How to detail/care for a brand new car?

[AliMusa]

What's the best method to use when dealing with a brand new car? I just bought a new WRX, which I haven't picked up from the dealer yet and don't want to do anything to ruin the paint. I'm obviously going to do the two bucket wash method but is there anything else I should be doing?

[Evan.J]

Here you go:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/54451-how-detail-your-brand-new-car-mike-phillips.html

[af90]

Tell the dealer not to touch it.

[eyost]

Tell the dealer not to touch it.

:iagree::dblthumb2:

[cardaddy]

Tell the dealer not to touch it.

For REAL!
Although they'd likely ignore you anyhow. :dunno:

These six steps say a lot (from Mikes How To)

Wash and dry.
Inspect the paint with your sense of touch and visually in bright, overhead sunlight.
Iron X paint and wheels - Then re-wash to remove the Iron X residues off the paint and wheels.
Clay - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
Polish - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
Apply either a Car Wax or a Paint Sealant
Then it's just a matter of your method of washing, how you address swirls (or better yet how NOT to add any swirls).

Keep in mind that with each and every wash you have the chance of introducing swirls, no way around it.

Were it me, this day and age, I'd do steps 1~5 then put a "coating" on it. Sure the coating will scratch/swirl but that's better than the paint doing it. Goes back to the sacrificial barrier thing. ;)