Exposed! The Shocking Truth About Car Dealership Detailing Scams

[@PanTheOrganizer]

⬇🔶 LINKS TO QUALITY DETAILING PRODUCTS & TOOLS ⬇⬇ 🇺🇸 For people in USA: CLEAN By Pan products: tinyurl.com/y2j9mtws The House Of Rags: tinyurl.com/3au7ffk2 Car Supplies Warehouse: bit.ly/35fJN1g Obsessed Garage: bit.ly/2VU4rQ4 Armour Detail Supply: bit.ly/4aD3JMs DIY Detail: bit.ly/3wsqMdG 🇨🇦 For people in Canada: CLEAN By Pan products: tinyurl.com/5d9wraca The House Of Rags: tinyurl.com/yc22zayv Carzilla: bit.ly/3GxWvgi TOC Supplies: tinyurl.com/2va6z6jn 🇬🇧 For people in the UK: In2Detailing: bit.ly/3fgoENJ Clean & Shiny: tinyurl.com/3s5swsx6 🇫🇷 For people in France: c3po.link/QCWWjkv74R 🇦🇺 For people in Australia: bit.ly/4cbR1VP

[@DiChico2]

Can I use the Clean Spray Ceramic Sealant over can coat ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Good discussion. Unfortunately the people doing the work are victims of the system. No one goes to work in the morning hoping to do a bad job and damage vehicles. Unfortunately the issue is with management, not paying proper wages, not providing adequate training, and using cheap, ineffective chemicals and tools. There are some dealerships that understand and treat the detailing department as a business, but unfortunately most see it as a damp dark corner where they throw money at, and occasionally a clean car comes out.

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

So true. They could still make plenty of up-charge money by offering real products and services.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Good points!!

[@jimprovax6846]

@@diydetailofficial Some very valid points.

[@paulbenderavich3833]

Well stated

[@brandonpointer6059]

I 100% approve this video! I contracted with dealerships for 14 years! I've seen it all.. so sad on how dealerships get people

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah we are already seeing many comments of people sharing their personal experience!

[@teslamr7333]

I worked as a detailer at a dealership 30 years ago. We got paid by the job so the faster you were done the better. FYI a few of the detailers were criminals and they even used to sell drugs at the dealership. The dealer would charge $1,000 for paint sealant, fabric protection and undercoating. At times some of the detailers wouldn’t even do the work and send the car out. It was terrible when they wouldn’t put wax on a PDI car and just take the plastic off and put it on the car lot. Imagine a car sitting in the Florida sun and all the rain and elements for months without any protection, the clear was destroyed. Those wool pads back in the day would leave some crazy swirls when you didn’t know what you were doing. I remember burning edges on the clear because like you said there was no training.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

OMG thanks for sharing your experience!

[@briank.3539]

When I bought my new truck in 2023, I made sure the dealership did not detail/wash it. I drove it home, half way across the country, as is and had it professionally detailed and coated. I have watched enough detailing videos on KZbin to know better than to trust a dealership to do this correctly. Thanks Pan.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That was a smart move. Glad you did your research.

[@cgraham6]

It’s sad when new car dealerships are known for selling scams with their “add-on” detailing services. At least I think most people know those are overcharge, underdeliver extras. We’ll continue to spread the word, Pan.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for watching!

[@mlu007]

I spent 8 hours undoing the nasty "detailing" work that a BMW dealer did to my brand new car. There was too much tire dressing which slung everywhere as I drove home. The spray sealant was not properly wiped off and there were high spots everywhere. But... the worst offense was the shiny interior dressing that had been applied to almost EVERY interior surface including the leather seats, the dashboard and the centre console.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

OUCH !!

[@jimprovax6846]

@@mlu007 My pet peeve shining leather and dashboard. Horrible

[@jfarm_1311]

I worked in a dealership around 13 years ago as a technician not a detailer, but I noticed the same. It is very much a production based operation. Most of the people they hired just wanted a job and didn’t have the passion or want to actually clean vehicles. I’m sure it varies, but that the way it was there. When I got my new vehicle last year they tried talking me into all this stuff. I declined and am doing it all myself. Much better products and results because I care

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yup! well said

[@kimnewling5728]

My worst story is a new white Vette being delivered to the dealership, and the detailer wiped down tires wheels and paint with the same red shop rag. Pushed the Vette under the showroom lights and white paint scratched to pieces. I could feel the bile raising up from my stomach.

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

😳 sickening

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I would have died lol

[@PanTheOrganizer]

For sure!

[@Okie-Tom]

Pan, my dealership tried their sales pitch on their ceramic coating on my new car. I told them I would put one on my car myself and of course he told me theirs was much better because it was something that individuals just couldn’t buy! They finally gave up when I totally told them I absolutely wasn’t interested!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I wish I had been there with you!! Imagine you telling them: "I have my personal advisor here. Pan, what do you think?" :)

[@Okie-Tom]

@ I would have loved it! lol!

[@keithlutz1722]

Hello from Chicago! Finally a video I can add insight to! Back in the 1970s, we were friends of a family owning an Oldsmobile and a Honda (one of the first Honda dealers in USA)dealership. I was friends with their son Paul. Paul showed me a car after having a paint sealant applied to it. He said it was a newer sealant product and the dealership charged $35 to apply it to a new car. Paul mentioned the car had a real smooth finish to it and it did. As the years went by I forgot about it-until I saw yours and Obsessed’s video of JESCAR! Paul was a real good salesman and every car in the showroom had Jescar applied to it and it’s smoothness sold the product. At least Paul wasn’t killing customers on the price. Fast forward 40 years later. Thanks to you and Obsessed, I’m using Jescar on my cars! By the way, their Ultra-Lock with ceramic is lasting longer than the original PowerLock. I’m on month number nine and it’s still beading on my car. I used Colonite 915 as a topperand my charcoal gray Subaru Outback (with 296,000 miles) still looks great. Ask Ivan, he saw my car at The Bays in Wheeling, Illinois and said my paint was well taken care of. If it hadn’t been for you, Obsessed and Ivan, there’s no way my car would have remained in pristine condition. Thanks again and I hope to see you in Chicago whenever you return.

[@chrismargoni]

Before I purchased my new Lexus in 2023 I had watched your channel, I was prepared with all the proper products to clean all surfaces of my car. I just take it for service, tell them, no wash please. Thanks for your great information.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for the feedback Chris!

[@davestewart9146]

Years ago my son worked at Cadillac detailing the cars, he got minimum wage and during the winter he was wet and freezing, they have a big turnover of people, they didn’t really seem to care about the people, only getting cars out, thanks for the video my friend 👍😁

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That's a pretty generalized thing unfortunately. I wish they trained and paid their employees better, so they can be proud of the level of work they put out.

[@davestewart9146]

@ me too

[@ronayotte3571]

When I buy a new vehicle I emphatically tell the salesperson and the finance manager not to wash the vehicle. Once the vehicle goes on the "sold" line, I go over with a dry-erase marker and make a few indiscriminate marks on the paint.If they are not there, I know that they washed it. I have my repair work done at an independent shop. The only time my vehicles go back to the dealership is for warranty work. I have a sign that I hang on the mirror that says "Do not wash or detail this vehicle". It is written on both sides of the sign in English and Spanish. I also give these signs to my coating clients. I got them from Detailed Image.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Good process Ron!

[@dvlop0018]

The transparency of Pan is “CLEAR”. Best wishes in the new year

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Happy new year to you too!

[@TheCarDetailingChannel]

Most dealerships only care about one thing and that is profit; even worse when it’s a corporate owned dealership. The profit first mentality then comes with major cost cutting in the form of not only materials but also time and skill. The entire culture in the automotive sales industry needs to go through a revolution in my opinion. The people selling the products in the business offices have zero clue on what the product is and how it’s supposed to work. The sad thing is, I’ve seen some good kids go through dealership detail departments. These kids are car enthusiasts and know a lot about proper car care. Then, they start working and quickly realize how far back quality is on the priority list. Many quit or get fired because they refuse to put out subpar work. Others are desperate for the money so they stay and just become more and more jaded. You know the worst part of it all? When the rare but informed customer complains about the quality of the detail, the detailer is the first to get bus chucked by the sales person and manager. I’m speaking from my 14 years of working in the industry (mostly service shop). I’ve seen it all.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah hopefully the newer generation that works in their detailing departments watch enough KZbin videos to train themselves to do a better job, as the dealerships usually invest very little in employee training.

[@sheepstardetail]

A corporately owner dealership is one that is owned by the brand itself (Tesla, Rivian). They typically have better processes since it's vertically integrated vs a franchise, and slip ups or complaints go directly back to the brand, not the franchise (in my experience).

[@karlf2378]

I remember I bought a new car about 10 years ago. It had a scratch down the side that i found when I got home. Called the dealership as soon as I got home and they agreed to fix it. When I went to pick it up I was greeted by a new car that looked like they dry buffed a dirty car. they were right next to a gravel pit and interstate. I lost it on the GM and they tried sticking me with it. Ended up having it taken to a body shop for correction….. even though i should have done it myself. I just could let the dealership get away with crappy service. I don’t do business with that dealer anymore.. I know for a fact that they utilize all of your points in this video. It truly is a shame that dealerships get away with this.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah it's crazy to me that dealerships know they do crappy work and are willing to sacrifice future return customers... The dealerships that do a good job will retain customers for many new cars after they want to buy a new one.

[@georgec7899]

It is even worth the EFFORT to check the finish of ALL the cars Paintwork before driving the car away from the dealer because if you do not mention DEFECTS it is TO LATE to go back and COMPLAIN.

[@troigrl]

That’s why they make you wait until it’s dark night. I didn’t see my paint defect until the morning. I should have known when I said I’ll pick up in the morning and they said No, no while have your car ready soon

[@RemedyAutoDetailOfficial]

Solid discussion 👍🏼. Only one out of the 4 dealerships I've worked for actually detailed and applied coatings properly with well paid detailers. The one good dealership was the one I was able to manage the detail shop! Unfortunately a new sales manager changed the management rolls of the shop to be under sales and not service. That's when the untrained , underpaid detailers arrived and the chemicals were cheap junk that didn't last, but charged top dollar. The dealerships are the reason I started my own detailing business. Not only to provide quality service, but to set the business up to ensure my future employees will be well paid and educated in the field.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That's what I'm talking about. Doing things right, your way! Good job man.

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

I purchased a new vehicle end of summer 2024. I looked around for a few months before I purchased. In those few months I could write a lengthy article about my experiences. The unethical and at times illegal sales tactics attempted blew my mind. I experienced it all even the “shouldn’t you go get your husband” prior to a test drive. 🙄 I was about to lose it when I finally found a dealership that didn’t try any of this stuff. This is a great video people need to see for sure. It’s nearly every dealership now will try to get you on something. What I don’t understand is they could offer good products and still up charge at least people would actually get something useful on their vehicle. They would still make plenty.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Well said Becca! And I can't believe they'd say stuff like "get your husband", that is insane! Are we in 2024, and they are stuck in the 1800s??

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

@@PanTheOrganizer Pan I just shook my head and walked away. The guy even called out after me asking why I was leaving.

[@markstack1783]

Thanks as always. You’re the best!!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it!

[@thomasetesta5641]

Great Video Pan and agree 100%; I have first hand knowledge of this 2 weeks ago purchasing a new 2025 Honda hybrid Sport Touring CRV for my wife in South Carolina. All dealers I checked had mandatory add-ons for their new vehicles from $2,500 to $5k. I chose a dealer with the lowest $$ plus refused to pay for the add ones which included a $499 ceramic spray polish by First Place. The sales manager eventually agreed to zero out all add ons plus another $2k off MSRP before we agreed to purchase. Also, I have an order of a few of your Clean products coming in today including your ceramic spray polish! Keep up the good work and for all 3 of our Vehicles we always state do NOT wash when in for service… always for decades

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Hehe what a story!! Good that you refused all their crap Thomas! And enjoy the CLEAN By Pan products and Happy New Year to you!

[@thomasetesta5641]

@ thx again & Happy New Year!, And Your products arrived late today

[@PanTheOrganizer]

It's so fun receiving packages! Even after 27 years of detailing and getting orders in, I still always am like a kid in a candy store anytime UPS or FedEX rings at my door!

[@kendallbennett7451]

I stupidly agreed to have a dealer do a ceramic coating on my new truck and once the paperwork was done I asked when they would do the ceramic and they said they are doing it now. I took it home 3 hours later with my ‘ceramic coating’ installed. What a joke. I honestly don’t know if they ever actually did anything as it did not wash like it had a ceramic coating on it. Some folks think ceramic is a scam, and if you got one of these ‘dealer installed’ coatings it makes sense. Once you have a professional coating installed with proper paint correction done or do it yourself, you will know the difference.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That is horrible Kendall. I feel sorry for you. You were likely ripped off. You should have asked to see the ceramic coating bottle. They likely just applied a quick spray. But now you know that by watching my videos, and other detailing channels, you can learn how to properly do things yourself. ;)

[@ScottAllison-jf4ke]

Dealer applied undercoating "Rust Proofing" is a huge scam, it actually promotes rust. An oil coating applied every year is the best like Krown.

[@Rob-wx2rq]

Yes!!! Those chemicals do wonders to protect the plastic undertrays in helping to reduce chance of rust on the plastics... 🤣

[@JoshuaWaterDragonDeale]

I can testify to this. I actually applied to a car dealership as a detailer and its worse than i thought. They only use one bucket no grit gaurds, long staff with stiff brush and not even going even strokes, redunking into the bucket. only uses 1 towel and its a SHAMMIE!!!! Used and dirty. for interior they just barely vacuum and doesnt bother with wipe down or windows. I was only there for 5 or 6 hours before they told me im not cut out for it because i took too long with 1 car on my own. They wanted the bare minimum done at the fastest pace. Never trust dealership details

[@PanTheOrganizer]

What a story Joshua! Thanks for sharing!

[@chucknaill]

Never allowed the dealership to provide a free car wash. I never use any car wash services. Just had a made in 3/98 Tahoe repainted and I'm following your advice on products and techniques. Hopefully following your wisdom and keeping the vehicle in a garage means the clear coat and paint will a good long time. Rolling over 300K in January.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah doing things yourself, the right way, with quality products, is always best. :)

[@seabreezeof]

Only thing to use a dealership for other than buying is using the warranty if necessary. PERIOD......

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yup!

[@shawnyanak1684]

Great Video Pan!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Glad you liked it!

[@79blustone]

If you decide not to have any protection package or GAP insurance, alloy wheel damage insurance or any other BS they try and sell you, they make you sign a waiver guilting you into not giving them your hard earned money. I worked at a VAG dealership, I over heard one of the salesman walk into a group of other salesman saying 'I mugged them (customer) right off', 'they bought all of that crap', 'my bonus is well on track'. They simply just want the money out of people at any cost. That's why they are called Stealerships.

[@patrickdonahue777]

I was once at an Audi dealership that had a window in the waiting room that overlooked their detailing area and I saw a guy drop his wash pad on the ground, pick it up, and take it right back to the paint 😮 So no, I would never pay for a dealership's detailing and I always decon and correct new cars.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

What a story!! And as you can tell in the comments section, this is a common thing at dealerships.

[@BorndetailersTv]

Great insight my brother thank you 🎉

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thank you! I appreciate it! Happy new year

[@coreymerritt7742]

Great explanation pan out of all the vehicles I have purchased over the years I’ve never fallen for that scam knowing some people I’ve known in the industry thanks have a great new year 🎉

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks Corey, happy new year to you too!

[@DiChico2]

Since watching Mr. PAN i have purchased 2 news vehicles, both times asking the dealership to please not wash much less add any type of gloss enchancer....both time the dealership did what it wanted to and washed and glossed. Thanks to PAN's vids I washed, deconed, polished, and coated both said vehicles. Thanks PAN! Keep your great vids going.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Let's gooo!! :)

[@404notfound.....]

Thank you very much for confirming what i've always said. This is a very good video!! And I have bought numerous new cars throughout the years and declined everything in the business office. The three secrets to keeping a car almost forever? Full synthetics in the drivetrain. A quality rust proofing every year. And your favorite wax paint sealant or ceramic coating.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for sharing your secrets to longevity!

[@RadiantAutoSpa]

I totally agree with this! Last year I had a young guy working with me who used to work at a dealership, He would tell me stories, how they would just apply ceramic coating on cars that weren’t prepped, had a watermarks nor wouldn’t clay. I don’t even trust no dealership neither the high end dealerships!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

You're not alone! It seems like most of them are in it for the quick buck!

[@RadiantAutoSpa]

@ Very true! I appreciate your videos, tips and knowledge!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thank you, I appreciate that! Happy new year!

[@claudiadavies5110]

Yahoooo, brilliant video Pan, I'm horrified and also relieved to see all this info and hope it helps everyone to protect their much loved cars 😊

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks Claudia! I hope you had a good Christmas!

[@claudiadavies5110]

@@PanTheOrganizer Thanks so much Pan, and I hope you had a lovely Christmas too!

[@derrickabare9986]

Ok .... 40 yr detailer here ... at the same dealership and starting my 5th yr as a side business owner . A few thoughts . When i started in 84 there was very little training and not alot of choices of chemicals. Many dealerships hire kids right out of high school and have no desires to make it a permanent job . When a dealership manager has 6 months experience and is training new ones you can just imagine . I am fortunate enough that i am a one man show and ownership knows how important a detailer is . I have open ck book to purchase what i need and i feel is the best products. Some of this video my be somewhat true but some of it is a stretch and gives dealership detailers a bad name across the board which i dont agree with . Ty

[@PanTheOrganizer]

We can't generalize to all dealerships indeed, as many likely offer good services and support their employees with proper pay and proper training. But as you can tell from the comments, there's an overwhelming amount of people that share their negative stories about their experiences with detailing services at dealerships, so the issue is pretty widespread. I have also worked at a major dealership when I was a student in school, during summers, so I have a first hand experience with what I was seeing there. Horrible practices. What's important is to spread awareness, so people don't fall into these traps. If they come prepared with proper questions when buying a new car, they'll quickly be able to ask the questions and evaluate their options based on the answers they get. A well educated dealership should be able to provide good answers.

[@joshparker209]

I have done several vehicles for a local dealership and you are spot on. Nothing but straight up crooks…..I know what I did was top notch but they get the cheapest person they can find I charged 120$ a vehicle reguardless of shape got more good than bad but the bad was terrible. They found a drunk that would do it for 60$ and started using him real winner there….lol

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Insane Josh! Thanks for sharing

[@yanmarquis5865]

You’re right Pan. I bought a new car with that ceramic package for my paint and 2-3 month later I can feel when I washing my car the protection wasn’t there anymore. I wash my car every week and more I wash more I can feel it’s more harder to wash my car. After I watched your channel and find more information about ceramic coating, I found they probably used a spray ceramic or even sealant. Only after 3 months and I can I don’t have anymore protection. I paid big $$ for that protection. After that a complaint to my dealer and nothing happened. I decided to do myself following watching your channel and now after 2 years you can’t say it’s a 2023 car. Even my dealer asked me what I did to have that gloss on my car. I can tell, you I will never buy any paint protection in the futur from a dealer.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yup, you're always better served by doing things yourself than letting the dealership touch the car.

[@markstack1783]

Your input is invaluable. Thank you so much for taking the to get to me. I always trust your judgment.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

You're welcome! Happy to help.

[@mach179]

After watching you ceramic coat a car from start to finish, I'm not paying anyone unless I can stand there and watch them.

[@viniciusmorais8931]

Good luck with that 😂

[@mach179]

@@viniciusmorais8931 When I sell silver and gold coins they count them in front of me and numerous sercurity cameras. Why shouldn't they have cameras in front of what are most likely illegal aliens buffering up my car?

[@interceptor7905]

Do it yourself

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for watching!

[@brennan353]

One of the great satisfactions when I bought my Tesla last spring was...not to have to go through a car dealership. I knew there was a reason I disliked them so much LOL!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Haha, I feel you!

[@PossessionofaDeity]

The two dealerships I've worked for (part of larger dealerships) pay abysmal. 13-15 an hour. Provide bad supplies. Have car washers instead of detailers that are also responsible for transporting cars or picking up parts so they have barely any time to touch up customers cars.

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

What a hot topic! Pan u got me all fired up to start my day! Haha 🤣 Great video. People need to know this stuff so they can protect themselves, their vehicles, and their wallets.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I know right, it's crazy out there! 😂

[@KaneTubeV1]

Cilajet is a common dealership ‘coating’ scam. It’s a $1400 ceramic graphene coating in the same way the 303 Graphene Spray you buy at AutoZone for $18 is. The prep the dealers do is even worse. I would estimate 98% of dealers do not have a true detail department with even one qualified detailer. They have a revolving door of kids who wash cars. It’s just not their jam. They sell cars - that is the business they are in.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

There should be hidden camera investigations into their "detailing departments"... just like the hidden camera investigations about the mechanics side, where they say they did X amount of work, and likely only changed the oil haha.

[@chrism1157]

I worked in the detail department of a very large Chevy dealership in the early 2000's. I used to do the paint sealant and carpet protection packages, and they were a joke. We would spray on some mystery sealant and then run the car through a buff-n-shine machine to remove the residue. The carpet pertection was worse than scotch gaurd. It was like $500-$600 at the time and came with a 3 year warranty. I know it didn't last because I used it on my car all the time. The paint sealant lasted a couple months at the most. I only saw one car come back with a complaint, and we just redid it. It was like $3 in chemicals and the installers made $8/hour. We could have redone the cars 20 times and would have still made money.

[@chrism1157]

Also, when you hand the keys a band new Corvette to an 18 year old, they're going to do exactly what you think they're going to do..... as the new owner, your burnout won't be the first one and your top speed might not be higher than the kid that works in the detail bay. 😅

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That is insane! Ripping people off to make the extra buck like that. At least if they provided the quality service they charge for!

[@LilyLuna-24]

I bought my first new car in April and I told them not to wash it when I picked it up. If I ever have to take it in for service I will make sure they don’t wash it

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yup!

[@andreweilola8346]

Hey this video is well done i have worked for a dealership in Australia for 5 years now and worked my way up to be the head detailer for the dealership. But I will say that not all dealerships are the same or at least not all the detailers are the same. Where I work I have made sure we are doing the best for the customer and car to make sure we do and use the right stuff on the vehicle as best we can. Now with saying that our hands are tied in some regard we are limited to what chemicals and equipment we can use as the dealership has a contract with company's to supply that stuff (their are way around that) the other thing you hit right on the nose was the time we are given to get the job done I have had this fight for more time for 5 years and it has not changed eg given 15 to 30 minutes to do a clean and detail on a car that was either a sales demo/service loaner or on the yard for months. As for the coating, now I can't speak for every dealership but the one I work for and work with as a dealership they work with a 3rd party company that provides the coatings that they sell and we are trained by that company to apply them (in most cases) the biggest problem i have found is the way it is sold eg will stop stone chips and silly stuff like that. I can go on and on. But in short not every dealership or detailer at a dealership is on this scam level their are some good ones out their but it is a hard fight that us as detailers at dealerships need to keep fighting to make sure we give people better value for money

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Well said Andrew! And you are right, there are some dealerships that take pride in the level of service they provide to customers, and you are clearly proud of your work and it shows. Hopefully you are able to convey your passion for detailing to the staff around you mate. Happy new year to you!

[@andreweilola8346]

@PanTheOrganizer that i do. I make sure everyone that details a car with me up holds a level of quality. But I will add the problem of just wanting the vehicles out the door isn't just on the dealership level it does go all the way up to the manufacturer, so the brands themselves. unfortunately, the push to get it out the door, regardless of what the final product looks like, comes all the way from the top. I'm not saying every brand is the same. But a lot are. The one thing that gets to me though is every morning we have a meeting which is passed down from the manufacture for every dealership to hold with every department it's basically to make sure everyone up holds a care for the customer as this is what the brand wants to promote is customer care. But the interesting thing is they never say anything about the quality of the vehicle and making sure it looks the best it can it's all about the sale and making sure the customer is given a good experience. Now, the vehicle condition is a part of that, yes, but it is never said in my mind how the vehicle looks is better than any gift that the dealership can give Happy new year to you too 😊

[@DAILYDRIVENREVOLUTION]

Worked for dealerships for sometime and let me tell you all the stuff I seen from sealants being sold as ceramic coating packages and also the paint corrections they offer and don’t do them right !! They all want you to buff the car and finish quick and won’t care about stripping most of the clear coat

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yup, well said!

[@jarstad]

a Lexus dealership tried this scam on me and my wife. She purchased a brand new 23 RX350. It showed up from transport after the dealer was closed the night before, and we arrived about 1 hour after it opened. We saw the vehicle prior to cleaning. They tried charging us 3+ grand for XZYLON and it wasnt even applied - and said its not negotiable, all vehicles get it. Dumb salesman lied right to our face and said it was applied. Well, we def didnt pay for that because we didnt even get it, and they tried pushing on us to return so it can be installed. In the end, didnt pay, didnt get it, and I just ceramic coated it myself with carpro uk 3.0 and carpro glis after all the prep work to get the swirls and scratches out of a brand new black SUV

[@PanTheOrganizer]

What a crazy story and way to steal your money!! Good thing you stood your ground and did it yourself man!

[@gerardohernandez8901]

I’ve seen the Acura dealer just hose off my truck and dry it no soap I caught them on my dash cam which they didn’t realize it stayed on and this is a 22 Acura MDX Apex blue I’m the only one that washes it once or twice a month and just because it wasn’t that dirty they just hosed it off I told the finance manager. They scheduled it to get polish they tried to detail it and they made it worse they added swirl marks so they are not allowed to wash my car at all so next time it goes to the dealer it’s gonna have a big sign on the dash do not wash because yes they are in a hurry and they don’t care

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah that's another typical dealership story. So sad man.

[@711riddler]

I just purchased a 24' lexus is350. I just put a ceramic coat on it and was horrified waiting in line when I saw the workers loading cars in a mechanical brush car wash. 😮 I told them don't you dare put this car in there.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

You caught them on time!

[@turbinator1990]

My local lexua dealership messed up my ceramic coated car by taking it through the machine car wash despite telling the service writer and writing a note on the car. They ceramic coated my car because it was thier mistake but thier coating didnt last mkre than a few months. I confronted them and they said they only used a spray ceramic coating...there goes $800 down the drain

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Ouch!! Did you ask for your money back?

[@coreywillard9250]

I know your products are now available in the UK but I can't find your polishing pads? When will they be available in uk? Cheers pan

[@PanTheOrganizer]

No specific dates yet, as shipping them takes time.

[@sinisterblue01camaro]

When I buy my vehicles, i do not pay for any kind of paint protection or cleaning. I will tell them do not clean it! I will do it myself after I purchase it.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That's the way to do it!

[@kevinriordan4707]

Not a dealer but 30 years ago I know a guy that put no wax floor wax in hot water and applied to his car. We were given cheap liquid wax, I’d spread over a wet car then spray off. Car was shinny.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

OMG

[@audieconrad8995]

Great tutorial Pan. And THAT👈🏼 is why they are called STEALerships. Shine on you crazy diamond! 🚘

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sei_autodetailing]

My friend works at car max and he told me when they can’t remove the sand on the carpet or floor they will fabric spray paint it

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I heard that from a few people for sure! Insane!

[@Sei_autodetailing]

@ it’s sad

[@ericanderson269]

There is going to be lots of interesting comments I took my car to the dealership for service and they washed my car and broke my tail light they replaced it for free

[@PanTheOrganizer]

OUCH!

[@KingTheDetailer]

Hey pan I have a question for you , I used TS for KCx. I applied it as stated used a applicator pad for the interior , whipped it down with a microfiber towel a couple of hours later the client texted me saying he didn’t want me to apply that in his car anymore because he has a strong odor left behind from the product, anything you can think of why that happen . Haven’t used it again on any other cars because I don’t know why it left a strong odor

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Top Star shouldn't smell bad. Maybe you got a bad batch? Did you contact the distributor where you bought it from? Or perhaps the owner of the car is too sensitive to scents, that can happen.

[@tomshearer7409]

Polishing and detailing is a craft that should not be governed by a clock.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Well said Tom.

[@Sergion-j8w]

Thank you for all the information Pan. All I can think of is how awesome does that Porsche look behind you love it showroom piece. Hope you’re still enjoying the Porsche. I always tell the dealership every time I go and it’s on file to never wash my car I wash it myself don’t want my ceramic coating to get scratched. My next ceramic coating will be the 8 year Clean Brand awesome product line thank you Pan. I’ll drive from T.O just to have you do the ceramic coating.😊

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks Sergion! Yes I'm loving the new Porsche. :) Happy new year!

[@JOSEPHwHAN]

STEALERship. They get away with 90% of the things they pull, because the customer is never around! Ever since dash cams were installed in my car though, interior ones too.. they're slightly better...

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Good on you for your dash cams!

[@mikeberrios1859]

15 years in the bizz as a vendor/photographer. Probably serviced over 40 different dealers in the Chicagoland area. If you’re buying from luxury brands ie Lexus,Mercedes,bmw and so on they usually have good experienced detailers. Lower end stores it’s pretty much good luck you’re on your own cuz it’s hit or miss😂. A lot of dealers also outsource the cars to local car wash and detail shops not every dealer has an in house detail center

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for sharing your experience Mike!

[@jimprovax6846]

Stealerships. Buyers beware. Thanks Pan for the top notch content. Hope you had a great Christmas with your family and friends. May you have a Happy New Year my friend.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Happy new year Jim!!

[@williampinchbeck4321]

The car selling business is just that, selling cars!! That's all they are selling no matter how good or bad the dealers is!! Corporate or invester owned it's all about making money!! So we the consumer have to be aware of that! How good is the detaling and mechanics at the Porsche dealer where you leased your car? Are the mechanics making the money they charge their customers? Do they dend all their mechanics to Germany to learn how to repair the cars they work on? Car dealers are all about making profit and they promise the world and deliver much less!!! It always comes to "buyer beware"!! Thanks Pan great video as always!!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks William!

[@erniehoffer1784]

Great video. Thank you. What is your opinion on the new car lot washer that washes 30 cars with a pressure washer? They use the same towels for all the cars.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I think you know my opinion haha

[@lloydalmeida7699]

Hi Pam, I drive Lexus and when I take it in for service, they offer a car wash, but I never take it because I’ve seen the practice there. It’s a 5 gallon bucket of water and soap with a broom handle and a brush on the end and that does the whole vehicle Scary and then how often do they change that water so my advice to anybody getting their car serviced do not let them wash your car.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Exactly

[@supachai5024]

i wished this video came out before i bought my car😭

[@RossT551]

Picked up my factory order VW MK8.5 Golf R two months ago. Paint work was awful, swirls all over and even some small scratches. Thankfully I already had it booked in to have a paint correcton and ceramic coating by a proper detailer, so I wasn't too bothered. If i didnt however, I was have been a bit livid with it.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Well said. And good on you for bringing it to a reputable professional detailer.

[@henjer2150]

Saw your video where they messed up your paint

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah it was pretty disappointing, and that's after me even telling them not to touch my car! Thankfully, we dialed it to level 11 when I took it home. :)

[@marmada9358]

I worked at 2 dealership before and yes we are trained to do cut corners specially month end we are swamp with the deliveries we dont even do the protection packages just quick vacuum, windows and wash thats it send out the car.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Ouff!

[@S_Paoli]

you know what's much worse than car dealer detailing($599) or nitrogen tire inflation($349) scams? it's the free car wash. whenever my BMW finishes with any type of service, they wash my almost-new BMW.... until I saw my dashcam video and realized that the BMW dealership had an automatic car wash with big BRUSHES(not cloth strips) behind the service dept. No wonder I've heard other customers saying "please don't wash after you're done" That's what I'll request next time as well!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

OMG I would have a heart attack! LOL

[@S_Paoli]

@@PanTheOrganizer there are 2 BMW dealers in my town. I looked into it and found out that the other one also used their own automatic car wash to wash BMWs belonging to customers. It uses those big cloth strips, instead of brushes... but I suppose that's still pretty bad? I'll make sure to tell them "DO NOT WASH" the next time. :(

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yeah try avoiding going to automatic car washes, as they tend to use harsh chemicals.

[@matthewcanino90]

I'm so glad I done my own research before I bought my current car. Dealership ceramic coatings are a scam! Especially since my paint is a single stage paint it would've been interesting to see their "lifetime warranty" after a year or 2 when the coating wears off 😂 I just maintain the paint work with good quality washes, waxes and sealants and it beads water better than I've ever had on previous cars! i actually enjoy driving in the rain now just to see the water beading 😂

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Imagine them charging you 2K for a "coating" and promising lifetime warranty, lol

[@I_am_the_big_dipper]

It starts with the top......the manufacturer will only pay so many hours to correct shipping/transport issues. Once the car hits the lot, Lambo to Kia, the dealer governs what happens to the car from there. BTW, 45 years in the dealer business, so its not a guess. Ive seen good paint turned to trash, and bad paint well corrected. It is entirely in the dealers hands. Most dealers subcontract out their detail business, and the blame trail starts there. No training, poor materials, NO SUPPORT, and NO TRAINING. Sad but true. I dont agree with the DEALER SCAMS clickbait, but if you have to pay extra for anything related to paint or interior, walk away. Most dealers (and detail subcontractors) pay less than what a burger flipper pays at McDonalds or BK....sad but true. I hate to say, you DONT get what you pay for when it comes to dealer add ons. Just my .02 cents. Keep the great content coming, but stay in your lane Pan.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

What do you mean by "stay in your lane"?

[@Tina-ze9cc]

Thank you!

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@fzstormyx3424]

I work at a dealershipe as a detailer we use 3D express wax as our “ceramic coating”

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That's crazy!! Thanks for sharing.

[@codebluefpv]

Hi Pan, I live in BC Vancouver. Wondering if you know a trusted detailer in this area I can go to for detailing service. Awesome video! Very eye opening.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks!

[@stevejordan9567]

I bought my black 4Runner that had been sitting on the lot for a while and it was super dirty when I bought it. They tried to clean it but they did a really bad job “washing” it. They tried to dry it with a really dirty towel. I told the salesman it looked like shit. He said he would have them re do it. Needless to say I told them I’d fix it, wash it properly. Rocky Mountain Eurosport n Parker Co. it’s was kind of surprising seeing as they sell lots of really high end vehicles. I guess they use a different guy for those cars. 😂😂

[@markstack1783]

Hi Pan, I just ordered a ‘25 RSQ8 Performance. The previous detailer who ceramic coated my SQ8 with CarPro is no longer available. I am talking to the local Ceramic Pros installer. What do you know about the ceramic product they use? It’s called ION. Do you know who makes it? I assume it’s a private label. Thanks as always.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I have never tried Ceramic Pro products, so I can't give my opinion on them... The only thing I remember about them is having many multiple layer packages. With today's modern high end coatings, 1 layer systems are usually the way to go. I'd stay away from anyone telling you that you need 2-4 layers.

[@bossanova7462]

These scams also include your industry DETAILERS scam people just as much if not more than dealers. This whole industry is a scam if you want it done do it yourself.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Care to share examples of how detailers scam people?

[@cranfktubner7677]

When i got my brand new car. I noticed a ton of scratches. They told me they would fix it ... But i had some doubts 😓 They had just an hour to do it from the sales representative's request. It was not perfect of course and they missed lots of areas 😅 Next car, i will just do it myself !

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Yup, do it yourself for sure. :)

[@scootytamra]

Sadly, i couldn't even test drive my new car before i bought it, as there were only two i had to chose from being that it was at the end of 2008, i rode as a passanger in a 4 door before my 2 door was brought to me from Vermont, and my dealership was in Manchester? But still i was excited and over looked all the dealership's bull.

[@markstack1783]

One last question. Do you know of an installer of your new Clean brand ceramic coating in Palm Desert, California? I’m near Palm Springs.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I don't keep a list of detailers as I would die trying. Your best bet would be to contact reputable detailers near you and ask them if they'd be willing to use CLEAN By Pan products on your car.

[@ricosway3428]

Crazy you just released this video bc I was just taking about this. I want to start my own business detailing so I decided to get a quick PT job at the dealership. Maybe get some different insight type of thing right... MANNNN do I cringe every time I come to work. The products suck. The way people train to clean cars is horrid; with a wheel brush and not a foam pad/chenile. Use a chemie to dry the car. And lastly, the brushes and what not are rarely ever cleaned. Luckily I have a little experience actually detailing bc they don’t provide training. They use APC for literally everything and is SUPER watered down. And the spay wax/SI02 spray are crap and don’t last. Sorry 😢 rant over lol one more thing lol IF YOU GET A WASH AT A DEALERSHIP, CHECK UNDER YOUR RUGS. Some people only vacuum around and on top of the rugs/mats.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully you get to train your fellow colleagues the better ways of detailing!

[@timbohall2799]

I got an email from Lexus offering a car wash with vacuum for 99 bucks.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Ehhh, NOPE. Ain't no way a dealership is washing my car lol. I wouldn't even let them clean my glass.

[@btbd2785]

This one pf the "ugly faces" of dealerships.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

For sure! Hopefully some learn from this and have the desire to improve and give customers what they actually pay for.

[@subcarpathian1664]

Sujet intéressant qui démontre surtout que la plupart des gens ne sont pas sensibilisés au détailing En France, un peu de Waxyol ou lustrant Nenette, la voiture brille et le client client repart tout content. Les portiques de lavage automatiques ne se cachent même pas ! Plus difficile est de demander à des marques premium de ne pas laver le véhicule, heureusement cela est fait souvent au nettoyeur haute-pression. Chez Porsche, c'est même dans la charte de satisfaction pour le client avec le petit coup d'aspirateur. Et les désidératas du client passent souvent à la trappe, en vous toisant de haut bien sûr : on n'apprends pas à des pros à faire leur "soit-disant" métier. C'est très français, je ne sais pas si c'est plus facile au Canada?

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Au Canada, du. moins au Québec, on a plus le contrôle de refuser tout service offert par le concessionnaire. Moi je dis non à tout, je veux m'occuper moi-même du traitement esthétique complet intérieur et extérieur de ma nouvelle voiture.

[@subcarpathian1664]

@@PanTheOrganizer Tout comme moi. Et hâte de se procurer tes produits "by Pan" , malheureusement non encore disponibles en France.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Bientôt en 2025 j'espère! À suivre

[@djalexas1]

Thoughts on scotch guard on a new car?

[@PanTheOrganizer]

You mean the fabric protectant? It's always good to clean and protect all the surfaces of a new car, both exterior and interior.

[@darrellhornick7764]

I've often wondered, obviously you detail other peoples cars but KZbin aside, do you have a business website? Do you advertise locally?

[@racingfreddie]

@darrellhornick7764 no he's not, he's just an at home detailer. Never been in the detailing business professionally. Tbh he's one of the smart ones lol not in the trade just profiting off the trade lol

[@PanTheOrganizer]

No, as detailing has never been my main source of income. It's mainly a side business I have had for over 27 years now. Word to mouth is all I need, plus with the channel alone, the pool of customers is near infinite. All the customer vehicles in most of my videos found me through my channel.

[@darrellhornick7764]

@ Gotcha! Thx for the reply and wishing you continued success.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thanks Darrell. How did you discover my channel by the way?

[@wagonwheel9426]

What is the process to remove dealer “paint protection” to start over with ceramic coating?

[@cgraham6]

Same as with any protection - Machine polishing. Since they’re only using a spray ceramic at best, any good polish will remove it. Of corse you want to follow up with a panel prep spray before applying a ceramic coating.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

The only way to ensure 100% removal of any previous protection is by machine polishing. Followed with a panel prep spray to remove polishing oils and residue. And then you apply your choice of paint protection: wax, sealant, ceramic coating, spray sealant, etc.

[@wagonwheel9426]

@@PanTheOrganizer many thanks !!!

[@wagonwheel9426]

@@cgraham6 many thanks!!!

[@Rob-wx2rq]

Wash with a soapy bucket of kitchen dish soap 😱😱😱

[@BamaJoeBob]

I wonder, do most larger dealers have a ‘mini’ auto car wash set up? Seems like they instantly run cars through at the time of sale. (Pan addressed this at the end of the video, I commented too soon). Most recent car I bought they said..give us a little time to get it cleaned up. I don’t know what they were going to do but I told them nope, I’ll take the car as is.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Some are attached to automatic car wash centers, or have their own, yes absolutely.

[@scootytamra]

It's my own fault, but talking about shoddy dealerships cheating you out of money, when i bought my 2008 Ford focus, it was brand new, i was it's first owner, i had never had a brand new vehicle before,(always had used) i was so excited, i paid for fender chrome trim and a chrome exhaust tip, but never got it, and i ended up getting a crappy steering wheel on my car, that looked like someone took a belt sander to it! This was a brand new car too! Once off the lot, because i didn't want to complain, i just lived with it(shame on me!) I paid cash 14 grand for my car! I just stocked it up to my car has character, i covered my steering wheel so the metal inside wouldn't cut my hand, and bought carbon fiber universal fender trims to add alittle something to the front, and i still own my Focus today! I should have brought someone with me when i was puchasing it to help make sure i got all i paid for? Live and learn....i guess.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That must have been hard for you to live with. Now you know what to do for your next new car one day.

[@scootytamra]

@@PanTheOrganizerI'll probably never get another brand new car off the lot again, but i will be better at picking out a good used car for sure, from watching you,Thanks!

[@dandezz]

Just like the local "detailing shop" there's a lot of people trying to make a quick buck.. It's everywhere We can't avoid it Let me assure you.ive been a dealership detailer for over 25 years that we are not all hacks. We have families We have mortgages We have values I , myself, can actually say I do care about all vehicles coming out of my department. Just like everything else.Do your research and you won't be disappointed.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Thankfully there are some good heroes like you Dan, doing the right thing!! Happy new year my man!

[@dandezz]

@PanTheOrganizer bonne nouvelle année Panner.. Merci x2

[@PanTheOrganizer]

;)

[@loic4691]

Hey 😊

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Tu es le premier Loïc!

[@loic4691]

@PanTheOrganizer oui pour la dernière vidéo de l'année 2024, c'est pour finir en beauté 😄.

[@PanTheOrganizer]

En effet! :) Bonne année à toi cher et fidèle auditeur!

[@goodwashdetail]

I bought a preowned 2023 Honda CRV at a Honda dealership and the mats had that slippery coat on them😩 I didn’t fall for the detail package. Also they didn’t give me my spare key when picking up the car, they hand me 1 key I asked for the spare and of course they didn’t have it. They had me go through my insurance to pay for a new one🤦🏽‍♂️… so yea dealerships are shady AF..What are your thoughts on the vehicle warranty dealerships offer?

[@PanTheOrganizer]

That's insane! I don't keep my cars long enough to need a vehicle warranty (I get a new car every three years, so they're always under warranty) but if you keep your vehicle 6+ years, it's usually worth while getting those extended warranties, as repair bills can get very costly.

[@JRichDetailz]

Worked at Mercedes Benz dealership here in Montreal and wow lol 😂 worst thing ever I have so much to say tht I won’t say here but man do they scam ppl I had to quit cause it was so bad and they expect u to do a 2 step paint correction on a G wagon in 3 hours lol 😂

[@PanTheOrganizer]

I can just imagine all the stories you must have!!

[@dean8367]

A fool and his money soon part ways..

[@michelnarbonne3979]

Dealers they don't care also they don,T paye

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Good point!

[@markstack1783]

Are you still high on CarPro’s professional grade ceramic coating or have fallen a bit behind the competition?

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Other brands seem to have blown past CarPro in terms of coating performance. Their CQUK 3.0 hasn't been updated since 2018, and is still just a 2 year coating. High end coatings nowadays are 1 layer systems, often only need one hour of curing and then can be released in the elements, etc. So are CarPro coatings still good ? Yes. Are they the best? Not in my opinion.

[@timothywozniak6952]

What is your opinion on System X ceramic coating?

[@PanTheOrganizer]

Haven't tested that.