Noob needs advice on detailing

I would say the type of wax to use is more a function of type and condition of paint and color, than type of car. I have always used Mothers Carnauba Wax on all my cars, but it's a lot of work, so I only do it once a year or so, if that, and I can get away with it because the weather is relatively mild here is Cali and my C is always parked in my garage. Others have had good results, as far as longevity, from ceramic coatings. e.g. from Chemical Guys.

 

This website offers a number of products, and in his guide he notes that various manufacturers use different paints, and he has opinions on what to use on which cars. I buy my supplies from him. I have been using the One Grand Blitz wax and it works well. Doesn't last a long time, so it's at least twice a year to keep it fresh. Easy to put on, doesn't dry on the car and turn into a bear to buff off. You can put it on with your fingers, which makes it easy to work into tight places.

https://store.carcareonline.com/protectyourcarspaintfinish.aspx

 

I've used a bunch of different car waxes over the years, and some are particularly good for certain types of finishes. All of them were good enough to provide basic protection from the elements- it's all about maintaining the discipline to keep a good layer of something on there year round for all of the years you own it.

I've moved on to deeper details because none of them failed to provide basic protection. So I try stuff that works better for a certain application style or buffing method, stuff that dries faster to save a little time, better price, cooler looking bottle...

If you waxed that VW between 18 and 36 times over 18 years... then you've got the follow-through and discipline most are missing. I bet the car looked awesome! No reason not to use the same products and methods on your Toyota. Not different enough in terms of paint finish or construction.

 

There are plenty of videos on YouTube on the topic, so I won't link to them here.

Also, be sure to regularly clay the entire car and perform paint correction if necessary, before polishing and waxing. In my opinion, if the car if parked outside in the elements, claying is more important to keeping the finish and condition of the paint than waxing is. This, you can do yourself in 10 minutes even without a garage, but you'll need a shady spot and running water to rinse off the calying lube.

Also, try to put PPF on the front surfaces and headlights, if you can afford it. It's fairly easy for the DIY'er but it's a 2-man job. Clean headlights make a huge difference in how new the car looks. My 6-year-old headlights look brand new and they makes the whole car look new.

 

Use what you have been using if you like the way the other car looked. No need to switch.

 

I have used the Klasse system for a long time. But I have been trying to learn what the newest systems are. Ceramic and film seem to be very tough. I always clay too. Makes a huge difference. As stated above, and you proved, staying at it is the key. A lot of times I skipped wax cause the prep and Klasse, etc. took so long. Two coats AIO on all, including inside windows. SG as many as you can. I am not an expert on polishing nor scratch removal. Used to be the DA dual action was the machine to have but now i am not sure. If you need some Klasse let me know. PS i call it mop and glo.... Send pics of the before and after.