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Auto Detailing Cost

How Much Does Auto Detailing Cost?

low costMedium: $58-$89
low costHigh: $147-$188+

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Auto detailing services are typically offered at car washes, specialty stores and auto body repair shops. Car washes generally offer lower-cost detailing for the average consumer. Businesses that specialize in auto detailing will usually target car owners who are selling a vehicle, car enthusiasts or luxury vehicle owners, and fleet or government contracts. Auto body repair shops offer post-repair auto detailing services. According to Consumers' Checkbook, more mobile operators are going to customers' homes or businesses with a truck, trailer and mounted water tank.
 
Typical costs:
  • Fees for auto detailing run an average of $58 for a basic package for passenger cars to $89 for larger vehicles such as SUVs and mini-vans. Upgraded packages run an average of $147 for passenger cars to $188 for larger vehicles.
  • Prices will vary not only by size of vehicle, but also by geographical location, interior style and type of services selected. Packages will usually offer the best prices, but most businesses offer a la carte services as well.
What should be included:
  • A basic detailing package should include a touchless or hand wash, wax, tire cleaning, vacuuming of the interior, and wipe-down or polish of all interior surfaces, including the dashboard, windows, mirrors and trim.
Additional costs:
  • Superior wax: $58 for regular vehicles; $89 for larger vehicles
  • Interior detailing (steam cleaning or hot water extraction for fabric, protectant for vinyl, carpet shampoo): $83 for regular vehicles; $128 for larger vehicles
  • Leather upholstery cleaning: $47 for regular vehicles; $75 for larger vehicles
  • Dent removal: $80
  • Vintage or classic cars, boats, motorcycles, RVs, motor homes and trailers may all incur additional charges.
  • Some businesses charge extra for white wall tires, or engine cleaning.
Discounts:
  • Many auto detailing businesses offer discounts for pre-paid services. Discounts are given in the form of dollar amounts (usually $5 - $50) or percentages (anywhere from 5% to 50%). Similar discounts are often available for multi-vehicle customers. Most offers for discounts on auto detailing services can be found through the individual company websites, ads in the yellow pages, local newspapers and mailers.
  • Local coupon sources such as Entertainment and ValPak may offer discounts specific to your area.
Shopping for auto detailing:
  • Check for recommendations and customer reviews on subscriber websites like Angie's List or free websites such as CitySearch and Yelp.
  • Consumers' Checkbook recommends asking to see a shop's liability insurance policy, to ensure it can cover repair costs to your vehicle in case it is damaged while the detailing work is done.
  • As with most businesses, it's a good idea to see whether a particular company has a history of consumer complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
Article updated March 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Car touch up with detail
Amount: $145.00
Posted by: happy with my toyota in rochester, MN.Posted: April 12th, 2010 11:04PM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: Tundra
After the $1,690 estimate I received for a couple minor scratches on the box of my truck I was about to turn in a claim and with a $500 deductable i thought to ask around. I had seen a van that had cosmetic repair and detail lettered in the back and The Rejuvenater 507-206-9065. I called the rejuvenater and the very same day he had fixed my truck for a tenth of what body shop estimate and most important less then my deductable. It was a great experience he was able to mix my paint right on the spot and the total repair took less then 2 hours! Not two days like the body shop wanted my truck for.
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auto detail
Amount: $130.00
Posted by: Mr. Bishop in Honesdale, PA.Posted: April 18th, 2010 08:04AM
Car Make: dodgeCar Model: ram excab 4x4
I took my truck to have it detailed to a local garage, thinking it was going to cost me $150.-$250.00 for the job that was done, boy was wrong it only cost me $130.00, my truck looks brandnew, they did the eng.,floors, seats,tires,you name it it was done, THKS Maple City Auto Detail....
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Rebel Detailing
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: kim harvest in Chesapeake, VA.Posted: April 21st, 2010 08:04PM
Car Make: chevyCar Model: Tahoe
Rebel detailing did an awsome job on my tahoe, the did the complte works or as they call it "a full pack" witch included a wash, hole car buff, wax, vacume and shampoo. the even spayed air freshener that lasted for over 2 months and still going strong. ANd they have a military dicount. only down side is theres no waiting room to wait in while they r cleaning your call. butif you the chesapeake area, then you know 200 bucks dont get you far, but they are well worth themoney.
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Auto Detail Pro's
Amount: $225.00
Posted by: Martin Waters in Lakeville, MA.Posted: April 24th, 2010 05:04PM
Car Make: CadillacCar Model: Escalade
These guys detailed my SUV to the 9's. They washed, waxed, completely detailed the interior, shampooed the carpets and treated my leather, rims, and tires. I'll be going back in the fall. Friendly, great service. Highly recomend if your in the south of Boston Ma. Lakeville\Middleborough area give them a call 1-508-265-5785.
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Johnson's Touch Detailing
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: Jason Hampton in New Haven, CT.Posted: April 25th, 2010 12:04PM
Car Make: Honda AccordCar Model: 1995
Mr. Johnson came and washed and waxed my car completely and to perfection! The price was for a basic wash and waxin. I was very pleased with the way the car looked and he even did the interior for free as a bonus! I was very shocked because I usually get m car waxed at a detailing shop or even when I clean it myself, it looked pretty clean to me....the results were uncomparable!
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Precision 727-557-8509
Amount: $85.00
Posted by: J Smith in Clearwater, FL.Posted: April 29th, 2010 04:04PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Expedition
Henry came out and did a fantastic full detail on my SUV. I would recommend him and his team to anyone! Made my truck look more like a 2008!
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Cost of Detailing
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Budget in anywhere, KS.Posted: May 12th, 2010 12:05PM
Car Make: anyCar Model: Any
As a Professional Detailer, the prices in this article are not even close to depicting real pricing. And the content of the packages do not reflect true pricing. If you want your car washed the prices are close but if you want it detailed the pricing is not correct. Detailing is much more involved than just washing and waxing and cleaning. It is a profession utilizing professional skills to attain an as close to new look of the vehicle. I do believe the writers need to reassess the value of Automotive Detailing. This article leads the consumer to believe the cost of detailing is much cheaper than it really is.
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Great Detail
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Ryan J in Wheat Ridge, CO.Posted: June 15th, 2010 05:06PM
Car Make: 2004Car Model: Ford Excersion
Took my SUV to D&T Ultimate Auto Detail in Wheat Ridge Colorado. They did such a great job I decided to keep it alittle longer.
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Finer Finish
Amount: $2,700.00
Posted by: snakemaneee in Richmond, VA.Posted: June 17th, 2010 07:06PM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: Viper
All defects were removed from my paint leaving it flawless. After 45 hours of treatment I have never seen such a perfect finish. The results couldn't be duplicated with a 15k repaint.
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Detailing
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: Langtimm in knoxville, TN.Posted: July 25th, 2010 07:07PM
Car Make: LexusCar Model: 320
With the quality I recieved from the professional car detailing crew of the business known as MADE in Knoxville I will never look to get my car cleaned by any major company again. My car looked absolutly fantastic within 1 and 1/2 hours it took them to perfect a detail. I have had my vehicles detailed at Lexus and the Toyota dealerships around town on a regular basis which takes all day. But what I have learned is that a good detailer will make all the difference in timing and have your vehicle back to you within a short period of time. If around the Knoxville, TN area get in contact with MADE and see the difference of quality and excellance.
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auto detailing
Amount: $185.00
Posted by: linda thomas in norco, CA.Posted: August 8th, 2010 01:08PM
Car Make: cadillacCar Model: cts
I got my car detailed by artsons mobile detailing that guy is good, a couple of my buddys at work refered me to him ive tried diffrent detailers in norco but none as good as art, hes done our horse trailer, motorhome, and our 22feet boat his # is 951 642 9011
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FULL DETAIL
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: AndreaM in Denver, CO.Posted: August 22nd, 2010 09:08AM
Car Make: JEEPCar Model: GRAND CHEROKEE
I took my jeep to TONI's MOBILE DETAILING in Denver Luis detailed inside outside wheels, engine and shampood carpets and seats. My engine runs so smooth and my car shines like the day i bought it. I recommend Luis @ Toni's Mobile Detail for all your detailing needs 720-841-7269
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Mobile detail
Amount: $145.00
Posted by: Jesse Thomas in New Orleans, LA.Posted: August 23rd, 2010 07:08AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
I got a detail from nola detail based in new orleans. These guys did a great job. My paint now feels really smooth and is so shiny, it looks new again! These guys pay plenty of attention to detail. Even places I didn't think to clean, were spotless! Recommended to all!
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Auto Detailing
Amount: $195.00
Posted by: Joshua Johnson in Flemington, NJ.Posted: August 23rd, 2010 11:08AM
Car Make: 2007Car Model: Honda Civic
I called Nothing But Details and Scott came out and fixed all the mistakes my last detailer made (swirls and a hologram look all over it).

He was out for 5 hours and it came out better then the day I got the car.
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1 of The Best I Seen
Amount: $135.00
Posted by: a user in zanesville, OH.Posted: September 6th, 2010 03:09PM
Car Make: 02 saturnCar Model: L200
Perfections Auto Detailing In Zanesville OHIO,these guys really No what there doin they detailed my vehicle so well that i honestly felt it was new again Unbeleivable Workmanship if u want it done giv'em a call 740-6177353
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Long's Automotive
Amount: $185.00
Posted by: Satisfied customer in SPTBG in spartanburg, SC.Posted: September 8th, 2010 12:09PM
Car Make: 08 ChryslerCar Model: 3000
Excellent service, made the car look like new inside and out. Free pick up and delivery is a plus.
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Auto Detail
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: Leo of Somers Point in Somers Point, NJ.Posted: October 5th, 2010 12:10PM
Car Make: LexusCar Model: ES350
Executive Detail...the best, without exception
Jimmy Doc...goes above and beyound the norm paint touch-up, pcik-up and delivery. Always a friendly smile and a big hello. More importantly he and his crew take the word DETAIL to the enth degree. It's no wonder he is successful.
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Auto Detailing
Amount: $180.00
Posted by: Kingrancher in columbus, OH.Posted: October 11th, 2010 01:10PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: F-350 Kingranch
I live in columbus ohio and found a local place here that is amazing. The paint on my truck was so scratched up that i thought it needed painted. Well I was wrong. The guys at Groveportservicecenter.com far exceeded expectations. Love my truck again
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raleys auto @ detail
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: gena in grand bay, AL.Posted: October 16th, 2010 09:10PM
Car Make: dodge ramCar Model: 2007
these guys did my under carriege moter carpet and everywhere in between it looks like it did the day i bought it i coulnt be happier thanks so much raleys auto @ detail.
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Cost of Automotive Detailing
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Professional Automotive Detailer in Portsmouth, NH.Posted: November 1st, 2010 07:11AM
The editors of this post obviously do not have any business back ground and do not comprehend the cost of doing business.It is irresponsible even to suggest you might get a professional job for those prices.These type of web sites make it very difficult for the professionals in the business.A professional complete automotive detail for a car should run between $150.00 - $300.00+ depending on how dirty the vehicle is,(staining,pet hair,kids mess,scratches etc min 4 to 6 hour's+)SUV's are more! Generally in this business you get what you pay for.Talk to the detailer to find out exactly what you will get for the price.Budget anywhere in KS is Right!
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My corvette
Amount: $115.00
Posted by: Steve king of cars in bowling green, KY.Posted: November 18th, 2010 11:11AM
Car Make: corvetteCar Model: zo6
Southern Shine of Bowling Green fixed all my scrathces and got the gum out of my floor board. thank you Guys
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super clean
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: SHANNON THOMPSON in NEW ORLEAN, LA.Posted: December 17th, 2010 10:12AM
Car Make: XLRCar Model: CADILLAC
I TOOK MY XLR TO BULLARD CAR CARE AND WHEN I CAME BACK TO PICK MY VECHILE UP IT LOOKED BRAND NEW AGAIN THE GUYS WAS SO PROFESSIONAL AND NICE THEY EXPLAIN EVERYTHING THEY DID TO MY CAR.I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK JUST TO TALK WITH THEM.
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I NEED MY RIDE PIMP OUT
Amount: $225.00
Posted by: MIKE NEWCOMER in MILLBURY, OH.Posted: December 24th, 2010 04:12AM
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Grand CHEROKEE
JEEP WAS BOUGHT AT A STATE SALE IN SUPER BAD SHAPE.HAD A MAJOR DETAIL DONE. AFTER 18 HRS OF WORK IT LOOKED PERFECT IN AN OUT. THE GUYS EVEN THREW IN A STEERING WHEEL COVER TO MATCH MY DASH.
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starting a detail business in fl. at truc stop
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: j mike in pasco county, FL.Posted: December 25th, 2010 11:12PM
i have cleaned, and to my understanding detailed my own cars many times. i am a little uncertain as to price, what variety of services i should offer and what equipment and chemicals anyone would recomend. i have very little to no start up capitol...., thanks
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Grimeaway Auto Detail
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: J.W. Longhorne in Ada, OK.Posted: December 29th, 2010 04:12PM
Car Make: CadillacCar Model: STS
Got my black cadi detailed at Grimeaway with a hand wax and shampoo. They even gave me a ride to work and picked me up and the car looked amazing. They definatley have all my future business.
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Car Detailing Detail2u
Amount: $89.00
Posted by: Mike Moore in Des Moines, IA.Posted: February 20th, 2011 07:02PM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 325i
He did a outstanding job and showed up on time and never stopped working. This guy is a must and he will be doing my car atleast 2 times a year. Detail2u is the real deal Can reach him from April 1st to 1 Nov (515) 556-0275
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Exclusive Shine Mobile Detailing
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: Sean Williams in washington township, NJ.Posted: February 27th, 2011 05:02PM
Car Make: bmwCar Model: 550i
Exclusive Shine was the best detailing experience i have had. They came right to my home and did the inside and outside plus a hand wax and rims cleaned all for $90. They were professional and on time. They even washed down my driveway so all the chemicals and soap ruin my lawn! If you need a detail there email and phone number is ExclusiveShine@gmail.com (856)236-3950.
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car detailer
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: jady in baltimore, MD.Posted: March 6th, 2011 01:03PM
Car Make: rangroverCar Model:
jr mobile car care(410-963-3807),cleaned a range rover, itlooked like a new car when it was finished. good good job.
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Car detailing plus more
Amount: $159.99
Posted by: arilex in Wall Township, NJ.Posted: April 5th, 2011 10:04AM
Car Make: MercuryCar Model: Sable
My car looked run down and needed alot of attention...but when I brought it to The Hot Spot in Wall Twp New Jersey it came back looking almost brand new. They are great there and the prices are really reasonable.
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Detailing in Orlando,FL and Winter Park,FL by Detail Meister
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Detail Meister in Orlando, FL.Posted: July 17th, 2011 12:07PM
Car Make: MitsubishiCar Model: Evolution X
Detailing in Orlando, Florida and Winter Park, Florida by Detail Meister. Paint correction, Car Detailing, Automotive Detailing
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Best Detailer In The Area
Amount: $160.00
Posted by: Jim Phillips in Orlando, FL.Posted: August 2nd, 2011 02:08PM
Car Make: MercedesCar Model: Cls
Mike with DeMonaco Mobile Detailing has to be the best AUTO DETAILER in the area I tried other companies and they didnt even come close to the job Mike did on my car. He took the swirls out of my paint that the other guys put in. My car didnt even look this good when I took it off the showroom floor. Thanks
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bullard car care
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: SANCLAIR SERROIS in boca raton, FL.Posted: October 11th, 2011 01:10PM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 750LI
bullard car care is the best detail shop i have been to in a long time them guys take pride in what they do and the manager he came out and check my car over and made sure i was happy with the detail very nice gentleman
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Man Cave Detail
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Alan Sutherland in Golden, CO.Posted: January 29th, 2012 07:01PM
Car Make: FerrariCar Model: 430
It looks like I paid a lot more than most of the other shops charged, but the guys over at Man Cave Colorado did an outstanding job. They had over 10 hours polishing the paint but it came out absolutely perfect. Feel free to call them at 303-279-7333
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