Car Wash Vs. Detail

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Written by Dennis LeMire

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 00:28

Car Wash vs. Detail

We are often asked how private sellers can get top dollar when selling their vehicles.  One of the best pieces of advice we give people is; "get your car detailed."  When we show up for pictures we often found they either didn't listen to us, or did not understand the difference between a detail and wash.  We talked to Ben Reed from OCDetail about the difference.

Those are not two different Jeep Wranglers, they are before and after pictures.  Auto detailing is not an exact process.  The company and even the person doing the detailing is very important when it comes to making your vehicle look its best.  Some of the processes used in a real detail take years to perfect, and done incorrectly can damage your vehicle's paint.  Ben Reed from OCDetail gave us some terms you should hear when your detailer is explaining how they are going to make your exterior shine again:

1.  Clay Bar Treatment

2.  Moderate Scratch Buffing

3.  Swirl Mark Removal

4.  Synthetic Wax Treatment

5.  Paint Sealant

Ben would not share specific techniques with us, but through experience we know he spends up to 12 hours slaving over just the paint of most vehicles he details.  If your detailer is going to complete the inside and exterior in 3-4 hours, you are getting a glorified wash.  That may in fact fit your needs, just don't pay for a detail and get a wash.  Here is a picture of the 1974 Mercedes Benz 450SL that we are selling after a wash on the left, and OCDetail's treatment on the right:

 

As you can see, there is a clear difference.  The paint is just one part of an exterior detail of course.  The wheels, chrome, under carriage and engine bay all need to be spotless as well.  

When we turn to the interior, we get to the area that most people pay the closest attention to.  A glorified wash will usually include a vacuum, maybe some carpet steaming, wiping down the dash and doors.  The OCDetail adds shampooing, spot cleaning, A/C vents blown out, stain removal, scotch guard carpet and cloth seating, conditioned leather surfaces and a heavy dose of brushing and wiping.  What exactly does all of that mean for your car?  Let's see some more before and afters!

One of our team, Eric Strauch, brought his van into Ben to be detailed after he purchased it.  Here are actual pictures from his van:

 

This van did not look great and because of it, the price was perfect for Eric...perfectly cheap that is.

After a real detailing, he has had multiple offers for more than double what he paid.  Unfortunately for everyone, his van isn't going anywhere.

How much more can you get for your vehicle by having it detailed?  I can not say you will get more than your asking price, because you may be asking way to much, or way to little, to begin with.  However, using KBB numbers on a 2007 Buick LaCrosse, the difference between "Fair" and "Good" is $1325.  An exterior and interior detail from OCDetail costs $150, so you are not going to lose any money by having your car detailed.  A detailed vehicle typically sells faster along with bringing in more money.  

There are a lot of things you can do to your used vehicle to increase the value when it comes time to sell.  There are not many you can do for such a small dollar investment.  Here is Ben Reed from OCDetail's contact info:

Ben Reed

651-307-9077

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