[james1138]

I’m looking for an electric power washer used only for sprained down the car and also cleaning the wheels. I don’t want to break the bank. Anybody have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[icj_45e]

For your limited use, sounds like a $100 or less unit from Amazon or Harbor Freight would be fine. I've been using a $100 unit from Amazon for the past year and it works perfect for my use (car washing only). I have upgraded the hoses/fittings/nozzle-gun though.

For a bit more money, $300-$400 range, Active 2.0 units have good reviews.

[DrFerry]

Amazon 4.5 stars with 55,000 ratings. The SunJoe SPX3000 is what I have. Amazing value and quality for $131 deal price. Will clean your brick and driveway too.
.
https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Joe-SPX30.../dp/B00CPGMUXW
.

[james1138]

Thanks!

Something like the Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer?

[james1138]

Originally Posted by DrFerry

Amazon 4.5 stars with 55,000 ratings. The SunJoe SPX3000 is what I have. Amazing value and quality for $131 deal price. Will clean your brick and driveway too.
.
https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Joe-SPX30.../dp/B00CPGMUXW
.

Thanks! Any fear that’s it’s too powerful for the car?

I also have ceramic coating as well.

[Pauly Wauly]

I have this exact model, and I'm very happy with it.
I power washed my deck a couple of years ago (which is huge, 48×20) plus the privacy railings without any fuss.
It gets used at least a couple of times per week, and I never had any problems with it.

https://snowjoe.com/products/sun-joe...ressure-washer

[Pauly Wauly]

No, it's not too powerful for the car.

Originally Posted by james1138

Thanks! Any fear that’s it’s too powerful for the car?

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by james1138

Thanks! Any fear that’s it’s too powerful for the car?

Not with the lower powered wider nozzle(s). Comes with 4 different nozzles as well as mixing tanks for soap. As with any pressure washer when washing a car keep the wand and nozzle a reasonable distance from the target surface. The pressure drops off with the square of the distance if I remember Bernoulli’s equation correctly. The SunJoe is not a steam cleaner and uses cold water input from a garden hose. See Amazon comments at the link above for more car cleaning information too.
.

[james1138]

Thanks!

[Tobstertx3]

Another vote for the Sun Joe. I have the same model and used it for a couple of years now without issue.

[Bruuuce]

I have a Kranzel, but would buy this now. The new Active 2.0, with what ever accessories package you want.

https://shop.activeproducts.com/coll...-washer-m22-15

[Clark_Kent]

I also have a Kranzle (K 1122TST). I bought it over six years ago and it hasn't missed a beat. If I were buying today, I'd likely still buy Kranzle, but would look at a portable unit since they're more versatile.

I know the big box store electric pressure washers are a favorite on this site, but I couldn't get there. Bought a SunJoe initially and it leaked out of the box. That was all I needed to see to go in another direction since I was on the fence to begin with. Anyhow, like most things YMMV.

[shimmy23]

I'm running an Active and like it. I would recommend that whatever PW you buy, invest in better attachments (gun, nozzles, QCs, hose). It will make your washing experience enjoyable.

[gary_william]

Originally Posted by DrFerry

Not with the lower powered wider nozzle(s). Comes with 4 different nozzles as well as mixing tanks for soap. As with any pressure washer when washing a car keep the wand and nozzle a reasonable distance from the target surface. The pressure drops off with the square of the distance if I remember Bernoulli’s equation correctly. The SunJoe is not a steam cleaner and uses cold water input from a garden hose. See Amazon comments at the link above for more car cleaning information too.
.

Got one, never got the mixing tanks to work.

[Boardmember]

I have a lesser Sun Joe model. SPX-2700. I got exactly what I paid for. Not much. Pressure’s fine though. But let’s say at this point in my life, I’m used to much higher quality tools/accessories/connectors. I’ll cuss it through next early spring and then do a little more research.

[Pauly Wauly]

On mine, you can only use one tank at the time. I just turn the knob to whatever tank I want to use.

Originally Posted by gary_william

Got one, never got the mixing tanks to work.

[Uscray]

I will add another vote for the Active 2.0. It has a really good pressure and water output for washing cars. I added a mosmatic stubby sprayer, 40 degree nozzle, kobrajet hose and MTM foam cannon for a nice setup.

[Mach550]

whatever you do don't buy karcher. I like the thing but you need adapters cause it uses proprietary connections. Didn't realize this until I had it for a while and wanted to get a foam sprayer and stubby gun.

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by Bruuuce

I have a Kranzel, but would buy this now. The new Active 2.0, with what ever accessories package you want.

https://shop.activeproducts.com/coll...-washer-m22-15

Thanks for sharing. Never heard of Active. How does it compare to the Kranzle stuff? Is this essentially a slightly better SunJoe or Karcher in a smaller package?

[Uscray]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

Thanks for sharing. Never heard of Active. How does it compare to the Kranzle stuff? Is this essentially a slightly better SunJoe or Karcher in a smaller package?

Active is the only cheaper electric pressure washer than can produce around 2 gpm of flow at 1000 psi. This is on the level of performance of a Kranzle, but remember the Kranzle can be serviced and last you a really long time. Active is like all other cheaper pressure washers that can’t be serviced once it gives out. The active 2.0 is rated for a life of around 200 hours. For home use this will be fine. If you are a professional detailer you probably want the Kranzle.
Sun Joe and Karcher will not produce a flow of 2 gallons per minute.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by Mach550

whatever you do don't buy karcher. I like the thing but you need adapters cause it uses proprietary connections. Didn't realize this until I had it for a while and wanted to get a foam sprayer and stubby gun.

I got the Karcher accessory package (comprised of accessories that are paired up exclusively for the Karcher K1700) from Obsessed Garage and then bought the Karcher K1700 from Amazon when they had a sale for about $110.
Works great for my needs.

[Ric in RVA]

I have and love the Harbor Freight one....but THIS is what makes it the tool you want.

FOAM CANNON!!!!!


https://www.harborfreight.com/premiu...non-58131.html