Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

[Skim]

First - I am completely new at car detailing, so please bear with me.

Last month I bought a new 2014 Focus hatch. First and last car before this was a '98 Dodge neon that had seen better days from the get go, so no experience really caring for a vehicle beyond the occasional run through a car wash. I am looking to change that! New car, new habits! I hope to keep this Focus until it falls apart, or I do.

Now, that said, I'm a young professional living in an apartment. So, no garage and this car is my daily driver to and from work, groceries and so forth. So I am looking for bang for buck protection rather than absolute perfection (at least, for now).

After some time researching and skulking about this forum and others, I've put together a list of products I tentatively plan to acquire and would love some feedback from you pros -- am I missing something? is there an easier step that could replace something I've chosen? Something on here I could/should leave off as a beginner? Other thoughts? I'm open to all opinions.

Things I have


1 brand new 2014 Focus hatchback in tuxedo black with leather upholstery (and after reading this forum, I am afraid for my sanity with the black)
Mothers reflections advanced car wax
Meguiars quick interior detailer
Glass spray
GP3 general purpose cleaner
TS2 Touchles Tire Shine (these two, I assume, are not super, but I have them lying around and would like to use them up if they do the job)


3x microfiber applicators (over sponges)
1x foam sponge applicator
couple mf cloths
mf dust mitt
buckets
tire brush




Things in my Amazon cart after reading this and several other forums to try and get a baseline


Optimum no rinse, wash & wax - living in an apartment, I don't have a dedicated hose, lots of space etc. and also feel a coin wash is environmentally unfriendly using so much water so often if I can avoid it, although I plan to use one occasionally to get the pressure wash on the underneath. Also excited this can supposedly be a quick detailer and clay lubricant as well.

Grit guard
Lots of regular MF cloths
Few extra thick MF
Few more drying MF
(should get...stock in MF manufacturers? I think so)


Meguiars clay kit
M's ultimate polish
M's Ultimate black trim sponge 2 pack to try out before splurging on the whole shebang
M's Rich leather cleaner/conditioner


Glass reach/clean tool - the Focus is much wider than my old car and the windshield is significantly deeper. I am short! Tips from other shorties appreciated. Probably going to have to add a step ladder to the routine to get the roof


That's it. Let fly with the constructive criticism!

[The Guz]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

Considering you live in an apartment I would recommend the following:

Car wash - Gold Class Shampoo as well as either D114 Rinse Free Express Wash or D115 Rinse Free Express Wash & Wax for rinseless washes. You may benefit from rinseless washes if you can't use water in an apartment.
Clay - Clay kit
Wax - I would go with a cleaner wax such as white wax or black wax. White wax has more cleaning ability while black wax has more polishing ability. You will need to apply more often than a synthetic wax. I would say you would be doing a cleaner wax 4 times a year.
Spray wax - Ultimate Quik Wax
Microfibers - Invest in some supreme shine mmicrofiber towels. I mean a lot of them. Lower quality towels can induce defects (scratches, etc) into the paint
Drying - Invest in a couple water magnets.
Trim - A bottle of ultimate black instead of the sponges. Will last you longer in a larger size. I know you are trying it out but it is a good product and worth the money. Just be sure to clean the trim really well with either M39, D101 APC or even Mothers Back to Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner if you are looking for something OTC.
Leather - My personal favorite is the leather sealer system. It comes with everything you need and you can use it 3-4 times a year instead of doing it monthly. Another good option is what you posted. You just have to do it more often.
Wheels & Tires - Tire brush as you posted. I would also consider Hot Rims All Wheel & Tire Cleaner to clean both the wheels and tires. A tire dressing is up to you. A lot of guys like endurance. My preference is D163 tire & Trim Gel.
Interior - Quik Interior Detailer is nice. An optional step would be to follow up with a protectant such as Natural Shine or Ultimate Protectant.


For full washes
2 buckets
2 grit guards
Microfiber wash mitt

If you want longer protection then I would recommend ultimate wax and ultimate polish as you have previously posted.

It all comes down to how much time you have to invest.

[The Guz]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

Here's a good kit that comes with everything you need. Walmart has a similar kit that is cheaper but it is out of stock.

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G55048-Ultimate-Car-Care/dp/B005A2R628/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&srs=2596390011&ie=UTF8&qid=1409718331&sr=1-2&keywords=meguiars

[Skim]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

Good to hear the ultimate black is really that good. As far as interior, mine's matte and somewhat textured, so I'm worried most products will make it too slick/shiny. But, I'll definitely look into the leather kit, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the input!

[The Guz]

Not a problem. If you don't want to alter the appearance of your interior stick with quik interior detailer. It retains the OEM look but at the same time leaves some UV protection. Ultimate interior detailer is similar but with a more satin finish to it.

[davey g-force]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

Consider getting yourself a DA polisher. It will make the work easier and give better results

[Skim]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

That polish tool is something I'm lusting after; just gotta spread out the wallet pain a little bit first. Also realized I'm going to need some sort of pole brush to do the roof (step ladder of some kind makes me cringe at the thought of bumping/scratching the car) because, well, I am hella short, and otherwise there's going to be a dirt mohawk on top! So far I've only seen the boar bristle ones and the price made me bug out a bit.

[The Guz]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

You may want to invest in something like this to help you with the roof.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-48-in-x-17-in-x-8-in-Pro-Deck-Aluminum-Work-Platform-AP-30/205009144?N=5yc1vZaqfmZ1z0usgq

[davey g-force]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

^^ Yeah, I use something like that.

And I always ensure that I'm wearing soft clothing with no zippers, buttons etc when I'm washing / detailing. That way, if you rub against the car, there's less chance of doing any damage. No issues so far...

[Skim]

Re: Newb with a plan - have new car and want to keep it that way

Thanks for digging up that platform Guz. I'd seen similar on some old threads, but many of the links were broken. That seems perfect -- more stable than a ladder and less chance of bouncing on the car. Looking at some long handle microfiber brushes for the roof too, but I'll still need to haul myself up there to wax