Believe it or not, detailing actually costs much less that an automatic car wash and we can prove it. A recent cost study showed that the cost of detailing your vehicle is 2 to 3 times less expensive than using a top of the line automatic car wash option. In addition, a detail job does not damage you exterior like automatic carwashes always do, and it also takes care of your interior proper. A vehicle that has been detailed properly will sell for trade in for 5-10% more. Detailing can actually pay for itself over time.