OK, I'm as newbie as they come. Just bought my S2k today (Silver/black) & pick it up tomorrow. 1st high performance car since college (TR3) and I don't know where to start. Been reading your posts for weeks but I'm more confused than ever. Car will be a daily driver but I want a really high shine, no racing mods, etc. Where do I start? Dealer's trying to sell me that "Auto Armor" crap but I know that's a no-no. Zaino? Maguires? Clay (what the hell is clay?). Help please...


Also, what about undercoating? Cars don't come with undercoating anymore...?

 

I'm a current Zaino user. This is a very good product but it certainly isn't the only good product out there. Go to the Zaino web site to find out all about the products they sell. The site will also give you all the hints and instructions you'll need to do right by your car. I think it's "zainobros.com". Some folks are also sold on "zymol" and some on the Macguire product line. Whatever you choose, I don't think you can go wrong.
"Clay" is well ............. sorta like a lump of play dough. You use it on a car's paint (after an initial wash) with some kind of lubricant (like water or Zaino Z6) and you rub it (one small section at a time) all over your car to remove all the contaminants and debris from your paint for an ultra smooth finish before you seal it in with a wax or polish.
As for the dealer's "paint protection" package, you are right to refuse it. It's only a money maker for them and you can do much better with your own TLC afterwards.
Undercoating? Cars these days come from the factory with very good rust protection. I've driven my car through 2 harsh winters and the underside of it looks no different than those I've seen that is not winter driven. You just have to know how to wash it and take care of it. By all means, if it will give you peace of mind, do the undercoating but do it when the car is fresh off the transport. No point in undercoating it if it's been driven a bit. You'll just seal in the crud that's been picked up.
If you have an amount of rocks or gravel where you live, you might also consider putting the 3M Scotchcal film on the front facing surfaces of the car. It is a clear plastic sticky wrap that is almost invisible unless up really close. This will prevent those awful rock dings that is inevitable.

 

My xviper how you've changed ! Where did you get those eyes ? Are you related to DoGMaN?

I have read a few post where some people have undercoated for sound damping purposes, they weren't concerned with rust protection.

 

Hey bookie:

It kinda depends on what level you choose to be; in terms of how much time you want to allot to keepng your car looking great, and whether you're a detail ANAList - those of us who are obsessed with a streak-swirl-scratch free exterior, impeccable interior, showroom tires and wheels. Even the engine is spotless. That would be me!

Also, climate could be a factor as well. My opinion is that if you're in extreme climates, Zaino would be my choice. You cannot beat better protection than Zaino, bar none.

I use Meg's because I usually wax every 6 weeks or so, and living in the Bay Area, our climate is really mild, so the carnuba wax stays on longer then it would in an extreme climate.

I have used both Zaino and Meg's (re: my Zaino vs. Meguiar's Smackdown post), both give a great showroom shine.

Oh, by the way - congrats on the new S!

 

echo the above comments...
i fall into the category of "detail ANAList" - to be a member of this group, you have to detail the car (i use zaino, but am among the few using a porter cable to apply and remove it) and then almost always keep it covered when not driving it... then after about a week you use a detail spray on the body and window cleaner on the glass. repeat this a couple of times a week, or anytime the car does not look brand new- i only wash/detail once a month or so- and even then the car looks new before it gets washed!
i would begin with a visit to a detailers supply store.
one of the many that i use is:
http://properautocare.com/
they have good info and also sell the porter cable accessories-