After getting several recommendations, I hired Magic Wax – a well known detailer in Southern California – to detail my car. Magic Wax is run by a guy named Mario.

I spoke with Mario on Tuesday and he agreed to detail my car on Thursday. However, the weather forecast included the possibility of rain. Mario promised that, if it rained after he detailed my car, he would wax my car again after the rain ceased, before the weekend.

Thursday morning, the sky was full of clouds and I was reluctant to proceed. Mario repeated his promise that, if it rained on my car after the detail, he would wax it again before the weekend. Therefore, I allowed him to proceed. Interestingly, he detailed my car at CEC.

In order to justify the $225 fee, Mario told me that he would need over three hours to detail my car. Yet, Mario miraculously finished in under two hours.

Mario’s detail was adequate, but far from commensurate with the $225 fee. He delivered the car to me with wax build up in several areas, smudges, and various other minor flaws, some of which were fixed on the spot.

Shortly after Mario left, I discovered that he had: (1) broken both plastic pieces that covers the screws that affix the visors to the roof, and (2) broken my $300 sunglasses by cramming them in the center counsel – the frame is bent so severely that it doesn’t fit on my head. Additionally, the rain came as predicted and doused my car.

I promptly called Mario (on Thursday). I should mention here that Mario NEVER answers his cell phone. Rather, he lets all calls go to voicemail and calls back only those select few that he wants to speak with. Prior to collecting my $225, Mario was very responsive and promptly returned all my calls. That ceased after he had my money. Mario returned my first call after finishing my car – that was the last call he returned. I told Mario about the damage to my car and sunglasses, and the rain, and Mario promised to fix my car and sunglasses, and wax my car again, the next day (Friday). We set an appointment for 12:00 pm.

I called Mario Friday morning at 11:30 pm to confirm our 12:00 pm appointment. Mario didn’t return my call. 12:00 pm came and went without any word from Mario. I left 2-3 additional messages for Mario that afternoon, without response from Mario. I was steaming.

Saturday morning, I left another message for Mario, and he again declined to call me back. Then, I had my wife call him and leave a message feigning interest in hiring him, and leaving her cell phone number. Mario called my wife back within minutes. She handed the phone to me, and Mario gave me a BS line about being out of cell phone range at German Auto Fest in Ventura and unable to call me back. Of note, I was able to speak with several people by cell phone at German Auto Fest, without any diminished signal. Nevertheless, I made nice and Mario promised to wax AND fix my car, and deal with my broken sunglasses, that afternoon, between 1:00-2:00 pm. Not surprisingly, 2:00 pm came and went without word from Mario. I left a couple of messages, but Mario maintained radio silence. Thus, I was left with no alternative but to rush out Saturday late afternoon and find someone to do what I had paid Mario to do.

Now I have to go about fixing my car, and fixing my sunglasses or buying new ones. Needless to say, I will never call Mario of Magic Wax ever again. Caveat emptor.

Craig

 

I once had an experience similar to this on a minor home repair- Once they get your money, they become silent.

What a dirtball, these kind of people are just scum of the earth.

 

If you want it done right do it yourself... that's my motto.

 

Exactly!!! Detailers don't meet my standards...

 

100000% - Just as much of a rip is Deatiling Dynamics in Long Island New York......back in the day Matt Z was great but since they opened an expensive shop and have larger bills to pay that was the end of quality service

I prefer to do the car myself but never have the time besides the summer - I trust Andy from Diamond detialing with my car and he has never let me down

 

Never been happy with anybody elses detail job other than my own.

 

That says it for me.

 

Thanks Darren!!!!!!!

 

If you ever are willing to do a go to another detailer again I HIGHLY recommend this guy, I sat and watched a thread at one point where this guy completely wetsanded a brand new s600 to get rid of the factory orange peel. It was unreal.

He does GREAT work.

http://www.autoexprs.com/






Just curious what was included in the $225? Did he do a full clay then polish to remove imperfections then follow up w/ a wax? Did he do a full interior cleaning and conditioning as well? Was it all done by hand/machine? What kind of products did he use?

 

"wet sanded" a brand new S600??? Dang, that takes some serious *****. I actually like orange peel.

 

Incredible *****. How could you like orange peel? Takes away from a good reflection :P

 

after further review it was an S500

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...light=lorinser

 

Scott,

I like orange peel because it's factory. I am super **** about keeping things factory (except wheels). Plus, why doesn't the factory color sand their cars(Porsche/Ferrari/MB/BMW)????

 

how much do you think that costs? I am interested in doing it to my convertible cobra.



Back on topic, sorry to hear about your misfortunes Craig...it did look like there was some wax left on there Thursday night.

 

because it would require too many man hours to do it, and that is turn isn't cost effective.