My car looks like crap...anyone reccomend a good wax?

[BlastMS3]

I need to give my car a good detail, badly..

What's the best wax out there to make it and keep it shiny?

[DaBomb]

Most of the guys I know use Zaino, they're pretty hardcore about the stuff.

I like to use the dust and dirt that sticks to my car as protecton

[brent_strong]

Detailing is a bit of an art. Let me know how crazy you want to go with this and I should be able to make some recommendations. I'm by no means pro, but I know the basics and should be able to send you on a good path.

[BlastMS3]

I don't want to go too crazy, I'm not the guy that wants to spend an entire day waxing his car. I would though like it to look like I did

Something easy to work with that I won't screw up would be nice.

I've heard of Zaino before, isn't that like a 6 step process though? I want something I put on, buff off and then go driving

[brent_strong]

I'd probably try Zaino or a Meguiars liquid wax (comes in a bottle, not a tin). Liquid waxes are easier to apply and remove and tend to look just as good, I think.

A clay bar helps a lot and is relatively quick, but that will add a few steps to the process.

Also, I use Meguiars Gold car wash in-between waxes to keep from stripping the protective layer off. Dish soap will take off any wax on the car.

[Harpoon]

I've used the meguiars liqid and it's pretty easy to use. Doesn't last all that long, maybe a couple weeks, but it's got a nice shine to it

[BlastMS3]

Thanks guys.. I'll try the Meguiers stuff and see how it works out.

[Blake]

I use MeGuiers NXT works really well. and super simple to use

[Lennox]

I like zymol

[sajack]

Zaino is not as complicated as their directions sound. I can wash and apply Z-2 and wipe it away in as little as an hour. The more you use it, the easier it is to keep the car clean. All you really need is Z-1 for occassional use, Z-2 polish and the Z-7 car wash. It's not very expensive either, as a little goes a long way.
Zaino makes our Mazda3 SP23's Carbon Gray Mica paint look a foot deep. I have put 19 coats of Z=1 on it in the 27 months we have owned it.

I do use Zymol on my truck, but it won't give near the shine that Zaino does.

[BlastMS3]

Thanks for the tips, I don't mind a little work, if the results are worth it. 19 coats??? your car must be bulletproof by now

[sajack]

Originally Posted by BlastMS3

Thanks for the tips, I don't mind a little work, if the results are worth it. 19 coats??? your car must be bulletproof by now

That's over a two year period. Zaino goes on thin. It's a polymer and does not build up like most car waxes. You can put as many coats on as you wish. I have done as many as three in one day on my MX-5. The more applications, the deeper the shine.
The best thing about it is that it is so easy to wipe off, no buffing whatsoever.

[The Bun-yip]

For those who might still be looking for suggestions now that the initial excitement on this thread has died down ... here is another one. If you would rather put all the work in once and then enjoy the results for what the manufacturer promises will be 5 YEARS take a look at 5 Star Shine Car Wax Replacement & Paint Protection

I have just "Invested" the money to have it shipped to the UK and about 4 hours to get my new Mazda3 looking magical. Now I will just have to wait to see how long it lasts.

I found good reports about 5 Star Shine on American car forums (and a $10 discount code too, "VIPDISCOUNTS" ). Because I did not buy on my first visit to the 5 star web site I missed out on the first time visitors discount. You have been warned.

I also found stories from people who had problems. I followed the web video instructions carefully .. no problems and am delighted with the result. Then again I am no car shine obsessive just a lazy owner looking for an easy way to look after my transport. So far I seem to have got far more than I expected.

[HotCarl]

Kinda sounds like a commercial to me

[The Bun-yip]

How sad that life can lead one to such cynicism.

[Lenny]

Hmm, I'm with Carl on this one, but agree with you on the cynicism part as well, hard not to be these day.

[brent_strong]

I'm just extremely skeptical of any wax that claims to last for more than a few months. I'd rather just put in the time every few months and go with a process that is known, accepted and proven to work.

[Lenny]

Back in the day I knew a guy who had a company that did teflon coatings on cars.. that lasted about 6 months.. it was pretty cool, but very expensive, for what it was worth you could just wax it yourself once a month and be way ahead.