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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Shopping for detailing a car: | - 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.
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Article updated March 2007 |
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