Car Detailing - can you recommend please?

**Sallyh** · 23-01-2012, 12:18 AM

We're in Highbury, so somewhere this side of the city is probably best (unless there's an amazing one who travels and doesn't mind where to).
Please can anyone recommend a good value car detailing service? Preferably a mobile one?
Many thanks.

**xzibit** · 23-01-2012, 02:50 AM

I can't recommend anyone, but please make sure you find one that actually knows what they are doing, there are so many cowboys around that will just put some cheap polish on your car and call it a detail.

You'll want someone who'll do a bit of paint correction if needed, to get the swirls out of the clear coat that are put in by sponges when you wash the car. Then they should polish and then use a sealant, then top it of with a layer of good carnauba wax.

Afterwards, buy a lambs wool wash mitt from a car shop for about $4 as its much better for the paintwork.

I used to do detailing in the UK at my brothers bodyshop so do have a clue. Not sure what they charge here but in the UK you'd be looking £150 for a good detail inside and out.

Good luck.

**snivag** · 23-01-2012, 06:49 AM

"Not sure what they charge here but in the UK you'd be looking £150 for a good detail inside and out."

I'm sure she only wants it cleaned, not a full respray.

I was thinking about having mine detailed inside, but I'm thinking I might do it now

**xzibit** · 23-01-2012, 06:57 AM

Detailing is different to cleaning lol. Car washes can be done yourself for about $2.

**smurph** · 23-01-2012, 07:10 AM

i use the "on the run" servos to get my 4x4 cleaned inside and out.. they charge $40 and you get a free coffee while you sit and wait.... takes about an hour...

it may be cleaning or detailing (not qualified to say) but either-way it beats me cleaning it..

**Sallyh** · 23-01-2012, 07:57 AM

Mmmm well we are thinking about selling it. Cleaning it is definitely required but your description of detailing Leigh sounds rather like what I was thinking when I put the thread up after finding a fair few franchise type outfits doing such thing. FIL has offered to clean and dress it up a bit but he wouldn't be doing the bodywork stuff to such an extent, and he wouldn't do it till the weekend, and tbh I think we need a trade in quote before then.

One "full detail" was around $200. I suppose if it is going to make the difference to say $1K on price or even $500 then it is going to be worth it. Maybe we should detail it then list it on PIA for someone to buy here??!!!!! Don't have the time for a proper sale as we (sorry, I) wrote our other car off this week and need to sell DH's car so we can get a new family car without finance. Then, I guess, we will save up again, and probably look for another car from someone off PIA??!!!!!

I am still smiling. Just.

**xzibit** · 23-01-2012, 08:15 AM

If you were closer to me, I'd do the bodywork for $50, but it's a bit too far away.

Just a simple cheap wax and buff from super cheap auto will make a huge difference to appearance especially if it's a dark colour.

**Sallyh** · 23-01-2012, 08:20 AM

How long would it take? We'll take the $50 if you reckon you're good!!! :D DH can come to you if Brighton's too far to come to us - I agree for $50 its not worth your time coming here.

**Sallyh** · 23-01-2012, 08:21 AM

PM me your number and DH (Matthew) can maybe give you a ring later?

**Diane** · 23-01-2012, 10:02 AM

Sally if you give Lee a call at Bac2Nu he lives over this side of town and comes highly recommended. I'm not sure if he's what you are looking for but we are definitely contacting him before we sell our car because from what I have seen of his work, the cars he works on come up like new! I'll drop him a note and ask him to reply on here or get in touch with you if you want a quote.