What's the going rate for a......

[rlb]

car detailing? 2017 Subaru Outback to be exact. I'm planning to trade it in soon and weighing the cost/benefit to making it look a little nicer. It's got some bugs and sap to be taken care of and 1 or 2 bird poop stains that will hopefully come out. Any recommendations on places?

 

[stb222]

I thought Subaru owners prided themselves on their cars looking dirty and earthy?

 

[iman29]

@Carson this is right in his wheel house
(Pun intended).

 

[jackx]

car detailing? 2017 Subaru Outback to be exact. I'm planning to trade it in soon and weighing the cost/benefit to making it look a little nicer. It's got some bugs and sap to be taken care of and 1 or 2 bird poop stains that will hopefully come out. Any recommendations on places?

Are you inquiring about exterior vehicle detailing only, or interior too?

 

[THATmanMANNY]

meh. Don’t waste your money if trading in. Just wash it. They’re going to full detail it again before sale.

 

[extremedave]

I think it’s around 200-ish. Unless the car is exemplary they’ll often auction it off. Getting it detailed vs car wash will improve appearance as they’ll buff it, but I can’t say how much (if any) it’ll improve trade in value. You could get it washed then spend a little time with some goo-gone for the stains.

 

[rlb]

Are you inquiring about exterior vehicle detailing only, or interior too?

Just exterior

 

[Bike N Gear]

Just exterior

Trade it in when it's raining.

 

[Pearl]

meh. Don’t waste your money if trading in. Just wash it. They’re going to full detail it again before sale.

this, the last time i traded in a car they didnt even look at it when i told them what i wanted for it and I got well over KBB/NADA shit

 

[Mathers]

Don’t bother. It won’t help your trade in value.
If you want a real detail and not just a wash and wax it will be north of $500.

 

[gmb3]

Trade it in when it's raining.

I did this but in reverse last year. Purchased a used car but only saw it in the rain. Needless to say, i'm now happy with the paint condition. Probably need a detailing...

 

[Carson]

I concur with thoughts here. Etching from bird droppings will likely not come out without a multi-stage compound/polish. Wash and vaccuum the car and trade it in after dark (easier in the winter) and on a cloudy, rainy day. Also check Carvana. It gives you a better idea of what it may be worth in the inflated market we are in right now. For example, my GLI is worth $23,200 on Carvana and I paid $20,700 for it new a year and 8500 miles ago.

If you want, swing by my place and I have a few products we can try on the spots, if there are really only a few spots. If you are set on getting a full exterior detail, I have a guy. He worked on Manny and Tim's cars and I believe they were happy for the relatively low cost.

EDIT: Buy this and soak everything. It will not hurt paint or clear coat and may soften the stuff up enough to remove it safely.

https://www.amazon.com/Stoner-Car-Care-Tarminator-Asphalt/dp/B0002LBGWI

 

[xc62701]

I agree with the sentiments above. I recently bought a car and they gave me a price for my trade in without seeing it. I worked my butt off to clean it and hoped they would give me more when they saw it. Nope. Just wasted my time.

 

[rlb]

Thanks, so I'm going with the "fuck it" approach. I may try to get the biggest stain out if I can find some time. I do have some idea of what I'm doing (from the pre-kids days) though I'm betting all my stuff is shot now, hasn't been touched in ~4 years.

 

[w_b]

F it. Detail it if you keeping it, or private sale.

Or, teach the kids to detail it and eat bonbons.