[SimEd]

Kept looking at my ideal XE online because I still haven't gotten one yet...

I still do that and I own one. When you start low there's always a better model!

Today I moved mine from the back of the house to the front of the house so the pool girl wouldn't bump into it with her equipment. That's a distance of about 80 ft but I took the long way, naturally.

 

[SimEd]

Care to share the percentage increase in your petrol consumption?

Also, after pedaling your xe on dynamic mode, do you get a burn smell from the engine when you get out of your car? I'm not worried if it's unsafe - I'm sure it is. But do you know what us that smell? Is that the smell of the engine oil?

I get that smell. At first I thought it was a 'new car driven hard' kind of thing but I still get it when I don't drive hard. I also tend to notice it more at the back than the front, but that's maybe because I tend to be getting something out of the boot/trunk after I pull up and my face is right above the exhaust pipes. It's never worried me but I definitely know what you are talking about, just not the source of it.

 

[SimEd]

This wash sprays on some sort of wax, but I doubt its overall effectiveness. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best protectant/wax?

You'll probably get a few suggestions for which wax to use and how to prepare a car with clay bars and other products first, but personally I'd recommend P21S as your main wax and then finish off with a coat of the Car Guys Hybrid wax. You'll get a glass like finish that'll last you a good few months. Dirt and rain water will just roll off the car with subsequent washes.

Granted P21S is not cheap, but it goes quite a long way and provides a great finish on your car! And it's super easy to apply and wipe off!

Included a couple of photos of mine but it's hard to see on a bright white car.

 

[SimEd]

Thanks SimEd. Your car looks great. What is the best source of these products? Do you think a professional detailer would be using them?

SimEd - two more care questions come to mind after seeing your suggestion. 1) What do you use on he wheels of your car? They sparkle! 2) While teaching my 70 year old body how to fold into my XE I scuffed the plastic lower door panel with my shoes. Have you a suggestion for removing or at least hiding those scuff marks? Thanks - Mike

You can get these products easily online through Amazon, you may need to go to The Car Guys website for the hybrid wax but I'm pretty sure I got it from Amazon. And yes a detailer would absolutely be using these products.

There is a way to get a more permanent shine on your paintwork and that's with a ceramic sealant/coating. I've never done this but it's all the rage, I'm don't know if you know of it but here's a link that explains it - https://www.lenosgarage.com/blogs/news/wax-vs-sealant-is-there-a-difference

For my wheels I just clean them thoroughly with a soft wheel brush, dry them with a microfiber cloth and then use the hybrid wax on them.

Inside I use the Armor All Original Protectant. That'll hide the scuffs and bring your trim to life. Don't purchase the Armor All Cleaning Wipes though unless you want everything to be shiny. Made that mistake in my F Pace and it took quite a while to wear off! The Armor All Original Protectant is what you need. Hope this helps!

 

[SimEd]

Seeing that an entire squadron of bees had seemingly dropped their wares all over my lovely white paintwork it became bath day!