Car Detailing In Richmond - Xlncautobeautyca
Richmond, CA
About
Welcome to XLNC Auto Beauty, the premier car wash and detailing service in Richmond, CA. With over 30 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing top-notch services that ensure
Services Offered
Reviews (283)
I got my 2006 Rav4 engine area steam cleaned at XLNC Auto Beauty on 11th Street. Mike and the Crew did such a great job! Now my mechanic can see where the nasty oil leak might be coming from. Thanks so much for great service with a smile and a comfortable spot to hang out and wait while ya'll did the work. - Janet F.
I’m leaving this review to share my experience with Mike at XLNC Auto Beauty. This isn’t written out of anger — it’s written to document how unclear pricing and open-ended upselling can affect someone who is already dealing with a difficult situation. I developed a moisture leak in one of my vehicles that I wasn’t aware of until I had stopped driving it. The car sat for a couple of months, and one day when I opened the door, I found mold throughout the interior. Mold was growing on the cloth seats, on the carpet, on the steering wheel, seat belts, parts of the dashboard, and I assumed in places I couldn’t see — like the vents, under the carpet, and deep into the foam seats. By instinct alone, I knew mold is a serious problem. Suddenly I was faced with choices: Do I try to clean it myself? Do I hire a professional? Do I cut my losses and get rid of the vehicle? I hadn’t reached a conclusion yet, but I wanted to know what a professional would charge. I came across XLNC Auto Beauty’s website and read it thoroughly. Under mold removal, a set price of $85.00 was listed. Vent cleaning was also listed at $85.00. Seeing those prices was a relief, so I booked an appointment. I provided my information and even sent ten photos of my moldy vehicle. I’ll add here that I’m always apprehensive about spending money these days. You never really know what you’re going to get for your hard-earned dollars. About an hour later, Mike from XLNC Auto Beauty called me and explained there had been a misunderstanding. The $85 price applied only to something small, like a localized spill. Based on the amount of mold in my car, he said remediation could range from $699 to $1,800 or more, especially if moisture had reached the floorboards. He also mentioned that mold removal is what they mainly do and suggested I bring the car in so he could inspect it and provide a more accurate estimate. I told Mike I’d come by the next day. When I arrived, Mike took me to a lounge area (which was very nice and comfortable) and asked me to wait while he inspected the vehicle. After about 20–30 minutes, Mike returned and confirmed what I already suspected — I was looking at the high end of mold remediation, around $1,800 and possibly more. Then came something I wasn’t expecting. Mike informed me there was a $100 charge for the inspection. As the universe is my witness, this was never mentioned during our phone conversation. My issue isn’t whether an inspection deserves compensation. My issue is that I was never told ahead of time. Had I known there would be a $100 inspection fee, I would not have brought the vehicle in. I drove home $100 poorer and didn’t gain any new information. I already knew the mold problem was serious, and Mike didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already understand about the condition of my car. I knew remediation would cost more than $85. That part didn’t surprise me. What did surprise me was the completely open-ended nature of the pricing. That feels like the elephant in the room at XLNC Auto Beauty. Even with estimates, it seems reasonable to expect that costs will continue to rise if additional elements are discovered. From my perspective, the final price could go as far as Mike decides it goes. I want to be fair: Mike is professional, and his shop is clearly busy. Cars were coming in continuously. I don’t know if others have experienced this same open-ended upsell process, but it left me feeling disappointed — I understand that time is money, and I respect that everyone’s time has value. I’m willing to pay for that time when I can afford it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford this. I’m on disability and barely get by as it is. One unexpected expense can mean not having certain food items in my cupboards for the month. Mike now has $100 of my money, and I gained nothing from the inspection because I wasn’t told anything new. I hope XLNC Auto Beauty considers being more upfront about inspection fees and pricing, unexpected costs hit hardest when you’re already doing your best just to get by.
I went in to get my friends’ Lexus detailed for him. He was in great need of someone with a big arm and outstretched hand to just get it done. I was very grateful to my friend because he had let me stay in his home and use his car for a few days to do something I really wanted to do. I called ahead of time and Mike was very easy to talk with and quite easy to trust. He was flexible and accommodating with me and my schedule. I didn’t get to see the job done in the end since my friend picked up the car but apparently it was life changing. My friend said something to the effect of “I feel like with this car I feel like a new man and I now have the courage to sell this gas guzzling monster and get a car more suitable for my needs, for the modern era, and for who I am”. Amen!!!!! Yay!!!!!
What a great gift! The timed email arrived with a video attachment of the team singing to me about my auto detail gift. How festive! Scheduling via email was fast and easy. They also phone or text. Technician was friendly, easy going and did an XLent job! My car was thrashed from commuting, parenting, working construction etc. They brought their own power and water source, tools, everything to do a great job. In 3 hours, while I sat comfortably at home, he got it so clean and fresh. I plan to add regular services with XLNC to look after my car that I rely on so heavily. Can’t wait for my long drive to work Monday 😆
Before and after photos show the results. Best service all around—great communication, good quote, and stellar job. Mike and his team did an amazing job cleaning up deep scratches while off-roading and camping. The car looks brand new—I couldn’t be more satisfied. I highly recommend XLNC.