Hello all. Advice needed!

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Fiat500

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Hello all,

I just purchased my first new vehicle and really want to keep it in good condition!

My car is a 2013 fiat 500 in a brown espresso color.

I'm on a tight budget, but am looking for a few products that I can use to keep my car clean, glossy and protected.
I live in south Florida, and will be doing this all by hand, unfortunately since I can't afford a buffer. Also I live in a condo community where there is only one designated car wash area, so, a Waterless approach would be ideal.

Could anyone help me out with basic products? Maybe a wash, and then an all in one product of some kind?

I'm a newbie and not sure what the best approach is here. I've read up on most of the 101 threads, though.

Finally, here's a distant picture of my car.

View attachment 19057
View attachment 19058
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Welcome to the forum, i like that color!

Yes, you could do a waterless but i personally would prefer a Rinseless. Get some ONR and all you will need is two buckets of water which you can bring downstairs or get water from the car wash bay area in your community. In my opinion ONR is safer than a waterless.

Next, you want to pick up some drying towels, such as the waffle kind. They are meant to be folded and can dry one panel at a time as you go. I'd get two towels like that for your vehicle.

As far as protection, a sealant such as blackfire wet diamond will last longer than a wax. You can apply the sealant by hand too, and buff off. To top it off, pick up some spray wax to use after the sealant and you are good to go. The sealant should last you up to 6 months.
 
Here you go...... small investment... the products will probably last you at least 2 years.

0. Clay Bar System --> Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars
1. Mothers Step 1 and Step 2 --> Mothers Ultimate Wax System includes Mothers California Gold Carnauba Waxes, Sealer Glaze & Mothers Pre-Wax Cleaner.
2. Mothers Microfiber Applicators (for Step 1) --> Mothers Ultra-Soft Microfiber Applicator Pads
3. Collinite 845 --> Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax
4. P21S Foam Applicators (for 845 and Step 2) --> German wax applicators, P21s 100% Carnauba Wax Applicators, foam wax pads
5. Waterless wash --> Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ Concentrate, concentrated waterless auto wash, waterless car wash
6. Towels --> Cobra Supreme 530 Microfiber Towels, buffing towels, car detail towels, drying towels
 
If I bought a brand new car, I would have it opti coated, but maybe that's a little over kill for you budget.

At the very minimum, I would get a couple 5 gallon buckets (which you can get anywhere for cheap) and then buy a couple grit guards from AG.

Buy yourself a nice car shampoo and a couple microfiber mits and now you can do a two bucket wash, which will definitely keep your paint look better. You can find videos and tutorials on the two bucket wash on AG.

Next, I would buy Optimum no rinse. Don't buy a gallon, you'll never use that much in your life.

It can be used with your two buckets for a rinsless wash. It can also be used for a waterless wash, when the car has just collected very light dust and you want to wipe it down.

Down the road, when you need to clay the car, it can also be used as a clay lube.

Also, it is one of the best window cleaners out there. You will save yourself a ton of money by going with this product.

Next:

Get yourself at least 6 good microfiber towels for paint and at least 2 good glass towels.

For an all purpose cleaner, I would probably go with Meguiars APC +. Diluted correctly it is perfectly safe for everyting in your interior and wheels, tires, door jams as well.

For a vinyl and plastic protectant and would absolutely, hands down go with 303 protectant.

For a sealant on a budget, go with klasse AIO. It's excellent and extremely easy to use. There are awesome sealants like opti coat if you want to spend money, but klasse will not let you down.

If you need wax, I'd suggest detailer's Pro Max wax. Not the best, but excellent.

That's just some stuff off the top of my head. I missed a lot I'm sure.
 
Thank you all. For your suggestions. I will try to absorb this all!

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I really like the idea of the ultima water wash plus. However, several have mentioned the no rinse. At are the disadvantages of the Waterless? It would definitely suit space/time constraints better.

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I don't know about the ultima, but no rinse is extremely versatile. A multitasking product is a money saving product. Might look into that. I'm a full time pro and I can tell you that ONR is my favorite product in my shop if that says anything.
 
A lot worse than you'd expect. I bought it for the cool factor over the mpg. Though, it's a big increase over my 98 Ranger haha.

I don't know how to drive manual so I had to opt for the automatic. The automatic only gets 30 combined. It has a decent weight to hp ratio though so its fun to drive. The manual gets much better mileage, probably 5-7.

I was thinking the ONR, the klasse AIO and some collinite 845 on top. Would that give me a good start? Or am I way off here

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