Detailing
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 812
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From: Wisconsin
Detailing
So this winter I was going to get my entire car detailed. What have you guys had done and what does it include and how much did it cost? The one I was told to go by near me does all the inside, buff outside, wash and wax, and steam clean the engine. My paint job has lots of swirl marks and looks kinda crappy. The inside has a few spots on the seats. And my engine is black as can be. Can I get my engine steam cleaned because of all the extra electrical/other stuff under my hood, because of the turbo, nos, etc etc??? They want $130, that is a good price right?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: CT
Detailing
In my opinion, that is way way too cheap for a good detailing job.
When I do my car, inside and out plus steam clean the engine, it costs me around $370-$400. But the job is outstanding, the car looks like brand new. So maybe those guys, who are offering you the deal are not all that great to begin with. Just trying to help you out, man. I would hate to see you give them your car and get it back with scratches on the paint. Good luck.
When I do my car, inside and out plus steam clean the engine, it costs me around $370-$400. But the job is outstanding, the car looks like brand new. So maybe those guys, who are offering you the deal are not all that great to begin with. Just trying to help you out, man. I would hate to see you give them your car and get it back with scratches on the paint. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I appreciate the concern, but a older guy that I work with who has been dealing with cars and restoring old cars to mint condition for years always has this guy do the work, he swears by his work. I have seen several of this guys cars and they looks amazing, he is having another car done on Wed. I will check it out when it bets back from there. I saw it today before the detailing and it looked pretty good, so I will see how it turns out. My main concern is that the paint looks better, and that the engine gets done, but I need to find out for sure or not if that would be bad for my engine. Thanks! 
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 3
From: California
my local chevron does the same detail u first mentioned for about $200. there is this upscale detailer in century city near beverly hills and god knows what they charge for detailing but i think if i remember correctly about the same, a little more. as for getting your engine degreased, i have heard equal amounts of info for it and against it. many detailers know it can damage your car but do it anyway because there is a demand for it. what happens if they get water (steam) in places where there isn't supposed to be water? some detailers make u sign a paper saying they arent responsible for damages occuring from engine degreasing. IMO-why pay hundreds for someone to detail when u can do it yourself for much cheaper? its only going to get dirty again.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Guys,
I used to have a detailing business (wholesale and retail) - used cars to exotics. So long as the buys doing your motor knows what he is doing, you have nothing to worry about.
As for price - as late as 1994 (when I got out to go to law school) - price was 150 for a full inside and out with motor. Today, the same shop that used to be mine (two owner changes and BIG drop in quality IMO) charges 200-225 for the "same" service here in NJ.
As for the guy in connecticut paying 400, come on down to NJ, I'll do the car (and a better job than the CT guy is doing I am sure) for 300
I used to live in Hamden and NEVER saw a good detailer in all my time in Ct (and I drove all over looking at shops......
I used to have a detailing business (wholesale and retail) - used cars to exotics. So long as the buys doing your motor knows what he is doing, you have nothing to worry about.
As for price - as late as 1994 (when I got out to go to law school) - price was 150 for a full inside and out with motor. Today, the same shop that used to be mine (two owner changes and BIG drop in quality IMO) charges 200-225 for the "same" service here in NJ.
As for the guy in connecticut paying 400, come on down to NJ, I'll do the car (and a better job than the CT guy is doing I am sure) for 300
I used to live in Hamden and NEVER saw a good detailer in all my time in Ct (and I drove all over looking at shops......
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