Hey guys. I just bought a brand new 2006 (yes, 2006) RX-8 with only 70 miles on it. This is by far the most insane thing I have ever done, as I have never spent money ever. But I LOVE this car. Anyway, I have never taken care of a car of this superiority before and want it to look its best when I am cruising the streets of Kansas City. Anyway, can anyone essentially put together like a shopping list through links or whatever of things I need to buy. I want wax, soap, towels, whatever included. My car has cloth seats so my car does not have much leather in it.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I'll try to post before and after pics if I am able to get some help!

 

There are several web sites out there that cater to car care. You will find more than enough information on how to spend your time and money keeping your eight lookin sharp. Enjoy

http://www.properautocare.com
http://www.autogeek.net
http://www.bettercarcare.com

 

I didn't know if anyone had a personal process that they went through. For example, I here the NXT series of cleaners from Meguires is awesome. Just wanted to see if anyone had any sort of recommendations in terms of what they personally use for cleaning/waxing.

 

I start off with the tires and rims. I use simple green on the rims and it knocks off the brake dust easily. Then I start on the car using any good auto soap. They rince off better in cold water. I have one bucket for soapy water and one bucket of clear water. Dip in clear water rince before going to soap. Keeps swirls in paint down. I use a sheepskin mitt. Start on top of car and work down. Rinse as you go. I do the final rince with just the end of the hose, not sprayer, to make the water sheet off the car. This makes drying easy especially if you have a good wax job. I have used the california water blade, or an air blower to get water off fender vents, wheels, grill. Dry it with a micro fiber towel. Dry off the inside edges of the doors, trunk, hood, and rear windows (they hold water around them). Meguires Hot shine for the tires. I recently clay barred, followed by a mild polish, and Meguires NXT. So slipery my cloth car cover slides off before I can get it on.

 

Check here for some good products. They sell a couple different kits depending on what you want to buy. They also have great information on what towels to buy etc.

You are definately on the right track by starting immediately. One thing I like about Zaino, is that once you start with their products, you should never have to strip it off and start over. All of their products are designed to work together in any order.

 

here's a starter kit for new Zaino users: http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...oduct_Count=19

You'll need some good microfiber towels as well. Here's the official RX-8 Microfiber Kit

Here's what you'll have to look forward to:
- My latest Zaino thread: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-show-shine-26/super-sunday-%3D-zaino-day-108887/

- My original Zaino thread: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...87#post1115087

 

Check out autopia.com. A lot of gr8 advice their.

 

Just to avoid confusion - it is autopia.org
If you use .com it takes you to a dental software co.

 

^ haha, how many times have i done that...

Anyway, what has already been said is good. I follow the same process as Swingblade. I have not invested the money in Zaino, but its something to consider. I guess you might as well get into it right off the bat. I use all Meguirs products. It seemed to make sense to me. Most of which you can get at any Target or Wal-Mart. For the other things (claybar and polish maybe) try Pep-Boys or Auto Zone.