How much should a full detail cost?
The honest price breakdown
If you've searched "how much does a full detail cost" and gotten answers ranging from $50 to $500, you're not crazy — that range is real. But it's also misleading, because those prices aren't describing the same service.
I'm the owner of Mobile Auto Detailing Wentzville. I detail cars myself, every day. Here's what the numbers actually mean and what you should expect to pay for each level of service in the Wentzville and St. Charles County area.
Basic exterior wash — $50–$80
Hand wash, dry, tire dressing. A good maintenance clean, not a full detail.
Interior detail only — $100–$175
Vacuum, full wipe-down, window cleaning, steam clean on high-touch surfaces.
Full detail (interior + exterior) — $175–$300
The complete package. Interior detail plus exterior wash, clay bar, and wax or paint sealant. This is what most customers book.
Paint correction — $300–$600
Machine polish to remove swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation. Major visual upgrade for older paint.
Ceramic coating — $600–$1,500+
Full paint prep plus a multi-year protective coating. The highest level of paint protection available.
Large vehicle add-on — +$50–$100
SUVs, full-size trucks, and vans take more time and product. Add $50–$100 to any service above.
What's included at each tier
Basic detail ($80–$130)
• Hand wash and dry
• Interior vacuum
• Dash and console wipe-down
• Window cleaning inside and out
• Tire and rim dressing
Full detail ($175–$300) — most populara
• Everything in the Basic detail
• Clay bar paint decontamination
• Wax or paint sealant
• Steam clean interior surfaces
• Leather conditioning
• Door jambs and trim cleaned
Paint correction ($300–$600+)
• Everything in the Full detail
• Machine polish
• Swirl mark and light scratch removal
• Paint thickness reading
• Optional ceramic or graphene coating
• Multi-year paint protection
5 things that change the price
1. Vehicle size
A Ford F-250 takes more time, more product, and more energy than a Honda Civic. Expect $50–$100 more for full-size trucks, large SUVs, and vans.
2. Condition when we arrive
A car that hasn't been cleaned in 18 months — with dog hair, fast food remnants, and muddy floors — takes 2–3x longer to detail. Most detailers charge accordingly, and they should.
3. Products used
Professional ceramic coatings, pH-neutral shampoos, and paint sealants cost significantly more than what's on the shelf at AutoZone. Better products mean better results, and that's reflected in the price.
4. Mobile vs. shop
A mobile detailer often charges slightly less than a shop because overhead is lower — no rent, no utilities. But they bring everything to you, which has real value.
5. Experience and reputation
A detailer with hundreds of five-star reviews and years of training charges more than someone who just started. That premium buys consistency and accountability.
“A $75 full detail isn’t a deal. It’s a warning sign that something is being skipped.”
Red flags to watch out for
Not every detailer pricing at the low end is doing right by your car. Here's what to avoid:
• Prices under $75 for a "full detail" — corners are being cut, guaranteed
• No before-and-after photos on their Google or social profiles
• Quotes given without asking about your vehicle size or condition
• No business name, no reviews — just a phone number on a flyer
• Automatic car washes calling themselves detailers
• Vague service lists like "everything included" with no specifics
What makes a fair price fair
A proper full detail takes 3–6 hours of skilled labor, 40+ professional-grade products, and equipment that costs thousands of dollars to build and maintain. When a detailer quotes $200–$300, they're not gouging you — they're making a reasonable living.
When someone quotes $75, one of two things is true: they're cutting corners, or they won't be in business next year.
A fair price also protects you. It ensures the detailer can invest in quality products, carry insurance, and stand behind their work. It's what keeps good detailers showing up reliably in Wentzville and St. Charles County — not just for one season.
What we charge at Mobile Auto Detailing Wentzville
For customers in Wentzville, St. Charles, O'Fallon, Lake Saint Louis, and surrounding areas, our pricing is straightforward. We give real quotes based on your actual vehicle and its actual condition — not a number pulled off a pricing page.
No surprise upcharges when we arrive. No "that'll be extra" after we've seen your car. Just an honest quote, professional work, and a car that looks better than it has in years.
Call or text us and we'll have a price for you in under five minutes.
