Novated lease - I’m only allowed to use 3rd party car cleaning

[GTIWesome]

Hi guys,

I’ve got a novated lease on the new baby ( MY09 GTI, APR reflashed...ohh yes).

The novated lease company says I can get reimbursal for someone else cleaning/ detailing my car professionally. But I cannot claim back any costs of cleaning products for doing the job myself ( i.e. buying chamomile, shampoo, wax , clay etc).

Kind of strange as this option will probably cost 4-5 times more, but I suppose they are looking at it from a risk perspective.

I have never had anyone else clean/ wax /polish my cars in the past, and frankly don’t trust them to do so.

But if money is not really an issue (well the lease company said as long as ‘reasonable’, they indicated a few hundred dollars every 6- 8 weeks for a inside/ outside job was ok), where would you recommend I take the GTI for a proper wash??

Someone who would really know how to carefully clean and wax and polish a car?

I’m in Brisbane.

Cheers,
GTiwesome

[KWICKS]

Hi guys,

I’ve got a novated lease on the new baby ( MY09 GTI, APR reflashed...ohh yes).

The novated lease company says I can get reimbursal for someone else cleaning/ detailing my car professionally. But I cannot claim back any costs of cleaning products for doing the job myself ( i.e. buying chamomile, shampoo, wax , clay etc).

Kind of strange as this option will probably cost 4-5 times more, but I suppose they are looking at it from a risk perspective.

I have never had anyone else clean/ wax /polish my cars in the past, and frankly don’t trust them to do so.

But if money is not really an issue (well the lease company said as long as ‘reasonable’, they indicated a few hundred dollars every 6- 8 weeks for a inside/ outside job was ok), where would you recommend I take the GTI for a proper wash??

Someone who would really know how to carefully clean and wax and polish a car?

I’m in Brisbane.

Cheers,
GTiwesome

You're the kind of customer professional detailers will fall over. Take your pick!

[GTIWesome]

yeah probably, but any specific recommendations for Saturday morning detailing in Brissy?

[PhilMart]

Don't know if I can do this here but go to http://www.detailparadise.com.au and ask there .. plenty of GOOD detailers on that forum .. professionals who will look after it probably a lot better than you could (no offence)!

[livingthedream]

I honestly dont mind handwash cafe at albion. 2 main reasons
- They accept my motorpass
- They dont get in the car whilst actual washing it, so my beige leather stays much cleaner than other places that drive it fom point to point around the carwash.

I only use them for the fortnightky bath though. If you want a hardoore detail then go to a specialist... that will cost you closer to $250 , but looks show and shine good

[GTIWesome]

Philmart great links thanks! Ill have to read the forums for some recommendations.

As ive only got a 5 week old vehicle, im leaning toward a the hand wash cafe clean/polish option for the time being ( thanks for the tip livingthedream).

Is it a waste of time getting a pro detailer on a brand new car?

And how often fo you guys use the detailers ( for those who use them)?

[livingthedream]

I pro details once a year...it just makes me and my baby feel good.

[brad]

The novated lease company says I can get reimbursal for someone else cleaning/ detailing my car professionally. But I cannot claim back any costs of cleaning products for doing the job myself ( i.e. buying chamomile, shampoo, wax , clay etc).

Kind of strange as this option will probably cost 4-5 times more, but I suppose they are looking at it from a risk perspective.

But if money is not really an issue (well the lease company said as long as ‘reasonable’, they indicated a few hundred dollars every 6- 8 weeks for a inside/ outside job was ok),

How strange. Why wouldn't they allow you to claim your cleaning product costs? I've put in claims for windscreen washer fluid & a cleaning mitt - they haven't paid it yet (lack of funds in the kitty) but they haven't questioned it either. The only thing I can't claim is "accessories" - eg: I can buy a set of replacement alloys or some replacement coil-overs but not a set of mudflaps, window tint or a towbar. I'm also allowed to buy my own service parts for oil changes etc.

Even if you are forced to use a carwash /detailer, how can the lease company limit how much you spend of YOUR MONEY? Is there also a limit to how many tyres you can wear out or how much fuel you can use?

The other thing you might consider is that if you get it detailed, the detailer might include some product in the price that will help you maintain the vehicle between details.

[dangerous_daveo]

Just start up your own company, do it yourself, then claim the costs, inc labour.

Done and done!

[smoothcall]

Hi guys,

I’ve got a novated lease on the new baby ( MY09 GTI, APR reflashed...ohh yes).

What does your lease contract say about modifying the car from standard specification?

[GTIWesome]

What does your lease contract say about modifying the car from standard specification?

I dont know - i had the ECU done without telling them. My strong suspicion is that it wouldnt be acceptable.

As its a lease Im not getting anything else done mod-wise

[GTIWesome]

Even if you are forced to use a carwash /detailer, how can the lease company limit how much you spend of YOUR MONEY? Is there also a limit to how many tyres you can wear out or how much fuel you can use?

There isnt a set price from what I understand. Its basically what is deemed as reasonable. Fuel /tyres is already budgetted for, tracked and paid for by the lease company upfront. The cleaning is something I pay for upfront and claim back.

The other thing you might consider is that if you get it detailed, the detailer might include some product in the price that will help you maintain the vehicle between details.

Ah cool thanks for the tip!

[GTI32]

If it's not your car and only an operating lease, is it even worth bothering to wash the car at all.

[SmutsGTI]

It is when its in the contract and would you like toi drive a car that looks like crap, the brake dust on my GTI would be horiffic after 3 weeks without a wash lol!

[Jettinabout]

You can claim anything to do with maintenance of the vehicle...that includes car wash, chamois, etc...I have had novated leases for 7 yrs plus no problems.
Any extras can be put on the vehicle as long as it is done at point of purchase of the vehicle not after.