OK so like I havent washed a car properly since 1979 thats about the time cars in the US were clear coated basically hosed them off ( on a good day they got turtle wax car wash) and they looked ok . So currently have a 2001 surburban. Since Dec "07 has been driven thru mud and at best hosed off not really washed ( think in its entire life was washed 10 times but never waxed).
Ordered a MINI 8/4 expect to receive 10/7. So some how I got the MINI virus and went and ordered the basic PRIMA kit. ok so im not gonna waste my nice new towels or wash mit on my filthy surburban but I have a strong urge to try this stuff out. Washed the hood with Dawn (yea like there is any wax on this thing after 7 years. Used my diry bucket and rag dropped hundreds of times in the mud) and the hood looks pretty good ok so its got a few scratches in the clear coat (after all its been 4wd and branches have attacked). Next step to CLAY it with Glide and clay( Im amased at the dirt that comes off, after all car looked good to me and the Glide looks like plain water) While the hood feels better it looks like S**t there are skid marks from the clay. Next step I applied Epic used my nice new applicator let it dry (its a hot day and sun is on this thing ) for about 20 min ( I know should be longer but you know I WANT IT NOW)take my nifty star fish micro fiber thingy and wipe it off. Well I gotta tell ya The hood except for the stone marks and a few scratches never look so good even on the day it was purchased. I can just imagin what the results would be If I took the time and had the products to do it properly. ( yes I have orderd the swirl and finish dont think I need the CUT)
All I can say is thanks for all the advice and definatly think that the PRIMA line is worth it.

PS I have NOURISH for my leather seats but Im wondring how to clean them?
While I will treat the MINI seat as soon as I get it, the seats in my surburban(light colored leather) are dirty from my jeans (blue stains) and my leather jacket (dark brown dye)+ few spots of expoxy pool paint and just plain dirt. What the best way to clean them?

 

cliff notes version please...

 

THE STUFF REALLY WORKS HAD TO F*** IT UP!

 

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and say this is probably not a good way to judge whether Prima is superior or not to any other stuff out there. After treating a car as badly as this -- i.e. never washing nor waxing it -- anything you can buy at an Auto Zone, or even in a gas station quick mart, is going to seem impressive after that.

Personally, I've never used Prima and can't make an informed opinion about it. I'm a Zaino fan.

BTW: if you are getting "skid marks" using clay, you are likely leaving clay residue because you didn't keep it lubricated enough (I just use Dawn wash for that).