Subaru guy with new CX7 (pics of both. 56k go watch Harry Potter)

[Yoo Shin]

I just bought my wife a CX7 GT with the Tech Package, and well, pretty much every other option except for a tow hitch and the Sirius Sat. We considered the Nissan Murano, Acura RDX, Hyundai Veracruz, and (of course) the Subaru Tribeca, but it was the CX that had not only the best features and options for the price, but the looks and style.

We're not too interested in aftermarket mods for now, but have entertained the thought of some EM and MAYbe some suspension modes but nothing like what's done to the Subaru.

Havent had a chance to take any decent day pics but will get both cars after a clay/polish/wax on both in the next week or so.

The Subaru..

 

[vbbuilt01]

Why clay a new car?

Havent had a chance to take any decent day pics but will get both cars after a clay/polish/wax on both in the next week or so.

Yoo, sweet! I'm sure you're wife will enjoy it!

I'm not an expert on detailing, so got a question. If the car is brand new off the lot, in pristine condition, and presumably hasn't been on the road to accumulate grime, bugs, or tar, why would you clay it? I've been repeatedly advised not to touch a brand new car with anything, other than washing, not even waxing, as the paint hasn't fully cured from the factory.

I'd be interested in your comments.

thanks, Vince.

 

[CX-7owner]

Damn CX-7's Always look sexy, And that is one Fine CX-7 and camera you got there.

 

[offset_98]

Nice CX-7! Good color choice

...nice storm clouds in the back of the Subaru pic. Wish we'd get some of that here...

 

[Yoo Shin]

Yoo, sweet! I'm sure you're wife will enjoy it!

I'm not an expert on detailing, so got a question. If the car is brand new off the lot, in pristine condition, and presumably hasn't been on the road to accumulate grime, bugs, or tar, why would you clay it? I've been repeatedly advised not to touch a brand new car with anything, other than washing, not even waxing, as the paint hasn't fully cured from the factory.

I'd be interested in your comments.

thanks, Vince.

Well it all depends. Yes this car is a baby with only 9 miles when we test drove it. It doesn't appear to have any kind of wax at all, and the paint does have some ruff spots. I'm going to use a mild clay at first, then hit it with a layer of carnauba the 2 layers of sealer wax. I'm going to give it at least 1k miles before I do so. With the Subaru, I clayed, polished (only because Subaru's paint is horrible) and carnauba/sealer wax.

Another shot of the Scoob after the last full detail.

Also I wanted to know if there was a form of engine management that's defined in "Stages" or something? For example, for the Subarus, there's a "Stage I" which is a simple +1 reflash, and then there's "Stage II" which makes the mapping more aggressive and requires at least a down pipe from the turbo. Is there like a hand held module that you can get to load maps in?

 

[SuperStretch18]

Also I wanted to know if there was a form of engine management that's defined in "Stages" or something? For example, for the Subarus, there's a "Stage I" which is a simple +1 reflash, and then there's "Stage II" which makes the mapping more aggressive and requires at least a down pipe from the turbo. Is there like a hand held module that you can get to load maps in?

Not yet. CP-E is developing a plug and play for the CX-7, but that will be the first of it's kind. They are planning (based on their discussions; don't quote me) to do a "stage 1", which would be like a reflash and a "stage 2" map that would be for the folks with more aggressive modifications (exhaust, intercooler, etc.). For the full thread, see here:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123671305

There have been talks of COBB developing a MS3 EMS that might work for us, but I'm not sure if that has ever been nailed down...

 

[cruzdreamer]

Great pics of your wifes new CX 7!! Great choice!!!

 

[koala]

Yoo, sweet! I'm sure you're wife will enjoy it!

I'm not an expert on detailing, so got a question. If the car is brand new off the lot, in pristine condition, and presumably hasn't been on the road to accumulate grime, bugs, or tar, why would you clay it? I've been repeatedly advised not to touch a brand new car with anything, other than washing, not even waxing, as the paint hasn't fully cured from the factory.

I'd be interested in your comments.

thanks, Vince.

Always clay a new vehicle if you're planning on properly maintaining the paint.

They have a lot of crap on them from the train ride (rail dust-- which can turn into little specs of rust embedded in your clear coat).

And the paint *has* fully cured well before it shows up at the dealer. (by the time the vehicle is built in Japan, shipped over, clears customs and then goes on a train ride and subsequent local delivery, it's been well over a month).

 

[Yoo Shin]

Always clay a new vehicle if you're planning on properly maintaining the paint.

They have a lot of crap on them from the train ride (rail dust-- which can turn into little specs of rust embedded in your clear coat).

And the paint *has* fully cured well before it shows up at the dealer. (by the time the vehicle is built in Japan, shipped over, clears customs and then goes on a train ride and subsequent local delivery, it's been well over a month).

That's the way I look at it and a person with good detailing experience can glide their fingers over a washed finish and tell if there's impurities or contaminents right away just by the feel. This car's finish feels ruff and gritty and the rain has shown that it has virtually little or no wax.

Hey plus it's fun to detail a car and I'm looking forward to doing the CX's awesome paint as opposed to the crappy Subaru stuff I deal with all the time.

Thanks for all the compliments and I'll get some better shots when it's done (and after I learn how to actually use my camera).

 

[vbbuilt01]

Always clay a new vehicle if you're planning on properly maintaining the paint.

They have a lot of crap on them from the train ride (rail dust-- which can turn into little specs of rust embedded in your clear coat).

And the paint *has* fully cured well before it shows up at the dealer. (by the time the vehicle is built in Japan, shipped over, clears customs and then goes on a train ride and subsequent local delivery, it's been well over a month).

Ah, ok. Thanks for the update! You have some good points! Sometimes a different point of view is refreshing!

Vince.

 

[koala]

I also suggest using Zaino if you don't want to have to detail it all the time (wax yellows as it ages, usually 30-45 days maximum life span)... zaino actually layers, and with 3 layers you can usually get 4-6 months out of it before it wears off... It's the ultimate lazy man's detailing system, not to mention it usually has more wetness and depth than most carnuba's