot what a pain in the a** it is to keep black clean. Need some support or good Ole tough love from the forum to make me not regret getting it in black. I love keeping my tools clean and orderly but I feel my OCD might get the best of me on this one.

Brings me back to how my BB looked like when I first got her. I’ll admit, I got carried away with all that’s available for these rigs

 

[Bill G]

My wife had (2) black cars (I accept no responsibility), and everyone’s right — a pain in the a$$! Prior to hers I‘d bought one black car on my own. Washed & waxed it, then the guy down the street decided to spray paint his house white on a windy day — I leave it to your imagination . . .

 

[SaveAHorseDriveABronco]

Exactly why i didn't get black. I'm OCD enough as is but totally get wanting to keep it clean, especially when brand new. I personally get more compliments on mine when she's dirty ? that's what the broncos are made for, right? but it sure feels nice after a good clean

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