I purchased a 2006 Mini S JCW Convertable two months ago and have gone the Zaino route. The finish looks like glass and I'm very pleased with it. The Cooper dealer sent me a letter telling me that I should bring the car back in 6 months for a re-application of a paint sealant (and again six months after that). Does anyone know how this sealant interacts with Zaino products? Should I tell them to skip it and just stick with Zaino?

 

I don't know about the '06 models, but my '04 didn't have a "paint sealant" that was applied by the dealer.

I've stuck with Zaino since the beginning and have been very happy with it.

 

Sounds like an "undercoating" type scam to me.

Do they want you to pay for this service?

 

Nope, was provided by the dealership and there is no additional cost. I never sign up for extended warranties or those overpriced undercoating or paint protectants. Since it is included with the cost of the car, I thought it was something that all of the dealers did for the new owners.

 

You cannot mix the two. I guarantee you Zaino will provide a slicker, shinier result that will last longer, too.

Unless you want them to take over your detailing regime I would say thanks, but no thanks. Unless of course the want to apply your Zaino for you!

 

The "paint sealant" many dealers try to sell is simply a coating of standard wax so they can make an extra buck. Sounds like your mini dealer (like mine) waxed your car before delivery. How nice of them. But if so you should have removed it with dish soap before applying zaino. And yes, for them to re-apply it would be putting a coat of carnuba wax over your zaino, so you wouldn't want that.

 

Thanks, I did use Dawn to wash the baby before the Zaino application. The sealant offer is for six treatments. I am very pleased with the slick glass look of the car now and do not see how that can be improved upon. However, if this offer was for a product that would lock in that look, then I would take them up on it.

I think I'll pass and stick with what is working. Thanks for the feedback.