Auto Detailing Pricing Guide
From a quick tidy-up to a full multi-stage paint correction — here's what auto detailing costs in Australia and what actually moves the price.
Auto detailing sits on a wide spectrum. At one end is a detailed wash and interior vacuum; at the other is a multi-day paint correction that removes years of swirl marks under a rotary polisher. The gap between those jobs can be 20x in price, so understanding where your car needs to sit on that scale is the single biggest factor in getting sensible quotes.
Most Australian detailers are owner-operators working mobile or out of a small studio. Price reflects their experience, the products they use, and how long your job actually takes — a heavily neglected 4WD with pet hair and water spots can take a full day just on the interior.
What auto detailing typically costs
$30–$80
What's included
Exterior snow-foam wash, tyre dressing, quick interior vacuum. No decontamination, no polish.
When this tier fits
Regular upkeep between proper details, or a quick spruce-up before selling.
$150–$280
What's included
Two-bucket wash, wheels deep-cleaned, interior vacuum + wipe-down, windows, tyre dressing, spray wax or sealant.
When this tier fits
Every 2–3 months if you want the car consistently looking sharp without correction work.
$300–$600
What's included
Iron decontamination, clay bar, single-stage machine polish, interior shampoo or steam, leather conditioner, engine bay wipe-down.
When this tier fits
Preparing a car for sale, show, or before applying a ceramic coating.
$800–$2,500+
What's included
2–3 stage machine correction (compound, polish, refine), full interior deep-clean, can be paired with ceramic coating as a package.
When this tier fits
Swirl-heavy dark paint, pre-coating prep, or a show-quality finish on a keeper car.
Prices are indicative AUD ranges based on typical Australian metropolitan pricing. Actual quotes depend on scope, access, and local market.
What affects the price
Vehicle size
Wagons, 7-seat SUVs and dual-cabs take 1.5–2x the time of a sedan. Expect 15–40% more across every tier.
Current condition
Pet hair, coffee stains, sand, tar, iron fallout and neglected interiors all push into the next tier of labour. Many detailers add a 'condition surcharge' after inspection.
Paint defects
Light swirls come out with a one-stage polish. Deep scratches and water-etching need multi-stage correction and measurably more product and labour.
Mobile vs studio
Mobile detailers charge similar rates but are limited by water access and lighting. Studio detailers can do multi-day correction work mobile operators can't.
Before you book — what to check
Be honest about the car's condition
Send photos before booking — pet hair, stains, and swirl marks change the quote. A 'full detail' quote without seeing the car is usually ballpark only.
Correction vs concealment
Cheap details often use glaze and filler products that hide swirls for a few weeks. Real paint correction removes the defect. Ask if they machine polish and with what pad/compound combo.
Plan around coatings
If ceramic coating or PPF is on the cards, the detail needs to happen first and include decontamination + correction. A coating locks in whatever's underneath.
Interior biology
Pet hair, vomit, milk spills and mould need enzymatic products and sometimes ozone treatment — a regular shampoo won't fix smells. Mention it upfront.
Products detailers often use
Brand and product names you're likely to see in quotes.
Meguiar's
Ubiquitous mid-range products — Ultimate Compound, M205 finishing polish.
Chemical Guys
Huge US range; popular for interior sprays and foam soaps.
CarPro
Professional-grade — Iron-X, Essence polish, Reset shampoo.
Koch-Chemie
German chemistry favoured by studios — Green Star, 1K Nano.
Auto Finesse
UK brand with a strong following for finishing products.
Gyeon Q²M
Prep and wash line used before their coatings.
Frequently asked questions
Ready for a real quote?
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Related guides
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating prices, real durability claims, and why paint condition matters more than the brand on the bottle.
Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Film (clear bra) prices for partial front, full front, and full-body coverage — plus what to know about combining PPF with ceramic coating.
Car Wash
What a proper car wash actually costs across automatic, hand-wash, and mobile detailers — and why touchless beats brush.