Does it really cost $500 to detail your own car?

[mvolps22]

I realize you can spend a lot more than $500 but I'm only looking to detail my own car and I'm just wondering if it's worth it or not. I've never detailed a car before so I am starting off with buckets and a wash pad.

Here is my list of things I think I need to buy:
Power washer - $140
Foam Cannon - $30
HF DA Polisher - $60
Backing Plate - $16
CG citrus wash - $7
Megs D101 APC - $14
Speed master brush combo - $35
Famous detailing brush x2 - $20
Griot's rubber cleaner - $12
CarPro PERL - $13
Sonus Trim & Motor - $8
CarPro Iron X - $18
Grit Guards - $15
1Z wheel cleaner - $11
Auto tape - $17
Tire brush - $5
Optimum car wash - $10
6 LC pads - $35
Clay Kit - $24
M105 - $10
M205 - $10
Foam Pad brush - $12
Micro-restore - $10
Microfiber cloths - $50
P21S metal polish - $12
TOTAL = $594 - 15% promo = $505


Am I missing anything?

[Justin at Final Inspection]

I would skip the pressure washer and foam cannon if you are just starting out. That knocks it down to 350ish. A regular hose with a bucket(s) and grit guards would benefit you a little bit more imo. They will help keep grit on the bottom of the bucket during follow up washes.

I would also add in a quality detailing spray. Such as McKee's 37 high gloss detail spray for finial wipe downs.

[cleanmycorolla]

I see no wax or sealant on your list.....other than that, do rinseless washes, it will take at least $175 off that list.

[custmsprty]

Skip the pressure washer and put that money towards a Griots GG6.

Blow off the Meg polishes and go with HD Speed and top it with HD Poxy.

Get a dozen pads and some good mf towels.

[PhxDarius]

[vobro]

Since this will be your first detail I'd suggest to simplify. Wash,clay and an all in one like HD Speed. The Megs D101 can be used to clean your tires,trim and wheels. If you enjoy the work then go ahead and get more

[The Guz]

I would recommend you pick up something else other than M105 as you are starting out. It has a little learning curve. I would go with Meguiar's ultimate compound over M105 just to get your feet wet in using a compound.

As others have said, you an skip the foam cannon and pressure washer. I would put the money towards wheel woolies over the speed master brush.

You can knock off the Griots rubber product off your list since you have D101. Pick either of those car washes. No need for both. Optimum Car Wash would be a good choice.

Those should save you a few more dollars.

[custmsprty]

Wheel Woolies definitely.

[idriveblackcars]

I love my wheel woolies

[expdetailing]

Perl can do what Motor Kote can do.
HF backing plates are junk, but better to get a 5" rather than a 6".