Car Detailing

[K-S-U-Wildcats!]

I'm selling my mid-size SUV. Inside is leather and pretty clean, but the mats and carpets need work. The outside has some scratches and one scuff of a few inches where the paint has been worn off. In short, the cars in pretty good shape for having about 100k miles on, but I really want to shine it up before selling.

Anybody know anything about auto detailing? What should I ask for / expect, and how much should I pay? I did buy some touch-up paint, so I'm hoping they can put that on the scuff without it looking too crapty, but I'm not expecting miracles.

[ednksu]

DIY or looking for someone to pay?


good details and the regional forums do have some people who offer their services. 
http://www.autopia.org/forum/forum.php

[meow meow]

When I have any motor vehicle related questions I ask wackycat

[0.42]

I'll tell you if you give me info on where to find a good plumber in sw Kansas

[sys]

you should definitely have it clean, but tread somewhat carefully about going to far.  some buyers will be suspicious about anything touched up (scratches should be fine, but the scuff might look suspicious), and don't even think about detailing the engine.

[K-S-U-Wildcats!]

Ok, that's interesting. I've gotten two bids so far. One was from a pretty big body shop. They quoted 300, and said it would be an all day process. The guy spent a lot of time walking around the car and pointing out what they can and can't fix.

The second bid was from a small body shop / used car dealer. He wanted 165, but I didn't get many specifics on what he would do (I didn't know what to ask). He did mention steam cleaning the engine. I'm wondering if I'll get the same result for half the money, and naturally a little suspicious of any used car dealer.

Then again, the first dude might be exaggerating his services to support the higher rate. What do you think?

[Boondock Poonhound]

Love a steam cleaned engine. Mine always have rust, dirt, grime, oil, battery acid, leaves, and other black gooey nasty stuff.

[K-S-U-Wildcats!]

All right, so I got another bid from a body shop for the detailing, this time for $230. They get good reviews, and it sounds like a very thorough all-day process. He said it is what they do for the car dealers. They shampoo the interior, treat the leather, use a three step process on the exterior, and they'll even apply the touch up paint. I'm going with them. Thanks all for the advice.