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Can anyone recommend a good car cover?

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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 07:48 PM
  #1  
flatso's Avatar
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Can anyone recommend a good car cover?

I ordered the Mazda Car Cover and hated it. Can anyone recommend a car cover that will fit with the rear spoiler.
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 08:06 PM
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I am also not thrilled with the mazda cover either. It worries me that it could possibly scratch the clearcoat since it is made of a slick type material. My volvo cover is very soft and it will not scratch.

How about the cheap walmart covers? They could be replaced every year for the price.
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 08:08 PM
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I think you were looking for a car cover with more side protection if I remember correctly. Also, you had a hard time fitting the OEM cover yourself without it touching the ground first.

What type of protection were you looking for? The Stormshield fabric of the OEM cover has good "rain and snow" protection. If its scuff and ding protection you were looking for, maybe Evolution 3 fabric covers would be better as they are thicker and softer, but not as water resistant.

Any tight fitting cover will be a challenge the first few times you use it. Also how you use the cover will dictate what you need usually. I use my cover for long duration dry winter storage, as basically a dust cover. Some others will use it to store the car for the winter outdoors.
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 08:29 PM
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I need a cover for my weekend trips to the lake. We have no choice but to park under trees, and the fallout will destroy paint. But then I never used Zaino before.

I like the softer covers because I do have to cover the car after the trip when it will have some dust and bugs already on it, hence the softer fabric will not scratch. And I feel the breathable material is a plus since I also have to put it on wet sometimes, which I really hate but tree sap is no fun either.

Any ideas or brands to look at? Protection from tree sap is the main objective.
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 08:34 PM
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I bought one ebay for 37, its not the best material and can be bought at Walmart for 20 BUT useful for those snowy days and in springtime when theres alot of pollen inthe air!
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 08:48 PM
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Originally posted by Sea Ray
I need a cover for my weekend trips to the lake. We have no choice but to park under trees, and the fallout will destroy paint. But then I never used Zaino before.

I like the softer covers because I do have to cover the car after the trip when it will have some dust and bugs already on it, hence the softer fabric will not scratch. And I feel the breathable material is a plus since I also have to put it on wet sometimes, which I really hate but tree sap is no fun either.

Any ideas or brands to look at? Protection from tree sap is the main objective.
From your description of how you use the cover. The OEM cover probably isn't the best choice. Thats not saying that its not quality.....just not best suited for your use.
Since the OEM cover (I think from memory you own one) is very snug fitting and not super soft, the use over a dirty car will up the chances of tiny scratches. Also, while Stormshield fabric is breathable....I doubt it is very efficient at it. So using over a wet car would trap some mosture.

My opinion is that the OEM cover is best for long term applications...not "on and off" use. It is good at shedding water and snow. It also is good in high winds due to its great fit. The heat shields around the exhaust are a nice touch also...something to think about since you will likely not see that will an universal cover.

Evolution 3 fabric is VERY breathable and soft. It just may be better than OEM for what you will use it for. Some info here.

Also....its really never a good thing to use a cover over a wet or dusty car....but when you need to like in your situation (tree sap is terrible for the paint!) a light very breathable and not super snug cover would be best.
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 08:56 PM
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Thanks for the link Gyro I'll try and find it. I will keep looking but may end up doing the Walmart cover like Irish mentioned if nothing else looks good.

thanks all.
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 09:02 PM
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Originally posted by Irish_in_a_RX8
I bought one ebay for 37, its not the best material and can be bought at Walmart for 20 BUT useful for those snowy days and in springtime when theres alot of pollen inthe air!
What size cover fits the 8?
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 09:37 PM
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I have used CoverCraft front end/car covers for years and swear by them. They are the only manufacturer that supplies a cover that fits the SVT Contour.

I checked for availability at the site below and they list the RX8 as a 2-door coupe...soooo I would call and ask about fitment with the wing on the rear before ordering.

http://www.carcoverworld.com/Frames....stom.asp?CID=1

Regards, Art
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 10:14 PM
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Thanks Art, I'll give them a call in the morning.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 01:29 AM
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I got mine from AutoAnything.com. They have a good selection. Here's the link: http://autoanything.com/carcover/def...ubmit=yes&cat=
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 08:05 AM
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Mazdabob,

Do you have a pic of the cover on your car? Is it real bulky or can it be rolled up farily tight?

Anyone want a Factory cover, gray/black, put on once, inside?
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 09:11 AM
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Appreciate the replies but nobody is really saying what type of material they are using. I think that would help narrow down the selection.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 09:18 AM
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Flatso, the evolution car cover is a softer, almost quilted, type of material. It is the same as my other cover I just did not know the name. The mazda cover is a stronger slicker type of material, probably more waterproof and durable but the inside is not as soft as I want. I suppose it depends on how you are going to use it. If it is just a dust cover for in the garage, I would not spend the extra $ for the mazda. If it is outside and constantly exposed tot he elements, the mazda may be the best. Mine will only be used on weekends for protection from tree sap.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 09:35 AM
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I absolutely agree Sea Ray. I also purchased the Mazda cover and disliked the too tight fit and the way the cover because of the material would slide off my highly waxed car picking up dirt each time it wasn't directly centered. I sent it back it but hopefully there is something better... and cheaper too because that never hurts.

Last edited by flatso; Jan 22, 2004 at 09:40 AM.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 09:52 AM
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But then again ALL covers will slide off like this when the car is slick. However since the stock cover is this tight it was also more of a problem when I did it too. Good point.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 01:25 PM
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Mine is an Evolution 4. It is lightweight, and can be folded fairly compact. I don't have a rear wing, but the cover comes down pretty far in the rear, so a wing should fit.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 01:34 PM
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Originally posted by mazdabob
Mine is an Evolution 4. It is lightweight, and can be folded fairly compact. I don't have a rear wing, but the cover comes down pretty far in the rear, so a wing should fit.
I like it Bob where did you get it?
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 01:43 PM
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I ordered my Gen 3 cover from Big Sky Car Covers

www.bigskycarcovers.com

Their NOAH fabric cover for the RX-8 runs $140 and if it fits as well as my Gen 3 cover, you'll love it!!!

http://216.60.144.111/ecatcust/getx....vid=1064877055
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 01:54 PM
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Carcoverworld.com has them for a few $$$ more but they come with the bag and lock.
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Old Jan 22, 2004 | 10:31 PM
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Originally posted by flatso
Appreciate the replies but nobody is really saying what type of material they are using. I think that would help narrow down the selection.
I've been using the Evolution (Technalon) fabric for the last two covers/cars. Decent water repellency, last about three years with every-night use...not a scratch!! They actually get softer/better with age. Hope this helps!

Regards, Art
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Old Jan 23, 2004 | 06:28 PM
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you want a tight cover so it doesnt flap in the wind- thats what burns through the paint. always gotta use them on a clean car. a truly custom, fitted cover is the way to go. i had a really fantastic one for my last car from beverly hills car covers (or something like that), but i think they are out of business now.

james
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Old Jan 31, 2004 | 11:34 AM
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can anyone post the walmart cover pic? How well does it fit?
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Old Feb 1, 2004 | 12:57 AM
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I got mine from Mazda.
Red and black
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Old Feb 1, 2004 | 07:29 AM
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I still have my Mazda cover for sale if anyone is interested. Its only been on my car once while in the garage. I'd like to get $150 plus shipping. PM if interested. Its black and gray.

Thanks

SOLD

Last edited by Sea Ray; Feb 17, 2004 at 11:19 AM.
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