Wondering how much does car detailing cost? You’re not alone. Prices can range from as low as $50 to well over $700 depending on the level of service, the size and type of your vehicle, and your location. If you're in a major metro area like Sydney, expect to pay a premium compared to smaller towns.
But what's really included in those packages? And how do you know if you're paying too much?
In this guide, you’ll get a complete breakdown of average car detailing costs by service type, what factors influence pricing, and what detailers actually do for the money.
Average Car Detailing Costs by Type of Service
Here’s a quick overview of what you might pay depending on the service tier. These are average prices based on Australian providers and customer reports.
- Basic exterior wash & dry: $50–$90
- Interior vacuum & wipe-down: $75–$150
- Interior + exterior full detail: $150–$300
- Paint correction / premium detail: $300–$600+
- Mobile detailing packages: Additional $20–$50 depending on travel
For luxury vehicles or heavily soiled interiors, detailing costs may exceed these ranges. The car detailing price list varies widely between urban centers and regional areas.
What Factors Affect the Average Cost of Car Detailing?
The cost of detailing your car isn’t just about how dirty it is. Here are the key variables that shape pricing:
1. Your Location
Detailing costs are often higher in larger cities. For example, how much does car detailing cost in Sydney? Basic services tend to start around $100–$120, while full detailing packages can exceed $400. Labour costs, commercial rent, and demand all play a role in the price gap (see data from Australian Bureau of Statistics).
2. Car Size and Type
Detailing a compact hatchback is far less labour-intensive than working on a full-size SUV, ute, or minivan. Larger vehicles mean more surface area to clean, wax, or polish, which increases both time and cost. Expect to pay an extra $30–$80 for oversized or high-clearance vehicles.
3. Type of Service Chosen
Different detailing packages come with different price tags. A standard interior wipe-down is cheaper than a multi-step paint correction or clay bar treatment. Premium services like ceramic coatings or engine bay detailing can dramatically raise the final price.
4. Vehicle Condition
A car that hasn’t been cleaned in a year takes longer to detail than one that's regularly maintained. Heavy pet hair, mould, or sand may require extra hours and special equipment, which often triggers additional fees.
5. Add-Ons and Customization
Detailers may offer upsells like odour removal, headlight restoration, or water spot removal. These typically cost $30–$100 each and can significantly increase the total bill if you’re not careful.
Interior Detailing: What It Includes and What It Costs
Interior detailing focuses on the inside of the car, where grime builds up fast. The goal is to clean, sanitize, and restore as much of the cabin as possible.
Common inclusions:
- Vacuuming of carpets, mats, seats, and trunk
- Shampooing or steam-cleaning fabric upholstery
- Leather conditioning for seats and trim
- Dashboard, console, and door panel cleaning
- Interior glass and mirror cleaning
- Optional: seatbelt cleaning, odour treatment, air vent detailing
Price range:
- Sedans/small cars: $75–$150
- SUVs/vans: $120–$220
- Luxury interiors or deep cleaning: $250+
If you’ve got pet hair, food stains, or odours to remove, prepare for additional charges.
Exterior Detailing: What’s Included and How Much It Costs
Exterior detailing enhances your car’s outer appearance while protecting paint and surfaces from long-term wear. It often involves:
- Pre-rinse and hand wash
- Wheel and tyre cleaning
- Bug and tar removal
- Paint decontamination (clay bar or iron fallout removal)
- Machine or hand-applied wax/sealant
- Tyre dressing and plastic trim restoration
- Optional: machine polishing or paint correction
Price range:
- Basic hand wash and wax: $50–$100
- Full exterior detail: $120–$250
- With paint correction or coating: $300–$700+
Car size, paint type, and add-on protection products (like sealants or ceramic) can drastically change the final quote.
How Much Does Car Detailing Cost in Sydney?
Sydney car detailing services tend to fall on the higher end of the price scale due to increased demand and business overhead.
Typical pricing in Sydney:
- Basic wash & vacuum: $100–$130
- Full interior detail: $150–$220
- Full detail (interior + exterior): $250–$400
- Advanced services (paint correction, ceramic): $500–$800+
Mobile detailers may charge extra for travel, especially in high-traffic or remote areas. However, the added convenience can be worth the fee for busy car owners.
What Else Can Car Detailers Do?
Aside from standard cleaning, many car detailing businesses now offer value-added services such as:
- Engine bay cleaning
- Headlight restoration
- Ceramic coatings or graphene coatings
- Paint protection film (PPF)
- Pet hair removal and allergen treatment
- Ozone treatment for odour elimination
These are often not included in base packages but can be added based on your vehicle’s condition and your budget.
Why Book a Car Detailing Service
Detailing goes far beyond cosmetic appeal. Here’s why more car owners are treating it as part of regular maintenance:
- Preserves resale value by keeping interior and exterior looking new
- Protects paint and surfaces from UV, bird droppings, and tree sap
- Improves driving comfort by removing allergens, dust, and bacteria
- Helps identify minor damage like scratches or paint chips early
- Boosts safety through clear headlights and clean windows/mirrors
Regular detailing may also reduce the need for future repairs like repainting or deep upholstery cleaning.
Final thoughts
Car detailing prices aren’t fixed—they depend on your car’s size, condition, service type, and even your location. A basic wash and vacuum might cost under $100, while a full interior and exterior detail can go well over $300. If you're in a metro area like Sydney, prices often trend higher due to demand and operational costs.
That said, detailing isn't just about appearances. It protects your vehicle’s value, extends the life of its surfaces, and can even improve driving comfort.
Whether you go for a quick refresh or a full paint correction, knowing what’s included—and why it costs what it does—helps you make the right choice for your car and budget.
Not Sure If You’re Paying Too Much for Detailing?
If you’re comparing quotes or wondering what’s really included, now’s the time to book a service that delivers value—not guesswork.
Call today or book online to get transparent pricing, expert detailing, and real results. Whether you need a basic clean or a full paint correction, we’ll walk you through your options and give your car the care it deserves.