Car Detailing Cost Australia 2025: Complete Pricing Guide
Everything you need to know about car detailing costs across Australia, from basic services to premium packages.
Car detailing costs in Australia vary significantly based on your vehicle size, service level, and location. Whether you're looking for a basic wash or premium paint correction, understanding current pricing helps you budget effectively and find the best value for your money.
Car Detailing Costs at a Glance
- • Exterior wash & dry
- • Interior vacuum
- • Window cleaning
- • Tyre shine
- • Full interior detail
- • Paint decontamination
- • Wax protection
- • Engine bay clean
- • Paint correction
- • Ceramic coating
- • Complete restoration
- • Long-term protection
Detailed Car Detailing Price Breakdown
Car detailing services are typically categorized by scope and complexity. Here's what you can expect to pay for different service levels across Australia's major cities.
| Service Type | Small Car | Medium Car | Large Car/SUV | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wash & Vacuum | $70-$90 | $80-$110 | $100-$130 | 1-2 hours |
| Interior Detail | $120-$150 | $140-$180 | $160-$220 | 2-3 hours |
| Exterior Detail | $150-$200 | $180-$250 | $220-$300 | 3-4 hours |
| Full Detail Package | $250-$350 | $300-$420 | $380-$500 | 4-6 hours |
| Paint Correction | $400-$600 | $500-$750 | $650-$900 | 6-8 hours |
| Ceramic Coating | $600-$1000 | $800-$1200 | $1000-$1500 | 1-2 days |
Regional Price Variations Across Australia
Premium Markets (10-20% Higher)
- 🏙️ Sydney CBD & Eastern Suburbs
- 🌟 Melbourne CBD & Inner Suburbs
- 💎 Perth Western Suburbs
- 🏖️ Gold Coast Premium Areas
Value Markets (10-15% Lower)
- 🏘️ Western Sydney & Outer Suburbs
- 🌾 Regional Queensland & NSW
- 🏜️ Adelaide & South Australia
- 🌿 Tasmania & Regional Victoria
What's Included in Different Detailing Packages?
Exterior Services:
- • Pre-rinse and foam wash
- • Hand wash with microfiber
- • Wheel and tyre cleaning
- • Window cleaning (inside/out)
- • Basic tyre shine application
Interior Services:
- • Vacuum seats and carpets
- • Dashboard and console wipe
- • Interior window cleaning
- • Floor mat cleaning
- • Basic air freshener
⏱️ Perfect for: Regular maintenance, budget-conscious owners, quick refresh
Exterior Services:
- • Multi-stage paint decontamination
- • Clay bar treatment
- • Machine polishing (single stage)
- • Premium wax or sealant
- • Chrome and trim restoration
- • Wheel deep cleaning & protection
Interior Services:
- • Deep vacuum with crevice tools
- • Leather conditioning treatment
- • Fabric/upholstery deep cleaning
- • Dashboard UV protection
- • Door jamb and interior trim detail
- • Steam cleaning (where applicable)
⏱️ Perfect for: Monthly maintenance, presentation vehicles, moderate wear restoration
Exterior Services:
- • Multi-stage paint correction
- • Swirl mark and scratch removal
- • Ceramic coating application
- • Headlight restoration
- • Paint protection film (optional)
- • Engine bay detailing
Interior Services:
- • Complete interior restoration
- • Stain and odour removal
- • Leather restoration & protection
- • Carpet and fabric protection
- • Complete disassembly cleaning
- • Interior ceramic coating
⏱️ Perfect for: Show cars, luxury vehicles, major restoration, long-term protection
Find Verified Car Detailing Professionals
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Mobile vs Fixed Location Detailing
✅ Advantages:
- • Ultimate convenience - work/home service
- • No travel time or fuel costs
- • Flexible scheduling options
- • Often more personalised service
- • Can work around your schedule
❌ Considerations:
- • 10-20% premium on pricing
- • Weather dependent scheduling
- • Limited equipment for advanced services
- • May require water/power access
💰 Typical Cost: $90-$450 (10-20% more than fixed location)
✅ Advantages:
- • Lower pricing (no travel costs)
- • Full equipment and facility access
- • Weather-proof operations
- • Advanced services available
- • Often faster turnaround
❌ Considerations:
- • Travel time and transport costs
- • Fixed business hours
- • May need to leave car for day
- • Less flexible scheduling
💰 Typical Cost: $70-$350 (base pricing)
Factors That Affect Car Detailing Costs
Vehicle Factors
Service Factors
Popular Add-On Services & Costs
| Add-On Service | Price Range | Time Added | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Coating (entry level) | $400-$800 | +4-6 hours | Long-term protection |
| Paint Protection Film | $800-$2000 | +6-8 hours | High-value vehicles |
| Headlight Restoration | $80-$150 | +1-2 hours | Older vehicles |
| Engine Bay Detailing | $100-$200 | +2-3 hours | Show preparation |
| Odour Elimination | $150-$300 | +2-4 hours | Smoke/pet odours |
| Scratch/Swirl Removal | $200-$500 | +4-6 hours | Paint imperfections |
How to Choose the Right Detailing Service
- • Read reviews and ratings: Check Google, Facebook, and industry platforms
- • Request before/after photos: Verify quality of previous work
- • Compare multiple quotes: Prices can vary 30-50% between providers
- • Check insurance and licensing: Ensure protection for your vehicle
- • Ask about guarantee/warranty: Quality services offer satisfaction promises
Service Questions:
- • What's included in each package?
- • How long will the service take?
- • What products/brands do you use?
- • Do you offer any guarantees?
Business Questions:
- • Are you insured and licensed?
- • How long have you been in business?
- • Can you provide recent references?
- • What's your cancellation policy?
Pricing Red Flags:
- • Prices significantly below market rates
- • No written quotes or hidden fees
- • Pressure for immediate payment
- • No clear breakdown of services
Service Red Flags:
- • No insurance or licensing proof
- • Unwilling to provide references
- • No physical business address
- • Poor communication or unprofessional approach
Frequently Asked Questions
For regular maintenance, budget $200-$350 every 3-6 months for premium detailing. Basic wash and vacuum services ($70-$130) can be done monthly. Annual deep detailing with paint correction may cost $400-$600.
Mobile detailing typically costs 10-20% more but saves you 2-4 hours of travel time and transport costs. For busy professionals or multiple vehicles, the convenience often justifies the premium pricing.
Car washing focuses on basic cleaning ($15-$40), while detailing includes deep cleaning, paint correction, protection, and restoration ($70-$500+). Detailing addresses paint imperfections, interior deep cleaning, and long-term protection.
Most car owners benefit from professional detailing every 3-6 months. Daily drivers in harsh conditions may need quarterly service, while garage-kept or rarely driven vehicles can extend to 6-12 months between details.
Ceramic coating ($400-$1200) provides 2-5 years of paint protection, easier cleaning, and enhanced appearance. For vehicles over $25,000 or those kept long-term, the protection and reduced maintenance often justify the cost.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- • Compare 3-5 quotes: Prices vary significantly between providers
- • Book during off-peak: Weekday bookings often 10-15% cheaper
- • Bundle services: Package deals save 15-25% vs individual services
- • Regular customer discounts: Build relationships for ongoing savings
- • Group bookings: Multiple vehicles often get volume discounts
⭐ Value Maximization
- • Prep your car: Remove personal items to save time/cost
- • Schedule appropriately: Don't over-detail clean vehicles
- • Ask about maintenance: Learn to extend results between services
- • Seasonal timing: Pre-summer/winter prep offers best value
- • Focus on needs: Don't pay for services you don't require
Conclusion
Car detailing costs in Australia range from $70 for basic services to $800+ for premium packages. The key to getting great value is understanding what level of service your vehicle needs and comparing quotes from multiple verified professionals.
Whether you choose mobile convenience or workshop value, regular detailing protects your investment and maintains your vehicle's appearance and resale value. Focus on finding reputable professionals who offer transparent pricing and quality guarantees.
💡 Pro Tip: The best value comes from regular maintenance detailing ($200-$350 every 3-6 months) rather than waiting for expensive restoration services. Preventive care saves money long-term and keeps your car looking great.