This past weekend, I finally got around to taking good care of my IS350. I'm going to sound a bit like a Meguiars sales person, but I assure you I'm not.
Here is what I did:
1. First I cleaned my rims with Meguiars Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner. Rinsed. I do this just to get off the heavy break dust. Has anyone else noticed how much break dust the 350 produces??? It is almost obscene. Does it ever slow down?
2. Next I washed my IS with Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash. I don't find anything special about this wash, but it does the job.
3. After washing, I dried my car with a chamois.
4. After drying, I went over the entire car with my Meguiars Clay Bar and the Quick Detailer Mist and Wipe. This is the first time I've ever "clayed" my car and the process takes a bit of time, but boy is it ever worth it.
5. Next I applied Meguiars NXT Generation Wax, which is a synthetic polymer wax (as opposed to a Caranuba based wax). Synthetic polymer's are *supposed* to last longer and protect better than caranuba waxes.
6. After letting dry, I removed the wax with a 100% cotton cloth. Did one final pass of the car with a different 100% cotton cloth.
End result is that my car not only had the show room shine, but is also had that "show car" feel. The paint was silk. I was astonished at how much gunk the clay bar took off IMMEDIATELY after I had just washed my car. It is amazing. My car now has that "wet look". It is unbelievable.
As for Zaino... I did a lot of research about Zaino and read the articles both pro and against. I have not used it but I'm sure it is a great product. Probably as good or better than the stuff I used, but here was my issue. I live in NJ and NJ is one of the 4 places you can't order Zaino from their website. I emailed the NJ link and no response.
I think emailed Sal Zaino directly and he responded with minutes. He gave me the number of two Zaino distributors. One in NJ (Howell) and one in PA. Only the one in PA mailed stuff out. So I call the PA guy and no answer. Phone rand probably 12 times and then finally a answering maching picked up with a shady message.
I didn't feel comfortable leaving a message or giving this person my credit card info. I ran over to Pep Boys, bought my Meguiars and 2 1/2 hours later, I had the most amazing looking shine I could've imagined.