tmnt25

I've always just used lemon pledge.

Does the pledge have any protecting characteristics? I bought mine used, but the wood looks dull and feels a bit rough. I was wondering if there was some way to buff it to bring back the shine, as well as protect it.

Everything i have read talks about vinyl and plastic...

yah ultra thin retractable.... no pressure needed to close...

Already ordered a retractable on monoprice...Thanks for the advice guys.

Now what to do with my monster cable...

when i want to keep th ipod out i close it no issues...othertimes when i am on a consant playlist i just leave it in the console

PS i got one that was retractable off ebay last year for like 8 bux...

You must have one skinny cord, because i really have to force the center console to close

Thanks Detaildoc. Phew, I feel like a virgin out here. What does ONR stand for? Is the Lowes Grout sponge for washing or drying the car? Sorry but I didn't realize the aspects of car detailing (or what I used to call washing and waxing my car). Of course when you go from a Pontiac Bonneville to a Lexus, I guess I better learn if I want to keep my black Lexus looking good!

I would appreciate a "Car Detailing 101" if you have the time sometime. Not only to exterior washing and waxing, but also what to use on my Lexus UL wheels (I used something on my Bonneville wheels and they never looked the same...don't want to do that again). And, also for the inside (I am looking into the swiffer and try to work the dash that way and with a wet cloth), but what about the leather (black perforated Lexus leather).

Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated. Looks like I have alot to learn! Even if you don't have time to reply to this, I appreciate the reply you did post. Thanks again!

ONR = Optimum No Rinse. The Grout Sponge from Lowes is for washing your car. It is ultra soft and won't cause swirl marks. For the leather, I strongly recommend Sonus leather cleaner and conditioner, which you get from autopia. It is great, very mild and effective and actually brings back the new leather scent instead of using heavy perfumes to create a temporary effect. Below is a list of products that I use to maintain my vehicle (these are the actual links). Forget the swiffer, not for the interior or exterior as it can scratch. Lexus has ultra soft clearcoat and it is easy for low quality products to scratch it. When washing, always use a two bucket system, one with the shampoo and the other for with water to rinse out your sponge. Wash one panel at a time and then rinse out your sponge in the rinse bucket then put it back in the shampoo bucket for more suds. Never wash or dry in circular motion, always in a straight line. When drying, it is better to blot dry (patting the paint with the towel) rather than the traditional way. Drying is where most of the scratching takes place. Never use a microfiber towel from an autoparts store or walmart, kmart, etc. Not all MF towels are created equal. Those are not of a good blend of fibers and are guaranteed to scratch your paint. Technique is the other half of effective maintenance. There is a lot that goes into it, you can read a lot more here: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html. Read all the articles, they will instruct you well. The other part of maintenance is learning to remove swirl marks effectively and safely by polishing with a dual action machine such as the Ultimate Detailing Machine. These articles and the autopia forum will be very useful to learn more about it. STAY AWAY FROM CAR WASHES AND DEALER CAR WASHES AND DEFINITELY DON'T EVER RUN YOU CAR THROUGH THOSE MECHANICAL CAR WASHES AT THE GAS STATIONS.

shampoo: Ultima Paint Guard Wash http://www.autopia-carcare.com/ult-5022.html

Sponge: Lowes Grout Sponge by Proline: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=prod...&lpage=none

drying towel: The Sonus Der Wunder Drying Towel http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-dwdt-2.html

wheels: Sonus Tire & Wheel Care Kit http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-wheel-kit.html

leather: Sonus leather cleaner and conditioner with the Sonus Applicator http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-600-610.html

Interior (dashboard, vinyl): Sonus Cockpit detailer and Sonus Total Eclipse: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-600-610.html and http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-700.html

Paint Protection: Ultima Paint Guard Plus: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/ult-1004-100.html

If you purchase from them, use the coupon "autopia" for a 10% discount. Their customer service is excellent, you will be very happy with them.

Great info! Thanks.

Any recommendation for the polishing/protecting of the interior wood paneling?

I bought my used Lexus through Lexus of Kendall. Salesman was real nice, I don't think i necessarily got a great deal, as I didn't give much pushback on the $689 dealer services fee.

Finance guy was real straight forward and easy to deal with as well.

For those of you connecting the ipod to the car with the simple cable, are you simply leaving the middle console open while using the ipod? I don't want to forcefully close the console, squeezing the cable, but I also don't like driving with the console open.

Thanks