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Comments
I have had the car since May, after ordering it in Feb of 2000; it went on sale March 15, and I was #16 on the list at the local dealer. By the time I got my car, there were 150 on the list behind me, and the dealer is getting about 4 to 6 a month. As of now, the price for a used one is about $12,000 to $15,000 over sticker. The dealer asked me a few weeks ago if I wanted to put it on the lot for a quick profit. That demand should keep resale values high for years to come, and I didn't wait 18 months to get a car I'd flip to someone else right away.
Now that the car has many coats of z2 and z5, including a recent round which included clay, z1/z5 then z2, the finish feels and looks like glass.
It's black with the white (excuse me, "ecru") interior, and has an interior wood trim of light bird's eye maple, which is pretty unusual, but most people like it. With several coatings of the Zaino conditioner, the leather feels and smells great.
I passed on a black one with a tan interior, (which the dealer later sold to Ken Griffey, Jr.) because I was holding out for a dark color with the white interior. I figured as long as I'm going to have this car for a long time, why rush and get something not exactly what I want. This is my first new car in over 20 years, and my first convertible, and it's nothing but fun, and always draws a crowd because it's still very rare.
For these reasons, I spend way too much time with the z6 keeping it clean, but I'm sure that will wear off over time.
Thanks for asking.
PS: Chicks love the car.
SEND THEM!! I'll post them for you if you want me to.
fastdriver
Conversely, many users obviously believe that results achieved with Zaino paint protection products are almost magical. We both know that other products can and do achieve similar results (KLASSE comes to mind). But some Zaino fanatics are undoubtedly so pleased with Z results that they can become unreasonable in defending it.
Too bad for everyone. Zaino is a great product, and it provides the most durable protection I've experienced. Until something better comes along, I'll continue using it. But please stop me in my tracks if I seem to get too defensive.
Really, you should give Zaino a try. Who knows -- you may end up passionately defending it and end up turning others off! (Joke, of course!!!!!)
BACKGROUND - One of his regular foursome drives an NSX and swears by meguires #26. I have been using zaino on my black sc 430. NSX guy and I have been having a "debate" over which product is better etc.
CURRENT - This morning I am dusting off my Black Beauty and notice some swirl marks (YIKES!). Since NSX has not seen my car yet I am mortified. Should I z5 and improve the swirls? Or z3 and go for shine? z3 or z5? Decisions.
So I go for it!! I put z5 and z3 together on the applicator and apply at the same time. I am waiting for it to dry as I type. Has anyone else tried this? Any harm? Sal says his products are compatible - we'll see.
Do you want me to send you the chicks or the pics?
Squidd99
The other problem you will have eventually, besides the lack of bonding, is that the wax will yellow over time.
So now you have a yellow layer between the zaino surface and the bare paint, which is where the color is.
As a polymer, Zaino will not change color over time, although it will eventually loose its high optical properties which makes it reflective. This starts to happen when you can see the water stop beading up.
Now, if your car is yellow to start with, then this is less of a problem.
LOL.......Send them BOTH!
fastdriver
That's the primary reason I'll never use Zaino.
Sorry, but it's how I feel.
I post on this Zaino Topic because I use it and it works great.
Thanks, that was the prevailing thought about the leather cleaner. The conditioner got a few good reviews on another list though.
Brett
Thank you for the info on where to purchase the duster and blade. I did see a duster locally, but it didn't have a wooden handle like I have seen represented on the web sites. It was much cheaper because of the fact, but is it the same? It did say California Duster (as seen on TV).
Larry
I read through some of the posts on the other message board, thank you for the link.
As far as the great debate...
I haven't used any product on my vehicle so I don't have any predjudices. I read through many of the posts on the other topic first and there was alot of good information but no real consensus on what was best. Checking infomation all over the internet it seems that people are more enthusiastic about the results of Zaino than any of the others.
It doesn't seem to me that the Zaino products are the question. Someone tries a product and he/she is unhappy with it. Another person tries the same product and is happy with it. The third person tries the same product (especially with Zaino) and is wildly enthusiastic about it, telling everyone they see how great it is. Same product only difference is everyone has an opinion, some differ.
The real problem is that it really bothers some people if anyone tries to change their opinion. (My husband is like that, deal with it all the time! ;D )
Only my opinion...
Julie
waiting for my Zaino to arrive!
thewaxtest
Newbie
Registered: Oct 2001
Location:
Posts: 1
IT IS NOT ZAINO RELATED
I must clarify this for everyone!
We are 100% certain that it was not a Zaino related threat. The person that sent us the message was not afiliated with Zaino at all.
We can completely verify this, so please don't draw any conclusions about who it was.
We swear up and down, Zaino is not involved.
-Steve
thewaxtest.com
That doesn't leave out those passionate Zaino customers. And we all know a few......
WAXTEST WEB SITE-
Due to some disturbing messages and incidents that have recently taken place, we are discontinuing the site until we can decide whether it's worth it or not for us to publish our opinions on some car waxes.
We had no idea what we were getting into when we planned this test, we just thought people would like to see a test between a bunch of their favorite waxes. Sort of like an NBA All-Star game.
Unfortunately, some people take waxing even more seriously than we do, and didn't like our intitial reviews. We're sorry that our opinions didn't match yours.
We may or may not continue the site, we're all undecided as of right now.
-Sincerely,
The Guys @ thewaxtest.com
Hey Mbdriver & Bret, this really stinks. Why did a couple of MORONS have to ruin it for the rest of us? I'm not blaming any one at Edmunds, nonetheless; ITS JUST WAX!!!!
Respectfully,
Larry
I had a dream, that ALL Edmunds Town Hall Members participating in the different Car Polish and Wax Products got along. That we treated each other with respect and civil dignity. I had a dream, that in our discussions we sometimes "agree to disagree", however NO ONE claims their preferred product is the BEST product. I had a dream, that we helped newbies find a product that works for THEIR life style and we encourged folks to try two step products (Zaino, Klasse etc.) when they are ready to learn more. I had dream, that all paint protection topics were grouped back into one topic. Where the Zaino folks and the non-Zaino folks can SHARE their ideas and exiperence in one auto detail topic. My apologies Dr. Martin Luther King. What does everyone think. We can continue are current discussions, however maybe we could start a new topic to discuss all aspects of auto detailing?
Respectfully,
Larry
What I know is someone, maybe several people, tracked down the person who owns the domain name and URL for waxtest.com. From there they must have done a people search, perhaps buying info on the owner of the URL and obtained their home address among other personal info.
They then paid a visit to the URL owners home and left unknown items signifying that they had been discovered. The URL owner interpreted this as a direct personal threat to him and his family.
I do not know what action was taken by the URL owner, but I am sure we can all guess as to what we would do.
They made several modifications to the site but the threats still poured in so they decided to just shut down the website for their personal safety.
That's the gist of my information.
Duration - My car and my Mother-in-law's car are are garaged most of the time, the shine and protection seems to last at LEAST 6 months if not longer. On our Accord, non-garaged and out side 24/7, it's still 4-5 months before I am tempted to put on another easy coat of Z. Not bad for 6 years old.
How do you know that they did not receive threats of legal action from some other company? They gave harsh reviews of many of the reviewed products. They have been very evasive about these "threats", "messages", and "incidents".
I am a passionate Zaino customer but I would never threaten somebody. It makes no sense, is just plain stupid, and you could end up in jail. I don't know why you(Bretfraz) even care to discuss anything about Zaino. You have stated repeatedly that you would never use Zaino long before "thewaxtest" came along.
Finding out who owns a URL is very easy. Just go to the Go Daddy Whois URL search engine and type in the web address.
And all along lately, I thought everyone WAS getting along. BTW, the report on the originators of the waxtest is scary! Opinions are one thing, but carrying things that far? This ain't a religion!!!!
M B, I'm SORRY, my post was not meant in a bad way. I was serious about all of us getting along.
I tried to answer your question to me, "have you tried Zaino?". With a three part response giving you some background on my detailing experiences and influences. Everything I posted was heart-felt and honest.
One thing you asked me about, kinda bothered me. I was not upset with you, however. I was upset with my OWN conduct. You asked me; why are some of your post respectful towards Zaino users and others mean spirited? Well,...after some thought I realized I'm a jerk sometimes, lol! Ok, so from here on out, I stop being a flippant jerk. So my last 3 post were from my heart.
I'm asking the regulars at this topic/discussion what they think about starting a general auto detail topic here in Maintenance & Repair, where EVERYONE can chat about there best detail tips. I have not thought much about a name for this new discussion. Perhaps, AUTO DETAIL TIPS AND QUESTIONS? But like you said, it seems that lately the folks in the Store Bought Wax Topic and the Zaino folks are getting along fine. What do you think?
Respectfully,
Larry
It is really interesting that no one on the Zaino forum says anything derogatory about specific waxes, but the wax people will flame you for weeks if you even mention the letter Z. Some, like a certain poster above, will take every opportunity to blast Zaino despite the hundreds of happy users here, and will even come on this forum to try to stir things up. Such behavior is hard to understand, when the final decision should really be up to the user. When they do come over here to insult Zaino products, please resist the urge to fight back, this is what they want, and it only wastes time and energy.
Yea! What you said! Have to teach these newbies everything! LOL... J/K. Was nice back in 98 when Chris Parrish was here guiding us, teaching us, informing us on how to keep our cars looking great and how to touch up chips the right way.
Those were the days. Things have been peaceful here. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Mine speak volumes! LOL....
10,000+ miles on the CL now! Yikes! Looking better than ever. Have you seen the latest pics in my profile? I MUST have sent them to you. ;-))
Won't be long now before the ZFX is out! A few more weeks I think. Can't wait. Like I "need" a few more coats of Z on my car! I think I'm addicted to the smell!
BTW- for those of you in the colder climes- time to get that Zaino out of the garage and into a warmer place! Guess that really applies to any wax/polish.
Where do these weekends go? Seems like I have been on a treadmill for the past month! We'll see what today brings at work. Friday, about 14 computers were "down". You can imagine what fun that was! ;-)
fastdriver
You're welcome. All of the "Z" regulars here are here to help. Thanks for an injection of reason.
I used to use Lexol for many years to care for my leather and plastic bits. Zaino Leather Cleaner was the equal to Lexol (except for the Zaino smell). The Leather Conditioner is the best I've used.
It makes it real easy when I place my bi-annual Zaino order to get the leather treatment as well as Z1/Z2/Z5/Z6/Z7. It saves me an extra trip to the nearest auto parts store. It just shows up on my doorstep, which is real convenient.
Let us know when you get your order. Usually there's a few questions upon the first application. We'll walk you through it (but, that's a typical male response). I'm sure you'll do fine on your own.
graphicguy
If someone likes to wax their car on a subzero day, that's their right. My worthless opinion is that my Zainoed car looks pretty darn good, with very little effort on my part. As expensive as it is, I am still working on the bottle of Z1 I bought going on 3 years ago, and I'm only on the second bottle of Z2 (with a lot still remaining).
It's odd - there are those who admit to never using Zaino, yet they will be the first to discount anything that anyone says about it (unless it's deraugatory), while most of the Zaino users HAVE used something else, and something about the Z stuff made them a convert. Oh, there are a few (very few - dhanley is the only one I can think of) who have tried Z and found it lacking. I'll give his posts far more credibility than someone who hasn't tried it, but they blast it nonetheless. And hey, there will always be folks who think that the Steaks at Bonanza are better than those at Mortons of Chicago. To each their own.
If by "trace of wax" and swirl marks you mean that you see smears, then the solution is to wash with z7. I had to do that and then everything was fine. After the following z2, the result was spectacular.
If you see "traces of wax" then you did not wash well with Dawn, as that's the only step in the process that takes off wax. On the subsequent wash, you should have seen the absence of wax in the way the water did not bead up. No Zaino product takes off wax; it's not abraisive nor does it have the chemicals that disolve wax.
If you see swirl marks, they were not put there by your application or removal of z1/z2 (unless you are using "rough" towels). If these are really swirl marks on the paint, several layers of z5 will eventually help, but the best thing for swirl marks when you are starting from unwaxed paint is to use a product that removes oxidized paint, etc, from the surface. Any marks under the zaino are pretty well going to stay there, so it is important to get up as much stuff as possible before laying down the first z1.
As for the wax/zaino war or words, I offer the following thought: there are some people that I would never suggest zaino to. I find that the biggest difference between just using wax like always and using zaino is the mutiple steps that need to be taken at the outset. We know that we want a great finish, and one that will last better than wax, and we are willing to buy into the system, knowing that, once over the initial applications, routine upkeep is far easier (and gives better results) than any wax. Putting on one coat of z2 and wiping it off later is so much easier and faster than waxing a car it's not funny. But you have to build up the coats of Z to get to that point, and not everybody has that kind of temprament, nor does everybody have the time or inclination to do so.
This does not explain why the wax people (was that a 70's movie: "The Wax People"?) are so militant and sometimes unpleasant, but I for one recognize that some folks would rather do the whole wax job once or twice a year (or even more) than get into this system of polymer finishes that they just don't know anything about and don't care to learn. For them, wax works well and gives them a result that they are happy enough with. Good for them. I wish them the best, and hope their paint jobs look good and last a long time. May they prosper.
For me, I find that the time to get the Zaino on my cars is, in the long run, a great investment that will save me time and money over the years, makes my cars easier to wash, and keeps them looking better than any wax ever has.
Of course that's just my opinion, I may be wrong.
-Larry
And I was leery as hell about trying it because I didn't want to spend my weekends treating my car. But I did try it, and I found that all the Dawn,Clay,Dawn,Z1,Z2,Dawn,Clay,Z3,Dawn,Z5 talk wasn't the reality. I e-mailed gruff old Sal and got a prompt (and I felt honest) response when I asked how it would work on a white car. Sal said *gasp* that I most likely would not see the "wet look" on a white car. But it did shine and it did last a long time, and I also found that I could do the "treatment" in about an hour. I found it interesting that those who told those posters that Z was too much work because of the multiple steps involved turned right around and recommended the Meguires #7 followed by the #26 (use an orbital buffer for best results).
So I pretty much gave up on even hinting at telling someone who wanted an easy to apply product that shined and lasted to look at this board. I'll just let 'em drive around in a sun faded car because I know that the average Joe isn't going to want to get the orbital buffer from Griots garage and tackle the family buggy on a monthly basis. But I do have to give the anti Z posters some credit - they did quit calling us shills.
LOL...........from one shill to another.......there's still Bonanza restaurants??? I have been here since June of 1998. I, too, had NO clue what Zaino was either. I read all the posts, went to the Zaino website and read. I did not just jump right in. It did intrigue me what people were saying about Zaino. Those of us who love cars and like to drive a shiny one are always looking for that ultimate shine.
I was VERY reluctant at first. I was a long time Maguiar's user and THOUGHT I was happy with the way my cars looked. However, that look never seemed to last very long. I kept thinking to myself- HOW could my 99 300M look any better than it does now. That was back in the summer of 98. I also thought- could ALL these rave Zaino reviews be "fake"?
Since I already had a garage full of waxes and polishes, I figured what's one more! ;-)) What did I really have to lose? I ordered, applied and have never looked back. I am sure that people on the net who see my pics think that I spend 24/7 keeping it looking that way. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even dirty, my car looks good! I say- let them eat cake- sorry, wrong quote. I say, let them use what they want. I know who has the shiniest cars around! ;-))
protegextwo-
PLEASE! It will never happen. We had it before. Let it stay the way it is. We have enough turmoil in the world these days especially with this new "heightened alert" issued tonight. We don't need any turmoil here. After all, it is just polish we're talking about. Use what you want. Enjoy your car and just keep reading both topics. Mention of the Z word brings out the "beast" in some people for whatever reason. It's all so silly. As for me, I'll stick with "helpful, gruff Sal" anyday! Just wish that he would speed up this new ZFX additive.
Peace.
fastdriver
Example Question: "I spend an couple hours a week washing and detail my car every week, what products or tips would help me meet my goal of keeping my car looking "like new"?
Possible Response: "Well, I personally use a polymer product called Zaino, I get great results and I think it does an awesome job. However, others here at this topic prefer Klasse, it is also a polymer. I have never tried Klasse, nonetheless the fans of that product swear by it. If you prefer an over-the-counter paint protectant, the 3m line is rated top box."
Now how can that type of response hiss anyone off?
-Larry
I think it would be confusing to decide which product to use if you just read the posts on the other thread. I'm glad I decided to try the Z!
still waiting for mine to arrive...
Julie
or worse
"Looks like 'ol JOEBOB6 has taken the point
position as "Defender of Sal". He'll get sliced
and diced like all the others. Someday they'll
learn, I hope."
So, the poor folks who want a something that will give them a decent (I won't go so far as to say "the best ever") shine, durability, and is easy to apply continue are left looking over in the other thread and seeing that while Meguires looks pretty good, you'd better be in the mood to wax once a month. They'll do it a while, but they will soon find that they'd rather do something besides detail their car, so they'll end up back at the Amoco station with the "deluxe" wash option.
Thank you, Julie! I guess that IS my point. I'm not suggesting that we combine the Zaino and Wax(no Zaino) discussions. I think we need those free standing dedicated topics. However, how about a new DETAIL QUESTIONS ANSWERED Topic?
We can discuss, all kinds of detail tips. I remember, the lemon Pledge for the dash tip, or how to best dry a car, etc. That stuff was fun. Question, don't you folks ever get tired of talking about JUST Z1 lock, Z2 applications? I mean for 4 or 5 days last week this topic was dormant.
-Larry
This is a nice place to discuss Zaino experiences, problems, and give and receive advice about it. Unfortunately if you respond on the "Store Bought Thread" and make ANY reference to A Zaino product (and/or sometimes if they just KNOW that you are a Zaino user) is enough reason to lambast you.
There is a "Paint and Body Care" thread here that seems to be civil for the most part.
I was a wax fanatic, and truly believed that I could get the very best finish using my orbital buffer with all my glazes, preps, waxes and gloss enhancers. I had a bottle for every problem and step! However, I remained open minded, and when I saw a mention of this Zaino stuff, I searched for the forum, and started following it, for a YEAR, before I was convinced by fastdriver's photos to try it. (Thank You Thank You Thank You fastdriver!)
The rest, as they say, is history. Our cars look better than ever with MUCH LESS real work twice a year than I had to do every 2-3 months with my wax assortment. There is simply no comparison with ANY wax, store-bought or otherwise. Even if it didn't have a better shine, it goes on faster and easier, and lasts longer, so how can you lose?
I was thinking that perhaps there should be a forum for "EXOTIC WAXES AND POLISHES", but perhaps that would draw out even more fanatical people, drawing even more blood. ???
I was a struggling college student student looking for a way to make beer and bread money. I got a job washing cars at the local MG/Triumph/Fiat/Alpha/Lancia dealership in my tiny college town.
Long story short, I was able to turn that job into a good detailing business. The owner of the dealership let me use his (heated) garage on Sundays to do side detailing jobs for the "education professionals". Worked for the dealership at night detailing cars to be delivered the next day. On weekends, I was able to do a decent detailing business for the professors and the rich kids (Mommies and Daddies sent them off to school with a new car).
Back then, the premier wax was Simonize. No one wanted me to use anything else (although there were plenty of better ones, even then).
I used a mixture of water and kerosene to get the old wax residue, tar, bugs, etc. off the cars as an initial wash (predessesor to the current "Dawn wash"). The simonize came next. It was amazing to me the amount of paint that came off those cars using Simonize. Of course, the paint was thicker and there wasn't any clear coat. It took 3X times as long to detail those cars as it does for me to do a proper detail today with Zaino (in addition to way more effort).
Moral of the story...we wouldn't think of doing that same ritual today. But, there are many, many people out there who wouldn't dare to try something different than what they see on their local PEP BOYS shelf. Nothing wrong with that.
Like many people here, I've got shelves filled with stuff I've acquired over the years. Last I looked, I had Meguiars, Eagle 1 (not bad stuff for a "one-step process"), Collinte, Klasse, Mothers, Liquid Glass, Zymol (the cheap one), Rain Dance and Finish First. Eventually, I'm going to clean out the garage and pitch them (it's the "pack rat" syndrome...since I spent good money on those products, I can't bring myself to throw them out).
Zaino, in one way or the other, has beat them all out. That's my "non-scientific" test. On the other hand, I'm always up for trying something better. Haven't found one yet.
So the lot guy is showing us the car - a beautiful Capri blue with java leather, and I ask him what wax they recommend.
He goes: I don't know, something from Canadian Tire?
(Canadian Tire is like Walmart without a clothing section)
Needless to say, I was aghast.
Thanks
I think Zaino is an excellent wax substitute.
Leo
I'm not the expert that, say, fastdriver is, and my car is now a daily commuter. So for me, endurance and protection are the most important aspects of finish maintenance. My car takes real punishment, and I don't always get a chance to wash and maintain it. For my specific needs, Zaino is probably the best product line on the market. But I really don't care what someone else wants to use. At least my car is well protected and continues to look great even when covered in dirt. And when I do get a chance, I enjoy washing and Z'ing it. I get satisfaction from seeing the results of my efforts. And, oh yes, the effort is very mild. Zaino's Z2 and Z5 are MUCH easier to apply than my prior waxes.
But like proto stated, I too will not recommend Zaino to everyone. My father, for example, has never stated any interest in cleaning or waxing his cars. And most of my fellow commuters here at ConEd are just not interested in their cars. And that includes changing the oil. Different strokes for different folks. So if someone swears by a particular brand of wax, that's just peachy keen with me. I don't even bother showing off my cars shine. But lately, several people have approached me in our company parking lot to ask me which brand of wax I use. Even with commuter grime on it, my emerald green Honda easily outshines most anything in the lot. Under those conditions, I will explain Zaino to them or at least show them the Zaino website. They tend to love the pictures. I've even been known to bring up fastdriver's pictures for folks who really want to see examples of the best.
And because I learned about Zaino and other good products here at Edmunds T. Hall, I'm more than happy to return the favor by helping others when time permits. And I try to just discount the anti-Zaino crowd. They should get a life and leave us alone.