I live in a condo, so it's Griot's Garage microfiber mitt and car wash solution with a bucket at the local Brown Bear, and Griot's microfiber drying towels afterwards.

$2 to wet everything down and fill the bucket, $2 to rinse and clean (and if you're getting closer than 3' or so on high pressure, you deserve to strip your clear coat!), and I frequently get comments on how good my Astro Black JustaCooper looks, after 4 years (and she is *definitely* a daily driver!).

I "only" get her polished/waxed once a year, but I have it done at a boutique car dealer/car care place that does a three-stage orbital process using all Griot's Garage products - couldn't be happier with his stuff.

I think a major benefit for me is that I have a parking garage at my condo, *and* a parking garage at work - always have - so my Mini spends its leisure time protected from the elements and able to completely dry out...especially important here in the Pacific NW.

 

I only hand wash my car about 2 times a year. Wash, clay, polish/wax hybrid product. I use the touchless wand in winter when I can and the touchless gas station wash for upkeep now and then. This winter would be my MINI's 9th, but I have a beater now to take instead.

The best way to keep swirls out of the paint is to not wash the car... much. Technique helps when you do wash.

Products: generic car soap, green microfiber mitt, Meguirs clay, Turtle Wax F21 urethane enriched liquid, and a mountain of microfiber towels.

 

Nabeshin, I think you hit the nail on the head. It has a lot less to do with what product you choose and much more to do with technique.... Although you couldn't get me to give up my Prima stuff!

 

Ditto!!

I've had a '96 Chevy 1500 Extended Cab Short Bed Stepside Pickem' Up...that was a PITA!! As was the next car a 2001 Dodge Durango!!
Was so gald to get the MINI!!

 

I had a 1999 Durango, never had any problems with it, but not fun to wash. Ended up using it for Cash for Clunkers to get my MINI. Good deal!

Was still a little sad to see it go... but then I look at my MINI