kevin_in_idaho
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Registered: 12-13-2016
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Car wash, detailing, etc. Questions
I know David K. has his favorite place to go in Baja for a car wash, etc. but I'm curious on what you look for, how much they charge, etc.? Do you
take your own wax if you want them to wax the truck? We're headed to the mainland and thought that I might look for a place to get my truck washed
when I'm down there but not sure what I should be looking for as I see a lot of these places and would rather know what to look for before driving in.
Thanks!
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woody with a view
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Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Look for a car wash. Some places have costs related to add ons some just get a bucket and a rag. Pretty simple.
Edit: last time I paid $7 for a 15 minute wash and spray wax under a tarp.
[Edited on 9-14-2018 by woody with a view]
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pacsur
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Posts: 191
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
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I have not had good luck at car washes for car waxing and polishing, but after Odile I started taking my cars in for color sanding, wax, and polish at
body shops(carrocería's), had my Tacoma crewcab done last month, $1,500p, came out very nice.
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David K
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My goal for Baja car washes is to remove the mud should I have a bunch caked on. This is totally for the U.S. crossing as they can make a stink if you
are "importing" too much dirt (containing bad bugs).
So, I usually tell the car washers to skip the inside cleaning (although they like to take the floor mats out and do extras. They also ask to Armorall
the tires (I decline that if I have more dusty roads ahead). One time, in El Rosario, we went to a restaurant near where some young guys ran a car
wash as we were in no hurry, and the truck was made shiny! They still only charged us like US$10. I gave them each a ten!
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weebray
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Location: La Paz
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As has been pointed out if you have a bucket and a rag in Mexico you have a business. Any shopping parking lot, downtown area, upscale restaurant has
numerous and affordable (as in less than 100 pesos) good hand car washers. You can step up from there all the way to a complete detail for about 500.
Mind you Cabo area will be twice that. There are several in La Paz that are excellent. I know because I made the mistake of paying 200 bucks in
Glendale, CA a month ago instead of waiting to have the same or better job done here for 350 pesos. 500 including headlight polish.
Every beautiful beach in the world needs a few condo towers - NOT.
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shari
Select Nomad
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Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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I get mine washed in Guerrero Negro at a place that has a power wash to get the caked on salt...off. They charge 200 pesos to power spray the
undercarriage.
Here in Asuncion our car wash guy does a fantastic job inside and out for 150 pesos...but no power wash..a screamin deal and my vehicles come back
looking brand new...and they come and get it and bring it back when they are done!
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 8-5-2011
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And always give a healthy tip to the Mex car wash guys. They work hard for peanuts, as do the folks pumping gas.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
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Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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If you have a favorite wax, bring it along with some microfiber towels
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J.P.
Super Nomad
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Location: Punta Banda
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CAR WASH
A hefty tip works wonders a local I use will drop what he is doing and get to mine and it always shines.
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kevin_in_idaho
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As many pointed out, a tip will be given :-) I may take my own wax, etc. too. We'll see.
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J.P.
Super Nomad
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Location: Punta Banda
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WAX
the paint and clear coat on the newer cars don/t need a lot of wax. if you ruin the clear coat then the paint goes pretty quick.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
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Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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Quote: Originally posted by kevin_in_idaho  | I know David K. has his favorite place to go in Baja for a car wash, etc. but I'm curious on what you look for, how much they charge, etc.? Do you
take your own wax if you want them to wax the truck? We're headed to the mainland and thought that I might look for a place to get my truck washed
when I'm down there but not sure what I should be looking for as I see a lot of these places and would rather know what to look for before driving in.
Thanks! |
Car wash. Ain’t brain surgery. Ain’t rocket science. Ain’t rocket surgery. Pay some pesos, get your car washed.
Don’t know what to look for? Look for guys washing cars, drive right in, they will wash your car 
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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bajamedic
Nomad
Posts: 392
Registered: 12-5-2008
Location: Northern California
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Mood: Just waitin for baja
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There was a Car Wash and Detail Shop across from Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario that did a fantastic job on my Black Ram Pickup. The place was a
little rustic, so I was not expecting much, they did a fantastic job inside and out. I gave them their asking price plus $5.00 each they seemed happy
and I was very pleased... until I had to turn on a dirt road. JH
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weebray
Super Nomad
Posts: 1094
Registered: 7-19-2010
Location: La Paz
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| Quote: Originally posted by kevin_in_idaho | I know David K. has his favorite place to go in Baja for a car wash, etc. but I'm curious on what you look for, how much they charge, etc.? Do you
take your own wax if you want them to wax the truck? We're headed to the mainland and thought that I might look for a place to get my truck washed
when I'm down there but not sure what I should be looking for as I see a lot of these places and would rather know what to look for before driving in.
Thanks! |
A bit off topic but relevant. If you need to spiff up the old dog wait till you get S. of the border. Talk to a local expat about a good body man.
There are great "metal not bondo" craftsmen here in La Paz. Way reasonable too. Same goes for dentists.
Every beautiful beach in the world needs a few condo towers - NOT.
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advrider
Super Nomad
Posts: 1863
Registered: 10-2-2015
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We always have the guy in San Felipe ( on the malacon) wash our bikes when we are headed back North after a good Baja trip. Nice to get the salt and
bugs off so people can see your headlight again. He works for tips so we usually give him $5 for each bike. He can also ride so we usually let him
grab a bike and make a few laps around town!
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HeyMulegeScott
Senior Nomad
Posts: 699
Registered: 8-25-2009
Location: Orygone/Mulege
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These guys at 5 Estrellas in San Felipe did a great job on my Jeep this past spring. It was maybe $11 with tip?
 5 Star Car Wash San Felipe by ssichler, on Flickr
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weebray
Super Nomad
Posts: 1094
Registered: 7-19-2010
Location: La Paz
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Mood: lleno
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Price in La Paz at this moment for hand wash and cleaning interior is about 100 pesos depending on size of vehicle. Everyone giving you service of
any kind, from Sears delivery guy and post man to grocery bagger and the guy that sweeps the street in front of your casa, deserves a tip - spread the
love.
Every beautiful beach in the world needs a few condo towers - NOT.
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