Formula Finish Tech - San Diego, California

Justin T.

Mario and Luie did a great job wrapping my Model S in awesome Trenton Blue. I called about 5-6 wrap shops in the area and they had the best price and also had a 1 year warranty on their labor (some other shops also did, but some didn't, nobody had longer). They also had a very reasonable price on tints so I got the whole package + ceramic coating.

There was 1 tiny defect in the wrap when I picked it up, and Luie had no hesitation to redo it. So I applaud them for sticking by their warranty and workmanship. So I feel confident they will take care of any issues if they come up.

Jordan R.

Loved my experience with Formula Finish Tech! They did a phenomenal job with my two vehicles and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice and affordable detail/window tint place!

Andrew Y.

This is difficult for me to write because I don't want to disparage local businesses. I want them to do well. And my time is better spent elsewhere. But Mario (the owner and only detailer) leaves me with no choice and the least I can do is help others avoid this incompetent detail shop.

Long story short: take your hard earned money and beloved vehicles elsewhere. There's a reason why Mario's prices are so cheap, why he doesn't have many online reviews, why luxury dealers he used to work with no longer work with him, why he's the only full time detailer (and gets help from his family members) and why his shop is so small even though he (and the previous owner) used to have a large shop.

I brought 2 brand new vehicles to Mario: 2022 Kia Telluride SX Prestige with Nightfall Edition and 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo. When I was referred to Mario by Monumental Workx (a reputable tint and PPF shop), I thought it was too good to be true. His rates are a fraction of what the reputable detail shops (eg. Auto Armor, Elite Finish, etc.) charge (for reference, $180-$225 vs $800+). But I figured it was worth a try because the recommendation came by Monumental Workx.

Bad move.

Mario first detailed my Telluride-paint correction and synthetic "ceramic coating". On receipt of the car, I thought it looked pretty good. But I didn't look very closely nor in the sunlight. 1-2 days after, in the sunlight and after the "ceramic coating" wore off, I realized that the high gloss exterior trims and paint were all scratched and swirled up. It was in the same, if not worse, condition than it was when I first received it from the dealer. And worse, there were two dings on the window trim and scratches/scuffs on the exterior hard plastic (eg. rear bumper). Now I know exactly the condition of the Telluride before I dropped it off so it's absolutely clear to me that Mario caused these issues.

Shortly after, I dropped my Taycan 4 Cross Turismo off at Monumental Workx for PPF. Because Monumental Workx hires Mario for paint correction (but I'm told that won't be the case going forward), they sent it over to get the same treatment as the Telluride. When I got the Taycan back, I noticed the same issues with the window trim-dings and scratches. Additionally, the driver side mirror had scratches/scuffs in the textured plastic. And the cherry on top: the paint had the same amount (if not more) of swirling and scratches as before! Either he hadn't done any paint correction or he did a very poor job. Same as the Telluride, I know exactly the condition of the Taycan before I dropped it off. I additionally have photos from delivery day AND before I dropped the Taycan that show the absence of those issues.

Obviously this isn't good. But things happen. As long as the business is willing to take responsibility, most things can be corrected.

But not Mario.

Even after I showed him the photos from before dropping off, and the uncanny similarities between the window trim issues on both vehicles (which I've never had on other vehicles), he angrily claims these damages have always existed and that I should contact the dealer to get them addressed. When we met in person to discuss the issues, it became clear how these damages occurred. When inspecting the damages, Mario took a dry microfiber cloth that he was using on another vehicle and started wiping my Taycan, without rinsing or prepping the surfaces. Yeah, that'll do it. Experienced detailers know that you need to prep the surface by rinsing and lifting the dust and dirt with suds before making contact with the vehicle. Further, even when you dry a vehicle, you should use a damp microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surface. He admitted he uses a sponge to apply the synthetic ceramic coating which is abrasive and will undoubtedly scratch surfaces. His poor detailing techniques and response to the issues he caused were the nail in the coffin.

Bring your vehicles elsewhere. Pay a little more for significantly better service. I've learned my lesson.

Alex B.

The guys here did a stupendous job on my vehicle! The original paint from Tesla is significantly damaged and full of light swirls and scratches. I had the paint correction completed on my vehicle and most, if not all of the blemishes have been removed. I will definitely be recommending them to all my friends and family as they perform stellar work at very reasonable prices.

Victor C.

I took in my Velar for front window tint and roof wrap. The team at Formula Finish did an outstanding job. I asked last minute for a wash as well and they were accommodating. They have excellent service along with a high quality of work.

Dillon G.

Got my jaguar done here and it came out better than it did off the lot. Mario does a great job. Great customer service

Mariano M.

I had a really great experience with this company. They did my ceramic coating on a Tesla and was very happy. With the customer service . Will ve again!

pluto F.

Insane wash and great service. Went offroading for the weekend and got a rediculous amount of mud and dirt inside and outside of my car. As you can see by the before and after pictures, the car went from a muddy mess to looking brand new inside an out. They even cleaned out the dirst from all the crevices so that it doesn’t resurface. Im very happy with the result especially considering that the service was way cheaper than what I was asked at other places. This has now become my go to place for all car wash and detailing needs 10/10!