A great "stay in your car" pull-through car wash experience with free DIY vacuums! --- I wasn't looking for a car wash but the pandemic had me on what seemed like an ANNUAL cosmetic car care schedule. The years worth of grime compounded with the snow grit made washing the car a real necessity. Also, I've been a Genie loyalist for more than a decade but now living in NW Austin, I had to find something closer. "Ain't nobody got time to drive for fifteen minutes just to get your car washed!" So armed with a coupon in hand, I ventured to the Palms car wash. First it was a bit awkward because I had no idea what to do as a newbie. Here's the deal. 1) Roll up to the vacuum bays and get your vacuum on. Maybe do some interior stuff if that's your jam but it's on you. Throw away all those losing scratchy lottery tickies and those H‑E‑B receipts. Why do you keep those anyway? 2) Go into the queue as if you're about to get those dolla-dolla bills out of the ATM vending machine. Select your wash, dip your credit card and then continue to the trust fall. 3) One you've paid you just keep driving around the corner until you're waved forward. It's a bit like a Disney ride from there on out. Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. They'll direct you onto the "conveyor belt", but the car in Neutral, feet off the break and then enjoy the ride. I'm not advocating that you crack a cold one* but what's a show without champers amiright? The whole experience was very quick like a good tinder date when you haven't been "in the saddle" for a while. Keeping that narrative arc alive, I was flush and embarrassed at the end and didn't know what to do. (Do I tip? Say "thank you"? No really, that was nice... Let's see each other again.) I wish there was a LITTLE more detail but when they banging out cars ( ;-) ) as fast as they are, there's no time for that. In the end, it's a good experience but still not the quality I've grown to love from Genie. (Such as the end drying including wipe downs on the inside of the car and the wheels.) That being said, I'll definitely be back. QUATTTTTTRO STAAAAARS! read more

This review is in regards to two employees named Victor and Rafael. I was previously using club car wash in bastrop, where I would frequent once a month typically. My routine would be buying an air freshener, vacuuming, and getting a car wash. My first experience at the Palmer location was smooth and friendly, and I followed my same routine vacuuming and then getting a car wash. Today on July 28th I visited the research blvd north location, and followed my same routine of going to the vacuum. I was approached by Rafael who was aggressively yelling at me and pointing at a sign that stated I need to first purchase a wash. I apologized and tried to explain myself, but instead he continued to yell at me in front of my child. I had floor mats on the ground so I told him to let me pick up my mats and put them back and I would go pay for a wash. I understand there was a slight language barrier, but yelling in my face in front of my child instead of talking to me normal and giving me an opportunity to fix my mistake, is 1000% unacceptable. He walked away to grab his manager Victor. When victor came over, I explained what happened and he was not interested in how I was spoken to or treated, only that I made a mistake about not reading the sign. I explained to him this was something I'd done previously and wasn't aware of how strict of a policy was. I apologized and took accountability and was expecting some understanding to be made and some sort of acknowledgment about how I was spoken to by his employee. I was rejected any contact info of an owner and found his number from another manager, who seems to be invested into resolving this for me. The customer service here is scarily horrendous, I accept I made a mistake, but it's never an excuse to speak to someone that way and accuse them of being a liar in front of their daughter. read more

I got hit up for a tip after spending more than a days pay on a carpet detail. However I like that they power wash and hand scrub if the car is excessively uggy. read more

The vacuums suck and not in a good way. Pay attention if you pay for some of the better packages you may just be getting the basic car wash at the ultimate price. I reached out a few times and was ignored. So many better, cheaper washes out there. Much better quality and when you vacuum it won't take you 30 minutes to have a 1/2 job because vacuum don't work very well. I'm so glad I switched to see how a real car wash is supposed to work. read more

Got a $9 wash and it didn't clean the vehicle. Victor would not honor their posted wash guarantee that stated, "100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or We Wash It Again For Free" They lied and they kept the money. read more

Palms Car Wash - Falsely Advertised - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've gotten my car washed here once before, and I didn't have any issues so I thought next time I would do a car wash and detail.. today at 1:50pm, i came for a wash and detail. I opted for full interior clean with seat conditioning for a total of $127.98. This was maybe the worst detail I've gotten, which is unfortunate because the staff is very nice. I had oil/conditioner still left on the seats(ended up transferring on my greige sweats and sweater..), there was still gunk on the outside of my car, outside of my windshield , on the inside windshield there were streaks of the cloth they used to clean it, along with the dust piled at the end of the streaks.. there were finger prints all over the car, vents were not cleaned and you could clearly see the line of demarcation where the products were applied, the seats were oily and the backs of the seats were not cleaned at all.. the work part is they left products all over the fabric part of my car ( the ceiling fabric that goes to the sides as well).. the ceiling fabric is a white grey color and this is a 2023 car with no stains anywhere.. I was left with product and dark marks in different spots!!! There was also a yellow mark left on the ceiling, most likely one of the chemical guys products! I had to take a brand new microfiber towel to get rid of the oil and all extra product left all over the seats and at the dash.. now I have to figure out how to get rid of these oil and product stains all over my ceiling.. I don't even have words, expect I won't be coming by back and will tell my friend and family members of this experience read more

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It's very unfortunate that I have to one star this car wash. I've been coming here for years. Never once said I have I had an issue with the basic car wash. I pull up. They scrub the front the back the sides and then they send me through. I make a trip to Houston twice a week and I always make sure to come to this specific car wash to get the bugs removed today I pulled up and the gentleman at the kiosk. Rudely told me that the basic wash will not take care of the bugs. I made sure to let him know that it always does, this time when I pulled up he kept the lady from scrubbing my car. I can read lips. He told her not to because I got the basic wash unfortunately, I will not be able to come to this car wash anymore. If this is the treatment I'm going to receive it's definitely a shame because I enjoy this place very much.this guy is going to give this wash a bad name read more

Great service. I got the upholstery detail and they did a fantastic job. My friend commented how my car looked new-it's a 2010! Reasonably priced . read more

My local mobile detail guy hit it big in Crypto and retired so I was in dire need to find a new place. I drove past this Palms and decided to try them. I work in the oil field so my truck is always in need of a full detail. For $186 they hand washed and did a full interior detail. Took them about an hour and change. Only reason I'm not giving a 5 star is because I had to wipe down some spots on the exterior and interior myself that I noticed. I would say though that they are a bit pricier than most places but they do a good job all in all. read more

Palms Car Wash - Customer Lounge - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

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worst experience ever and they just clean the car for no reason Don't ever wash your car over here in this company. It's a stupid company in the world. read more

Palms Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

My favorite car wash at this point and I love the staff. If you like a clean car, here is the place to go. read more

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I could not be more pleased! got the Super Wash and the gentleman who worked on my car worked hard and was so thorough. I didn't have enough cash for a tip so I got some and came back to give him extra! The dash, door panels, etc. was sparkling clean. Mats immaculate and the wash itself beter than I expected. I have not been happy with The Wash Shop and was determined to find a replacement. got all I needed for around $75. I'm thrilled. TY Palms! read more

Service was fast and professional. I came on a Wednesday and they had a $3 off discount for all single wash tiers. They also do a "prep" pre-wash with a real person and brush which help to loosen some tougher grime. I would consider the monthly deal. read more

I just moved to Austin recently and decided to get my car washed. Without prior experience, I went on Reddit and searched for the best car wash in Austin. Through many threads, I have come to a general consensus, which is Palms Car Wash. However, everyone is referring to the Palms on Brodie, while the one on 2011 W Parmer Ln is closest to me. Not too bad, google reviews for this place are still pretty good. I bought the Ultimate package. When I got there, I just had to wait a bit for my turn. When I got home, I discovered that there was a patch of detergent left on the side of the car, and behind the rear window, many white streaks were also stretched and dried. Really disappointed! I live in an apartment so I cannot wash it again, I can only use a damp cloth to wipe it. Simply forget this place and never come back again. Also, the ultimate package I bought is priced at $13. It's not really worth it. You won't notice the difference with the basic package at $8. read more

Palms Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

NO FREE VACUUMS! NO FREE VACUUMS! First off people who wash their cars and then clean out their cars know there is always water marks left because you're trying to dry your car off and clean it out at the same time. Pointless. I clean my car out then wash to focus on the drying. When approached by staff I explained that this is my process and I will wash the car after. They told me it's company policy and went and got the manager. After the manager came out and again explained the policy to me. I showed him the car next to me for example they were cleaning their car and still had water on the car. I pointed this out to him and he's quick to tell me it's spot free water. I said it's some bullshit upsell when you really don't. Then took me to the back and showed me all the equipment sounding confident in his stuff. So Said ok I'll tell you what. I'll abide by your policy and do what you ask BUTTTT If i get water marks and have to re wash my car will you pay for a second one or can you guarantee it's spot free. He said i CANT GUARANTEE ANYTHING. I told him i will be leaving a review and he said i don't care. Which because he is Older gentlemen and they don't read these. So I explained to him ya you don't but my generation and others do. Look around sir there is a reason your lot is empty and he yelled at me saying he will not be threatened and I said i'm not threatening you I'm explaining to you you're a dying breed and this place is too. Truth hurts. read more

Decently priced for a great job. Today they had a double detail discount that saved us some money to get our truck washed, waxed, and detailed. Been here before and the detailing lasts a long time and looks great. read more

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It costs $15 to clean your own mat... whereas it's free in other places. The guy told me their free chemical to use on the car is all purpose. It's literally windex... read more

Sunday 4/7/24 I have been going to Palms Car Wash for years and never received abuse by their equipment or unprofessionalism and blatant disrespect and abuse from a staff member. However, this day was a game changer and a true testament as to what they have become. Halfway through the car wash as I came upon the rotating brushes, I heard a sudden slam against the vehicle. I look and see both mirrors were slammed against the driver and passenger side windows. This was very unexpected as this has never happened in the past. I figured it was fine as they were at least still intact and folded over so as not to receive further punishment besides, I'm on a conveyer so nothing I could really do until I exited. No sooner thinking those thoughts I came upon the second set of brushes rotating in the opposite direction which grabbed both mirrors and slammed them forward way past their normal resting position. This violent occurrence caused one of the mirrors to be ejected from its cradle and was now hanging vicariously by the wires. This was now a serious issue because as I passed the powerful jet air used for drying the vehicle, the mirror was being slammed back and forth against the side of the vehicle. I immediately park the vehicle upon existing and search out a manager. I was directed to what appeared to be the detail manager and asked if he could follow me so I could show him what just happened. I explained as we walked how the brushes were slamming the mirror back and forth and now the mirror was hanging out of its cradle. Immediately upon walking up to the passenger side where the mirror was hanging, the manager slaps at the mirror and says LOOK, this vehicle has been in an accident. This so-called expert opinion of his came from some scratches on my mirror from pulling into a tight parking spot and scratching against the concrete column. I explained it wasn't an accident that caused the scratches but miscalculation on entering the parking spot, but no damage was done to the mirror at that time. He continued to get more aggressive and violent as he spun around to point at all the other vehicles in the detail area stating "Look, none of these vehicles have damaged mirrors". The level of disrespect and unprofessionalism I was receiving was pushing my boiling point, so I requested a store manager. The second person I spoke with was DeAmber. She was calm, professional, and respectful of my situation. She mentioned that they have cameras which video vehicles before they enter and supposedly throughout the wash. She said the video could be pulled up but corporate would have to do so and they would reach out to me on Monday. Saturday 4/13/24 no response from corporate! In my opinion, a company with exceptional customer service would be in contact by the next business day. A company with marginal customer service would be in contact within 3 days and one with extremely poor customer service would be in contact within the week. Since I have yet to hear back, I would venture to say they have absolutely ZERO customer service. This is not about money but rather about respect and empathy for the horrible experience and to bring attention to a serious concern they should investigate. Needless to say, I will never return so they lost a long-standing customer. To corporate, don't embarrass yourselves any further by attempting to post a statement behind mine with lies about how sorry you are or that you always attempt to rectify concerns and look out for the best interest of your customers or some similar BS. Actions speak volumes over words! read more

Scratched my entire hood of my brand new car and management questioned my concern and gave me a whole explanation on how scratches happen within their wash machine. Honestly, a little gas litty and staff laughing in the background too. Wished they handled the situation better. read more

Quick, professional and nice staff. Clean and spacious waiting lounge. The car washes aren't always spotless and immaculate, but they're good! The staff is working really hard and it's just going to get dirty soon anyway, haha. Tip and be kind! Would definitely recommend! read more

Today I bought the $22 platinum wash. It seems like they have sped up the machine and I was out in no time. There was still dirt on my car. They were busy but not so busy as to speed up the machine to get us in & out. I've been to this carwash many times and oftentimes a little dirt gets left behind but not like today. Maybe new management, who knows. Also, the woman who took my payment at the drive through called me "momma" twice, ugh, hated it. read more

I've been a member for about 2 years and recently canceled my membership after having two of my rims damaged during a wash. I met with Jorge, the manager and we looked at the footage. I was only shown footage of the car entering the wash and they're clearly was no damage. Footage of the car exciting was not shared. I met with the owner, Russel, who wasn't very helpful nor concerned with the incident that occurred. In the end, he decided that there wasn't enough evidence to support the damage occurred during a wash even though the footage showed no fame prior to entering. I've since had my wheels repaired and moving on with life. Posting my experience with hopes to help others avoid this place. read more

Great prices. Very nice and helpful employees. Nice, clean facility and bathrooms. Coffee. Tip: if you're not getting your car detailed, grab a towel (ask an employee if you don't know where they are) and detail your car while it's still a bit wet. There's no way the machine and the employees can get all the insect gunk off it and such. read more

While there were detailing my car, they cleaned me out of my buck knife and my lucky Eisenhower dollar. They stole more than the value of the work that they did. read more

Like the car wash quality, but I have moved away from the area. Have tried to cancel my membership for three months. Twice in person at the car wash and three times using a text that they recommend. Unless you intend to use them for the rest of your like I would stay away. read more

False advertising. The vacuums aren't free if I have to pay for a car wash first. If I could choose zero stars I would.

I always come to this location for car wash and detailing services! They're very thorough and do a great job ensuring the interior and exterior of my car is left spotless. Can't recommend Palms Car wash off of 183 enough! read more

This review is for a guy who they call "Boots". Boots helped me in removing some stickers and gorilla tape from my car bumper and rear hood. I used gorilla tape to secure my rear hood when I had a minor accident. I got my hood fixed, but the gorilla tape is impossible to get rid off. "Boots" patiently worked on my car to remove the tape without damaging my car paint. He had to carefully rip it piece by piece manually using different sprays. I have never been to Palms car wash before but I'm really considering them for my next car wash. Thank you so much "Boots". read more

Detailing service really took care of me! Dedicated staff catering to your needs. I came to this location just 2 hours ago and the detail service was done within an hour. Very nice waiting room and great car washes as well. read more

This is by far the worst car wash I've been to. In this day and age where carwashes are popping up on every corner, every day it seems like. It seems to me there's a plethora of carwashes to choose from. Just please promise you won't choose this one. I have a dog that sheds and his dog hair is almost impossible to get out of my black interior carpet. And my car becomes very dusty as well. So the order I like to wash my car is to first use the air compressors to blow everything out, then I like to vacuum said debris, and then I like to go through the car wash. Now let me first state that this car wash is absolutely the last place you want to utilize the vacuums at. They're the absolute worst. They told me their free vacuums for car was patrons only, but I wouldn't pay to use their vacuums at all. They're that bad. Today's visit was mostly to use the air compressor and remove my all weather mats due to a spill from a freshly purchased route 44 limeade from sonic which exploded in my front seat. Several of the employees gave me dirty looks and overall made me feel extremely uncomfortable as if I were stealing from them during the six mins I used their trash cans and compressed air. Then the manager named George, came over to me and confronted me to let me know the order of which I was to be using the car wash. Politely, I said, I know I totally get it, but I prefer to blow out the dog hair before my car is washed on the outside so it doesn't stick to my freshly washed car. He then began to stare me down and once again points to the car wash and tell me I needed to stop I was doing and get a car wash first. I'll never be back, their car washes are over priced and the vacuums blow more than they suck. My husband will also be canceling his monthly membership. I've also brought a company car here to have detailed and out of respect for the company, I won't post the after photos. Just trust me, stay away unless you want to be treated like a petty thief and intimidated while the employees hover next to you and follow you around. read more

Palms Car Wash - Proof of my paid car wash. - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

Spent $14 for a decent car wash and it still came out with bird crap on my door. 2nd time I got a car wash from here and both times weren't clean all the way. read more

Palms Car Wash - Bird crap after I got a car wash - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

I would not recommend this location to anyone. On Tuesday Aug 14th I went through and purchased a $13 car wash. Not unlike I have done on multiple occasions. During this event they had let a jacked up dodge with over sized wheels in ahead of me. As we went through the conveyor system the jacked up truck became stuck and the conveyor system through me into the tow hitch of the stuck truck. This in itself was not an issue, but Chris Connelly the general manager has denied it was his car washes fault. I need to pursue my repair cost of new bumper from the guy who was stuck or pay for it myself. What a total joke. I paid for my truck to be washed not for my license plate and then the actual bumper to be dented in. I guess they think it is not their fault even though my truck was in neutral, hands off steering wheel and feet off the brake??? This is very frustrating as I know it is a minor dent on the chrome bumper and that when I get new plates I can hide the damage. Use at your own risk. Your damage may be a lot worse. They will not stand assume responsibility!!!! Here are some photos of the event. You can see that the truck they let in probably should have been stopped before entering. It is not stock and his tires were twice as wide as my f150 tires. read more

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Came back for a rain check , they said it was more than 48hrs ( cant control the rain). So I paid again, then it rained again, came back the next day and the same person that help me said no that I'd go to the other location and claim a rain check. Spoke with the manager who was ever worse than the first guy. Told them I'm not coming back.. manager gave me a thumbs up. No coming back ever. read more

Got my car washed today and got a vertical scratch on the trunk at some point in the wash cycle. Highly disappointed and will never be using Palms again. read more

Palms Car Wash - Scratch on vehicle. - Car Wash Near Me - Austin, Texas

Palms is my favorite car wash in Austin. The one thing that I like the most is the customer service. Chris cares about his customers and their vehicles. I got a small scratch on my car and Chris and his team buffed it out for me. Palms has very talented and dedicated employees. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for top-notch customer service, detailing, and car washes. Ask for Chris or Jorge. read more

They took away the free vacuums and kept the price the same. I have since cancelled my monthly service.

After car wash I bring my own wax and my own towel for polish. your staff told me the lot is only vacuum and dry is policy. I asked show me the polish but they can't .I don't think they have if the car wash is busy I can understand but there was not busy. I feel they just don't like some bring own wax to polish . If you really have policy, put sign to customer understand. read more

I'm not sure if my cars suppose to look like this after a premium car wash. I guess the picture speaks for itself for my review. read more

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Canceled my membership when I moved. Employees told me I was good and everything was canceled. Checking over bank statements and they have continued to charge me for the last 3 months. When I called to rectify this, I was immediately met with the that this was my fault. And to give them "what did the employee look like". This made me incredibly uncomfortable as many people work there and I am not trying to get someone in trouble because they look like someone else. That is a horrible way to identify employees when they say they want to "rectify". Due to not complying I was told there was nothing they could do, and that I could be lying about even canceling. I was also supposed to know that when a membership is canceled it must be with a manager, "because all stores do that" When I explained 30+ folks work there and that I did not feel comfortable putting the blame on someone by looks only for 3 months ago, I was told I was being a SmartAss by the Assistant GM Mr. Watts. At that point, it is not even about the money, but the managers they have at the helm. The people who work here do a great job but think twice before supporting a management team so undertrained. read more

My truck was filthy so I stopped in. I recently moved to Austin and this mimicked my old wash I used to use. I bought the $18 wash because my truck was so dirty and figured it would take care of the job, boy was I WRONG. There were a lot of spots the wash clearly missed that were completely visible to the naked eye. Not only that, but my truck bed was filled with soap which has never happened at one of these. I showed the team working at the time and they were nice enough to rinse it, which is why I'm leaving 2 stars instead of one. But a great customer services would've notice my still dirty truck and asked if I was satisfied. Also, the vacuums were incredibly weak and took forever to clean the interior. read more

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