Hey guys, I'm new here.
I just put in an order for a black base model Z. The dealer said that the order would go in tomorrow and he would call with a build date. He estimated delivery to be end of Feb or so. I do have a few concerns though...

Black cars look great, but show scratches, flaws like crazy. I have read that I should use a really good sealant when I first get it. Which one is the best? On this forum I'm reading Zaino and Blackfire, but which is better specifically for black. How many coats have you guys found work well? I know absolutely nothing about proper car cleaning, waxing, detailing etc. Any good links, books? If money was no object, how would you care for your Z?

Also, I plan on getting the 3m treatment done. Would the edges of the coating show up more on a black car? I don't want it to look like somebody coated it with scotch tape or something.

This is my first real sports car, or good car really. I'm 25, just getting on my own two feet financially. This is a car I want to keep long term. I chose black because it won't look dated down the line. The blue and orange look really cool, but may be too "trendy". The brickyard really interests me, but I've never seen it in person. Silver is, well silver. Everybody has it. White looks really nice, more race car-ish. My insurance actually quoted me a higher price for a red Z, so that's out.

I can still change the color if black isn't a good long term color. I know all cars will eventcially get old, scratched and what not. What do you guys think? Have any of you had black cars that stayed in good shape 5-10 years down the line?

I'm sorry if these have been covered before, but there are so many posts to weed through even after a search. This is one of the most active boards on the net, which is cool!

 

I have a red Z.... the insurance was the same

 

Mb27 - welcome to the site.

I, like 60% of the population, bought a Silver Z. After seeing the Black in person, I had a few regrets. The owner of the site, Takao, brought his to a gathering in Palo Alto. It had the Crystal Guard paint protection and looked superb. Here are a couple pics but they might not reflect the actual quality of the finish:

 

This was my favorite shot.....

 

I own a four year black Passat. I'm happy with the quality and durability of the finish....

 

Lastly, I have the clear bra. From any distance greater than five feet away, you can't see it or I'd post pics. I would highly recommend it.

Enjoy your decision making. We've all been there with you.

 

Thanks for the kind welcome!

Maybe on the insurance I misunderstood. She said something like "Red will cost you more in the long run". She might have ment speeding tickets.

I've seen a black track model 350z in person before and I do love it. Those pictures are great there pointfivezero. Your Passat looks to be in great shape.

The only thing is the odds are against me in keeping nice looking. I live in the north east, no garage, and commute on a highway that is known for its 18 wheeler usage. I've had more broken windshields than I can count.

Unless I see something in person that just blows my mind, I'm probably getting the black.

 

Be on him like a hawk for information. February sounds early for a car ordered now. People were getting quoted February back in Sept!

Even if you place an order, keep calling around, you'll find cars available (finding Base Models could be hard though).


Start by reading the sticky posts (first posts you see) in the Detailing forum here. Excellent starter reading. You can also download the begining of a detailing book from www.properautocare.com and if you want, purchase the rest of the book online. I think the info on the forum is probably better.


It takes some cleaning to make sure you don't get build up in the edge.. but properly installed, you can't see the film at all more then 3-5ft away. If you can afford it.. do it.