I need a power washer. Mostly to help me blast some perversely stubbord dirt/clay off the undecarriage of my recently purchased '85 IROC. I've been spraying and scrubbing, spraying and scrubbing and at this rate, it'll take me 5 years to get all of that stuff off.

Would anyone by an electric one, or is gas powered the way to go? Which one is a good one?

 

I've had both, the electric ones are ok, but there power from a big gas powered one is hard to beat.

I like the Briggs&Stratton powered ones myself

you could drive you car to the self wash car wash, bring 4 jack stands, some goggles, and old clothes,jack the car up, roll under it, and use the engine degreaser and high pressure settings. nice thing is you leave the mess for the carwash to clean up, bad part is you get nasty laying on the ground

 

I like the electric washers better,by the time you get the gas one to start, your to sore and out of breath(smoking) to go ahead with your task.And the electric ones do have enough power to do the job.

 

only if you dont maintain and store them properly.

but yeah the electric ones have enough pressure to get most jobs done, they just don't have a very wide spray pattern

 

Don't know if you have an air compressor but if you do, you can get the attachment which accepts a garden hose. We have one at home and it works wonders.

 

If you only need it for the one time, how about an equipment rental place? Any local?

 

Rent one from Home Depot, or buy their bigboy. I bought one and its badass. Fuel injected too. Have had it 2 years and no issues yet.
Make sure if you buy one it has the cat pump. All others are crap. Electric washers are crap as well. I started to buy cheapos numerous times but in the end, saved up and bought a GOOD one.
Heres a link for the one I got...
http://www.homedepot.com/Cleaning-Pr...&storeId=10051

 

I bought a USED Karcher 1400 PSI electric washer with both the regular mix/flat nozzle and a "dirt blaster" nozzle. Even took some paint off with the crud under the car. Have to say, though, that you should probably stay away from the sandblaster attachment... It's not worth what you pay for it. It doesn't do much (might take the surface paint and clear off but won't cut the primer) and clogs A LOT.

Get whatever you can afford. Gas is nice, but pricey. ANY washer is better than just a hose.