Subaru Ascent detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Ascent

Paint and exterior

Large flat sides and a tall liftgate, with plenty of black plastic around the wheel arches. Dark colors show swirls on the doors, and the soft clear marks from a single gritty wash.

Interior

Three rows of cloth, leather or Nappa, with a second-row bench or captain's chairs. Subaru fitted an unusual number of cupholders, and nearly every one holds sticky residue by the time it is detailed.

Living in Houston

An Ascent used for the school run in Cinco Ranch and weekends at Lake Conroe collects sand, crumbs and dog hair in every row, plus lake water spots on the tailgate glass.

• Third row and cargo area: both are included, which is why three-row vehicles sit in the larger size class.
• Family hauler: car-seat areas, cupholders and seat rails hold the most crumbs; pet hair is an add-on quoted on the call.
• Soft clear coat: it marks from a dirty towel or an automatic wash, so every wash is two-bucket with clean mitts, and polishing finishes down with a fine pad.
• Unpainted textured trim: it fades grey in the sun, so it is cleaned and dressed with a matte UV protectant.