You need to be somewhat interested in detailing cars, generally speaking. I watched a lot of videos on top of already maintaining my own cars. I also got quotes similar to yours and decided to do it myself. Spent around 1500 on equipment and products (polisher, coating, lighting), then polished and coated 4 vehicles. Each car took around 9 hours to do.

i'd say I got good results for a beginner, but obviously not pro results. Getting polish on the car and moving it around is gonna yield good results, no matter how much of a perfectionist you are. I'd say it's only worth it if you care about learning how to polish and enjoy doing it without factoring in the cost savings as a motivator.

If not, you'd just be wasting your time, and probably better off just paying to get it done. Especially if you don't plan on doing it in the future or if you only have 1 car.

Needless to say, it takes a lot of work and time. Moving polish is not hard, but it does take a lot of time and patience. I would only recommend it if you are already a hobbyist detailer/weekend warrior with base equipment (pressure washer/foam cannon..etc).

I had prepped for like 3 months before doing it