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Car Wash Questions?!

As most locals would agree it is nice to have a car wash in the neighborhood, however I am wondering if anyone is experiencing inconsistencies with them. First of all it took me 3 tries to actually get a wash. I believe they advertise hours of 9-5. On several occasions myself and my aunt tried during those hours and were either turned away or no one was there at all. Secondly, I got a wash about 4 weeks ago and it cost $10, yesterday my aunt went and she was told the cheapest was $20 (external only) and the other prices for internal or waxing were much higher. I wasn't sure if it was because it's July in Nado or what? Just looking for some feedback.

Tags: community

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Comment by Madison W. on July 24, 2012 at 12:41pm: The car wash on C Avenue used to charge $10 for an exterior was and $5 for interior vacuum. I went the other day and was shown their new menu, $25 to now have an exterior wash and vacuum. So I went to the base and shelled out $6 in quarters and had my kids vacuum when I got home. There are a couple of car washes iImperial Beach but the round trip is equal to that of a gallon of gas! Hopefully the car wash menu on C will change after Labor day!

Comment by Pat Cooley on July 25, 2012 at 2:49pm: Yes, the price of the car wash went up. They told me $12 for outside only. I support this business because I can't onto the base, I don't want to drive to IB and they really do a great job. As far as their hours... hmmmm... we need to talk to them. I know they want the business.

Comment by chuck perkins on July 26, 2012 at 7:58am: There are now 7 car washes on Palm Ave. between 9th in I.B. & the I-5 (seriously). 3 are full serve of which 2 have opened within the last month & it seems their having price wars at the moment. Yes, you'll burn a gallon round trip but you can get some great tacos etc before the return trip home!

Comment by eCoronado on July 26, 2012 at 10:07am: Off topic, but what are the best places to stop at while in IB for tacos...?

Comment by chuck perkins on July 26, 2012 at 1:16pm: Tacos: my favorite is El Cilantro. It's in the shopping center on the corner of 13th & Palm all the way at the end. If you did not know about it, you would never find it & if you did, maybe take one look & not go in. BUT...soft shell carnitas tacos there are the best I've had & huge portions of everything else. They're expanding (again) to double the size as the place gets pretty full especially around lunch time when it's full of Navy personnel. Hidden treasure.

Comment by eCoronado on July 26, 2012 at 3:04pm: Chuck - thanks for sharing. Sounds like a 'strandworthy' trip for tacos...

Comment by Lori Roth on July 30, 2012 at 8:36am: I love supporting our local businesses but when the Coronado Car Wash was inbetween owners and was closed I started to go to All American Car Wash in IB. They do such a great job there that I keep going back. They also give a military discount. I'll have to check out the taco shop next time. El Cilantro, gotta keep that in mind.

Comment by Ann Bancroft on July 30, 2012 at 9:22am: We're very happy with All American as well (never having found the C Street wash open) and now El Cilantro is added incentive to get the car washed just before the lunch crowds. Thanks, Chuck.

Comment by Linda Riley on July 30, 2012 at 9:34am: My visit to the same Coronado car wash on 7/25 cost $20.00 for exterior only. Plus I liked it better when you could use your credit card and drive through the auto system. Does the owner know of the fluxuating charges? With no receipts or documentation either. I like to give my business to local places, but the same car a month ago was $15.00. OWNER...PLEASE RESPOND.