Another Newbie Question - Sorry

[Caddy1959]

Hello everyone,

Since I purchased my black 2016 Cadillac XTS last year (very low miles), I have noticed that since winter is over in the Midwest (fingers crossed), it is time to detail my car like you professionals!! So I started reading many, and I mean many forums and threads regarding machine or hand polish to so many variations of compounds, polishers and pads to do a professional job. What is the most recommended machine for a modest $200 budget and for a newbie? I know, many would say Flex or Meguiars, but after reading many reviews on both, they seem to have their pros and cons.

I have detailed my own cars by hand for many, many years, and I must say I do quite well, but seeing the newer polishers out there (yes, I know they have been out for many years, but mostly for pros), I want to try my luck at one of these machines and see if I can do the same as you professionals. So, what is a budget for newbies on all things needed to the job right? $400, $500 or??? i have noticed swirl marks on the trunk lid and I can't seem to remove them by hand, hence the reason for a polisher.

Thank you all for your feedback and suggestions. I know there is a lot for newbies to learn when it comes to machine or by hand.

Caddy1959

[vaca22]

Well, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Griot's G9 polisher for $160, which i think is a great start if you're looking for a new machine.

I can certainly appreciate hand polishing, especially if you have the time. I used to do that when I was a teenager, but I also knew zero about what I was doing. Save the hand polishing for tricky angles and hard-to-reach places. A good DA polisher might change your life!

[glen e]

Get a Griots G9, it’s kind of become the standard and is great for a beginner. Or a professional. 180 bucks or so…

And don’t let the forums confuse you, just watch the detailing how to videos above. Wash the car , polish the car, seal the car ...that’s about it. You can get fancy with coatings and other products later.

[2black1s]

Another vote for the Griot's G9. Even though I don't own one so my recommendation is purely from research, I think it's the best deal going right now.

I recommended the G9 to a friend of mine in Ohio and he loves it.

I do own two Griot's polishers, a GR3 and a G8, so I can vouch for Griot's quality in a general sense.

If I were in the market for a 5/6 inch random orbital, it would be the G9.

[Caddy1959]

Thank you everyone for the fast and honest responses. I will look into Griots products; I have heard of them, but never used them, I have always been a Maquiars fan and one of my best favorite products was always Liquid Glass.

[oneheadlite]

Welcome to the forum! You're in a good place for knowledgeable answers!

+1 for the G9, I'd also recommend the Griot's BOSS creams for correction. Make sure to have enough pads on hand.

Choosing a Last Step Product is the hardest part!

One other recommendation I would make is to take a solid couple of weeks reading/researching/asking questions on here before diving in and buying a bunch of products. It's easy to impulse buy a bunch of stuff only to find out you have very little actual use for it. (Not that I have any products on my shelf that I haven't even made it to using yet... oh wait... )

Where in the Mid West are you?

[Mike Phillips]

Do you own a 1959 Caddy?

I was looking at 1957, 1958 and 1959 Cadillacs for sale just last night.


Love the big fins!

[psnt1ol]

I also have several GG polishers as well as the Flex and Rupes machines. Can't go wrong with the G9 as a starter polisher.

[richhinz]

I'd go with a G9 also. try the boss creams also I'd look to see if they have a kit with G9, Boss creams, pads, cheaper than buying all separate. Second oneheadlight on enough pads.

[Caddy1959]

Hello Mike,

I used to own a "barn find" 1959 Cadillac Flat Top, Beige. All it needed was TLC and a week later it looked almost showroom new. Looking for one now, but a big price difference from 30 years ago when I found mine.