How Much Should a Full Detail Cost? Complete 2025 Pricing Guide

Quick Answer: What Does a Full Detail Cost?

A full car detail typically costs $150-$500+ depending on vehicle size, condition, location, and services included. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Basic Full Detail: $150-$250 (sedans/compact cars)
• Standard Full Detail: $200-$350 (mid-size vehicles/SUVs)
• Premium Full Detail: $300-$500+ (luxury vehicles/larger SUVs)
• Deep Restoration Detail: $500-$1,200+ (paint correction, ceramic coating)

But there's a lot more to understand about car detailing costs. Let's break down exactly what you're paying for and how to ensure you're getting fair value.

What's Included in a Full Detail?

Before we dive into pricing, it's important to understand what a "full detail" actually means. A comprehensive full detail typically includes:

Exterior Services

• Hand wash and dry: Thorough cleaning of entire exterior
• Clay bar treatment: Removes embedded contaminants
• Paint decontamination: Iron remover and tar removal
• Polishing: Light paint correction to remove minor swirls
• Wax or sealant application: Protection for 3-6 months
• Wheel and tire cleaning: Deep clean of wheels, tires, and wheel wells
• Trim restoration: Dressing for plastic trim and rubber seals
• Glass cleaning: Inside and outside all windows
• Door jambs: Cleaning of door edges and hinges

Interior Services

• Vacuum: All carpets, seats, trunk, and crevices
• Steam cleaning: Carpets, floor mats, and upholstery
• Leather cleaning and conditioning: For leather seats
• Dashboard and console: Cleaning and dressing
• Door panels: Wiping and dressing
• Air vent cleaning: Detailed brush cleaning
• Cup holders and storage: Deep cleaning
• Odor elimination: Air freshening treatment
• Window cleaning: Interior glass
• Trunk/cargo area: Vacuuming and wiping

Time Required: A proper full detail takes 4-8 hours for an average vehicle.

Average Full Detail Costs by Vehicle Type (2025)

Here's what you can expect to pay based on vehicle size:

Compact Cars & Sedans

• Size: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3
• Price Range: $150-$300
• Average: $200-$225

Mid-Size Sedans & Wagons

• Size: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback
• Price Range: $175-$325
• Average: $225-$275

SUVs & Crossovers

• Size: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Price Range: $200-$375
• Average: $250-$300

Large SUVs & Trucks

• Size: Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford F-150, Toyota Sequoia
• Price Range: $250-$450
• Average: $300-$350

Luxury & Exotic Vehicles

• Size: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Tesla
• Price Range: $300-$600+
• Average: $400-$500

Vans & Large Vehicles

• Size: Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Suburban, Sprinter vans
• Price Range: $275-$500+
• Average: $350-$400

Factors That Affect Full Detail Pricing

Understanding what influences pricing helps you make informed decisions:

1. Vehicle Condition

The current state of your vehicle dramatically affects cost:

• Well-maintained: Regular cleaning, no major stains = standard pricing
• Moderately dirty: Pet hair, light stains, dust buildup = +$25-$75
• Heavily soiled: Excessive dirt, stubborn stains, odors = +$50-$150
• Neglected: Years without detailing, heavy contamination = +$100-$300

Pro Tip: Regular maintenance details (every 3-6 months) keep costs lower than infrequent deep cleans.

2. Geographic Location

Location significantly impacts pricing due to labor costs and market demand:

• Major metros (NYC, LA, SF, Miami): $250-$500+ for full detail
• Mid-size cities (Austin, Denver, Seattle): $200-$400
• Suburban areas: $175-$350
• Rural areas: $150-$300

Cost of living in your area directly correlates with detailing prices.

3. Mobile vs. Shop-Based Service

Mobile Detailing (comes to you):

• Typically 10-20% more expensive
• Convenience premium for on-site service
• Average full detail: $200-$400
• Best for: Busy professionals, fleet vehicles

Shop/Garage Detailing:

• Generally more affordable
• Access to specialized equipment
• Average full detail: $150-$350
• Best for: Deep restoration, paint correction

4. Detailer Experience & Reputation

• Budget detailers: $100-$200 (may cut corners, use cheap products)
• Mid-tier professionals: $200-$350 (quality work, good products)
• Premium/certified detailers: $350-$600+ (expert training, premium products, guaranteed results)

You get what you pay for—experienced detailers deliver better results and protect your investment.

5. Additional Services & Add-Ons

Many detailers offer packages with optional upgrades:

• Engine bay cleaning: +$30-$75
• Headlight restoration: +$50-$100
• Pet hair removal: +$25-$100 (depending on severity)
• Odor removal/ozone treatment: +$50-$150
• Fabric protection: +$40-$100
• Paint sealant upgrade: +$50-$150
• Ceramic coating (instead of wax): +$300-$1,500

Package Tiers: Understanding Detail Levels

Most professional detailers offer multiple service tiers:

Basic Detail Package ($75-$150)

• Time: 1.5-3 hours
• Includes: Exterior wash, interior vacuum, basic wipe-down
• Best For: Maintenance between full details, budget-conscious customers
• Not Included: Deep cleaning, polishing, extraction, protection

Standard Detail Package ($150-$250)

• Time: 3-5 hours
• Includes: Full exterior wash/wax, thorough interior cleaning, tire shine
• Best For: Regular maintenance every 3-4 months
• Not Included: Paint correction, ceramic coating, heavy stain removal

Premium Full Detail ($250-$400)

• Time: 5-8 hours
• Includes: Clay bar, light polish, deep interior shampoo, leather conditioning, trim restoration
• Best For: Comprehensive cleaning, pre-sale prep, seasonal deep clean
• Not Included: Major paint correction, ceramic coating

Ultimate/Showroom Detail ($400-$1,200+)

• Time: 8-16+ hours (often 2 days)
• Includes: Multi-stage paint correction, ceramic coating, full restoration
• Best For: Luxury vehicles, show cars, maximum protection
• Features: Paint depth readings, machine polishing, 2-5 year protection

Regional Price Comparison (2025)

Here's what a standard full detail costs in major U.S. markets:

Rural/Suburban areas: Typically 20-30% lower than metro pricing

How to Know If You're Getting a Fair Price

Red Flags (Too Cheap)

If a full detail costs under $100, be skeptical. This could mean:

• ❌ Inexperienced detailer
• ❌ Rushed work (1-2 hours instead of 4-6)
• ❌ Low-quality products that can damage your vehicle
• ❌ No insurance or business legitimacy
• ❌ "Detail" is actually just a car wash

Remember: Professional products, equipment, and labor have real costs. Extremely low prices often indicate cut corners.

Red Flags (Too Expensive)

Conversely, prices above $600 for a standard full detail (without ceramic coating or major correction) may be inflated unless:

• ✅ You have a luxury/exotic vehicle
• ✅ Paint correction or ceramic coating is included
• ✅ The detailer has exceptional credentials (certified by major brands)
• ✅ You're in an extremely high-cost market

Signs of Fair Pricing

A reasonable price includes:

• ✅ Transparent pricing on website or quote
• ✅ Detailed list of services included
• ✅ Realistic time estimate (4-6+ hours for full detail)
• ✅ Quality product brands mentioned (Meguiar's, Chemical Guys, Griot's)
• ✅ Professional photos of previous work
• ✅ Positive reviews mentioning value
• ✅ Insurance and business registration
• ✅ Written guarantee or satisfaction policy

Questions to Ask Before Booking

To ensure you're getting value, ask potential detailers:

1. "What exactly is included in your full detail package?"

   • Get a written list of services

2. "How long will the full detail take?"

   • Quality work requires 4-6+ hours

3. "What products do you use?"

   • Reputable brands indicate quality

4. "Do you have insurance?"

   • Protects you from liability

5. "Can I see before/after photos of your work?"

   • Portfolio demonstrates skill level

6. "What condition is my vehicle in, and will that affect the price?"

   • Honest assessment shows transparency

7. "Do you offer any guarantees?"

   • Satisfaction guarantees show confidence

8. "Are there any additional fees I should know about?"

   • Avoids surprise charges

DIY vs. Professional: Cost Comparison

DIY Full Detail

Initial Investment: $150-$300 for supplies

• Wash/wax products: $40-$80
• Interior cleaners: $30-$50
• Vacuum/brushes/towels: $50-$100
• Clay bar kit: $15-$30
• Polisher (if needed): $100-$400

Time Required: 6-10 hours (first time)

Ongoing Cost: $30-$50 per detail in products

Pros: Lower cost over time, satisfaction of doing it yourself Cons: Learning curve, time investment, lack of professional equipment

Professional Detail

One-Time Cost: $200-$400

Time Required: 4-6 hours (but not your time)

Pros: Expertise, professional results, no equipment needed Cons: Higher upfront cost

Break-Even Point: After 2-3 professional details, DIY supplies would have paid for themselves if you detail quarterly.

How Often Should You Get a Full Detail?

Frequency affects your total annual cost:

• Show cars/luxury vehicles: Every 1-2 months ($1,200-$2,400/year)
• Daily drivers (well-maintained): Every 3-4 months ($600-$1,000/year)
• Average use: Every 6 months ($400-$600/year)
• Minimal use/garage-kept: Once per year ($200-$400/year)

Maintenance washes between full details (every 2-4 weeks at $15-$30) help maintain results.

Maximizing Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

1. Bundle Services

Many detailers offer package discounts:

• Full detail + ceramic coating = save $100-$200
• Multiple vehicles = 10-20% discount
• Recurring customer programs = loyalty pricing

2. Book Off-Peak Times

Detailers may offer discounts for:

• Weekday appointments (vs. weekends)
• Winter months (slower season)
• Early morning or late afternoon slots

3. Maintain Between Details

Regular maintenance extends detail longevity:

• Weekly hand washes ($0 DIY, $15-$30 professional)
• Monthly interior vacuum
• Quarterly quick details

4. Communicate Clearly

Tell your detailer:

• Specific problem areas (stains, scratches)
• Your budget constraints
• Your goals (resale prep, maintenance, restoration)

5. Read Reviews & Compare

Don't just go with the cheapest option:

• Compare 3-5 detailers in your area
• Read recent Google reviews
• Look at before/after photos
• Ask for referrals from friends

Special Considerations

Pre-Sale Detailing

Planning to sell your car? A professional detail can increase resale value by $500-$2,000.

Investment: $200-$400 for full detail Return: Higher sale price, faster sale Recommended: Premium detail package for maximum impact

Post-Purchase Detailing

Just bought a used car? A thorough detail:

• Removes previous owner's dirt/odors
• Assesses paint condition
• Establishes baseline for maintenance
• Cost: $200-$500 depending on condition

Fleet Detailing

Commercial vehicles often get discounts:

• 5+ vehicles: 15-25% discount
• Monthly contracts: Preferred pricing
• Per-vehicle cost: $75-$200 (basic to standard detail)

When to Splurge on Premium Services

Some situations justify higher costs:

Paint Correction ($500-$1,500)

Worth it if:

• You have swirl marks, scratches, or oxidation
• You plan to keep the car long-term (5+ years)
• It's a luxury or collector vehicle
• You want maximum resale value

Ceramic Coating ($600-$2,000)

Worth it if:

• You want 2-5 years of protection
• You live in harsh climates (sun, salt, pollution)
• You want easier maintenance (less frequent washes needed)
• You have a new or newly-corrected paint finish

Ozone Treatment ($75-$150)

Worth it if:

• You have persistent odors (smoke, pet, mildew)
• Standard cleaning hasn't eliminated smells
• You're preparing to sell

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Avoid detailers who:

• ❌ Can't provide a detailed service list
• ❌ Won't give a written estimate
• ❌ Have consistently negative reviews
• ❌ Use high-pressure sales tactics
• ❌ Can't show proof of insurance
• ❌ Promise "full detail" in under 2 hours
• ❌ Have no online presence or portfolio
• ❌ Require full payment upfront without a contract

The Bottom Line: Is a Full Detail Worth It?

Yes, if:

• ✅ You value your vehicle's appearance and longevity
• ✅ You want to maintain resale value
• ✅ You lack time or equipment for DIY
• ✅ You choose a reputable, fairly-priced professional

For most people: A $200-$350 full detail every 4-6 months provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and vehicle care.

Need a Website for Your Detailing Business?

If you're a car detailing professional looking to attract more customers and showcase your pricing transparently, LoomLogy can help.

We build high-performance websites specifically designed for service businesses like yours:

What We Offer

• ✅ Mobile-Optimized Design: 60% of customers search on mobile
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• ✅ Before/After Galleries: Showcase your best work
• ✅ Local SEO Optimization: Rank higher for "car detailing near me"
• ✅ Google Business Integration: Sync reviews and location info
• ✅ Payment Processing: Accept deposits or full payment online
• ✅ Customer Reviews: Build trust with testimonials
• ✅ Blog/Content Platform: Share tips and rank for more keywords

Pricing: Custom websites starting at $2,500 | Monthly plans available

Get a free consultation →

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About the Author: Michael Foster is a Business Consultant at LoomLogy with expertise in service industry pricing strategies, customer acquisition, and digital transformation for local businesses.